Large Opal Cabochon 22 Karat Gold Ring with Intricate Granular Detail
Located in Berkeley, CA
This gorgeous intricate jelly opal ring dazzles in 22K yellow gold. Detailed and shiny the gold
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 1.27ct Jelly Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in luxurious platinum and features a mesmerizing 1.27 carat jelly opal
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Jelly Opal, Fire Opal, and Diamonds by Paula Crevoshay
By Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
a mesmerizing 6.88-carat jelly opal, 2.32 carats of fire opals, and 1.21 carats of dazzling diamonds
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wonderful Platinum 7.52ctw Fiery Jelly Opal w/ Diamond Halo Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Jelly Like Clear
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum Colorful Jelly Opal & Trillion cut Diamonds Cocktail Ring Size 4.5
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Very Nice Play of
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 11.05ctw Large Orange Fiery Jelly Opal w/ Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Fiery Orange Color w
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Art Deco Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 10.5 x 13.0 mm bezel set in platinum-topped
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Platinum 2.48ctw Oval Orange Jelly Opal Bageutte & Round Diamond Modern Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Orange Color w/ Nice
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 3.43ctw Oval Fiery Jelly Opal w/ Diamond Statement Ballerina Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Clear w/ Amazing Fiery
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Contemporary 0.49 Carat Diamond Jelly Opal Platinum Swirl Bypass Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval jelly opal cabochon measuring 5.8 x 7.6 mm - colorless body with spectral play-of
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Fiery Orange Jelly Opal Cluster Large Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (25) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Round & Oval Cabochon - Prong Set - Fiery
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 3.89ctw Oval Cabochon Jelly Opal & Blue Emerald Cut Sapphire Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Color Base w
Opal, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 5.1 Carat Oval Jelly Opal and Diamond Statement Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Oval Jelly Opal, weighing approx. 5.10 Carat
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Victorian Jelly Opal Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 11.0 x 21.5 mm Transparent white in body
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.75ct Natural Jelly Opal Diamond Ring Platinum Estate Fine Jewelry Sz 6
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural jelly opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 900 platinum. Cabochon cut natural
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum Bezel Orange Fire Jelly Opal White & Blue Diamond Wide Heavy Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Orange Color w
Blue Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Unavailable
Jelly Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat yellow gold cluster ring consisting of 1 oval shaped cabochon jelly opal weighing 6.32
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Fire Opal Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat white gold jelly opal and diamond cluster ring consisting of one cabochon cut jelly opal
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Jelly Opal Ring 10 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian jelly opal ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 10 karat yellow
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
9ct Jelly Opal Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold East West Signet Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage natural jelly opal ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Natural jelly opal
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Jelly Opal Ring 14k Yellow Gold Sz 6 Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian era jelly ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 14k yellow gold
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Jelly Opal Conversion Ring 14k Yellow Gold 6.75 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Originally an antique Victorian era stick pin (circa 1880s to 1900s), the jelly opal ring is
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Diamond Jelly Opal Platinum Halo Gemstone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval jelly opal cabochon measuring 6.6 x 8.0 mm. Colorless body with spectral play-of
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, Platinum
Contemporary Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Navette shaped cluster ring centers a jelly opal cabochon measuring approximately 12.5 x 7.0 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Antique 1920s Jelly Opal 10 Karat Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rectangular, cut-corner, buff top jelly opal Translucent to transparent Displaying
Opal, 10k Gold
2.48ct Natural Jelly Opal Diamond Ring Platinum Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural jelly opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 900 platinum. Cabochon cut natural
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
4.92ct Natural Jelly Opal Diamond Ring Platinum Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural jelly opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 900 platinum. Cabochon cut natural
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 6.97ctw Large Oval Cabochon Cut Jelly Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Orange Color w
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Art Deco Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 10.5 x 13.0 mm bezel set in platinum-topped
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Egyptian Revival Art Nouveau Jelly Opal 14 Karat Gold Floral Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set jelly opal measuring 3/8 x 9/16 inch, transparent with full spectrum of play
Opal, 14k Gold
Platinum 6.59ctw Colorful Bright Australian Jelly Opal w/ Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Australian Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 3.86ctw Orange Jelly Opal Baguette Round Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Orange Color w
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Victorian Jelly Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Elongated Antique Gemstone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an elongated jelly opal cabochon measuring 6.5 mm x 19.0 mm. Transparent with strong
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970's Vintage Jelly Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Gemstone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval jelly opal cabochon measuring approximately 16.4 x 12.8 mm Translucent with
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gemstone ring centers an elongated jelly opal cabochon measuring approximately 14.0 x 6.5 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.25ct Natural Jelly Opal Diamond Ring Platinum Estate Fine Jewelry Sz 6.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural jelly opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 900 platinum. Cabochon cut natural
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1.84ct Rainbow Fire Mexican Jelly Opal with Diamond Halo Engagement Ring R6732
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 1.84ct Rainbow Fire Mexican Jelly Opal with Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum R6732 ♥ Solid
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Jelly Opal Diamond Green Tourmaline Large Cocktail Ring Vintage 14 Karat Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct vintage cocktail cluster ring, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Cabochon cut jelly opals
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Diamond Jelly Opal Platinum 14 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 10.0 x 16.0 mm Semi-transparent white in
Diamond, Opal, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Jelly Fire Opal Turquoise 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped jelly fire opal cabochon measuring 15.0 x 9.0 mm Transparent yellowish
Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880's Victorian Diamond Jelly Opal 10 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style ring features vertical row oval jelly opal tablets Belcher set and translucent white
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Antique Pear Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a pear-shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 8.0 x 13.0 mm Translucent colorless body
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Rose Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 10.0 x 8.0 mm Transparent white body color
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Jelly Opal 1.06 Carats Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style ring centers an oval jelly opal cabochon measuring approximately 8.0 x 6.0 mm Semi
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Jelly Opal Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring an oval jelly opal cabochon measuring approximately 9.8 x 8.0 mm Semi-transparent with
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Jelly Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Five stone ring centers a prong set 5.0 mm cushion shaped opal cabochon. Flanked by prong set round
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1960s 8.08 Carats Purple Jelly Opal 18 K Rose Gold Retro Cocktail Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
- French work from the 1960s. Our opinion : Called "Purple Jelly" opal, this gem is incredible: when viewed
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 1.08 Carats Jelly Opal Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a jelly opal cabochon measuring 6.75 mm round - colorless body with transparent play-of
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond and Jelly Opal Platinum Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
Contributing to the brilliant harmony and captivating brightness, the marvelous jelly opal weighing
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
3.15ct Natural Jelly Opal Diamond Ring Platinum Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural jelly opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 900 platinum. Cabochon cut natural
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Art Deco Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 10.5 x 13.0 mm bezel set in platinum-topped
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1900 Art Nouveau Diamond Jelly Opal 14 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style ring centers is comprised of oval and round jelly opal cabochons Bezel set and
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.50ct Jelly Opal Diamond Ring Vintage Platinum 6 Estate Fine Jewelry Natural
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural jelly opal & diamond ring crafted in 850 platinum. Natural jelly opal measures
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Deco Jelly Opal Cabochon Diamond Platinum Lotus Vintage Filigree Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set oval-shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 7.0 x 9.0 mm Transparent black
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Art Deco Jelly Opal Diamond Flower Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Beautiful Art Deco era Jelly Opal ring dating from the 1920s. The main stone is lively and bright
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum unusual round Cabochon Jelly Opal and diamond ring consisting of one cab opal weighing
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Jelly Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An incredible antique Jelly Opal cluster ring in 18 karat white gold and platinum. The principal
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian Celestial Bodies Jelly Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An incredibly colourful Natural Jelly Opal is surrounded by six sparkling old mine cut diamonds
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Australian Jelly Opal Gold Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Spectacular Art Deco c.1920s/30s Australian Jelly Opal halo cocktail ring in rose Gold. Opal with
Opal, Rose Gold
Glowing Vintage Crystal Jelly Opal Cluster Halo Yellow Gold Ring
Located in St.amford, CT
opals surrounding a 6 X 8 mm opal. The jelly opals are near transparent crystal opals and have electric
Opal
John Galliano Vintage Lavender Gown Spring/Summer Size 36FR
By John Galanos
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
John Galliano Vintage Lavender Silk and Lace Gown with Faint Pink and Lavender Flair Spring/Summer Size 36FR. Measurements: Bust 34" Waist 27" Hips 34" Gown is cut on the bias and ...
Steven Battelle 12.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A luminous and flashing 12 mm high-dome cushion shaped cabochon rainbow moonstone rests in a vertical "4-point with jawan" Steven Battelle designed setting atop a tapered matte-finis...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 20.7 Carat Green Tourmaline Cabochon Diamonds 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful 15 x 20 mm Brazilian green tourmaline cabochon is set in a signature Steven Battelle "4 point with bun and jawan" high karat gold setting with two 1.7 mm VS1 diamonds fl...
Tourmaline, Diamond, 22k Gold
Dalben Magnificent Australian Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing ring with a 10,35 carat bezel-set oval shape magnificent Coober Pedy Australian crystal opal . This wonderful Australian Opal have a kal...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Periwinkle Australian Opal 22 Karat Gold Solitaire Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Lilac / Periwinkle Blue Opal and 22k yellow gold bezel stackable artisan ring. Opal ring is size US 6, and can be resized. Contemporary, yet rustic style, finished with a hammered, s...
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Galliano Rare Dolores Intarsia Carnation Bias Evening Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
A rare John Galliano bias cut Carnation dress from the Dolores collection, Autumn-Winter 1995-96. Of Bianchini Férier ivory and black satin backed rayon acetate crêpe inset with int...
Opal Gold Ring Polychrome Gem Natural Harlequin Opal Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with doublet of a natural black opal on a petrified wood base opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 х 0.35 х 0.94 in / 3 х 9 х 24 mm ring size - 7 US...
Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$6,670
Size: IT44 - FR40 - UK12 - US8
Dolce & Gabbana Chartreuse Lace Mini Dress with Red Bead Embroidery, FW 1999
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Dolce & Gabbana ▪ Creative Director: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1999 ▪ Fabric: Chartreuse Chantilly lace, crimson red stretch silk satin ▪...
Thierry Mugler GLAM Jacket Crystal Black Velvet Rhinestone FW 1985
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
The most amazing glamorous Thierry Mugler jacket. FW1985/86 Collection, Museum worthy collectors piece. Unworn condition with original tag. Black high quality velvet with amazing bi...
$33,006
Size: FR42 - UK14 - US10
Christian Dior by John Galliano Tie-Dye Print Leather and Lace Dress, FW 2000
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2000 ▪ Fabric: Chèvre Velours (Goat Velvet), made from goatskin leather treated to have a soft, v...
Victorian Black Opal Ring Rose Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
An Antique Victorian Black Opal Ring in a gorgeous engraved multi dimensional setting in 10 Karat Rose Gold. What a wonderful jewel! The unusual Victorian ring has a stunning arche...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
$37,132
H 4.06 in W 1.5 in L 17.13 in
John Bonnor a Superb Arts & Crafts Gold, Black Opal and Ruby Necklace
Located in London, GB
Illustrated 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. 15...
Opal, Ruby
Steven Battelle 7.7 Carats Cabochon Aquamarine 22 Karat Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A limpid pale blue 12mm round aquamarine cabochon is set in a handmade ancient-inspired "4 point with jawan" high karat gold setting atop a comfortable tapered matte-finish shank wit...
Aquamarine, 22k Gold
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Opal 22 Karat Gold Bezel Stacker Fashion Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Blue Opal and 22k yellow gold bezel stackable artisan ring. Ring is size 6.5 and is finished with a hammered, satin finish. Contemporary, yet rustic and delicate, minimal ring with a...
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
22 Karat Gold Granular Design Blue Chalcedony Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
This aprox. 2.5 ct opalescent blue chalcedony is set in 22k with a granular design that beautifully accents the milky hue of this beautiful stone. The size of the ring is a size 7 ...
Chalcedony, 22k Gold, Gold
$140,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified Important 55 Carat Burmese Rubies Diamond Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity! Featuring a remarkable 55 carats of certified unheated Myanmar rubies and natural diamonds, this piece is truly investment-grad...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).
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.