$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 Opal and 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are gorgeous and throw some great colours.
Opal, 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
9K Yellow Gold Amethyst Cabochon and Opal Poison Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning Amethyst Cabochon and Opal Poison Ring features a beautifully smooth amethyst cabochon set in a secure bezel.
Amethyst, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Jelly Opal, Fire Opal, and Diamonds by Paula Crevoshay
By Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Indulge in the ethereal beauty of this exquisite 18K yellow gold ring by Paula Crevoshay, featuring a mesmerizing 6.88-carat jelly opal, 2.32 carats of fire opals, and 1.21 carats of...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Nestled amidst vibrant green emeralds, the black opal ring exuded an enchanting allure. The center black opal weighs approximately 9.50 carats and is accompanied with a GIA Black, N...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Floral ring features a radiant round natural opal at its center, beautifully encircled by shimmering pearls.
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Vintage 2.02 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning vintage opal engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring - VHK#566
Located in Hicksville, NY
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring - VHK#566 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9 grams Diamond Details...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
12k Gold Leaves and Layered Opal Cluster Ring 1970s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Collectible fine jewelry piece from the '70s - Ring size 6 (US) - .75" depth cluster - 12 karat gold (stamped 12k) - Prong set opal gemstone cabochons - Circa ...
Opal, Gold
$978Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Elephant Ring with Opal, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k solid gold Elephant ring with natural opal, sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold
9K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Full of vintage charm, this ring showcases a round prong-set opal that shimmers with soft, iridescent hues.
Opal, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline, Diamond and Opal Ring
Located in Stuart, FL
14k yellow gold fashion ring with a pink tourmaline center stone along with opal and diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The mix of rubies and opals makes the perfect pretty and feminine colour way. The rubies measure 4pts each. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Cluster Diameter: 9mm Height Off Finger: 5mm Wei...
Opal, Ruby, Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds round cut garnets totalling approx 50pts and a shimmering opal at the centre.
Garnet, Opal, Gold
10k Victorian Opal and Garnet Cluster ring. 10k Yellow Gold with Claw set opal
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1910s Size: 3 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Opal Gem color: White Band color: Gold Style: Victorian About this item Stunning antique opal and garnet cluster ring....
Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Ring Opal and Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant 18k Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opal and Diamonds This stunning 18k yellow gold ring features a magnificent opal of approximately 5ct, showcasing a vibrant play of colo...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Quatrefoil White Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine antique cabochon cut opal cocktail ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Gold Ruby and Opal Fashion Ring 1.00 Carat
Located in New York, NY
Amazing 18KT rose gold ruby and opal fashion ring features 0.80ct of ruby and 0.20ct opal Ring size: 7.75 Can be resized to any finger size
Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Opal and Amethyst Floral Cluster Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Its floral-inspired arrangement creates a graceful composition that beautifully reflects the charm of an Amethyst Flower Ring. Crafted in 9K yellow gold with vintage-inspired elegan...
Opal, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Antique Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique cabochon cut opal ring has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Two Tone Gold 26.76ct Fire Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Mexican fire opals are especially prized for their vivid body color and luminous internal flashes, and a carved example of this scale is particularly rare, making the ring far more i...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds round cut garnets totalling approx 60pts and a shimmering opal at the centre.
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Oval Cabochon Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 20.5 Grams Ring Size: 9.75 Ring Measurements: 22.1 mm x 23.5 mm Gemstone Specifications:...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Italian Yellow Gold Ring with Opal and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Beautifully made in 18kt yellow gold, it features a luminous white opal of approximately 1.75 carats as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst and Opal Floral Cluster Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The layered bloom creates the graceful charm of an Opal Flower Ring with captivating depth. Crafted in 9K yellow gold with Victorian-inspired styling, this Amethyst Opal Ring brings...
Opal, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Flower” Ring 9 Carat Yellow Gold Opals And Diamonds
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Romantic flower ring in 9 carat yellow gold, set with 4 cabochon-cut pear-shaped opals.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage 13.50 Carat Opal and 20k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive 20k gold and opal ring is supplied with an independent gemstone grading report card.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Stones set in platinum and band modelled in 18ct gold and fully hallmarked London 1975. Ring Size: J or 4 3/4 Cluster Diameter: 1mm Height off finger : 8mm Weight: 4.3g
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
18K Gold Oval Opal and Diamond 21st Century Cocktail Ring
Located in Ocala, FL
A captivating expression of color and elegance, this 18-karat gold ring showcases a luminous oval cabochon opal measuring approximately 9.00 x 7.00 mm.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The mix of rubies and opals makes the perfect pretty and feminine colour way. The rubies measure 5pts each. hallmarked London 1979. Ring Size: R or 8 3/4 Cluster Diameter: 14mm He...
Opal, Ruby, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamonds, Opal And Sapphires Cocktail Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 14K yellow gold diamonds, opal and sapphires cocktail ring.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14k Solid Gold Statement Ring Diamond And Opal Wedding Ring Women Ring Jewelry.
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Statement Ring Diamond And Opal Wedding Ring Women Ring Jewelry.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold 1.50ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF04-050526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A detailed 14K White Gold setting makes this luxury ring breathtaking from any angle.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Freeform Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 13 round brilliant cut = 0.13cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1-2 Dimension: ring top measures 23mm wide Ring Size: 10 (please allo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.60ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF09-050126
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This exquisitely crafted ring is endlessly captivating. At the center, a stunning 15.0 carat Opal adds a stylish pop of color.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 0.95ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF19-050626
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury ring is a study in contrasts. Bands of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.95 carats elevate the 14K Yellow Gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970's Opal and Diamond Halo Ring 14k Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
The setting is mainly white gold but the prongs holding the opal are yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Opal 5-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k yellow gold ring features a five-stone arrangement of opal cabochons, each displaying soft flashes of color that shift beautifully in the light.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Opal Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in New York City, NY
Chic black opal, diamond and 18K white gold dome ring. It features a large oval shaped approx. 4.50 carat black opal as the focal point and flanked by approx. 1.00 carats of high gra...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
$2,680Sale Price|20% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal "Doublet" and Diamond Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat Opal "Doublet" and diamond ring with 7 diamond weighing .61pts.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 6.25 #24447
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 6.25 This delicate ring features an oval opal cabochon (5.8 mm x 3.5 mm) with soft flashes of pastel color, accented by two round brillian...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 12.60ct Tourmaline and Opal Ring MF20-011526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring beautifully combines unique colors and textures.
Opal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Solid Gold Statement Ring Diamond And Opal Wedding Ring Women Ring Jewelry.
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Statement Ring Diamond And Opal Wedding Ring Women Ring Jewelry.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.5 #23192
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5.5 This elegant ring is crafted in 14K white gold and features a luminous oval opal (7.8 mm x 6.2 mm) surrounded by 14 round brilliant cut...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.00 Carat Rectangular Opal and Diamond Gold Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Rectangular Opal and Diamond Gold Halo Ring. Centering a securely nestled 1 Carat Rectangular Opal.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring features Natural Boulder Opal weighing 12.32 carats in an elongated shape with Pink, Gre...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1940s Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1.10 carat opal and 0.04 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections This f...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 4.5 #23845
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Opal and Diamond Ring Size 4.5- This elegant ring features a stunning oval opal gemstone (11.4 mm x 8 mm) framed by eight sparkling brilliant cut diamonds set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 3.0ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF07-013026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A fiery 8.0 carat Opal center stone provides this luxury ring with an ethereal quality.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Marquise Style Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 22 round brilliant cut = 0.44cttw Color: H /J Clarity: SI1 Opal: 2.93cttw Ring Size: 10 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5 #23556
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5 This striking statement ring features a luminous marquise-shaped opal (17.8 mm x 9 mm) and six round brilliant cut diamonds* set in beau...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold Opal, Pink Sapphire, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Ocala, FL
This striking 14K rose gold cocktail ring showcases a luminous round cabochon opal measuring approximately 8.15 mm at its center.
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold
$978Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Funny Crab Gold Ring with Opal, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold Funny crab ring with natural opal, sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
13K Yellow Gold Vintage Opal Ring 6.8g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' vintage opal and 13k yellow gold ring. The ring tests 54% gold using an XRF metals analyzer.
Opal, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Ring with Pink Sapphire, Opal, and Diamond Gemstones
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a pink sapphire, opal and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.01ct Opal And Diamond Halo Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold GR: 1.84GR • 0.36ct Natural Diamod • 0.75ct Opal • Diamon...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
$1,980Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Gold Signet Ring with Diamonds and Boulder Opal
Located in New York, NY
This center stone is a slice of multi-hued Boulder Opal surrounded by diamond geometric accents of diamonds Materials: 18 karat gold, diamonds (0.30ct), boulder opal Measuring 20mm ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat Gold Signet Ring with Diamonds and Boulder Opal
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
This center stone is a slice of multi-hued Boulder Opal surrounded by diamond geometric accents of diamonds Materials: 18 karat gold, diamonds (0.30ct), boulder opal Measuring 20mm ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k 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.
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.