Mid-Century 14K Gold, Wedgwood Jasperware Cameo, and Diamond Brutalist Cocktail
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set with a Wedgwood jasperware cameo bead with a bezel-set diamond to its center in a Mid-Century Brutalist or Organic Modern setting with a faux branch shank and prongs.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Mid Century 18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, 1970s
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Nine marquise rubies burst outward from a core of round brilliant diamonds, each gemstone lifted on its own slender prong so the whole arrangement seems to hover above the hand. Turn...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 1.50 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 1.25 carats - O/P color with VS1 clarity Flanked by cathedral shoulders bar set with tapered baguette cut diamonds Weighin...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 5.29 CTW Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Scrolling Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed form centering a cluster of bead set round and cushion cut rubies Weighing approximately 4.25 carat total - transparent medium red in color Accented by single, ol...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Mid-Century 1.00 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.88 carat - H color with VS2 clarity Prong set in basket flanked by cathedral shoulder bead set with rows of single cut d...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Arrow Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 0.83 carat - K color with VS2 clarity Set by tri-split prongs in a stylized square form basket with a scalloped profile Flanked by cath...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Ring with Turquoise and Diamonds 0.90 ct, Mid- 20th Century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Platinum Ring with Turquoise and Diamonds Oval ring made of platinum (0.950 fineness). Elegant ring with a central cabochon-cut turquoise in a greenish-blue hue. The ring is decor...
Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
Mid-Century 19.10 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum Vintage Ballerina Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a marquise cut sapphires weighing approximately 15.70 carats - transparent medium blue in color Set via tab prongs with an undulating ballerina-style surround of tapered ba...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Mid Century Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in San Francisco, CA
The asymmetry gives the ring a distinctly modern character while retaining the refinement and balance associated with mid century jewelry design.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 1.16 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.97 carat total - H color with SI1 clarity Prong set in basket and flanked by additional transitional and baguette cut di...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Gold, Baroque Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring by Tambetti
By Tambetti
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This bold and beautiful vintage cocktail ring by American designer, Tambetti, evokes all of the exuberance and spirit of the 1970's. Two 12mm, large, silver gray baroque cultured pea...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Mid-Century (1950s–60s) French 18K Gold Diamond Cluster Ring Retro Halo
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
An exquisite mid-20th century French ring, this vintage cluster piece features a brilliant 0.80-carat round diamond at its heart, encircled by a halo of 12 smaller round diamonds (ap...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-Century 0.94 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.84 carat total J color with VS2 clarity - set with tri-beaded prongs in a pierced 'W' basket Flanked by single cut diamo...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 0.78 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Seven Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing 0.65 carat total - H color with VS2 clarity Prong set in a pierced basket and flanked by cathedral shoulders Bead set with rows of singl...
Diamond, Platinum
Persian Turquoise 1.5 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Gold Mid Century
Located in New York, NY
The gems are set in a 14 Karat Yellow Gold braided motif. The antique ring dates to the Mid-Century, Modern, Hollywood Regency period, circa 1950 - 1980.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century 1.11 CTW Diamond Platinum Scrolling Ribbon Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.97 carat - I color with VS2 clarity Set with tri-split talon prongs in a pierced arch motif basket and flanked by cathe...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 2.05 CTW Marquise Diamond Platinum Vintage Bow Fashion Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a marquise cut diamond weighing approximately 1.20 carats - F color with VS2 clarity Flush set in a highly rendered platinum gallery with pierced floral motifs throughout B...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 14K Gold Moi Et Toi Diamond Ring by Sarkin
Located in Venice, CA
This is a stunning Mid-Century bypass ring by New York Jeweler David Sarkin. Also know as a Moi et Toi ring romantically named for you and me. The two pear-shaped mounts intersect l...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Star Ruby Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring Platinum 1950s 1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Star Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring in Platinum, circa 1950s–1960s. Bold, sculptural, and utterly glamorous — this Mid-Century cocktail ring is the embodiment ...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Mid-Century 1.40 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.20 carats total - J color with VS2 clarity Set in and open basket via split prongs and flanked by cathedral shoulders B...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 2.15 CTW Old Mine Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing 2.04 carats - M color with VVS2 clarity Set with wide prongs in a pierced basket flanked by cathedral shoulders Bezel set with marquise and...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 1.95 CTW OEC Diamond Platinum Scrolled Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.59 carats - K color VS2 clarity Bead set in a stylized square form head accented by pierced scrolling volute motifs With a pierced sc...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 0.80 CTW Old European Diamond Platinum Heart Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.71 carat - K color with SI1 clarity Prong set in a pierced heart motif basket flanked by split cathedral arrow motif sh...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 1.81 CTW Old European Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.39 carats - J color with SI1 clarity Prong set in a stylized basket flanked by cathedral shoulder Each bar set with tapered baguette ...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 14K White Gold & Diamond Ring with a Wide Band
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage white gold & diamond cocktail ring. In hand-hammered 14 karat white gold with a wide band. Claw-set with a ca. 0.68ct round brilliant cut diamond (color G-H, clarit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Knife Edge Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.60 carat - L color with SI1 clarity Set with tri-split prongs in a square form basket with a pierced basket weave motif...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid Century 18 Karat Gold 0.46 Carat SI1 Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a mid century solitaire ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1970. The piece features round brilliant cut diamond: 0.46ct, W-STW, SI1. Weight: 2.94g Size: 16.25 (US 5.75) IMP...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-Century Emerald Diamond Three Stone Ring Platinum Portuguese 1950s-1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring in Platinum, Portuguese, circa 1950s–1960s. Crafted in mid-20th century Lisbon, this jewel is centered on a captivating old mine-cut...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Mid-Century 1.45 CTW European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.30 carats - I color with VS1 clarity Set with grooved prongs in a pierced triangle motif basket Flanked by single cut diamonds prong ...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Scroll Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.29 carats total - K color with SI2 clarity Prong set in a pierced scroll motif basket and flanked by cathedral style shoulders Flush ...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 2.02 CTW Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut diamond weighing 1.78 carats total - E color with SI1 clarity Prong set in a basket and flanked by tapered baguette cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.24 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 0.76 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.66 carat total - J color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a square form head and flanked by cathedral shoulders with single...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Arrow Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.07 carat - J color with SI2 clarity Set by tri-split prongs in a stylized square form head with pierced triangle profile Flanked by g...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 14K White Gold, Aquamarine, & Marquise Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage white gold, aquamarine, and diamond cocktail ring. In 14 karat white gold. With a prong-set square cushion modified brilliant cut 11.30± ct aquamarine (transparency:...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Diamond 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 body color with spectral play-of-color Set with platinum talon prongs with a diamond h...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mid-Century 1.12 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat - J color with VS2 clarity Set with tri-split prongs in a square form head and flanked by cathedral shoulders ...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 1.63 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing 1.25 carats - J color with SI2 clarity Set by tri-split prongs in basket and flanked by cathedral shoulders Accented by bar and bezel set F...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 2.20 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an cushion cut diamond weighing 1.92 carats total D color with VS1 clarity Set in open basket via talon prongs and flanked by cathedral shoulders Bar set with tapered bague...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 17.75 CTW Rubellite Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rectangular step-cut rubellite tourmaline weighing approximately 16.91 carats Transparent medium reddish pink in color and set in wire basket via split prongs Flanked by ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-Century 4.55 Carat Black Opal and 1.5 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A fab Mid Century Australian black opal and diamond ring. With a fabulous play of color, flashing between electric blue and green, this captivating cocktail ring is smartly surrounde...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Hand Engraved Platinum, Sapphire, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Rothschilds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Very little inspires one to feel a sense of ultimate quality more than platinum. This lovely and lively Late-20th Century cocktail ring is crafted from the precious metal and is rep...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Mid Century 18k White Gold Eternity Ring with 5 Round Diamonds, 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid Century 18k white gold eternity ring features five bright round brilliant cut diamonds in a sleek, minimalist band. Crafted in the 1960s, its crisp sparkle and elegant profi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Square Mixed Cut Diamond Ring Sz 6.75 Mid Century 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish Mid Century mixed cut diamond ring crafted in 14k white gold (circa 1950s to 1960s). Round and mixed cut diamonds total an estimated 0.50 carats (estimated at I-J color and...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 0.76 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond 14K Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.64 carat total - I color with SI1 clarity Set in a pierced arch motif basket with tri-split talon prongs and flanked by...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Mid-Century Diamond Floral Cocktail Ring White Gold French 1950s 1960s
By Boucheron
Located in Lisbon, PT
Boucheron Mid-Century Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White Gold, French, circa 1950s–1960s. A masterful interpretation of floral abstraction in diamonds and white gold. The compo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 1950s 1.79 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Bypass Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a bypass style ring terminating with two prong set old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.83 and 0.54 carat, respectively - G to J color with SI1-SI2 clarity ...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Bill Bates for Terrell & Zimmelman Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring
By Terrell and Zimmelman
Located in Wailea, HI
Mid-Century Bill Bates for Terrell & Zimmelman Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring Embrace timeless elegance with this striking Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring, a mid-century masterp...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Retro Modern, circa 1940s Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Wailea, HI
Retro Modern Circa 1940's Ruby and Diamond Ring Four Square Cut Rubies weighing .55 carats approximately Ten Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing .35 carats approximately The Rubi...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
1950's Mid-Century 1.05 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.92 carat - I color with VS2 clarity Flanked by cathedral shoulders channel set with single cut diamonds - graduating in...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 0.89 CTW Old European Diamond 14K Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 0.81 carat total - I color with SI1 clarity Prong set in basket and flanked by cathedral shoulders with bar set tapered baguettes Weigh...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Baden & Foss Mid-Century Opal Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rectangular shaped opal cabochon measuring 10.0 x 8.0 mm Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color Prong set in basket and flanked by cathedral shoulder...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 1.20 CTW Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a 1.00 carat round brilliant cut diamond - E in color with SI1 clarity Prong set in a basket flanked by prong set round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.20 c...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Old European Diamond Platinum Three Stone Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.07 carats - L color with VS2 clarity Prong set in a basket flanked by tapered baguette-cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.54 carat...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Three Stone Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat - H color with VS clarity Flanked by cathedral shoulders bar set with baguette cut diamonds Weighing approxi...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 1.71 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing 1.53 carats total - K color with SI2 clarity Set with split prongs in pierced basket and flanked by cathedral shoulders Bead set with rows ...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Three Stone Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut diamond weighing 2.03 carats - F color with VVS2 clarity Prong set in basket and flanked by tapered baguette cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.14 carat t...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 2.67Ct Sapphire & Diamonds
By Rothschilds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This beautifully crafted 18k yellow gold vintage cocktail ring is set with one cushion cut royal blue natural sapphire, flanked by three lines of brilliant cut diamonds. This stylish...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century 1.00 Ctw. Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century 1.00 Ctw. Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Toi et Moi Ring composed of 18k yellow gold and 18k white gold. The 2 main Old European Cut diamonds weigh approximately 1.00 c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century 7.40 CTW Aquamarine Diamond 18K Two-Tone Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rectangular step-cut aquamarine weighing approximately 7.00 carats Transparent light blue in color and prong set in basket with swirling surround Bypass style with engrav...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century 2.93 CTW No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14K Gold Vintage Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an Asscher cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.93 carats - transparent deep royal blue in color Natural Cambodian in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatmen...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Rooted in centuries of history of adornment dating back to the ancient world, modern jewelry reimagines traditional techniques, forms and materials for expressive new pieces. As opposed to contemporary jewelry, which responds to the moment in which it was created, modern jewelry often describes designs from the 20th to 21st centuries that reflect movements and trends in visual culture.
Modern jewelry emerged from the 19th-century shift away from jewelry indicating rank or social status. The Industrial Revolution allowed machine-made jewelry using electric gold plating, metal alloys and imitation stones, making beautiful jewelry widely accessible. Although mass production deemphasized the materials of the jewelry, the vision of the designer remained important, something that would be furthered in the 1960s with what’s known as the “critique of preciousness.”
A design fair called the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” brought global attention to the Art Deco style in 1925 and gathered a mix of jewelry artists alongside master jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and Boucheron. Art Deco designs from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels unconventionally mixed gemstones like placing rock crystals next to diamonds while borrowing motifs from eclectic sources including Asian lacquer and Persian carpets. Among Cartier’s foremost design preoccupations at the time were high-contrast color combinations and crisp, geometric forms and patterns. In the early 20th century, modernist jewelers like Margaret De Patta and artists such as Alexander Calder — who is better known for his kinetic sculptures than his provocative jewelry — explored sculptural metalwork in which geometric shapes and lines were preferred over elaborate ornamentation.
Many of the innovations in modern jewelry were propelled by women designers such as Wendy Ramshaw, who used paper to craft her accessories in the 1960s. During the 1970s, Elsa Peretti created day-to-night pieces for Tiffany & Co. while designers like Lea Stein experimented with layering plastic, a material that had been employed in jewelry since the mid-19th century and had expanded into Bakelite, acrylics and other unique materials.
Find a collection of modern watches, bracelets, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and other 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.