Ruby Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A smaller sized yet still very fine ruby ring. The ruby weighs 0.89 carats and has a rich vivid red color, very fine quality. It is accented by a halo of bright white round brilliant...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald 1.43 Carat & Diamond Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 18K White Gold Diamond 0.08 Ring. This incredible cocktail ring is crafted in 18kt white gold. The center holds a beautiful emerald with an incredible play of color pattern...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Turquoise, Diamonds, Platinum Retrò Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful retrò ring in platinum structure mounted with a central turquoise surrounded by diamonds. For all the stem, diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master golds...
Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
Golden Beryl Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stylish ring featuring a unique gemstone, a golden yellow beryl, which is in the same family as emerald (green beryl) and morganite (pink beryl). It weighs 14.93 carats and is shap...
Beryl, Diamond, Platinum
Pink Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine, well-crafted ring featuring a fine gem of a tourmaline. It weighs 6.67 carats and has a rich yet bright pink color that soothes the soul. It is accented by 1.88 carats of fin...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A special ring hand-fabricated in platinum, featuring a 13.73 carat oval-shape aquamarine! It has a lovely sea-blue color with excellent brilliance and light return. It is accented b...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine Australian opal, most likely from the Lightning Ridge area, takes center state of this platinum made ring. It weighs 8.27 carats and has great play of color as flashes of gree...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Sapphire and Diamond You & Me ring
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire and Diamond You & Me ring A ring set with a pear-shaped diamond and sapphire accented by baguette-cut diamonds. Approximate Sapphire Weight: 1.61 carats Approxim...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Green Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A 10.50 carat tourmaline with a lively lime-green color takes center stage. It is accented by 0.50 carats of round and baguette-cut diamonds set around the tourmaline in a stylish pa...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
“Lotus” solitaire with antique cut cushion diamond
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
Exclusive "Lotus" style ring with diamonds and pink sapphires. The listing includes: 1.18-carat antique cut cushion diamond 4 round pink natural round pink sapphires 0.13-carat tot...
Diamond, Mixed Metal
Rubies, Diamonds, White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant ring in 9 kt white gold structure mounted with diamonds and, between of them, rubies. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditi...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A platinum ring featuring a superb gem quality pink sapphire. It has a bright and vivid reddish-pink color almost making the stone a ruby! It weighs 1.06 carats and is cut as a long ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Jadeite Jade Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large jadeite jade takes center stage of this platinum ring. It has an even oval shape with a bright and lively green color. It is accented by 1.28 carats of baguette and round bri...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sweet ring featuring a fine gem tourmaline. It weighs 2.58 carats and has a superb bright and vibrant reddish-pink color that dances in the light. It is complemented by 1.04 carats...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
$1,400
New York Diamond Ring
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
"Dainty Collection" Introducing our Diamond Lace Knot Ring in 18K White Gold. It features a knot-shaped design with intricate lace-like detailing. The ring is crafted from high-quali...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Green Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vibrant and vivid green colored tourmaline weighing 4.10 carats takes center stage. It has a lovely oval-shape and is accented by 1.48 carats of baguette-cut diamonds set around it...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Emeralds, Diamonds, White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant ring in 9 kt white gold structure mounted with diamonds and, between of them, three emeralds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect...
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely 4.12 carat cabochon emerald takes center stage. It has a rich royal “jelly-bean” green color that you will simply want to eat! It is accented by 6 round brilliant-cut diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sapphire, Diamonds, Platinum Retrò Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant retrò ring in platinum structure mounted with a central sapphire surrounded by a crown of diamonds. For all the stem, diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian mast...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
0.28 Ct Central Diamond, Rubies, Diamonds, Platinum Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing retrò ring in platinum structure mounted with a central diamond surrounded by a frame of rubies and diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Flower Diamond 14 Karat Gold Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and set with .15 carats of sparkling diamonds. Available in Rose, White and Yellow Gold The ring is a size 7 and may be re...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Horse Head Diamond Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
One-of-a-kind custom-made 14K yellow gold ring with a carved diamond in the shape of a horse head. PERIOD: Established 1950 ORIGIN: U.S. SIZE: Ring Sz: 6 Face: H3/8" x W7/8" Fami...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring, 1.83ct Emerald, 0.23ct Diamonds
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an emerald and ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely Australian opal which falls between a white and crystal opal, most likely from Lightning Ridge. It weighs 4.54 carats and has great play of color as the pattern rolls softly...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
White Gold Flower Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in Berlin, BE
Delicate and elegant flower-shaped cluster ring crafted in 18k white gold, featuring fine natural rubies and diamond accents. Type: Flower Cluster Ring Gemstones: Natural Rubies &a...
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond 18K White Gold Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This classic 18K white gold halfway band features a total of 1.52 carats of round brilliant diamonds arranged in three elegant rows. A central row of larger diamonds is gracefully fl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Flower Diamond 10 Karat Gold Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 10-karat gold and set with .67 carats of sparkling diamonds. Available in Rose, White and Yellow Gold The ring is a size 7 and may be re...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold
Sapphire Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A luscious 2.06 carat oval-shaped sapphire takes center stage. It has a bright and rich royal blue color and is free from any eye-visible inclusions. It is accented by a double halo ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.16 Carat Diamond White Gold Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
12 Baguette Diamonds: 0.64 Carats 20 White Round Diamonds: 0.52 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold, 5.02 Grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum 0.55tcw G Vs1 Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage ring is crafted in solid platinum and set with 0.55 total carats of G-H color, VS clarity diamonds. The diamonds are arranged to maximize sparkle while maintaini...
Diamond, Platinum
Ruby, Diamonds, Platinum Retrò Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic flower ring in platinum structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect condi...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Men's Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Men's Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring A white gold ring set with a cabochon emerald, accented by round-cut diamonds. Approximate Emerald Weight: 1.95 carats Approximate Diamond W...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Victoria Platinum Diamond Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely Crafted in platinum with Marquise cut Diamonds weighing a total of 2.00 carats and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of 0.34 carats. Signed by Tiffany & Co. fr...
Diamond, Platinum
Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Ring A diamond ring featuring an old mine cut diamond, accented with round cut diamonds and four square cut rubies. Approximate Center Old Mine Diamond We...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum 1.70ct Diamond East-West Ring MF01-041026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This Platinum ring is uniquely elegant. At the center, an oval cut 1.0 carat Diamond set in a horizontal, East-West arrangement serves as a stunning focal point. Additional Diamond a...
Diamond, Platinum
Rubelite Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb example of the fine red variety of tourmaline called rubelite. This example shaped as an oval weighs 9.17 carats and has a vivid red color that rivals the finest rubies, giv...
Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, Platinum
$9,954Sale Price|20% Off
6.95 ct Oval Cut Ceylon Blue Sapphire Ring With Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:6.558g,D:1.42ct, Sapp:6.95ct, US-7
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold 1.27ct Diamond Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
With a design rooted in structure and balance, this diamond ring places light and geometry at the heart of its form. At its center is a 1.02-carat step-cut diamond with crisp facets....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cats Eye Chrysoberyl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cats Eye Chrysoberyl and Diamond Ring A yellow gold ring set with a cat's eye accented by 18 round cut diamonds Approximate Catseye Weight: 6.75 Approximate Diamond Weight: 2.52 ...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Platinum Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in platinum structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by diamonds and two drop sapphires. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is ...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Blue Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sleek and sexy platinum ring featuring a gem cabochon tourmaline. It weighs 2.33 carats and has a rich indicolite blue color. It is accented by two rows of diamonds, baguette, and ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
LUCEA Morganite and Diamond Ring
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
"Palm Beach" This delicate side ring centers a plush cushion morganite, its peachy-pink glow framed by radiant-cut diamonds that amplify its dreamy light. it offers vintage-inspired ...
Diamond, Morganite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,350
Spinel Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic ring featuring a fine spinel weighing 1.70 carats. It has a slighting pinkish-red color that is vivid, bright, and full of life. It is complemented by 1.30 carats of round ...
Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Tanzanite Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A modern designed ring featuring a 11.69 carat tanzanite with an amazing vibrant gemmy blue-purple color. It has great brilliance and life allowing it to shine brightly. It is accent...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
Cabochon Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb gem emerald takes center stage of this platinum made ring. It weighs 4.87 carats and has a gemmy vivid grass green color that rivals the finest of emeralds on the market. It...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Gold, Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Gold, Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Ring Of round design, composed of lapis lazuli and round brilliant cut diamonds. Diamonds weighing a total of approximately .40 carats 12 karat yellow...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Platinum 0.54ct Diamond and Black Opal Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Rare and distinct, this piece features a 4.65-carat black opal carrying blue and green flashes across a dark base. It is set high on a 2mm platinum band and held by four slim claw pr...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Ruby, Onyx, Diamonds, Platinum Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic retrò ring in platinum structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a frame of diamonds and onyx. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it ...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
Large Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Large Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring A yellow gold disc-shaped cocktail ring featuring a textured sunburst design, accented with marquise-cut rubies along the border. At the center...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
IGI Certified Diamond Ring 1 Carats Total Platinum
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the IGI Laboratory Certificate #38J040522110 55 Diamonds = 1 Carats ( Clarity: VS; Color: E-F ) Cut: Round, Baguette Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing avail...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Baguette Link Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Diamond Baguette Link Ring in 18K white gold captures the perfect balance between modern architecture and timeless luxury. Designed with two precisely aligned rows of baguette di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Paisley Dress Ring
By Jaipur Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stylish ring of modern open paisley design with a mix of beautiful gemstones. This ring features a center 1.33 Carats oval cut Ruby encased with .51 Carats of White Diamonds set i...
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold, Silver
$3,700
Spinel Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive spinel weighing 3.84 carats! It is a light pleasing violetish-blue color and is free from any eye visible inclusions. It is accented by 1.10 carats of round br...
Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural 3.42cts Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a diamond. The ...
Diamond
Tsavorite Garnet Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fantastic ring featuring a fine tsavorite garnet weighing 1.95 carats. It has a lovely oval-shape along with strong rich grass-green color. It is complemented by 0.96 carats of rou...
Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, Platinum
Multi Diamond Diagonal Cluster Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exuberant ring bursts with a floral cluster of marquise, round, and baguette-cut diamonds, arranged in an asymmetrical, blossom-like pattern that gives the piece a lively, organ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.02 Carat Cushion Cut Fancy Greenish Yellow Diamond Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 2.02 Carat Cushion Cut Fancy Greenish Yellow Diamond Ring. Set with a colorful array of mixed-cut pink and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White ...
DBD Golden Moonstone Diamond Ring
By Jaipur Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DBD Golden Moonstone Diamond Ring features a glimmering gold Moonstone and studded with gold 'kundan' set brilliant-cut diamonds on a band. A perfect stylish dress ring to adorn any ...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
0.88 Carat Diamond White Gold Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
34 White Round Diamonds: 0.34 Carats 83 White Baguette Diamonds: 2.54 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold, 6.19 Grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.83 Carat Diamond White Gold Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
4 White Round Diamonds: 0.81 Carats 38 White Baguette Diamonds: 2.02 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold, 12.99 Grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.
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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.