$975Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Cut: Oval cabochon Weight:...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Exquisite 18K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, 2.75ct Opal
Located in jaipur, IN
Specifications Dimensions: Length: 1.7 cm, Width: 1.5 cm Gross Weight: 3.760 gms Gold Weight: 3.154 gms Gold Purity: 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Weight: 0.28 ct Opal Weight: 2.75 ct th...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
$3,135
Opal Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful 14-karat yellow gold and opal cluster cocktail ring, circa mid-20th century, 1960s.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Stunning 14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, 1.60ct Opal
Located in jaipur, IN
Specifications Dimensions: Length: 1.2 cm, Width: 1 cm Gross Weight: 3.440 gms Gold Weight: 3.074 gms Gold Purity: 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Weight: 0.23 cts Opal Weight: 1.60 cts t...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Natural 2.45ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 9k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Black Boulder Opal 9k Yellow Gold Signet Ring. A stunning 2.45 carat natural black boulder opal with a beautiful blue, purple and green play of colour and an exce...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare 3.02ct Australian Matrix Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Cushion Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Cabochon cut into a cushion shape. This unique opal is set in an 18k yellow gold rubover bezel signet style ring.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 1.56ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Set in an 18k yellow gold rubover bezel signet ring. This boulder matrix opal has a black body colour typical of fine opals from Lightening Ridge.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 3.45ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Set in an 18k yellow gold rubover bezel signet ring. This boulder matrix opal has a black body colour typical of fine opals from Winton, Queensland.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Opal and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 4.4 Grams Ring Size: 6 (resizable) Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: Opal Gemst...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18kt ring yellow gold Opal and diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Opal 1,40ct & diamonds 0,22ct
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful 14k yellow gold opal encircled with diamonds ring. 7.15 Grams TW.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$390Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage Style Opal and pearl Silver, Gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Genuine Opal ring. Weight: 4 gr (depends from size) Central gemstone: Opal, round cabochon cut, 0.5 ct, transparent, multicolor Freshwater cultivated pearl - 5 mm., white color, bu...
Opal, Pearl, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$425Sale Price / item|50% Off
Crescent Moon and Opal Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 silver ring multicolor opal ring. Crescent Moon and Opal Ring.A delicate gold ring with a crescent moon design and a white opal.
Opal, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
18k 1.66 Carat Australian Opal Halo Ring, Cocktail Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Oval Australian opal set on basket-like cluster design. Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Stone: Australian Opal Stone Shape: Oval Stone Weight: 1.66 Carat Accent Stone: Natural Diamonds Di...
Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage Mutli Gemstone and Opal Gold Bombay Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Multi Gemstone and Opal Vintage Gold Bombay Cluster Ring. Securely Hand set with Multi Gemstones, and Opal.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The exquisite black opal ring, adorned with shimmering diamonds, captivates with its mysterious beauty, casting a spell of elegance and intrigue. The center black opal weighs appro...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$626Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and peridots
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring.
Peridot, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Art Deco Opal and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set in 9ct yellow gold. The glossy and colourful stone is set in simple claws and has flashes of red orange and green. Size: L 1/2 or 6 Stone Diameter...
Opal, Gold
Opal and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Bethesda, MD
A stunning 18kt gold ring featuring a bezel-set Australian opal that captivates with vibrant play-of-color—rich reds and oranges dancing across the stone, complemented by flashes of ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
14 Karat Mexican Fire Opal with Tsavorite Garnet Ring, Carrot Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Mexican fire opal paired with Tsavorite garnet in 14k gold Metal Type: 14 Karat solid yellow gold Stone size: 4mm x 6mm Fire opal Side stones: 2mm Tsavorite garnet LEAD TIME: Made t...
Garnet, Opal, Tsavorite, Fire Opal, Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 6- This lovely ring features five oval opals (6 mm x 4 mm each) and four round brilliant cut diamonds set in beautifully deta...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
$626Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and pearl
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring.
Cultured Pearl, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Ring with Garnets and Opals
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This vintage 18K yellow gold ring features an elegant vertical arrangement of two deep red garnets accented by two small opals.
Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold
$975Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Rubies, Diamonds and Opals
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural rubies, diamonds and opals.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Art Deco Opal and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set in 9ct yellow & white gold. The glossy and colourful stone s set in simple claws. Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/4 Stone Dimensions: 10x8mm Weight: 1.7 grams
Opal, Gold
Antique 1915 Opal and Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Edwardian-era ring, hallmarked for 1915, showcases a glowing arrangement of opals and old-cut diamonds in a finely detailed gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7- This lovely ring features one oval opal (10 mm x 8 mm) and four round brilliant cut diamonds set in beautifully detailed 18K yello...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 6.5- This stunning ring features 16 round opals and three round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.75- This lovely ring features one pear shaped opal (9 mm x 5 mm) surrounded by 27 round single cut diamonds set in classic 14K white...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Opal and 9 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
There is an inscription on the inside of the band which is rather worn so the letters 'H P R' is all that can be read. Modelled in 9ct gold. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Stone Dimensions...
Opal, Gold
9K Yellow Gold Cabochon Amethyst and Opal Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 7.22 carat.
Amethyst, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring A white gold ring set with a round opal surrounded by marquise cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$975Sale Price / item|44% Off
Opal Cocktail 14k Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Yellow Oval opal ring. 14k gold ring with Opal. Minimalist opal ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Opal, Citrine, Sapphire and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Beautifully made 18k yellow gold cocktail ring featuring a prong set 9.18 carat opal set in a pink sapphire swirl that leads to a cascade of faceted vitrines with .16 carats of diamo...
Citrine, Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$975Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal, Ruby and Diamonds, Turtle Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal, ruby and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Weight: 1.10 ct appr...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
$14,259Sale Price|20% Off
Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
By Michael Rose
Located in London, GB
An opal and diamond platinum ring This beautiful opal and diamond ring is handcrafted in platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 1.93 carats and Ruby 3.28 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 8.14 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was...
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
$490Sale Price|30% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
color:GH clarity:SI1 brand:- metal:14K GOLD type: ring weight:2.5Gr size: 6 US
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brushed Gold Opal and Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
Flush-set diamonds add a subtle sparkle, enhancing the ring’s clean, contemporary look. Product Details Metal: 14 karat yellow gold Gemstone: Natural elongated opal Accent Stones: F...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Opal and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are gorgeous and throw some great colours.
Opal, Gold
White Opal and Diamond Two-Color 14k Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Opal and Diamond Two-Color 14k Gold Ring Details: 14 kt. yellow and white gold, one oval opal ap. 13.85 cts., 32 round diamonds ap. 3.95 cts.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The stones are set in platinum and the ring is modelled in 9carat gold. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1983.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Ocean Blue Opal Ring Gold Australian Blue Opal Statement Ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Boulder Opal 18K white gold and blackened silver ring Opal origin - Australia stone measurements - 0.51 х 1.06 in / 13 х 27 mm ring weight - 40 grams ring size - 8.5 US We shi...
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold
Art Deco Opal and 22 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set in 22ct yellow & white gold. The glossy and colourful stone is set in simple claws and moulded shoulders. Size: L or 5 3/4 Stone Dimensions: 6.5x6...
Opal, Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Bombe Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
All the stones sit in 9carat gold claws. Ring Size: Q or 8 Cluster Diameter: 17mm Height Off Finger: 9mm Weight: 4.6g
Garnet, Opal, Gold
$850 / item
Opal Tsavorite Garnet Three Stone Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Cabochon genuine opal with two Tsavorite garnet accents. Customizable ring This pearly white opal symbolize a mother with two child.
Garnet, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$850 / item
Opal Tsavorite Garnet Three Stone Ring
By Rose and Choc 1
Located in Wallingford, CT
Cabochon genuine opal with two Tsavorite garnet accents. Customizable ring This pearly white opal symbolize a mother with two child.
Garnet, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage Peridot and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The ring is modelled in 9 carat gold and fully hallmarked London 1976.
Peridot, Opal, Gold
Vintage 14KT White Gold Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage ring crafted in 14KT white gold, set with a marquise-shaped opal displaying strong play-of-colour with flashes of green, pink, and orange.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds a garnet measuring 15pts and opals surrounding it.
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Edwardian Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
All stones here have been expertly claw set in platinum atop a slim 18ct yellow gold knife edge band for a refined finish. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.7 grams Ring Size: L...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Yellow Gold Ring and Australian Coober Pedy Opal
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt yellow gold ring with a magnificent oval cabochon solid Australian Crystal Opal weight 9,94 carats from Coober Pedy mines area .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Opal Cocktail Ring, Vintage 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and substantial vintage opal gemstone and 14-Karat yellow gold cocktail ring, circa 1960s.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
14k Solid Gold Statement Diamond and Opal Wedding Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Total Carat Weight: 0.24 & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Statement Base Metal: Yellow Gold, 14k Clarity: VS-Si Type: Ring Secondary Stone: Diamond, White/Precious...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Gin and Grace 14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring features a captivating 8x10mm oval-cut Ethiopian opal weighing 1.71 carats, radiating with a mesmerizing play of color. Flanking the center stone are two 2x4mm ov...
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are gorgeous and throw some great colours.
Opal, Gold
Ladies Gold Ring with Big Opal and Blue Sapphires
Located in Berlin, DE
Pretty ladies gold ring with big opal and blue sapphires. Including certificate of authenticity.
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Tanzanite and Opal Ring #13769
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Tanzanite and Opal Ring Size 7.25-7.5 JAGi Certified- This lovely ring features one pear shaped tanzanite (9 mm x 6 mm) and two cabochon pear shaped whi...
Opal, Tanzanite, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal and precious opal ring in silver with gold-plated setting sapphire
Located in Berlin, DE
Materials: 925 silver, 18K gold bezels Stones: Opal 4x9mm, 6x11 mm, round-cut Diamonds 2 mm, Sapphire 3x5mm, Tourmaline 5x5 mm Ring size: 58-59 (ø 18.5 mm), US: 8.5 – resizing availa...
Opal, Sapphire, Gold Plate, Silver
Opal Pearl and Carnelian Ring
By Lola Florence Hawaii
Located in Kailua Kona, HI
Authentic Vintage signed Judy Lee Faux Pearl & Opal gold tone Ring with adjustable sizing. Faux Pearls and Opal are beautifully prong set in the original Judy Lee design and Faceted ...
Carnelian, Opal, Pearl, Gold-filled, Base Metal
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.
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).
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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
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.
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.
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.