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Medieval Silver Ring

Medieval Silver Signet Ring with Arm Holding Sword Ref: 179526
Medieval Silver Signet Ring with Arm Holding Sword Ref: 179526

Medieval Silver Signet Ring with Arm Holding Sword Ref: 179526

Located in Chicago, IL

circa 1300 – 1400 The bezel of this medieval silver ring is engraved with a simple yet meaningful design depicting an arm holding a sword between a star and a crescent.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Materials

Silver

Silver Merchant's Men's Ring Seal With Symbols Of Horseshoe XV Sec.
Silver Merchant's Men's Ring Seal With Symbols Of Horseshoe XV Sec.

Silver Merchant's Men's Ring Seal With Symbols Of Horseshoe XV Sec.

Located in Firenze, IT

A medieval silver ring with a high octagonal bezel, depicting a horseshoe, a cross within a circle and the initials H.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Silver

Fleur de Lis Motif Silver and Niello Medieval Ring 1300 - 1400
Fleur de Lis Motif Silver and Niello Medieval Ring 1300 - 1400

Fleur de Lis Motif Silver and Niello Medieval Ring 1300 - 1400

Located in Chicago, IL

Northern Italy, circa 1300 – 1400 This exceptionally rare and heavy silver ring features an unusual form, with an octagonal bezel raised high above a massive shank terminating in fi...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Silver, Niello

Kabbalistic Medieval Magic Ring +A+G+L+A+ c. 1250 – 1350
Kabbalistic Medieval Magic Ring +A+G+L+A+ c. 1250 – 1350

Kabbalistic Medieval Magic Ring +A+G+L+A+ c. 1250 – 1350

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1250–1350 This very rare and important medieval magical or amuletic ring is crafted in high purity silver and partially fire-gilded.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Silver

Diamond and Pink Sapphire Medieval Cross Ring
Diamond and Pink Sapphire Medieval Cross Ring

Diamond and Pink Sapphire Medieval Cross Ring

By Bracken Jewelers

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Inspired by the grandeur of medieval times, this striking ring features a brilliant cross motif in made of diamonds and pink sapphires.

Category

2010s American Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Silver Merchant's Men's Ring Seal Ring With Shield And Letters XV Sec.
Silver Merchant's Men's Ring Seal Ring With Shield And Letters XV Sec.

Silver Merchant's Men's Ring Seal Ring With Shield And Letters XV Sec.

Located in Firenze, IT

A medieval silver merchant's seal ring with a flat sectioned round hoop that enlarges on the shoulders to form a hexagonal bezel.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Silver

Signet Silver Dear Head Engraved Diamond Ring
Signet Silver Dear Head Engraved Diamond Ring

Signet Silver Dear Head Engraved Diamond Ring

Located in Berkeley, CA

Traditional shape of a signet ring, with the particularity of the hammered texture in silver and set with diamonds. The one baguette diamond and two round diamonds are 0.15 carats to...

Category

2010s American Medieval Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Signet Silver Ring Dear Head Engraved Trillion and Baguette Diamond
Signet Silver Ring Dear Head Engraved Trillion and Baguette Diamond

Signet Silver Ring Dear Head Engraved Trillion and Baguette Diamond

Located in Berkeley, CA

Traditional shape of a signet ring, with the particularity of the hammered texture in silver and set with diamonds. The two baguettes diamonds are 0.10 carats TW on the sides of the ...

Category

2010s American Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

Silver Merchant's Inlaid Niello Ring Seal With Coat Of Arms Circa XV Sec.
Silver Merchant's Inlaid Niello Ring Seal With Coat Of Arms Circa XV Sec.

Silver Merchant's Inlaid Niello Ring Seal With Coat Of Arms Circa XV Sec.

Located in Firenze, IT

A medieval merchant’s silver ring with an oval bezel, depicting a coat of arms.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Silver, Niello

Recent Sales

18 Karat Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Diamond and Aquamarine Medieval Ring
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Diamond and Aquamarine Medieval Ring

18 Karat Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Diamond and Aquamarine Medieval Ring

By William Llewellyn Griffiths

Located in Melbourne, Vic

AQUAMARINE MEDIEVAL RING The Aquamarine Medieval Ring is a one of a kind, elaborate piece.

Category

2010s Australian Medieval Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapp...

Antique Silver Twisted Band Ring
Antique Silver Twisted Band Ring

Antique Silver Twisted Band Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

The twisting, fluted band is typical of medieval iconographic rings fabricated in England made in both silver and gold.

Category

Antique 16th Century English Medieval Band Rings

Materials

Silver

Sterling Silver and Enamel Locket Cross Ring, Dimitrios Exclusive D70
Sterling Silver and Enamel Locket Cross Ring, Dimitrios Exclusive D70

Sterling Silver and Enamel Locket Cross Ring, Dimitrios Exclusive D70

Located in Athens, Peristeri

An exceptional sterling silver ring from the Anax collection, with ornate enamel touches on the top.

Category

2010s Greek Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

Antique Britannia Silver Knights Signet Ring Size N 6.75 950 Purity Edwardian
Antique Britannia Silver Knights Signet Ring Size N 6.75 950 Purity Edwardian

Antique Britannia Silver Knights Signet Ring Size N 6.75 950 Purity Edwardian

Located in Camelford, GB

Something very special: A genuine antique 950 Britannia Silver Signet Ring in the design of a Knioght's Helmet STYLE: Hand made one off piece, this dates to c1915 and is a chunky s...

Category

Vintage 1910s British Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Silver

Silver Cocktail Ring with MOP & Semi-Precious Stones, Dimitrios Exclusive D67
Silver Cocktail Ring with MOP & Semi-Precious Stones, Dimitrios Exclusive D67

Silver Cocktail Ring with MOP & Semi-Precious Stones, Dimitrios Exclusive D67

Located in Athens, Peristeri

Sterling silver round cocktail ring with mother of pearl in a gold-plated bezel decorated with two rhodolite stones, one peridot , one blue topaz and tiny zircon gemstones. A classy...

Category

2010s Greek Medieval Cocktail Rings

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Peridot, Topaz, Rhodolite, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

Sterling and Bronze Saint Benito Statement Cross Coin Ring
Sterling and Bronze Saint Benito Statement Cross Coin Ring

Sterling and Bronze Saint Benito Statement Cross Coin Ring

By Shannon Koszyk

Located in Seattle, WA

- sterling wrapped St. Benedict cross coin - 1" x 1.5" - rings are made to order, please allow 4-6 weeks - size 7-10, whole sizes only - custom sizing available, custom fee applies

Category

2010s American Medieval Fashion Rings

Materials

Sterling Silver, Bronze

Amethyst, Garnet and Black Diamonds gold ring
Amethyst, Garnet and Black Diamonds gold ring

Amethyst, Garnet and Black Diamonds gold ring

By William Llewellyn Griffiths

Located in Melbourne, Vic

This glorious Medieval inspired ring has been handmade from 18kt yellow gold and sterling silver.

Category

2010s Australian Medieval Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Black Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Sil...

Medieval Silver Gold Ring
Medieval Silver Gold Ring

Medieval Silver Gold Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1200s - 1300s The silver ring is centered with a gold applique with a raised untranslated script. The shoulders are applied with two gold appliques engraved with scroll ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier More Rings

Materials

Gold, Silver

Medieval Heraldic Silver Pictorial Signet Ring size 12
Medieval Heraldic Silver Pictorial Signet Ring size 12

Medieval Heraldic Silver Pictorial Signet Ring size 12

Located in Baltimore, MD

At a time when much of the populace was illiterate, medieval signet rings had a very practical function. They were were used as seals for official purposes such as officiating a cov...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier British Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Heavy Gilded Silver Medieval Signet Ring c. 1350-1450
Heavy Gilded Silver Medieval Signet Ring c. 1350-1450

Heavy Gilded Silver Medieval Signet Ring c. 1350-1450

Located in Chicago, IL

England or France, circa 1350 – 1450. This very heavy medieval signet ring is from the Hundred Years’ War era and likely belonged to a knight.

Category

Antique 1650s Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, Silver

A Rare Medieval Tudor Rose Ring
A Rare Medieval Tudor Rose Ring

A Rare Medieval Tudor Rose Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

Rarely are rings found from the medieval ages. At this time nobility wore jewels of gold and silver.

Category

British Medieval Band Rings

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ancient Medieval Silver Judaica Ring with Star of David
Ancient Medieval Silver Judaica Ring with Star of David

Ancient Medieval Silver Judaica Ring with Star of David

Located in Stamford, CT

For ancient history buffs, here is medieval Silver ring "c1200-1500AD" with D-shaped hoop with ornate draped decoration and flattened, polygonal bezel featuries an incised star of Da...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Medieval Band Rings

Materials

Silver

Antique Medieval Late 15th Century German Knight Signet Ring
Antique Medieval Late 15th Century German Knight Signet Ring

Antique Medieval Late 15th Century German Knight Signet Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

The round corners square iron plaque collet set in a plain silver ring with a coat-of-arm in a shape of a shield and bordered by dots, depicting an unfolded wings eagle by the fron...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Silver

Antique Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Silver, Middle Eastern
Antique Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Silver, Middle Eastern

Antique Carnelian Intaglio Ring, Silver, Middle Eastern

Located in NEWARK, GB

An impressive antique Middle Eastern intaglio ring. A true statement piece, this is a huge and heavy gents bombe style ring set with a large carved Carnelian intaglio set to the fro...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Medieval Dome Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Silver

Deer Head Signet Diamond Baguette Rose Cut Sterling Silver Hammer Texture Ring
Deer Head Signet Diamond Baguette Rose Cut Sterling Silver Hammer Texture Ring

Deer Head Signet Diamond Baguette Rose Cut Sterling Silver Hammer Texture Ring

Located in Berkeley, CA

Traditional shape of a signet ring, with the particularity of the hammered texture in silver and set with diamonds. The two baguettes diamonds are 0.10 carats each on the side of the...

Category

2010s American Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Deer Head Signet Diamond Baguette Rose Cut Sterling Silver Hammer Texture Ring
Deer Head Signet Diamond Baguette Rose Cut Sterling Silver Hammer Texture Ring

Deer Head Signet Diamond Baguette Rose Cut Sterling Silver Hammer Texture Ring

Located in Berkeley, CA

Traditional shape of a signet ring, with the particularity of the hammered texture in silver and set with diamonds. The two baguettes diamonds are 0.10 carats each on the side of the...

Category

2010s American Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond

Dear Head Signet Diamond Baguette Rose Cut Sterling Silver Hammer Texture Ring
Dear Head Signet Diamond Baguette Rose Cut Sterling Silver Hammer Texture Ring

Dear Head Signet Diamond Baguette Rose Cut Sterling Silver Hammer Texture Ring

Located in Berkeley, CA

Traditional shape of a signet ring, with the particularity of the hammer texture of the silver and set with diamonds. The two baguettes diamond 0.10 carats each on the side of the De...

Category

2010s American Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond

Medieval Silver Heraldic Coat of Arms Intaglio Signet Ring, 14th Century
Medieval Silver Heraldic Coat of Arms Intaglio Signet Ring, 14th Century

Medieval Silver Heraldic Coat of Arms Intaglio Signet Ring, 14th Century

Located in London, GB

A scarce signet ring with a coat of arms intaglio crafted in silver dating to the late 14th - early 15th century. The flat, octagonal bezel is engraved with an early heraldic coat of...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Silver

Ancient Seljuk Dynasty Islamic Nielloed Silver Signet Ring Medieval
Ancient Seljuk Dynasty Islamic Nielloed Silver Signet Ring Medieval

Ancient Seljuk Dynasty Islamic Nielloed Silver Signet Ring Medieval

Located in London, GB

Very Rare Antique Seljuk ‘Selçuklu’ Period Niello & Silver Islamic Ring This incredible piece dates to the 11-13th century Seljuk/Seljuq dynasty. The rectangular bezel features an o...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Engagement Rings

Materials

Silver

Diamond and Sterling Silver Contemporary Medieval Stirrup Ring
Diamond and Sterling Silver Contemporary Medieval Stirrup Ring

Diamond and Sterling Silver Contemporary Medieval Stirrup Ring

By Deborah Meyers Experience

Located in New York, NY

This contemporary Sterling Silver ring with seven white round diamonds was inspired by the Medieval Stirrup Rings in England.

Category

2010s American Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

'Feare God' Poesy Ring
'Feare God' Poesy Ring

'Feare God' Poesy Ring

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gilt silver post-Medieval poesy ring reads "Feare God".

Category

Antique Early 18th Century British Band Rings

Materials

Silver, Gilt Metal

People Also Browsed

A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring
A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring

A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring

Located in London, GB

A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring, the oval shaped rose-quartz measuring 1.4 x 1.1cm, deep engraved with the profile of an Emperor wearing a laurel wreath, possibly Nero, Roman-se...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Roman Dome Rings

Materials

22k Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace
Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace

Located in London, GB

A Victorian natural pearl and diamond necklace, the twelve graduated cluster motifs each centred with natural bouton pearls measuring from 5.6 mm to 9 mm, within a surround of old br...

Category

Antique 1880s Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Early Byzantine Gold Ring with Christ c. 6th Century AD
Early Byzantine Gold Ring with Christ c. 6th Century AD

Early Byzantine Gold Ring with Christ c. 6th Century AD

Located in Chicago, IL

Byzantine (the Eastern Roman Empire) circa 500 – 600 AD. This highly important, museum rarity early Christian gold (approximately 22.85 Kt) ring is engraved with the bust of Christ ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Byzantine Signet Rings

Materials

Gold

Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L
Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L

Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L

Located in Milano, Lombardia

LOVE LALI VINTAGE A breathtaking vintage gown. I would estimate this to be from around the late 90's. It has a pale blue lining which is overlayed with a sheer turquoise layer that ...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses

Ancient Byzantine High Carat Gold Cabochon Garnet Amulet Ring with Hidden Cross
Ancient Byzantine High Carat Gold Cabochon Garnet Amulet Ring with Hidden Cross

Ancient Byzantine High Carat Gold Cabochon Garnet Amulet Ring with Hidden Cross

Located in New York, NY

Fine, museum quality unusual early Byzantine 6th-8th Century AD amulet ring with a hidden cross. High circular flower form bezel with a domed top set with a superb cabochon garnet ge...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Byzantine More Rings

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890
Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890

Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890

Located in London, GB

We are exceptionally delighted to offer this spectacular Victorian diamond star tiara made c.1890. The tiara will come in a fully fitted presentation case as photographed. Upon pond...

Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Ancient Roman Bronze Carved Signet Ring with 22 Karat Gold Rope Bezel
Ancient Roman Bronze Carved Signet Ring with 22 Karat Gold Rope Bezel

Ancient Roman Bronze Carved Signet Ring with 22 Karat Gold Rope Bezel

By Vicki Orr

Located in Naples, FL

Authentic ancient Roman carved bronze signet ring (1st-4th century AD) with newly added 22k yellow gold rope detail bezel. Ring measures approximately size 7. Oval shaped ring top me...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Bronze

Gold Ring With Hare Pinkish Agate Roman Cameo 1st-Century AD
Gold Ring With Hare Pinkish Agate Roman Cameo 1st-Century AD

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...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique Roman Agate Intaglio Ring 18 Karat Gold Symbol of Fortune and Good Luck
Antique Roman Agate Intaglio Ring 18 Karat Gold Symbol of Fortune and Good Luck

Antique Roman Agate Intaglio Ring 18 Karat Gold Symbol of Fortune and Good Luck

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This 18 karat gold ring is set with a deep brown agate intaglio. The roman intaglio dates from the second / third century AC and depicts a hand holding a oar, a poppy and one other f...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 18k Gold

Ancient Roman Garnet Intaglio Gold Ring
Ancient Roman Garnet Intaglio Gold Ring

Ancient Roman Garnet Intaglio Gold Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

A museum quality ancient Roman gold ring, circa 400 AD. This hollow ring is bezel-set with a garnet intaglio of Hippocamp – a fish-tailed horse that was considered the horse of Pose...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Ancient Etruscan 22ct Gold Scarab Ring, Italy, Circa 4th-5th Century
Ancient Etruscan 22ct Gold Scarab Ring, Italy, Circa 4th-5th Century

Ancient Etruscan 22ct Gold Scarab Ring, Italy, Circa 4th-5th Century

Located in Firenze, IT

A gold ring with a scarab of a bull. Etruscan, 4th - 5th Century BC. Ring size 8 The scarab measures 2cm x 1,4cm x 1.2cm The gold ring is original.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 22k Gold

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Intaglio of a Peacock c. 200 AD
Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Intaglio of a Peacock c. 200 AD

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Intaglio of a Peacock c. 200 AD

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 200 AD This impressive Roman ring is crafted from solid gold of approximately 21.28 karats and features broad, tapering shoulders – a form popular in the early 3rd century AD ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Materials

Garnet, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold ‘Roma’ Etruscan Revival Bangle, in Fitted Case
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold ‘Roma’ Etruscan Revival Bangle, in Fitted Case

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold ‘Roma’ Etruscan Revival Bangle, in Fitted Case

Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB

An antique yellow gold bangle, with applied granulation and wirework in 18 karat yellow gold. This glorious bangle is in the Etruscan revival style, which was in vogue throughout ...

Category

Antique 1860s Vatican Victorian Bangles

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Museum Quality 17th Century Baroque Gold, Cabochon Carnelian Rose Cross
Rare Museum Quality 17th Century Baroque Gold, Cabochon Carnelian Rose Cross

Rare Museum Quality 17th Century Baroque Gold, Cabochon Carnelian Rose Cross

Located in New York, NY

Ornate Baroque period museum quality gold cross with cabochon carnelian rondels on each of the arms and an engraved floral center depicting a stylized rose. 17th Century The Rose is...

Category

Antique 17th Century European Baroque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Gold

Rare Art Nouveau Burmese Spinel Diamond Antique Pendant
Rare Art Nouveau Burmese Spinel Diamond Antique Pendant

Rare Art Nouveau Burmese Spinel Diamond Antique Pendant

Located in Chicago, IL

This rare pendant was made in Saint Petersburg between 1904 and 1908 by Carl Blank, jeweler of the Russian Imperial Court and Tsar Nicholas II. The pendant is finely crafted in matt...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum

Ancient Greek Silver Coin 5th century BC Ring depicting a Lion's Head
Ancient Greek Silver Coin 5th century BC Ring depicting a Lion's Head

Ancient Greek Silver Coin 5th century BC Ring depicting a Lion's Head

Located in Roma, IT

This sterling silver ring holds within it an ancient relic—a genuine coin hailing from Magna Graecia, specifically from the 5th century BC Bruttium, nestled in the region of Calabria...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Cocktail Rings

Materials

Silver

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Medieval Silver Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the medieval silver ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Silver, Sterling Silver and Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. You’re likely to find the perfect medieval silver ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic medieval silver ring over the years, but those made by William Llewellyn Griffiths and Deborah Meyers Experience are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A medieval silver ring can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 8 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. See these pages for a baguette cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also marquise cut cut and pear cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a medieval silver ring, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and women.

How Much is a Medieval Silver Ring?

Prices for a medieval silver ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $675 and can go as high as $18,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,700.

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.