J.E. Caldwell Antique Deco Kashmir Sugarloaf Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This antique ring by J.E. Caldwell features a lush, Kashmir cabochon sapphire centered between two shimmering pear-cut diamonds, all masterfully set in a hand-engraved platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell GIA 1.63 Carat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cluster Cocktail Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
JE Caldwell 1950's dinner cluster cocktail ring. GIA certified center cushion cut green natural no heat sapphire in a platinum setting with 17 round brilliant and 28 baguette cut dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell Art Nouveau No Heat Ceylon Sapphire 14K Gold Antique Unisex Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Caldwell Circa: 1905 Ring Size: 9 and sizable Measures north to south 11.7 mm and sits 7.5 mm high Total Weight: 8.5 grams GIA Sapphire Origin Report: 2233945915 Stock Number: We-16639
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
J.E. Caldwell sapphire and diamond three stone ring, American, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
J.E. Caldwell sapphire and diamond three stone ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
$15,188Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 1910 Edwardian Guilloche Pendant Watch In Platinum With Diamonds
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Although often associated with Vacheron & Constantin, Verger also worked with all of the great houses of the time, among them Ostertag, Van Cleef & Arpels, Janesich, Lacloche, Jaeger...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel, S...
$11,988Sale Price|20% Off
Verger Freres 1901 Spaulding & Co Edwardian Watch-Pendant Guilloche 18Kt Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Although often associated with Vacheron & Constantin, Verger also worked with all of the great houses of the time, among them Ostertag, Van Cleef & Arpels, Janesich, Lacloche, Jaeger...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
J.E. Caldwell Diamond and Sapphire Dome Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Southampton, NY
A platinum and 18 karat yellow gold diamond dome ring, set with a portrait cut sapphire at the center. Signed and numbered in it's original box. Size 6.25
Natural Calib're Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Cluster Ring circa 1920 Platinum Set
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in London, GB
Natural sapphire and diamond Art Deco diamond 1920c platinum ring
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1920s J.E. Caldwell Sapphire Platinum Gold Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s J.E. Caldwell Platinum top, Gold and Cabochon, Sugar Loaf Sapphire measuring 6.5 X 4 MM and weighing approximately 1.50 Carat.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum
Fine Antique J.E. Caldwell Diamond and Sapphire Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Platinum top and Yellow Gold Ring, Signed and Numbered by J.E.Caldwell in Original Box.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 14k Gold
Art Deco J.E. Caldwell Diamond and Sapphire Harem Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco diamond and sapphire three-row harem ring, in platinum, J.E Caldwell.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell & Co. Sugarloaf Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Artist: J.E. Caldwell & Co., Philadelphia Country: United States Circa: 1910s-1930s Size: 5.5 (this ring may be resized, please contact us for further information) Materials: Sug...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell Sapphire and Diamond Flower Ring, American, circa 1950
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in London, GB
J.E. Caldwell sapphire and diamond flower cocktail ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
J. E. Caldwell Star Sapphire and Diamond Antique Platinum Ring, circa 1920
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Aspen, CO
Art Deco platinum, diamond and fine natural Star Sapphire ring by the famous American jewelry House of J.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell 1949 2.76 CTW No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Band Ring GIA
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Caldwell & Co. Circa: 1949; via dated inscription Ring size: 5 1/4 and sizable Measures north to south 9.5 mm and sits 3.0 mm high Total weight: 4.6 grams GIA Sapphire Origin Repor...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell 1949 2.76 CTW No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Band Ring GIA
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Caldwell & Co. Circa: 1949; via dated inscription Ring size: 5 1/4 and sizable Measures north to south 9.5 mm and sits 3.0 mm high Total weight: 4.6 grams GIA Sapphire Origin Repor...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
J.E.Caldwell Art Deco 1.82 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum Vintage 3 Stone Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut sapphire weighing approximately 0.93 carat Transparent medium blue in color and prong set in basket Flanked by baguette cut diamonds prong set in baskets We...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Ring Signed J.E.C. Made by Oscar Heyman Brothers for J.E.Caldwell.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
OSCAR HEYMAN FOR J.E. CALDWELL Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Chicago, IL
18K Yellow Gold ring by Oscar Heyman for J.E. Caldwell, set with Natural Pink and Blue Ceylon Sapphires, Further set with Natural Yellow and White Diamonds totaling 2.50 Ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
JE Caldwell Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful display of alternating diamonds and sapphires by J.E. Caldwell. Featuring seven white round brilliant cut diamonds that weigh approximately 0.52 carats, F-G color, VS+ cl...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell Mid-20th Century Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An American Mid-20th Century platinum ring with blue sapphires and diamonds by J. E. Caldwell.
Blue Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell Art Deco 3.90 CTW No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring GIA
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion shaped step-cut sapphire weighing 3.65 carats - transparent deep blue Natural Cambodian in origin with no indications of heat treatment Set with wide prongs and...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell .78 Carat Oval Brilliant Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring 18k Gold
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
Crafted by J. E. Caldwell in luxurious 18k yellow gold, this ring showcases a majestic sapphire solitaire that is elegantly accompanied by two sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
J.E. Caldwell Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1950s, 14k, J. E. Caldwell, Philadelphia. This beautiful sapphire and diamond ring from the esteemed Philadelphia jewelry house, J.E.
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
J.E. Caldwell platinum diamond sapphire ruby emerald cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage J.E. Caldwell platinum ring combines dazzling diamonds with vibrant emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, creating a timeless and luxurious statement piece from the 1980s.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vacheron Constantin Rare 'Knife Edge' Dress Pocket Watch with Sapphires, c. 1928
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Aspen, CO
E. Caldwell, signed on the jump ring. All items sold are accompanied by a detailed Statement of Value, as well as any related gemological reports.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold
W 1.02 in D 0.28 in L 1.42 in
VERGER FRERES 1905 Edwardian Enameled Pendant Watch In Platinum & Diamonds
By Verger Frères
Located in Miami, FL
Although often associated with Vacheron & Constantin, Verger also worked with all the great houses of the time, among them Ostertag, Van Cleef & Arpels, Janesich, Lacloche, Jaeger an...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
J.E. Caldwell Art Deco Moonstone Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An oval cabochon moonstone sits atop a diamond gallery with a total of approximately 0.20 carat of single cut diamonds and is flanked by a row square sapphires totaling approximately...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Moonstone, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell & Co. Kashmir Sapphire Engagement Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in London, GB
A gold and platinum, Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring by J.E. Caldwell, a cushion-cut 2.71ct blue sapphire at its centre, framed at four corners by small diamond accents and flanked...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco J.E. CALDWELL Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pretty Art Deco handmade platinum mount dinner style ring. Set in the center with two natural French cut sapphires totaling approx.50cts. The open engraved pierced mount is also set ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian 0.80ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian period, this stunning three stone ring features a vivid blue sapphire at it’s centre, flanked by a pair of sparkling old cut diamonds. The showcase sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Neo Renaissance Gold And Sapphire Ring, Circa 1870's
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 19th century Provenance: Italy Finger Size: 7 Weight: 13,70 gr The ring, dated to the late 19th century, is characterised by a sumptuous 22-karat yellow gold setting i...
Sapphire, Gold
.44 Carat Diamond Sapphire Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Classic late art deco open work 1930's cocktail ring. 15 round diamonds in a platinum setting accented with 8 French cut baguette sapphires in a platinum setting. 15 round diamonds...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Nouveau 18ct Gold Double Cabochon Sapphire Ring with a Flower and Bud
Located in London, England
We love this large natural sapphire at the centre of this 18ct gold Art Nouveau ring. Weighing an impressive 6 carats, the sapphire displays a beautiful cornflower blue hue that cont...
18k Gold
1929 Ring 1ct Blue Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold / ØUS6.5 /1.85gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period German Sapphire and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 18K Gold and Platinum. Hallmarked 18K , marks of German maker, Swedish import marks, imported in 1929 ( year ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, 1992
Located in BILBAO, ES
Bold vintage cocktail ring crafted in polished 18 karat yellow gold, featuring an elegant arrangement of eight oval cabochon-cut sapphires accented by brilliant-cut diamonds. The de...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Flexible Ring - AGL
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Flexible Ring - AGL/SSEF/GIA. This magnificent Art Deco ring is crafted in 18k rose gold and platinum. This ring...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
1946 Ring natural 2.25ct. Sapphire 0.2ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS5.75 /2.8gr
Located in SE
Three Stone Cluster Ring in solid 18K set with octagon cut natural Blue Sapphire accented with 2 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum settings. This sturdy Art- Deco inspired design...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Platinum Ring
Located in Weston, MA
An elegant ring for everyday wear, this vintage Art Deco piece centers on a cabochon sapphire flanked by square cut sapphires in a diamond pavé setting. Size 8 One cabochon sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian 0.85ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Edwardian three stone ring showcases a deep blue sapphire at it’s centre, flanked by two old cut diamonds. The sapphire is an old cut stone weighing 0.85 carat. Each of...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique Circa 1890's Sapphire Cabochon Gold Nugget Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1890's. Antique gold nugget ring with a beautiful blue sapphire cabochon. The signet style ring is very comfortable and great for everyday wear. In very good condition. Size: ...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning deep blue sapphire sits central in this classically Art Deco ring. The sapphire is an oval cut stone, weighing 1.50 carat. Flanking the sapphire down stepped shoulders are...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gubelin sapphire and diamond bombé cocktail ring, circa 1950.
By Gubelin
Located in London, GB
Gubelin sapphire and diamond bombé cocktail ring. Set to centre with one round transitional cut diamond in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.80 carats, flanke...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Nouveau natural Burmese sapphire diamond ring, circa 1900.
Located in London, GB
Art Nouveau Burmese sapphire and diamond ring. Set with one central oval cabochon natural unenhanced Burmese sapphire in a closed back rubover collet setting with an approximate weig...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Circa 1910 12-14k Gold No Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1910. Antique no heat sapphire cabochon surrounded by two chunky old european cut diamonds that are very white and sparkly. Beautiful scroll work along the setting. This piece ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18K Gold – French 57 (US 8)
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A striking example of Art Deco craftsmanship, this early 20th Century ring pairs a deep-blue, 0.90 ct sapphire with an architectural halo of 22 brilliant-cut diamonds (totaling ~0.35...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,516Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.27 in L 17 in
Everyday Emerald Ruby Minimalist Chain Necklace Gift for Mom in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Everyday Emerald Ruby Minimalist Chain Necklace Gift for Mom in 18K Gold studded with pear cut emerald and ruby. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dr...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1.55 carat GIA FVVS1 Emerald Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring with Sapphires
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated and unique Cartier ring would be a one of a kind engagement ring or perfect as a right hand statement piece. This ring showcases a stunning 1.55 carat emerald cut...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Giuliano Enamel Pearl Gold Fringe Necklace
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in London, GB
An important gold, enamel and pearl Giuliano fringe necklace, the necklace in Indian-style, the collar of blue and white enamelled beads with gold fringes in two alternating designs,...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified Fancy Blue Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Featuring a very special center diamond Gia Certified as Natural 4.00 Ca...
Blue Diamond
Crescent Moon Brooch with 4.5ct Old Cut Diamonds, circa 1900's
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: XX century Dimensions: 2.90 x 2.80 cm Carats: 4,50 total cts Weight: 5,75 gr This brooch dating back to the beginning of the 20th century stands out for the presence of bril...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
English Early Victorian Gold, Blue Enamel, and Rose-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique early Victorian gold, diamond, and enamel ring featuring a rose-cut diamond center in a tapering gold mount decorated with a blue enamel foliate pattern, in 15k gold. Eng...
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
2.30 Carat Natural Lavender Spinel Three-Stone Diamond Ring Platinum by Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2.30 Carat Natural Lavender Spinel Three Stone Diamond Ring in Platinum – Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills A refined three stone jewel created for collectors and connoisseurs, this 2.3...
Spinel, Multi-gemstone, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Rare 29.51 Carat No Heat Ceylon Blue Sapphire Cabochon Solitaire Mens Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
29.51 Carat No Heat Ceylon Blue Sapphire Cabochon Solitaire Mens Ring in 18K White Gold. AGL Certified. Jewelry Details: - Item Type: Solitaire Ring - Metal Type: 18K White Gold - ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.8 Carat Belle Époque Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This beautiful example of the Belle Epoque style features 5.8 Carats of Old Mine Cut, Briolette Cut, and Single Cut diamonds set in platinum and adorned with millegrain and lattice w...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co., 5.06 Carats Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautiful engagement ring crafted by Tiffany & Co. boasts one emerald cut diamond weighing 5.06 carats with F color, VS2 clarity, surrounded by 28 calibre cut baguettes weighing...
Diamond, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Vivid Pure Green Diamond
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located in the Iconic Gem Tower/Gia Building in New York's Diamond District. We are pleased to present the only Gia ...
Diamond
Gold Ring With Hare Pinkish Agate Roman Cameo 1st-Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1st century Ring size: 7 ¾ Dimensions (cameo): 1,9 x 1,4 cm Weight: 5,27 gr This delightful pink agate cameo of Roman production dates back to the 1st century and is set in...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
GIA 2.02ct Royal Blue Sapphire Cushion Engagement Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
GIA Certified 2.02 Carat Royal Blue Sapphire Cushion Platinum Engagement Ring with 0.99 Carat Cushion Diamonds and 1.20 Carats Round Brilliant Pavé – Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills C...
Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Belle Époque 24.84ct Amethyst and Diamond Bracelet, 1890-1915
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Rare antique Belle Epoque natural amethyst bracelet. Set with 6 gorgeous lilac Russian amethysts weighing together approx. 24.84 ct. and shimmering rose cut diamonds totaling appro...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
GIA Certified 0.82 E VS2 Diamond and Ruby Deco Style Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Platinum Art Deco style ring features a stunning E/C diamond weighing 0.82 carats certified by GIA as E color and VS2 clarity. Adorned with smaller round diamonds totaling 0.15 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Henry Wilson The Apollo Necklace
By Henry Wilson
Located in London, GB
llustrated in our book: Beatriz Chadour-Sampson & Sonya Newell-Smith, Tadema Gallery London Jewellery from the 1860s to 1960s, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, Stuttgart 2021, cat. no. 333...
Amethyst, Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.