Minerva Ring
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Jasper, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Russian Arts and Crafts Signet Rings
Onyx, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Agate, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings
Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings
Early 20th Century German Empire Signet Rings
Hematite, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cocktail Rings
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cocktail Rings
Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings
Carnelian, Gold
Antique 1750s Italian Paintings
Canvas
Recent Sales
2010s Israeli Contemporary Wedding Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Signet Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Agate, Carnelian, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Wedding Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Sterling Silver
Silver
Antique 1870s Italian Victorian Signet Rings
Gold
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2010s Indian Victorian Signet Rings
Emerald, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Wrist Watches
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Signet Rings
Gold, 22k Gold
1990s Italian Coats and Outerwear
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Blue Diamond
2010s French Charm Bracelets
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Platinum
1970s Italian Suitcases and Trunks
2010s Belgian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Early 1700s Italian Baroque Signet Rings
Silver, Vermeil
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Afghan Classical Roman Dome Rings
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
Minerva Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Minerva Ring?
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.
Read More
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Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.