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Miniature Portrait Ring

Early portrait miniature memorial ring, circa 1793.
Early portrait miniature memorial ring, circa 1793.

Early portrait miniature memorial ring, circa 1793.

Located in London, GB

Early portrait miniature memorial ring. Vertically set with an oval portrait miniature of a lady in late eighteenth century period dress wearing a floral hat on a blue ground, covere...

Category

Antique 1790s Dome Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Late 18th Century Portrait Miniature Ring Of A Lady
Late 18th Century Portrait Miniature Ring Of A Lady

Late 18th Century Portrait Miniature Ring Of A Lady

Located in Firenze, IT

Georgian portrait miniature ring, set with glass on top, all within a setting of 18kt gold.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Neoclassical Engagement Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18th Century Gold Portrait Miniature Ring A Lady Painted Enamel
18th Century Gold Portrait Miniature Ring A Lady Painted Enamel

18th Century Gold Portrait Miniature Ring A Lady Painted Enamel

Located in Firenze, IT

This rare antique late 18th century gold ring was made in France and features a painted enamel miniature of an elegant woman in bust form, encircled by a string of small balls. Size ...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Neoclassical Engagement Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel

Antique 18th Century 18K Gold Ring Miniature Grisaille Portrait on Porcelain
Antique 18th Century 18K Gold Ring Miniature Grisaille Portrait on Porcelain

Antique 18th Century 18K Gold Ring Miniature Grisaille Portrait on Porcelain

Located in Munich, Bavaria

The ring is set with a three quarter portrait of a gentleman wearing an elegant wig, chemise, foulard and waistcoat.

Category

Antique 1760s French Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Belle Époque Miniature Portrait Jet Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewel
Antique Belle Époque Miniature Portrait Jet Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewel

Antique Belle Époque Miniature Portrait Jet Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewel

Located in Montreal, QC

Belle Époque era Heirloom mourning ring features an antique photo portrait of a young girl fitted perfectly inside; set in Rose Gold and bordered with 24 Jet stones. The band is comp...

Category

Antique 1890s Belle Époque More Rings

Materials

14k Gold

Custom Portrait Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized signet Ring
Custom Portrait Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized signet Ring

Custom Portrait Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized signet Ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

14k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Your portrait Painted Cameo Jewelry - Miniature portrait with woman ring - Antique, victorian style ring with woman port...

Category

2010s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, Silver

Custom Portrait Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized signet Ring
Custom Portrait Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized signet Ring

Custom Portrait Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized signet Ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

14k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Your portrait Painted Cameo Jewelry - Miniature portrait with woman ring - Antique, victorian style ring with woman port...

Category

2010s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver

Angel Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring
Angel Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring

Angel Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

14k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Angel Painted Cameo Jewelry - Miniature portrait of an angel ring - Antique, victorian style ring - Personalized Ring.

Category

2010s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver

Hummingbird Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring
Hummingbird Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring

Hummingbird Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring, Personalized Ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

14k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Hummingbird Painted Cameo Jewelry - Miniature portrait of a bird ring - Antique, victorian style ring - Personalized Rin...

Category

2010s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring
Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring

Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Mother of pearl ring

Located in Istanbul, TR

4k Gold Plated 925 Silver Ring with Carved Mother of Pearl – Greek Goddess Painted Cameo Jewelry - Miniature portrait with antique woman ring - Antique, victorian style ring with wom...

Category

2010s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver

18th Century French Louis XVI Ring Box with Miniature Portrait of Lady
18th Century French Louis XVI Ring Box with Miniature Portrait of Lady

18th Century French Louis XVI Ring Box with Miniature Portrait of Lady

Located in Dallas, TX

PRESENTING A STUNNING little French Ring Box from the 18th Century, namely a French Louis XVI Brass and MOP Box with Miniature Portrait of Lady.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Victorian Spaniel Brittany Dog Ring, Portrait Miniature Dog Ring, 9k Gold
Victorian Spaniel Brittany Dog Ring, Portrait Miniature Dog Ring, 9k Gold

Victorian Spaniel Brittany Dog Ring, Portrait Miniature Dog Ring, 9k Gold

Located in PARIS, FR

Victorian Spaniel brittany dog ring in rose gold 9 karats. Antique ring with a painted miniature, showing a sitted dog, looking to the right. It is most probably a hunting dog, Spani...

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Georgian Era Gold Portrait Ring, 1700s Lady Miniature Pastel Painting
Antique Georgian Era Gold Portrait Ring, 1700s Lady Miniature Pastel Painting

Antique Georgian Era Gold Portrait Ring, 1700s Lady Miniature Pastel Painting

Located in Rottedam, NL

A very well painted Georgian miniature portrait of a young lady from a private collection in France.

Category

Antique Early 18th Century French Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18th Century Gold Portrait Miniature Ring Shepherd Boy King David Painted Enamel
18th Century Gold Portrait Miniature Ring Shepherd Boy King David Painted Enamel

18th Century Gold Portrait Miniature Ring Shepherd Boy King David Painted Enamel

Located in London, GB

This rare antique late 18th century gold ring was made in France and features a painted enamel miniature of a shepherd boy holding a crook. This pastoral scene probably depicts David...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Rococo Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Antique 18th Century Portrait Miniature Strass Ring Silver Rose Gold European
Antique 18th Century Portrait Miniature Strass Ring Silver Rose Gold European

Antique 18th Century Portrait Miniature Strass Ring Silver Rose Gold European

Located in Lisbon, PT

18th Century Portrait Miniature and Strass Ring in Silver and Rose Gold, English or French, circa 1780-1900.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Rose Gold, Silver

Miniature Georgian Portrait Ring of a Young Boy
Miniature Georgian Portrait Ring of a Young Boy

Miniature Georgian Portrait Ring of a Young Boy

Located in Stamford, CT

Our gold ring holds a small portrait of a British boy lovingly drawn with marvelous skill in subtle shades of black and gray and white.

Category

English Signet Rings

Sailors Lover's Eye Ring Miniature on Wafer Painting Portrait, circa 1780
Sailors Lover's Eye Ring Miniature on Wafer Painting Portrait, circa 1780

Sailors Lover's Eye Ring Miniature on Wafer Painting Portrait, circa 1780

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A rare circa 1780 lovers eye ring. Georgian yellow gold ring set with a painted lovers eye miniature under a convex crystal lens. The miniature is of what seems to be females eye. Th...

Category

Antique 1780s English George III Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Crystal, Gold

Miniature Ring 18K Gold Lady Portrait Flowers, 1820
Miniature Ring 18K Gold Lady Portrait Flowers, 1820

Miniature Ring 18K Gold Lady Portrait Flowers, 1820

Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv

Antique Miniature Portrait Ring in 18K Gold, Lady with Flowers, circa 1820 Overview A fine and highly collectible miniature portrait ring, crafted around 1820 and set in 18K gold.

Category

Antique 1820s Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Georgian 18 Karat Gold Miniature Portrait Enamel Ring
Georgian 18 Karat Gold Miniature Portrait Enamel Ring

Georgian 18 Karat Gold Miniature Portrait Enamel Ring

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

This is a Georgian miniature portrait ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features detailed hand painted portrait of a lady.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Late 18th Century 18 Karat Gold Miniature Portrait Enamel Ring
Late 18th Century 18 Karat Gold Miniature Portrait Enamel Ring

Late 18th Century 18 Karat Gold Miniature Portrait Enamel Ring

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

IMPORTANT: can’t be resized. This is a Georgian miniature portrait ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features detailed hand painted portrait of a boy.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Georgian Dome Rings

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Portrait Lady Miniature Ring, 1790
Portrait Lady Miniature Ring, 1790

Portrait Lady Miniature Ring, 1790

Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv

Portrait Lady Miniature important and highly collectable Ring, 1790 Fine, early portrait miniature memorial ring.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Band Rings

Rare Georgian Portrait Miniature Ring Gold Museum Quality
Rare Georgian Portrait Miniature Ring Gold Museum Quality

Rare Georgian Portrait Miniature Ring Gold Museum Quality

Located in New York, NY

A very early and rare Georgian Portrait Miniature Ring. The Portrait Miniature is set within the central crystal covered compartment of the ring.

Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Georgian Ring A Portrait Miniature of a Lovers Eye
Georgian Ring A Portrait Miniature of a Lovers Eye

Georgian Ring A Portrait Miniature of a Lovers Eye

Located in Stamford, CT

An event in Georgian Antique Jewelry is the superb example of the extremely rare Eye Ring Miniature. The ring is an emotionally charged love ring depicting only the eye of a secret l...

Category

Antique 1810s George III Fashion Rings

Materials

Crystal, 15k Gold

Georgian Portrait Miniature Ring
Georgian Portrait Miniature Ring

Georgian Portrait Miniature Ring

Located in Barcelona, ES

Beautiful Late 18th Century - Early 19th Century navette ring made of 14k yellow gold and pearls. With a miniature depicting a charming young lady. Size: 9 Europe 4 3/...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Unknown Georgian More Rings

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique 18th Century Sepia Portrait Miniature Gold Ring
Antique 18th Century Sepia Portrait Miniature Gold Ring

Antique 18th Century Sepia Portrait Miniature Gold Ring

Located in Sale, Cheshire

A particularly well executed Georgian portrait miniature, depicting a gentleman in a fine curled wig.

Category

Antique 18th Century English Georgian More Rings

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Georgian Gold Portrait Miniature Ring, Young Woman
Antique Georgian Gold Portrait Miniature Ring, Young Woman

Antique Georgian Gold Portrait Miniature Ring, Young Woman

Located in San Marcos, CA

A poignent bit of the past, this lovely old Georgian mourning ring with a portrait of the young woman mourned, whose death at just 22 in 1789 is noted on back. Her name was Sarah Mor...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian More Rings

Materials

14k Gold

Antique 18th Century "Lady with Bonnet" Portrait Miniature Ring
Antique 18th Century "Lady with Bonnet" Portrait Miniature Ring

Antique 18th Century "Lady with Bonnet" Portrait Miniature Ring

Located in Sale, Cheshire

An 18th Century portrait ring depicting a lady wearing a turquoise coloured dress and lace bonnet.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian More Rings

Materials

15k Gold

Antique Georgian Gold Portrait Miniature Ring Framed in Diamonds
Antique Georgian Gold Portrait Miniature Ring Framed in Diamonds

Antique Georgian Gold Portrait Miniature Ring Framed in Diamonds

Located in San Marcos, CA

A charming mourning ring, with dedication on backside along with the date of 1793. The crown of the ring is a locket, with painted portrait of the woman mourned. The cover glass has...

Category

English More Rings

Antique Georgian Allegory of Love Miniature Pendant 1800s Polychrome Painting
Antique Georgian Allegory of Love Miniature Pendant 1800s Polychrome Painting

Antique Georgian Allegory of Love Miniature Pendant 1800s Polychrome Painting

Located in Rottedam, NL

An extremely well-preserved Georgian era miniature portrait. This unique ring dates circa 1810's and comes from a private collection in Portugal, Lisbon.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Portuguese Rococo Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Quartz, Silver, Sterling Silver

1778 Dated George III 9 Karat Gold Portrait Miniature Memorial Mourning Ring
1778 Dated George III 9 Karat Gold Portrait Miniature Memorial Mourning Ring

1778 Dated George III 9 Karat Gold Portrait Miniature Memorial Mourning Ring

Located in Glasgow, GB

Antique George III yellow gold portrait miniature ring. The ring is set to the front with a portrait of a lady within a gold border, with a closed back, and engraved 'Mary Patey obit...

Category

Antique 1770s British George III More Rings

Materials

9k Gold

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Georgian 18k Gold Octagonal Miniature Ring, Circa 1790, France
Georgian 18k Gold Octagonal Miniature Ring, Circa 1790, France

Georgian 18k Gold Octagonal Miniature Ring, Circa 1790, France

Located in Firenze, IT

Octagonal miniature depicting a putto under a tree and near a brazer with the inscription in French "à l'amitié" that underlines the sentimental value of such gift. The frame is in ...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Platinum, 1960s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Calibrated Ruby Cocktail Ring
Vintage Platinum, 1960s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Calibrated Ruby Cocktail Ring

Vintage Platinum, 1960s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Calibrated Ruby Cocktail Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Aquamarine Cocktail Ring Platinum Tested Circa 1960s Step into a world of elegance with this fabulous vintage cocktail ring from the 1960s. At its heart lies a mesmerisin...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Ruby, Platinum

Vivienne Westwood Gold Metallic Lace Corset, fw 1993
Vivienne Westwood Gold Metallic Lace Corset, fw 1993

Vivienne Westwood Gold Metallic Lace Corset, fw 1993

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival Vivienne Westwood Corset ▪ Fall-Winter 1993 ▪ Gold metallic lace ▪ Ivory cotton mesh side panels ▪ Built-in boning ▪ Zip closure at the centre-back ▪ Size: UK10 - US6...

Category

1990s British Corsets

Georgian 18k Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s
Georgian 18k Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s

Georgian 18k Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s

Located in Firenze, IT

The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and foliate decoration, closed back settings throughout, with engraved bright-cut decoratio...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold

Lily of the Valley Botanical Signet Ring in silver, gold
Lily of the Valley Botanical Signet Ring in silver, gold

Lily of the Valley Botanical Signet Ring in silver, gold

By Daizy Jewellery

Located in Istanbul, TR

Botanical Engraved Ring – Lily of the Valley Motif, Silver, Gold. Nature inspired Flower Engagement Ring. Gold Lily Wedding Ring for Women. Birthday Flower Ring. Lily Whisper Ring. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Silver

C1690 18K Iberian Bow Form Ring with Table Cut Diamonds
C1690 18K Iberian Bow Form Ring with Table Cut Diamonds

C1690 18K Iberian Bow Form Ring with Table Cut Diamonds

Located in Baltimore, MD

Rare late 17th century seven stone diamond cluster finger ring of bow form from the Iberian Peninsula. This cluster ring is set with 7 table-cut deep diamonds totaling almost 1 cara...

Category

Antique 1690s Spanish Baroque Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Georgian Boxed Woven Pearl Starburst Tiara, Circa 1780
Georgian Boxed Woven Pearl Starburst Tiara, Circa 1780

Georgian Boxed Woven Pearl Starburst Tiara, Circa 1780

Located in Altrincham, GB

A spectacular Georgian tiara, gorgeously crafted and fitted in a royal blue velvet box. Its composed of countless natural and seed pearls, I can't imagine you could count them all- a...

Category

Antique 1780s English Georgian Vanity Items

Materials

Pearl, Base Metal

Eygptian Revival Deco Purse, 1920's
Eygptian Revival Deco Purse, 1920's

Eygptian Revival Deco Purse, 1920's

Located in New York, NY

Eygptian revival butter silk faille with scarab tinsel embroidery in silver and gold threads. Large emerald cut citrine paste and clear stones set into frame. Beautiful quality impor...

Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Evening Bags and Minaudières

Faberge Heritage Rose Gold Diamond & Pink Guilloche Enamel Heart Surprise Locket
Faberge Heritage Rose Gold Diamond & Pink Guilloche Enamel Heart Surprise Locket

Faberge Heritage Rose Gold Diamond & Pink Guilloche Enamel Heart Surprise Locket

By Fabergé

Located in New York, NY

The heritage rose gold diamond and pink guilloche enamel heart surprise locket features pink guilloche enamel and round white diamonds, set in 18 karat rose gold. In keeping with it...

Category

2010s European Russian Empire Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring
Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

Past Sights Beautiful example of Victorian period Essex Crystal reverse intaglio ring depicting birds into natural scene like a window on Eden garden, beautiful carving highly detail...

Category

Antique 1860s European Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Crystal, 18k Gold

Georgian Stuart Crystal Ring, 18th Century
Georgian Stuart Crystal Ring, 18th Century

Georgian Stuart Crystal Ring, 18th Century

Located in Stamford, CT

A rare, beautiful and magical Stuart Crystal Ring set in 15 Kt gold and backed in sterling silver. Before I say more please understand that none of the impurities shown in the photog...

Category

Antique 18th Century English George II Solitaire Rings

Materials

Crystal, 15k Gold

Platinum Edwardian Cushion Cut Aquamarine, Old Cut Diamond & Sapphire Halo Ring
Platinum Edwardian Cushion Cut Aquamarine, Old Cut Diamond & Sapphire Halo Ring

Platinum Edwardian Cushion Cut Aquamarine, Old Cut Diamond & Sapphire Halo Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Aquamarine, Diamond & Sapphire Ring Platinum Tested Circa 1910 This exquisite Edwardian ring is crafted from high-quality platinum and boasts a round shape design that i...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Pair 18th Century Spanish Rose-Cut Diamond and  18 K Gold Earring - Wearable Art
Pair 18th Century Spanish Rose-Cut Diamond and  18 K Gold Earring - Wearable Art

Pair 18th Century Spanish Rose-Cut Diamond and 18 K Gold Earring - Wearable Art

Located in OVIEDO, AS

Pair 18th Century Spanish "Salmantinos" Rose-Cut Diamond and Gold Earrings. Gold and Diamond earrings, which are a variation on the Pendeloque drop, Circa 1760 - 1780. (Wearable Art...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Georgian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Pink Topaz and Diamond Cluster Ring, English, Circa 1840
Victorian Pink Topaz and Diamond Cluster Ring, English, Circa 1840

Victorian Pink Topaz and Diamond Cluster Ring, English, Circa 1840

Located in London, GB

Victorian pink topaz and diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced pink topaz in an open back cut down setting with an approximate weight of...

Category

Antique 1840s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Yellow Gold, Silver

Exceptional 1920's Czech Egyptian Revival Jeweled Mesh Purse
Exceptional 1920's Czech Egyptian Revival Jeweled Mesh Purse

Exceptional 1920's Czech Egyptian Revival Jeweled Mesh Purse

Located in New York, NY

Wonderful, large 1920's Czech Jeweled Mesh Purse of the largest scale and finest quality relined by famed, Art Bag of Madison Ave. NY. Jeweled frame with faux lapis pate de verre mol...

Category

1920s Czech Evening Bags and Minaudières

Christian Dior by John Galliano Tie-Dye Print Leather and Lace Dress, FW 2000
Christian Dior by John Galliano Tie-Dye Print Leather and Lace Dress, FW 2000

Christian Dior by John Galliano Tie-Dye Print Leather and Lace Dress, FW 2000

By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in London, GB

▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2000 ▪ Fabric: Chèvre Velours (Goat Velvet), made from goatskin leather treated to have a soft, v...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

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Miniature Portrait Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact miniature portrait ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 14k Gold and 15k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You’re likely to find the perfect miniature portrait ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 19th Century. While most can agree that any miniature portrait ring from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Pearl version from the 1 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Most of our miniature portrait ring for sale are for women, but there are 5 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Miniature Portrait Ring?

Prices for a miniature portrait ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,195 and can go as high as $4,382, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,004.

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 ringsvintage 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.