Vintage Victorian Opal and Diamond Silver on 18K Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Victorian Vintage Opal and Diamond Silver on Gold Ring. Securely Hand set with .50tcw Opal and .15tcw Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Triplet and Diamond Ring #13915
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Triplet and Diamond Ring Size 8 JAGi Certified- This lovely ring features one oval cabochon mosaic opal triplet (12 mm x 11 mm) and ten round brill...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire, Diamond and Opal Ring in 14K Yellow Gold.
Located in San Francisco, CA
This exquisite vintage 14K yellow gold ring brings together three of the most captivating gemstones in fine jewelry — glowing opal, rich sapphire, and sparkling diamonds — in one bea...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds round cut garnets which measure approx 20pts each and an opal measuring approx 4ct.
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Semi Black Opal and Diamond Ring of 18k White Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This captivating 1990s statement ring celebrates the natural beauty of a semi-black opal, its play-of-color dancing in shades of vivid blues and greens.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,995Sale Price|20% Off
18ct White and Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring 3.57ct 6.52g
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This striking black opal ring features a deep green and blue Lightning Ridge black opal (10mm x 7mm x 4.4mm, 2.9ct) set in 18ct white gold with yellow gold claws securing the opal.
Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval Cut Fire Opal and Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Fire Opal: 1 oval cut= 1.91ct Diamonds: 22 round cut= 0.33cttw Color: I-J Clarity: SI1-SI2 Dimensions: the ring measures 13.3mm wide at the...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
17.00 Carat Pink Opal and Diamonds Gold Statement Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Delicate Statement Ring The ring is 14K Rose Gold The ring has a Square Pink Opal 17.0 Carats There are 0.27 Carats in Brown Diamonds The ring measures 0.75" x 0.75" on top.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.55 carat.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Marquise Opal and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This ring is graceful, vintage-inspired opal design with a soft, feminine presence. The ring features a marquise-shaped opal as its centerpiece. The opal displays a beautiful play of...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 0.65ct Diamond and Opal Halo Ring MF13-070726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A luminous estate cocktail ring centering a substantial pear-shaped opal cabochon weighing approximately 5.00 carats, displaying a bright white-to-cream body with a delicate play-of-...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 18k Gold
Australian Opal and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring, 1960s 13+ Carat
Located in Wallkill, NY
14K Gold Cocktail Ring with a 13 Plus Carat center Opal stone. 24 Prong-set diamonds totaling Approximately 2 Carats surround this massive Australian Opal.
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 kt. Yellow Gold Ring & Necklace With Opals and Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning 18 kt. Yellow Gold Ring and Necklace With Opals and Diamonds RING: Diamonds: 8 brilliant cut diamonds together approx. 0.49 ct.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Era Opal and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Floral Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
This stunning Victorian Era Ring features an Oval Opal Center Stone and a 1.2 carat total Diamond Halo, 16 Diamonds Total.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Triple Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Each opal measures 35pts. Modelled in 18carat gold and stones set in platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
$592Sale Price|20% Off
13K White and Yellow Gold Vintage Natural Diamond and Natural Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 13K White and Yellow Gold Natural Diamond and Opal Ring Metal Type: 13k Yellow and White Gold Total Item Weight: 3.4 Grams Ring Size: 4 (Resizable) Dimensions: Width 13.0mm ...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique English Edwardian 18ct Gold Opal and Diamond Ring, Birmingham, 1904
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
An elegant English Edwardian ring crafted in 18ct yellow gold, set with three natural cabochon-cut opals.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Modern Cylindrical Design Fire Opal and White Gold Ring 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A fire opal and 18 karat white gold cylindrical design ring, c. 1970.
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Vintage Black Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k white gold Diamonds: 1 round brilliant cut = .03ct Color: H Clarity: SI Ring Size: 6.5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing reque...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond Point 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are pale but throw some great colours. In between each opal there are rose cut diamond points. Ring Size: Q or 8 1/4 Face Width: 8mm Height Off Finger: 5mm ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Edwardian Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glittering garnets in this ring are gorgeous and colourful opals. The garnets total 30pts and the opals total approx 45pts.
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Vintage 17k White Gold 9.75tcw Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage ring crafted in 17k white gold, centered with a substantial 9.75 carat opal cabochon and framed by approximately .80 carats total weight of diamonds.
Diamond, Opal
14K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opals and Diamonds. (Size 9.75)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
14K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opals and Diamonds. (Size 9.75) New Gender: Ladies.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond Point 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are pale but throw some great colours. In between each opal there are rose cut diamond points. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Face Width: 7mm Height Off Finger: 4.5mm...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Vintage Opal 1.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage opal ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 14K Gold Fire Opal and Diamond Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. This beautiful ring is hand set in 12.24 carats fire opal and 1.37 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opal and Diamonds. (Size 11.75)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opal and Diamonds. (Size 11.75) New Gender: Ladies.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Opal Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Opal Ring. This beautiful Victorian old mine diamond and opal ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s .10ctw Diamond and Opal Statement Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 5.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Step back in time with this stunning 1990s opal and diamond statement ring, crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 0.50ct Opal and Pearl Cluster Ring MF36-062526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A charming Victorian-inspired cluster ring in 14K yellow gold, centering a round white opal cabochon of approximately 0.50 ct with soft iridescent play-of-color, encircled by a halo ...
Pearl, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the deep red garnet are two shimmering opals. The garnet measures 50pts. Modelled in 9 Carat gold.
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set flush in this 9ct yellow gold band. The glossy and colourful stone is set in a square setting and the rose cut diamonds are set either side. The diam...
Opal, Diamond, Gold
Art Deco 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
Antique Opal and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1880
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This luminous ring centers on a glowing opal, its shifting play of color enhanced by the sparkle of four old single cut diamonds delicately set in palladium.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Palladium
1.11 Australian Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1.11 carat Australian black opal is set in 18k white gold with sparkling round brilliant and elegant baguette-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond Point 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are pale but throw some great colours.
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glistening opals in this ring are gorgeous deep red garnets. The garnets measure a total of 90pts. The opals measure 25pts each and are pale but with lovely fleck...
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Garnet Cabochon and Opal Floral Halo Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Captivating botanical beauty defines this Garnet Opal Halo Ring, centered with a smooth oval garnet cabochon set in rich 9K yellow gold.
Garnet, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glistening opal in this ring are gorgeous deep red garnets.
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K White Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 7.3 Grams Ring Size: and 8.25 (resizing available for a fee) Gemstone Specifications: C...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamond total of each side is 22pts. The ring is modelled in 18carat yellow gold. Hallmaked 750 and Birmingham.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Unique Silver Ring with Opal, Keshi Pearl and Gold Accents
Located in Berlin, BE
A distinctive ring made of sterling silver, featuring a natural opal and a keshi freshwater pearl.
Opal, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Vintage Opal and Ruby Gold Mid Century 1960s Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Vintage 1960s Opal and Ruby Gold Dome Ring. Centering a securely nestled Marquis Opal, surrounded by .20tcw Rubies and 1.15tcw Opals.
Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
10K Yellow Gold Floral Ruby and Opal Cluster Ring Prong Set
Located in Sewickley, PA
Delicate yet full of personality, this ruby and opal cluster ring is a timeless statement piece.
Opal, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Opal Triplet and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is a show stopper! The colours of this opal triplet are beautiful.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 9K Yellow Gold Opal and Garnet Halo Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Step into the allure of history with this antique Edwardian 9 karat yellow gold halo ring, hailing from England. Adorned with the mesmerizing hues of opal and the deep richness of ga...
Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
$1,254Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Opal and Diamond ring, 18k yellow gold, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
You can't help but be enchanted by this gorgeous antique, Edwardian era opal and old cut diamond ring. A rich 18ct yellow gold band with a boat head style setting and decorative car...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Fire Opal Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Fire Opal Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a beautiful 3.17 Carat Oval Cut Natural Orange Fire Opal as its center stone and is elegantly surround...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
Australian Black Opal and Diamond Cluster 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
The fabulous gemstone flashes within a sparkling halo of bright white brilliant cut diamonds all set in rich 18K white gold. This stunning ring has a top-quality Australian black o...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Platinum and Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed 1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Platinum and Gold Ring. Centering a securely nestled 1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal, surrounded by Diamonds, weighing a...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked, Birmingham 1922, Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Makers Mark G & G Birmingham 1922 A beautifully preserved early 20th‑century opal and diamond ring crafted in solid 18ct gold and full...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Freeform Black Opal Triangle and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K White Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 16.10 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: Black Opal Gemstone Measurements: 1...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Opal and Diamond Halo Ring of 14k Gold, Size 7
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This elegant ring centers on a luminous white opal framed by a halo of glittering rose cut diamonds, all set in warm 14k gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$1,778Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Opal Decorated Enamel Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.15 ct. The diamond is has g-h color and s1 clarity. Totally is opal 0.30 ct. Ring size is US 8.5 We can make ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Enamel
Fire Opal, Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fire Opal 7.44 carats, Ruby 1.0 carat and Diamond 0.75 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 18.56 grams "We first opened d...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, 14k Gold
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The stones are set in platinum and the ring is modelled in 18carat gold. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Opal Dimensions: 9x7.5mm Cluster Dimensions: 13x11mm Height Off Finger: 7mm Weight: ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Michael Zobel Opal, Diamond, Emerald, and Sapphire, and 18K Gold Ring, 1975
Located in New York, NY
This is a one-of-a-kind opal doublet ring set in 18-karat yellow gold, crafted by the renowned goldsmith and master craftsman Michael Zobel.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond Point 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are pale but throw some great colours.
Opal, Diamond, Gold
Vintage Ruby and Opal 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glistening opals int his ring are gorgeous deep red rubies. The central ruby measures 30pts and the two smaller stones measure 10pts. The opals measure 2opts each ...
Opal, Ruby, Gold
18k White Gold Natural Opal and 2.40ctw Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold Natural Opal and 2.40ctw Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring Style: 18k White Gold Natural Opal and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring Material: 18k White Gold Center Diamond: Natural...
Diamond, Opal, 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.
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.