GIA Certified 1.49 Carat Purple Pink Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-century 1940-1950 sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.49 Carat Purple Pink Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-century 1940-1950 sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
13.60 Carat Natural Aquamarine Sapphire Platinum Three-Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
13.60 emerald cut aquamarine center stone with two emerald cut sapphires in a platinum cocktail setting. 1 natural Emerald cut untreated natural bright greenish blue Aqua, approx. t...
Aquamarine, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1950’s Birks Platinum Cabochon Sapphire French Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Birks
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A refined cocktail ring by Birks of Canada, the historic Montreal house founded in 1879 and known for its precise workmanship and understated luxury. Crafted circa the 1950s in plat...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Palermo, IT
Vintage Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring 18 kt gold ring with central sapphire ct 4.50 ct and diamomds old cut. 3.30 ct.
18k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and 1.58tcw Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a vivid 0.50 carat blue sapphire at its center. The sapphire is beautifully complemented by diamonds totaling approximate...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Gold & Platinum 1.98ct Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ballerina ring is an especially glamorous and collectible example of mid-century inspired gemstone jewelry, centered by a 1.98 carat silky blue sapphire surrounded by a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
IGI Certified 19.58 Carat Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Multigem Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 19.58 Carat Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Multigem Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a vibrant combination of natural diamonds, sapphires, em...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire
GIA Certified 3.01 Carat Oval Natural Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1950's three-stone sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Mounted with a 3.01ct oval deep blue sapphire center stone. Accented by a tapered baguette diamond on each side. The ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Palasis GIA Certified 5.23 Carat Sapphire Diamond White Gold Ring Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
1960’s patented combination ring that converts to a pendant. Made by Palais. Patented as a "Ringdant". 5.23ct deep blue well cut unique shield cut GIA certified center sapphire with...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
.17 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco White Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Classic 1930’s art deco square sapphire round diamond engraved and filigree ring in 18k white gold. 1 square blue sapphire SI, approx. .17ct 2 round brilliant cut diamonds G VS, a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond, Sapphire, and Emerald Panther Ring, 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Diamond, Sapphire, and Emerald Panther Ring in 18 Karat Gold. The Panther is holding a sapphire, and the eyes are Emerald. The sapphire weighs 6.45 carats, and the diamodns weigh 3...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Statement Estate Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold, diamond and natural sapphire ring. Central oval sapphire with four marquise cut sapphires and ten small round diamonds arranged in a cluster setting. Mand stamped "1...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
15.00 Carat Marquise Aquamarine Diamond Sapphire White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Truly one of a kind 1950's aquamarine, sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. This ring begins with a stunning 15.00 carat marquise cut aqua mounted in a setting created out of 18k whit...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 4.05 Carat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1950's Sapphire and diamond engagement ring. 4.05ct GIA certified oval natural no heat yellow green sapphire with tapered baguette Diamond accents in Platinum three-stone set...
Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Platinum
Marquise Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum, circa 1960s
Located in Wailea, HI
Marquise Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum Circa 1960's One Marquise Cut Sapphire Weighing 3.20 Carats Approximately [bright with no imperfections visible to the naked eye] T...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Rare GIA Certified 15 Carat Burma No Heat Natural Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
A collectors dream!!! A rare GIA certified 15.02 carat Cushion cut Burma Blue Sapphire with ZERO TREATMENT. NO HEAT! This fabulous Burma Blue Sapphire is set with approxima...
Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Belais Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Ring
By Belais
Located in Denver, CO
This striking Art Deco gem crafted in the 1920s in 18kt white gold features an Old European cut center stone totaling approximately 0.51 carats, I-J color, VS1 clarity complemented w...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.65 Carat Natural Pink Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Natural oval pink sapphire and baguette diamond engagement ring. Platinum three-stone setting with tapered baguette sides and a super bright oval natural old European cut pink...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.08 Carat Orange Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's unique orange sapphire an diamond platinum engagement ring. The center stone on this piece is a 2.08ct oval GIA Certified natural, no heat oval orange sapphire which is accent...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Cocktail Ring 18kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds and 11.50ct Sapphire
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Length: 1,75 cm Top Width: 1,8 cm Top Height: 0,9 cm This cocktail ring is a magnificent expression of high-jewelry artistry, expertly crafted in 18kt yellow gold to provide a r...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Sheet: Finger Size: FR 55 / US 7 (resizable upon request) Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰), French assay marks Center Gems: 1 round pink sapphire (≈ 0.20 ct) Surround: 9 p...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9kt White Gold Ring with Diamonds and Sapphire
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The vintage 9kt white gold ring is a piece of jewelry with a classic and elegant design. The ring is crafted from 9-karat white gold, giving it a luxurious and timeless appearance....
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Platinum 2.00 Ct Cushion Cut Halo Diamond Sapphire Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
An estate Diamond and sapphire engagement ring featuring a 2.00 Ct antique cushion cut – old mine cut Diamond- J colour VS clarity, littler old mine cut Diamonds chasing the should...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Elegant Sapphire & Diamond Halo Ring in 18 K Yellow Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This refined ring artfully combines the regal blue of sapphires with the timeless brilliance of diamonds, all set in warm 18 K yellow gold. At its center, four round-cut sapphires to...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$911Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Blue Sapphire Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship ever...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow G...
GIA Certified 3.51 Carat Sapphire Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Bright blue oval sapphire and diamond three-stone engagement ring. 14k white gold setting accented with white bullet shaped diamonds. Circa 1950s. GIA certified oval sapphire center ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18kt White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Art Deco 18kt white gold Sapphire and Diamond three stone ring centered with an rectangular faceted sapphire. Either side has an old European round cut diamond. Total estimated dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco GIA Certified Diamond and Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
A circular brilliant-cut diamond, certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), measuring 1.08 carats, J color VS1 clarity, sparkles in the center of this Art Deco gem, fl...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.93 Carat Sapphire Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Royal blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified oval 3.93ct center Sapphire set in platinum with a marquise diamond halo. GIA Certified Simple heat only, no ot...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Cabochon Sapphire Pinky Ring with Bark Finish in Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Cabochon Sapphire Pinky Ring with Bark Finish in Yellow Gold One Cabochon Sapphire Weighing 15.00 carats approximately 16mm x 11mm x 8.5mm Dark Blue with a hint of a star Great For F...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Three-Stone Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This Art Deco ring features an Old European-cut diamond center stone weighing approximately 0.65 carats, J color SI1 clarity, presented between two baguette-cut blue sapphire side st...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
AGL Certified Natural 1.41 Carat Green Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Sapphire and diamond engagement ring. AGL certified center green sapphire set in a platinum setting with 6 straight graduated baguette diamonds. Circa 1950-1960 1 natural brownish g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 14k Ring Color Change Sapphire Purple Brutalist Freeform Size 6.75
Located in Greer, SC
Statement vintage 14k solid yellow gold ring with an eye catching color changing sapphire. This ring has a unique brutalist or freeform design that is sure to turn heads and make for...
Purple Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 4.80 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Crescent Moon Star Motif Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.80 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Crescent Moon Star Motif Ring Created as a one-of-a-kind jewel, this exceptional ring is the only example ever produced, and no identic...
Diamond, Sapphire
3 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Marguerite Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
An elegant sapphire and diamond marguerite ring crafted in solid 18-karat white gold. The design centers on an oval-cut natural sapphire weighing approximately 3.00 carats, displayin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold, circa 1940s
Located in Wailea, HI
**Breathtaking 1940s Pastel Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bombé Ring in 18k Gold** A triumph of mid-century high-jewelry craftsmanship, this monumental 1940s Retro cocktail ring centers...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 8.5 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond White Gold Mens Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's GIA Certified natural star sapphire and diamone men's ring. Featuring a mesmerizing 8.50ct with a well defined star sapphire which has an unusual subtle blue to purple color s...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$65,600Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Sri Lanka Natural Unheated Star Sapphire Cabochon Cocktail Ring
Located in Tucson, AZ
Weighing approximately 15 carats with dimensions of 15.11x 12.63x 10.16mm, this vivid blue cabochon displays a mesmerizing, sharply-defined six-rayed star (asterism) that moves beau...
Diamond, Star Sapphire
GIA Certified 6.40 Carat Color Change Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Light violet purple color change sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified center cushion cut sapphire center stone with round brilliant cut accent diamonda in its original...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Topaz and Sapphire Ring, Italy 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18K yellow gold band, citrine topaz and sapphires for a total of 2.93 carats, Italy 1980s Ring size US 7
Citrine, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum Oval Sapphire Trilliant Diamond Cocktail Ring NO HEAT GIA 13.05
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A spectacular circa 1960s cocktail ring of exceptional quality, finely crafted in platinum and centering an important 13.05-carat natural, unheated Ceylon sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
EGL Certified .84 Carat Diamond Sapphire White Gold Men's Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond and sapphire original mens Art Deco style white gold ring. EGL certified Old European center stone with two baguette sapphire accent stones in a 14k white gold setting. Circa...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Retro 18 karat Gold Ring with Diamonds and Sapphire
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Retro 18kt Gold Ring with Diamonds and Sapphire is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines classic design elements with the allure of precious gemstones. Crafted from high-qu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 7.10 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 7.10 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the elegant beauty of natural sapphires and brilliant diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
IGI Certified 25.67 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 25.67 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the remarkable beauty of a 24.20 carat natural sapphire com...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
IGI Certified 8.80 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural diamonds and vivid blue sapphire gemstones totaling 8.80 carats. Designed with refined craftsmanship and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
IGI Certified 5.20 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.20 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold Created as a one-of-a-kind jewel, this exceptional ring is the only example ever produced, and no identi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
IGI Certified Yellow Gold Diamonds, Sapphires and Emeralds Cocktail Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The combination of these precious stones creates a stunning and vibrant color palette. The ring's design reflects the charm and sophistication of mid-century aesthetics, offering a ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 5.00 Carat Cabochon Star Sapphire White Gold Men's Dome Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of our Art Deco 1940's GIA certified 5.00ct cabochon star sapphire white gold men's dome Ring. The cabochon cut round sapphire is certified...
Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Estate 13.40 Ct Star Sapphire Diamond Gent 18 Kt Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful estate Gent ring is 1945/50 ca. Individually hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold, marked Traditional design suitable for either sex, displaying a beautiful polished...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1920s, this classic Art Deco ring features a 0.15-carat Old European cut diamond center stone, G color and SI1 clarity, accented with two trillion-shaped blue sapphire...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 3.71 Carat Sapphire Blue Topaz Pomegranate Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.71 Carat Sapphire and Blue Topaz Pomegranate Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identica...
Sapphire, Blue Topaz, Gold Plate
IGI Certified 6.00 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Starfish Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 6.00 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Starfish Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identical desi...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, Gold Plate
Estate 35ct GIA No Heat Yellow Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring, 1970s
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very Good Era: Estate Mid Century Year: 1970s Metal: 18k Yellow gold, platinum gallery Gemstones: No Heat Yellow Sapphire Carat Weight: 35 Cut: Elongated Cushion Color: ...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
IGI Certified 7.47 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 7.47 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the captivating beauty of natural sapphires and diamonds to...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 1.70 Carat Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ballerina Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1960's sapphire and diamond ballerina engagement ring. This deep blue oval 1.70ct sapphire is GIA certified natural, no heat, mounted in a 14k yellow gold setting with a halo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring Vintage 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant vintage bypass ring (circa 1950s to 1960s), crafted in 18 karat white gold. One round mixed cut Natural Sapphire, approx. 0.90 carats (5.5 x 3.7mm), dark blue color, modera...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.78 Carat Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.78 Carat Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural diamonds, vivid sapphires, an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
AGL Certified 5.89 Carat Natural Oval Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Behold the captivating allure of this exquisite 1960's 5.89ct natural oval sapphire diamond platinum engagement ring. Crafted to perfection, this stunning piece encapsulates elegance...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 18K White Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This Art Deco three-stone ring features a stunning blue sapphire center stone measuring approximately 0.35 carats flanked by two Old European-cut diamonds totaling 0.30 carats, H col...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry.
Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.
Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.
America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.
The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.
You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.
Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).
The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (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.)
Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire 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.