Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Onyx Ring in Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra onyx ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is composed of a clover motif set with black onyx, framed by polised edge. Due...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Panthère Tsavorite and Onyx Geometric Ring, Size 67
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A striking vintage Cartier Panthère ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is designed as a bold geometric interpretation of the iconic panther head, featuring an openwork...
Onyx, Tsavorite, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Ring 18K Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Feasterville, PA
A refined Vintage Alhambra ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, highlighting the elegance of onyx. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the ring features a single Alhambra clover motif, with onyx set...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Philippine Diamond And Onyx Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Philippine ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring polished black onyx and brilliant-cut diamonds. The bold band is accented with smooth bla...
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
0.37cttw Diamond and Onyx Round Cocktail Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This bold and beautiful ring features pave set round cut diamonds set in a wave pattern with black onyx. Total diamond weight: 0.37 carat. Diamond color H-I and SI1 clarity. Crafted ...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Petite Wheaton Onyx Diamond Sterling Silver Ring Size 7
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Collection: Petite Wheaton Material: Sterling silver Gemstone: Natural black onyx approximately 10mm long × 8mm wide Diamonds: Approximately 0.08 ct Design: ...
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver
0.36cttw Diamond and Onyx Round Cocktail Ring 14k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This bold and beautiful ring features pave set round cut diamonds set in a wave pattern with black onyx. Total diamond weight: 0.36 carat. Diamond color I and SI1 clarity. Crafted in...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring with Onyx and Diamonds
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring with Onyx and Diamonds Size 6. 8 round diamonds 3.60 grams total weight. *This ring can be resized at your local jeweler if need.
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver Cushion Onyx 3-Piece Jewelry Set Ring Earrings Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Discover the timeless elegance of this stunning three-piece jewelry set, beautifully crafted from .925 sterling silver and adorned with natural, heat-treated black onyx. Each piece i...
Onyx, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
14 Karat Onyx and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring Freeform 0.03 TDW
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Free Form Onyx Ring with Diamonds 0.03 Total Diamond Weight. Size 6.5 3.54 grams total weight.
Onyx, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. HardWear Black Onyx 18k Pink Gold Solitaire Ring Size 4
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Collection: HardWear Style: Solitaire Ring Material: 18k Pink Gold Gemstones: Black onyx Onyx Diameter: Approximately 8 mm Top Measurements: Approximately 8.1 × ...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Onyx Fashion Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Black Onyx Fashion Ring Brilliance and luster in collaboration with simplicity is what this gorgeous ring has to offer. This ring represents an essen...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 6 Carat Oval Coral Diamond and Onyx Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Coral, Onyx and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring, Centering a securely Hand set 6 Carat Oval Cabochon Coral. Surrounded by 66 OEC Diamonds, approx. 1....
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Cartier Rare Rouleaux 18K White Gold Onyx, Ruby And Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of Cartier's celebrated Rouleaux collection, this 18K white gold ring showcases the maison's mastery of geometric design and exceptional gemstone craftsmanship. Th...
Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
9.47 Carat Carved Onyx Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Flower Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A beautiful ring cast in 18-karat gold. It is hand set in 9.47 carats carved green onyx, .19 carats sapphire & .11 carats of sparkling diamonds. See other flower collection pieces. ...
Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Designer Ring with 0.10 CTW in Black Onyx & Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This striking designer ring is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features a flexible coil/shank design that wraps comfortably on the finger for a modern, sculptural look.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
New Made 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Onyx Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
New Made 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Onyx Decorated Solitaire Ring In very good condition. Total weight 5.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.37 ct. The diamond is has H color vs1 ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Nigeria Onyx and White Diamonds Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Nigeria wide band ring, pave-set with round brilliant-cut diamonds and polished-top black onyx, in 18k yellow gold, numbered '606791' and signed 'Cartier'. Diamonds weighing approxim...
White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère Ring in 18K White Gold with Diamonds, Emeralds & Onyx
By Cartier
Located in Lucerne, CH
A bold reinterpretation of Cartier’s iconic panther, this ring blends sculptural elegance with striking detail. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, the design is brought to life with a p...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Serpenti Snake Viper Black Onyx & Diamond Pave 18K Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Tysons, VA
Bulgari Serpenti Viper ring crafted in luxurious 18K gold and accented with rich black onyx and brilliant natural diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Infinity Symbol Interchangeable Gems Onyx Cocktail Ring.
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
18K White Gold Infinity Symbol Interchangeable Gems Onyx Gold Cocktail Ring. The Infinite Magic of Gems cocktail ring is made of 18 karat white gold and features an half drilled ball...
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Men's Signet Ring in 925 Sterling Silver with 6.37ct Oval Black Onyx
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description:Refined with a bold edge. This men's signet ring in silver is handcrafted with an oval domed cabochon black onyx, bezel-set on a sculpted shank. Each cabochon ...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
18k Onyx, Diamonds and white gold ring
By Naz Hariri
Located in London, GB
This minimalist ring will serve you well for so many occasions.Inspired by Art Deco,Geometric,machine age and also inspired by the cubists and the industrial revolution. MATERIALS ...
White Gold
Cartier Tank Black Onyx Unisex Ring 18K White Gold Size 50 US 5.75
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank black onyx unisex ring crafted in 18k white gold. Ring size 50 US 5.5-5.75. Excellent pre-owned condition. Does not show any signs of wear. Original box and papers are n...
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Yurman Black Onyx Intaglio Octagon 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 8
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Style: Black Onyx Intaglio Octagon Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: DY 750 Gemstones: Natural black onyx with intaglio carving Design: Octagonal sta...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Yurman Green Onyx Intaglio Octagon 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size 10
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Style: Green Onyx Intaglio Octagon Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: DY 750 Gemstones: Natural green onyx with intaglio carving Design: Octagonal sta...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handmade Italian 14kt White Gold Boxer Dog Head Ring with Onyx Eyes
Located in Viena, Viena
very cute, a very lovely designed animal motif ring in the shape of a dog's head probably a boxer, structured and matted surface, worked with great attention to detail, recessed ony...
Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
$102Sale Price / item|50% Off
Handcrafted Cushion Black Onyx Solitaire Unisex Ring in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This Handcrafted Cushion Cut Black Onyx Solitaire Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these solitaire ring to make a statement with your look. These solitaire ring create a spark...
Onyx, Silver, Sterling Silver
Chanel Camelia Large Onyx 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 5 1/2
By Chanel
Located in Feasterville, PA
Crafted in dramatic black onyx and luminous 18k white gold, this oversized ring features a meticulously carved camellia bloom.
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Horse Ring and Black Onyx Center Stone
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat yellow gold horse ring, centering a trillion cut black Onyx (6.55 carats). Each horse eye is set with natural rubies, totaling 8 rubies. ✔ Natural Black Onyx and Ruby's ✔ ...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,190Sale Price|30% Off
JR Briolette Diamond and Onyx Flower 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR Briolette Diamond and Onyx Flower 18 Karat White Gold Ring Our eccentric flower dangling diamond Briolettes ring is an absolute show-stopper. The Briolette diamonds & Onyx used i...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Yurman Amethyst Green Onyx Cable 14k Yellow Gold Ring Size 7
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: David Yurman Collection/Style: Cable Statement Ring Material: 14k yellow gold Hallmarks: D. Yurman 14k Gemstones: Natural cabochon amethyst and natural green onyx Design:...
Amethyst, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robert Trisko Triangular Onyx Inlay Squared Band Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This striking ring showcases a triangular black onyx tablet inlaid into a bold, angular gold band, its clean geometric form creating sharp, graphic contrast against the polished warm...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Statement RIng Featuring An Unenhanced Mozambique Ruby, Onyx & Diamonds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This striking custom made 18k yellow gold cocktail ring is bezel set with one center transverse mounted Mozambique ruby, having a total approximate weight of 2.00ct*. Fine rubies are...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
8.25 carats, Zambian Emerald, Black Onyx & Diamonds Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Black Onyx Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Geometric Single Stone Green Onyx Solitaire Ring in Silver Bezel Set
Located in New York, NY
This single stone ring features a single octagon shaped Green Onyx gemstone totalling 1.9 carats set in bezel.
Onyx, Silver, Sterling Silver
1970's Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Heraldic Crest Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion shaped onyx tablet measuring 17.5 x 14.0 mm - opaque glossy black Bezel set with a raised gold cameo appliqué of a heraldic crest shield with scrolls Depicting a ...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Robert Trisko Squared Modernist Band Ring with Onyx in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This striking Robert Trisko square modernist style ring in 14 Karat yellow gold is a boldly conceived and beautifully executed work of wearable art that exemplifies the best of moder...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Encrusted Triple Row Ring With Onyx Shoulders in Yellow Gold
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This marvelous Late 20th Century cocktail ring, fashioned from 14k yellow gold, is comprised of three diamond encrusted bombe center sections flanked by black onyx bombe shoulders. T...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Black Onyx Cabochon Ring Sz 8.5 14k Yellow Gold Signet Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage black onyx ring crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1970s). Black onyx measures 8mm x 6mm. Minimal, sculptural, and exceptionally wearable, this vintage yellow gol...
Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Onyx Spinning Optical 18k White Gold Steel Ring with Box Size 5.5
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic Bvlgari Onyx Spinning Optical Ring is expertly crafted in luxurious 18k white gold and stainless steel with a striking natural black onyx inlay.
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Steel
Ring with onyx and single cut diamonds up to 0.15ct 14k gold 10.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with onyx and single cut diamond up to approx. 0.15ct - F/G - VS/SI - ringsize US 7.75 - EU 18 (57) detailed description: the front of the ring is 1.3 cm...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold
Bvlgari Onyx Spinning Optical 18k White Gold Steel Ring with Box Size 6.5
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic Bvlgari ring is crafted in luxurious 18k white gold and stainless steel with a sleek black onyx inlay.
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Steel
Meghna Jewels Claw Green Onyx Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This Claw ring, it extrudes sophistication and elegance. Handcrafted in 18K gold & sterling silver. Claw pave arches are enhanced with sparkling 0.71 ct diamonds with a marquise sha...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Estate Bulgari Pyramid Onyx and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Houston, TX
Bulgari Pyramid ring in 18K white gold featuring onyx accented by round diamonds. There are 46 round diamonds that total 1.35 carats, F-G color and VVS2-VS1 clarity. Presentation a...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Onyx Clover Motif and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with the exquisite Clover Motif Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold. This stunning piece features a striking black ...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Gold, Jade, Amethyst, Coral, Black & White Onyx Cluster Dome Ring
Located in North Miami, FL
This 1960's vintage cluster sculptural cocktail dome ring has beautiful detail of the 14K yellow gold in spiral forms interspersed with various round stones of jade, coral, amethyst ...
Onyx, Jade, Coral, Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
Bulgari Twisted Ring in 18 Karat White Gold, Diamonds and Onyx
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
BVLGARI FLIP DIAMOND & ONYX 18 K WHITE GOLD RING, Size 49, very tiny (US ring size 4.75)! Retail price: 2500 US$ Every woman will be mesmirezed wearing such a unique sparkling b...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
17.06-carat Tourmaline & Onyx & Ruby & Diamond Ring, 18K Rose Gold, Austy Lee
By Austy Lee
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Austy Lee reimagines the untamed power of the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake in the Redhot Diamondback Ring, a breathtaking creation from The Ikhor Collection. At its core lies a c...
Tourmaline, Ruby, Onyx, Diamond, Enamel, Rhodium, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
.925 Sterling Silver Black Onyx and Yellow Citrine Marquise and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a stunning piece that exudes elegance and sophistication, this .925 Sterling Silver Fleur De Lis Fashion Band Ring is a true masterpiece. Crafted with care, it showcases ...
Onyx, White Diamond, Diamond, Citrine, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
.925 Sterling Silver Black Onyx and Yellow Citrine Marquise and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a stunning piece that exudes elegance and sophistication, this .925 Sterling Silver Fleur De Lis Fashion Band Ring is a true masterpiece. Crafted with care, it showcases ...
Onyx, White Diamond, Diamond, Citrine, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
Cocktail Ring with Carved Green Onyx in Center Surrounded by Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt gold:4.07g, Diamond:2.44ct Onyx Black :9.95Cts" Silver:5.75g
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Vintage 2.51 Carat GIA NO HEAT Red Spinel Diamond Onyx Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Finely detailed Red Spinel GIA NO HEAT Diamond and Onyx Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a Hand set securely nestled 2.51 Carat Orangy Red Spinel, GIA repo...
Diamond, Onyx, Spinel, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Black Onyx 18k Yellow Gold Stack Band Ring Size 5 EU 49
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Style: Black Onyx & Diamond Band Ring Material: 18k yellow gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 49 128363 Gemstones: Black onyx and diamonds Diamonds: Approximately 0.06 carats...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
RIng with onyx and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 13.4 grams 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold men's ring set with onyx and a brilliant-cut diamond entourage of up to 0.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
70s Vintage Onyx Diamond Large Cocktail Ring 18k Yellow Gold 7.25 Oval Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage onyx & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.18tcw 14K Black Onyx, Diamond & Natural Emerald Accent Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A large and swanky, multi-gemstone cocktail statement ring. The center stone features a 4-carat black onyx, cut in the shape of a marquise. Surrounding the center stone are 25 pave s...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Chantecler Black Onyx Diamond Dome Shaped Ring 18k Yellow Gold 0.50cttw Size 6.5
By Chantecler
Located in New York, NY
This is an "Estate Jewelry" made of black onyx and diamond ring crafted in 18k yellow gold with radiant summer glow. This enchanting Italian designer ring is elegant and straightforw...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large 18K Yellow Gold, Fluted Black Onyx and Diamond Knot Style Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This tailored Late-20th Century, ladies 18K yellow gold cocktail ring is designed as a large and striking knot. The contrast of the brilliant white diamonds set into rhodium plates j...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Vintage Diamond Cube Ring Onyx Enamel Sz 7 Platinum Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond cube ring crafted in 900 platinum (circa 1970s). Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.75 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Platinum, Enamel
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.
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 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.