15.35 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold
Located in Mumbai, IN
Rachel Weisz · For intimate scenes, stylists choose round pieces whose brilliant white light feels believable yet elevated; this 18k white gold 12.20ct round diamond engagement ring ...
White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
11.18 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold
Located in Mumbai, IN
Cameron Diaz · Serious Hollywood collectors treat round and brilliant white as the two pillars of their diamond decisions; this gia 18k white gold 5.44ct round diamond engagement rin...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
7.47 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold
Located in Mumbai, IN
Here, Carat weight on request of Brilliant White diamonds are anchored by serious 18K White Gold work and a resolved Engagement Ring architecture.
White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
7.02 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold
Located in Mumbai, IN
Once or twice a year, ask a professional to review the diamonds under magnification, checking prongs, pavé and the 18K White Gold shank so the ring remains as structurally secure as ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.91 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold
Located in Mumbai, IN
Onew (Lee Jinki) · For anyone whose playlists shape their style, this gia 18k white gold 3.51ct round diamond engagement ring offers a visual rhythm of round facets and brilliant whi...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.64 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K Gold Timeless Brilliance
Located in Mumbai, IN
Kirk Douglas · Stylists with the busiest client lists favour reliable radiant designs in versatile brilliant white palettes; this 14k white gold 3.55ct radiant cut diamond engagement...
White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
1.61 Carat Pear Statement Brilliant White Gold Pure Sophistication Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Here, 1.61 carats of Brilliant White diamonds are anchored by serious 14K White Gold work and a resolved High Jewelry Statement Ring architecture.
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
15 Carat Emerald Halo Diamond Ring 18K Gold Collector’s Grade Grandeur
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
17.83 Carat Emerald Band 18K Gold Iconic Presence Signature Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
7.2 Carat Oval Diamond Ring 18K Gold Refined Grandeur Modern Classic
Located in Mumbai, IN
Keanu Reeves · Hollywood’s taste-making circle tends to approve pieces that combine impeccable oval work with unforced brilliant white brilliance; this 7.20ct oval cut diamond and di...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
7 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold Refined Grandeur
Located in Mumbai, IN
We recommend removing the ring for gym sessions, spa treatments, household chemicals and impact-heavy activities so the diamonds and 18K Gold finish remain pristine.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
5.12 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Heirloom-Worthy Glow Heirloom
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
8.88 Carat Round Brilliant Statement 18K Gold Refined Grandeur Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Unisex Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Unisex Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural diamond of 0.31 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2 Carat Emerald-cut Statement 14K White Gold Effortless Elegance Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Walt Disney · Hollywood jewellery buyers quietly prioritise emerald cut quality and emerald green harmony over trend; this square emerald cut diamond breeze bezel ring is conceived f...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.50 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Claw Set Signet Ring
By Tresor Paris
Located in London, GB
0.50 Carat Round White Diamonds Men's Signet Style Claw set ring set in 18 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
6.65 Carat Emerald-cut Statement FL/IF 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Once or twice a year, ask a professional to review the diamonds and gemstones under magnification, checking prongs, pavé and the 18K Yellow Gold shank so the ring remains as structur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5 Carat Round Brilliant Statement Fancy Pink 14K White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Kylie Jenner · Boardroom dressing often relies on one disciplined mixed cuts / design ring piece with a calm fancy yellow tone; this fancy pink-purple diamond cut cornered square mod...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
11.74 Carat Emerald-cut Statement 14K White Gold Iconic Presence Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Emerald-cut Statement VVS Gold Crystal-Clear Grandeur Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.9 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K Gold Elegant Sparkle
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
6.47 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold Refined Grandeur
Located in Mumbai, IN
Mark Ruffalo · Wardrobe teams love radiant diamonds in adaptable brilliant white tones because they work across multiple costumes; this gia 18k white gold square radiant cut diamond ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Pear Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K White Gold Everyday Royalty
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
6.47 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold Heirloom-Worthy Glow
Located in Mumbai, IN
Mary Kom · Many iconic sports images show a simple band or ring type as part of the athlete’s silhouette; this gia 18k white gold square radiant cut diamond engagement ring is crafte...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.45 Carat Oval Band 18K Rose Gold Refined Grandeur Heirloom Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Diamond shape & cut: Oval cut Clarity profile: On Request Approximate total carat weight: 6.45 carats Metal & finish: 18K Rose Gold (other gold colours and finishes available on requ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.51 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold Elegant Sparkle
Located in Mumbai, IN
Chadwick Boseman · For monochrome gowns, radiant stones in pure, controlled brilliant white tones are the default choice; this gia 18k white gold 1.51ct square radiant cut diamond en...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.5 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K White Gold Classic Charm
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.5 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K White Gold Elegant Sparkle
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.5 Carat Pear Statement Brilliant White White Gold Refined Light Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
We begin with your preferred ring size and refine the inner architecture in 14K White Gold so the band follows the natural oval of your finger, distributing the weight of approximate...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
6 Carat Pear Brilliant Statement Fancy Yellow 14K White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.4 Carat Princess Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K White Gold Elegant Sparkle
Located in Mumbai, IN
Here, 1.4 carats of Brilliant White diamonds are anchored by serious 14K White Gold work and a resolved Engagement Ring architecture.
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1 Carat Princess Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K White Gold Pure Sophistication
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Oval Statement Brilliant White VS Gold Everyday Royalty Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.1 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K White Gold Quiet Power
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
6.9 Carat Round Brilliant Statement Brilliant White 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.54 Carat Oval Statement Brilliant White / D color VVS Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Once or twice a year, ask a professional to review the diamonds under magnification, checking prongs, pavé and the 14K White Gold shank so the ring remains as structurally secure as ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.06 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Ring Fancy Color pink 14K White Gold
Located in Mumbai, IN
We begin with your preferred ring size and refine the inner architecture in 14K White Gold so the band follows the natural oval of your finger, distributing the weight of approximate...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
8 Carat Cushion Statement VVS 14K Gold Precision-Cut Radiance Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
7 Carat Radiant Statement Brilliant White / F color SI Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
9 Carat Round Brilliant Statement Brilliant White 14K White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Greek Key Unisex Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer unisex square Diamond ring is handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold and carved forming a unique Greek Key design, which is the symbol of eternity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
4.11 Carat Cushion Halo Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K Gold Everyday Royalty
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
10 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold Grand Palais Radiance
Located in Mumbai, IN
Here, Carat weight on request of Brilliant White diamonds are anchored by serious 18K White Gold work and a resolved Engagement Ring architecture.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.41 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold Classic Statement
Located in Mumbai, IN
Zaheer Khan · Some rings are purely decorative; this 18k white gold 4.41ct elongated cushion cut diamond engagement ring feels declarative—its cushion stance and brilliant white ener...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.62 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold Everyday Royalty
Located in Mumbai, IN
We recommend removing the ring for gym sessions, spa treatments, household chemicals and impact-heavy activities so the diamonds and 18K White Gold finish remain pristine.
White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
16.23 Carat Oval Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold High Jewellery Supremacy
Located in Mumbai, IN
Robert Zemeckis · Hollywood’s most trusted stylists keep a small rotation of oval diamonds in reliable brilliant white grades for emergency fittings; this gia 18k white gold 13.48ct ...
White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
5.93 Carat Oval Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold Refined Grandeur
Located in Mumbai, IN
Stephen Curry · Many athletes keep one object as a touchstone on match days; this gia 18k white gold 4ct oval cut diamond engagement ring is made for that role, its structured oval a...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.4 Carat Oval Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K White Gold Everyday Royalty
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.01 Carat Asscher Diamond Ring Brilliant White 14K White Gold Elegant Sparkle
Located in Mumbai, IN
We recommend removing the ring for gym sessions, spa treatments, household chemicals and impact-heavy activities so the diamonds and 14K White Gold finish remain pristine.
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
4 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Mixed / Other 18K Gold Quiet Power
Located in Mumbai, IN
It is the kind of specification that seasoned collectors recognise immediately – quietly confident, with nothing left to chance. Diamond shape & cut: Round cut Colour family: Mix...
Diamond, 18k Gold
10 Carat Pear Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold Collector’s Grade Grandeur
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
10.11 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 18K Gold Sunlit Royal Radiance
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
20.03 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold Grand Palais Radiance
Located in Mumbai, IN
Courteney Cox · Wardrobe teams love radiant diamonds in adaptable brilliant white tones because they work across multiple costumes; this gia platinum 20.03ct square radiant cut tripl...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Heart Shape Diamond Ring Fancy 18K Gold Sunlit Royal Radiance Modern Classic
Located in Mumbai, IN
We recommend removing the ring for gym sessions, spa treatments, household chemicals and impact-heavy activities so the fancy colour diamonds and 18K Gold finish remain pristine.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
4.15 Carat Radiant Halo Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold Quiet Power
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
15 Carat Oval Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold Grand Palais Radiance
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
5.16 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold Heirloom-Worthy Glow
Located in Mumbai, IN
Customisation & gender fit: Designed as a unisex piece, easily customised for men’s or women’s proportions / Fully bespoke sizing; all standard and custom ring sizes available / ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.