Micro Mosaic Of Parthenon
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Onyx, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Fashion Rings
Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Fashion Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Cluster Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Victorian Fashion Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1860s French Victorian Dangle Earrings
18k Gold
Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches
18k Gold
Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Band Rings
Agate, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Fashion Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Russian Classical Roman Brooches
14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian More Rings
Onyx, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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.
- How are micro mosaics made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Micro mosaics consist of small glass pieces known as tesserae arranged to create beautiful patterns and intricate designs. Handcrafted micro mosaics take hours of painstaking craftsmanship and are highly coveted. Shop a collection of antique micro mosaic goods on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Micro mosaic jewelry is made with tiny pieces of glass or enamel, which are arranged together to create an image. The glass is usually set in cement or mastic and any gaps delicately filled in with wax. Shop an array of beautiful micro mosaic pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To date micro mosaic jewelry, examine the hardware. This style of jewelry first became popular during the 19th century (Italian artist Giacomo Raffaelli, founder of the School of Mosaics in Milan, in 1806, is said to have been the first to incorporate micro mosaics into jewelry). Over time, the types of hardware used in the creation of these accessories changed considerably. For example, brooches from the late 19th and early 20th centuries will often have a “C” clasp, while safety pin-style fasteners became popular in the 1920s. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can help you determine the age of a given piece based on the fasteners and clasps on your jewelry. Shop an assortment of micro mosaic jewelry on 1stDibs.
Read More
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
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.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.