Platinum GIA 4.15ctw Ceylon No Heat Bezel Sapphire Pave Diamond Halo Solid Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Brilliant Step Cut - Bezel Set - Clean Blue Color - Ceylon - No Heat - 3.83ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Complet...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Alfred Butler 2.00 Carat Oval Sapphire Diamond Halo Gold Engagement Ring
By Alfred Butler
Located in Stamford, CT
Sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Oval Ceylon sapphire center stone in a 14k yellow gold setting with a halo of 18 round diamonds.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
New Classic Platinum 8.31ctw GIA No Heat Ceylon Sapphire w/ Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Cornflower Blue Color - No Heat - Ceylon - Natural Inclusions - Lively - 7.09ct (exact) ** See Certifica...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA No Heat Platinum Ceylon Cabochon Sapphire 2.05 Carat Diamond 0.25 Carat Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your proposal with this exquisite Platinum Ceylon Cabochon Sapphire Engagement Ring, featuring a captivating 2.05 carat oval-shaped sapphire center stone.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Estate 18K Gold 10.72ctw GIA Oval Sapphire & Diamond Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ceylon Sapphire - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Blue Color - 5.22ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** (58) Natural ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.22ct No Heat Ceylon Pink Sapphire Ring, 18k White Gold
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring with GIA Certified Ceylon Pink Sapphire and Diamonds Item Details: Metal: Crafted in luxurious 18 karat white gold, this cocktail ring boasts both e...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$53,438Sale Price|20% Off
French 1960s No Heat 7.42 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
18 carat white gold ring, eagle head hallmark. An attractive daisy ring with a claw set exceptional oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 12 brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum Oval Sapphire Trilliant Diamond Cocktail Ring NO HEAT GIA 13.05
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Details: • Era: Circa 1960s • Metal: Platinum • Center Stone: Natural no-heat Sri Lankan (Ceylon) sapphire, 13.05 carats • Shape/Cut: Oval brilliant • Color: Violet-blue to lila...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum GIA 3.42ctw No Heat Ceylon Color Change Sapphire w/ Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Fiery - Color Change - Violet changing to Purple Color - Vivid Purple Color - No Heat - Ceylon - 3.01ct ...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
2.00 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 1.16 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2 carat Ceylon sapphire and 1.16 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique sapphire jewe...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Show Stopper 2.51 Carat No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Statement Platinum Show Stopper Ring, center Bezel Hand set with a securely nestled 2.51 Carat oval Blue Sapphire with no indications of heat treatm...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
AGL Certified 13.81 Carat Ceylon No Heat Blue Sapphire Platinum Vintage Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
AGL Certified 13.81 Carat Oval Cut Ceylon No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Platinum Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
IGI Certified 1.65 Carat Blue Sapphire Ceylon Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Introducing a truly exceptional piece of jewelry, the IGI certified 18K white gold 1.65ct blue sapphire from Sri Lanka and 0.60ct natural white tapered baguette cut diamond ring. Thi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
18k Gold 5.4ctw GIA High Quality No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Wide Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Gorgeous Royal Blue Color- Ceylon - No Heat - High Quality - 3.40ct (exact) ** See Certification Detail...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980 16.58 CTW No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Garnet Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing 9.73 carats total - transparent light yellow Natural Sri Lankan (Ceylon) in origin displaying no indications of heat treatment Prong set in ba...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
AGL Certified 18kt. White Gold Ring 6.32 ct. Ceylon Sapphire &1.62 ct. Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful 18 kt. White Gold Ring with 6.32 ct. Ceylon Sapphire & 1.62 ct. Diamonds Sapphire: Amazing Blue Color, Natural corundum blue, oval mixed cut Ceylon Sapphire 6.32 ct. comes...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold 7.83ct GIA Large Oval Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Large Oval Brilliant Cut - Spready Cut - Prong Set - Gorgeous Blue Color- Ceylon - No Heat - 6.18ct (approx.) ** See Certification Detai...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.71 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
This elegant platinum ring is centered with a vivid blue oval cut Ceylon sapphire that weighs 4.71ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.55 Carats Oval Sapphire & Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful three-stone engagement ring, showcasing a 2.55 carats oval cut Ceylon sapphire certified by GIA as natural with no indications of heat treatment.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ceylon Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring by J. Milhening. Inc, American, circa 1950
Located in London, GB
Ceylon star sapphire and diamond ring by J. Milhening.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Oval Shape Blue Sapphire & Diamond Vintage InspireArt Deco Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Features a stunning oval Ceylon sapphire at the center, surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
AGL Certified 30 Carat No Heat Ceylon Blue Star Sapphire & Diamond Halo Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Natural 30 Carat no Heat Ceylon Blue Star Sapphire & Diamond Ring In Platinum This unheated star sapphire ring boasts a 30 carat natural blue sapphire center stone with cabochon-ova...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Oval Shape Blue Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Style 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
(approx. total weight) Ring size: US 3 8 available Center Gemstones Type: Ceylon Sapphire Shape: Oval Size: 6 x 5 mm.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Natural 18.28 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
GIA Certified Natural 18.28 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring For all the sapphire lovers out there, this is the perfect ring for you.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Rare Antique Platinum GIA 8.62ct No Heat Ceylon Sapphire & Old Cut Diamonds
Located in Media, PA
An absolute masterpiece of antique jewelry design, this breathtaking statement ring centers an extraordinary 8.62-carat old-cut Ceylon Sapphire. Fully certified by the GIA (Gemologic...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
3 Stone Ceylon Blue Sapphire Band Ring With Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This refined band ring showcases three oval-cut Ceylon blue sapphires, evenly spaced and accented with brilliant diamonds for a classic yet eye-catching design.
Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 7.25 CTW No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ribbon Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped sapphire double cabochon weighing approximately 7.19 carats Transparent vibrant medium blue in color - set with talon prongs in pierced gallery Depicting tie...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Oval Shape Blue Sapphire & Diamond Antique Style Floral Engagement 14K Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A gorgeous ring with Ceylon sapphire and diamond flower motif.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Triple Sapphire and Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning past present future triple-sapphire statement ring features one large 0.95 carat oval-cut deep Ceylon blue eye-clean sapphire set centrally and surrounded by a single h...
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver
New Platinum 2.37ctw GIA No Heat Oval Bezel Sapphire Diamond Milgrain Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
With the wonderful design, beautiful sapphire, and pure fire from the diamonds, this ring is guaranteed to impress and make a statement!
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Certified Natural Oval Sapphire 19.17 carat and Diamond Ring in White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Certified Natural Oval Sapphire 19.17 carat and Diamond Ring in White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring features a Large Oval Blue Sapphire from Ceylon accented by Pear-shaped, Baguett...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 2.47 Carat Oval Sapphire Diamond Halo White Gold Engagement Ring GIA
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Oval center sapphire with a halo of round diamonds. 18k white gold setting with micro pave set round accent diamonds along the shank.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Roman Malakov 10.58 Carats Oval Cut Sapphire & Diamond Three-Stone Wedding Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant engagement ring, featuring a 10.58 carats oval cut blue sapphire certified by C.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
2010's No Heat Ceylon Orange Sapphire 18 Karat White Gold Scrolling Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing 2.15 carats - transparent yellowish orange in color Natural Ceylon in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Prong set and fla...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum GIA Bright Orange Oval Sapphire Princess & Round Diamond 3.13ctw Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - BRIGHT Yellowish Orange Color - Ceylon - Heated - 2.25ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Detail...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Sapphire Diamond Certified 18K No Heat Ceylon Blue Fine Huge Ring 12.04 Cts!
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents... VINTAGE LUXURY. GIA CERTIFIED 18K GOLD HUGE 12.04 CARAT UNHEATED SAPPHIRE DIAMOND ANTIQUE RING & BOX! HUGE 9.52 CARAT BRILLIANT ROYAL BLUE GI...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Oval Shape Blue Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Style Halo 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
An exquisite Art Deco style octagonal shape ring. The ring showcases a precise 0.40 carat oval Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by French cut blue sapphires and diamonds, producing a beau...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blue Oval Shape Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
(approx. total weight) Center Gemstone Type: Ceylon Sapphire Shape: Oval Size: 8 x 6 mm. Number: 1 Weight: 1.60 Carat (approx.)
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Halo Art Deco Style Engagement 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
An impressive antique Art Deco inspired oval blue sapphire with diamond and French cut sapphire accent.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blue Oval Shape Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Style Cocktail 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This gorgeous vintage inspired sapphire and diamond cocktail ring truly capture the iconic stylish aesthetic of the Art Deco era!
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold GIA Certified 7.69 Carat No Heat Ceylon Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Art Deco Inspired Untreated/Unheated Ceylon Blue Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring. There is a beautiful 7.69 carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire Oval in shape that is professionally...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ceylon Blue Sapphire with Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Go
Located in Bangkok, TH
The captivating oval Ceylon blue sapphire is elegantly set in a prong setting at the center, surrounded by a dazzling frame of diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
7.33 Carat Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Important 7.33 carat Sapphire Natural Ceylon centering a Diamond and Platinum Ring. Gubelin Swiss Laboratory Certificate.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Oval Shape Blue Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Style 14K Two Tone Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Inspired by Art Deco era, this gorgeous ring is set with oval shaped Ceylon sapphire in the center, accented by round diamonds and French cut sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 kt White Gold Ring, Ceylon Intense Blue Sapphire 6.3 Ct, Amazing Color
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt White Gold Ring, Ceylon Intense Blue Sapphire 6.3 Ct, Amazing Color ! Sapphire : Intense Blue Ceylon 6.31 Ct Diamonds : 3.77 Ct Weight : 12.7 Gram Size : 60 EU / 9 US ( c...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
AGL Certified 9 Carat No Heat Ceylon Blue Sapphire & Old Euro Diamond 14K Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The perfect marriage of luxury and investment value. Sapphire Details: - Weight: 9 Carats (approx.) - Origin: Ceylon - Color: Vivid Blue - Cut: Modified Oval - Luster: Excellent -...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cut Blue Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Set 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The center features oval natural Ceylon sapphire of 1.53 carats that is highlighted by icy white round cut diamonds and French cut sapphires trim.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$60,042Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Ring NH Ceylon 14.6 ct. Sapphire & 3.15ct. Diam. GRS Certified, Estate
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful Platinum Ring with No Heat Ceylon Blue Sapphire 14.6 ct. and Baguette Diamonds 3.15 ct from Estate Sultan Of Oman Qaboos Bin Said Sapphire: Natural No Heat blue sapphire, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Classic Platinum GIA 1.81ctw Oval Rich Blue Sapphire w/ Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Rich Blue Color - Heated - Ceylon - 1.46ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
New 14k Gold 1.58ct GIA No Heat Oval Prong Sapphire Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Blue Color - NO HEAT - 1.28ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info *...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.1 Carat Oval Cut Unheated Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
This gorgeous ring features a stunning Oval cut Yellow Sapphire complemented by 2 half-moon diamonds on either side of it and set in an 18K Yellow Gold band.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum AGL Certified Sapphire & Diamond Ring 6.9g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies platinum and blue sapphire ring with diamonds. Stamped 10% Irid, Plat. and weighs 6.9 grams.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Bulgari 14.03ct SSEF & GRS Certified Blue Sapphire Ceylon No Heat Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Set with an oval sapphire weighing 14.03 carats, accented with baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18k white gold, signed Bulgari, numbered, Italian maker's mark and assa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.8 Carat Oval Sapphire Ring with Half Moon Side Stones
Located in Great Neck, NY
This beautiful 1.80 carat oval Ceylon Blue Sapphire is beautifully set in an 18 karat white gold ring made from 4.6 grams of white gold with 2 Half Moon cut side stones totaling 0.16...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gia Certified Platinum Cocktail with 3.99 Ctw in Ceylon Sapphire and Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Is embellished, with four-prongs that hold an oval cut (8.7 x 6.4 x 6.82 mm) of a natural not heated blue sapphire from Sri-Lanka (Ceylon) of 3.47 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster, circa 1900.
Located in London, GB
Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster. Centrally set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphire in an open back claw setting with a weight of 3.87 carats, encircle...
ART-DEC0 Ring in Platinum GCS Certified 21.30 Cts No-Heat Ceylon Star Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
This is an institutional-grade, highly important estate star sapphire and diamond cocktail ring masterfully crafted in solid platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Diana M. Platinum sapphire and diamond ring an 11.98 ct unheated oval certified
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Platinum sapphire and diamond ring an 11.98 ct unheated oval certified natural Ceylon blue sapphire with 2 trillion cut diamonds on side totaling 1.27 cts certified C.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Large Solid Gold GIA 21.95ctw Oval Cabochon Sapphire w/ Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Deep Blue Color - Ceylon - Heated - Large - 17.49ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Comple...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
AIG Certified 3.70 Carats Ceylon Sapphire GIA Diamonds 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite design, so glamour and chic style, a very adorable piece. Ring come in 18k gold with a natural Blue Ceylon Sapphire, in perfect oval cut , extra fine quality, of 3,70 ...
18k Gold
On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry.
Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.
Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.
America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.
The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.
You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.
Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).
The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (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.)
Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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.