Antique Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Palladium Ring
Located in US
Stunning Antique Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Palladium Ring Beautiful work and craftsmanship with
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Palladium
Antique Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Palladium Ring
Located in US
Stunning Antique Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Palladium Ring Beautiful work and craftsmanship with
Diamond, Sapphire, Palladium
$23,620Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Transitional Cut 1.14ct Diamond and Sapphire Palladium Engagement Ring
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
total 0.56ct and four vivid blue sapphires. The transitional cut diamond is a 1920-1940s period cut
Diamond, Sapphire, Palladium, Platinum
Vintage 2.10 Carat Sapphire and 2.42 Carat Diamond Palladium Jewellery Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.10 carat sapphire and 2.42 carat diamond, palladium
Diamond, Sapphire, Palladium
Art Deco 20ct Blue Star Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring in Palladium
Located in New York, NY
(Eye Clean). The diamonds total 0.55 Carat. The jewels are set in Palladium. The ring has been very
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Palladium
Palladium White Diamonds Purple Tanzanite Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
This beautiful ring is handcrafted in Palladium with White Diamonds and a purple Tanzanite. with
White Diamond, Tanzanite, Palladium
Palladium White Diamonds Purple Tanzanite Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
This beautiful ring is handcrafted in Palladium with White Diamonds and a purple Tanzanite. with
White Diamond, Tanzanite, Palladium
18 Karat Rose Gold Palladium Pink Sapphires Ring Aenea Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
Sapphires Paving: Pink Sapphires 4,06ct. Material: Pink Gold 750; Palladium 950 Ring Size: 53 European
Pink Sapphire, Rhodium, Rose Gold, White Gold, Palladium, Sterling Silver
Zorab Creation Pink Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
hand-crafted with 2.69 Carat of Pink Sapphire, 1.28 Carats of White Diamonds, 0.32 Carats of Yellow
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
H & H 4.18 Carat Oval Sapphire and Diamond Pave Ring
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
blue sapphire and diamond ring. It is made of 18 karat white gold and palladium. The blue sapphire
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
18 Karat Platinum Palladium Diamonds Emerald Ring Aenea Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
Ring handcrafted in Palladium, Platinum and Rhodium-plated Sterling Silver with Emeralds and White
Palladium, Platinum
Pink sapphire and diamond cluster ring.
Located in London, GB
Pink sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape brilliant cut natural
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold
Zorab Creation Blue Sapphire and Diamond Glide Butterfly Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegance takes flight with the Zorab Creation Blue Sapphire and Diamond Glide Butterfly Ring, a
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Zircon, 18k Gold...
18 Karat Pink Gold Palladium Pink Sapphires Ring Aenea
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
Sapphires Paving: Pink Sapphires 4,06ct. Material: Pink Gold 750; Palladium 950 Ring Size: 53 European
Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Zorab Creation 59.69 Carat Amethyst, Sapphire and Diamond Rock Lobster Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Diamonds and placed within a gold and palladium setting, this really is a maritime sight to behold. Ring
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, ...
Zorab Creation Pink Tourmaline, Pink Sapphire and Yellow Diamond Amore Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Make sure your heart is in the right place with this stunning tourmaline, sapphire and diamond
Yellow Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Palladium
1930s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
14k gold and palladium. The 14k gold sapphire and diamond ring is supplied with an independent
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zorab Creation Amethyst and Citrine Quartz Colored Diamond Sapphire Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
of Brown and Blue Diamonds, 1.01 Carats of Purple Sapphires, 2.27 Carats of Orange Sapphires. The
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond,...
18k White Gold White Diamonds Pink Yellow Sapphires Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
This ring from our Foglio di Rosa Collection is handcrafted in White Gold with White Diamonds, Pink
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold, Palladium
$271,200Sale Price|20% Off
Violetish Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Platinum ring set with natural diamonds (4.65 carats total) and an 18.30 carat sapphire. This is a
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Palladium
Zorab Creation Yellow and Orange Sapphire Dolphins Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
sea gems with 13.29 Carats of Orange Sapphires and 13.37 Carats of Yellow Sapphires. The additional
White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation Blue Sapphire Diamond Butterfly Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
hand-crafted with 4.56 Carat of Blue Sapphire, 1.74 Carats of treated Brown Diamonds, 0.40 Carats of
Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Palla...
Zorab Creation Garnet Pink Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Tsavorite Garnet at the dome with 3.69 Carats of Pink Sapphires, 1.60 Carats of White Diamonds, and 0.33
White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Garnet, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold,...
Zorab Creation 19.89 Carat Amethyst Pink Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
stone for Zorab's glamorous cocktail ring. Rimmed Pinks Sapphires (2.81 CT), White Diamonds (1.77 CT
Amethyst, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation 21.19 Carat Citrine Diamond Sapphire Dome Cocktail Gold Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
on gold and palladium. 1.19 Carats of White Diamonds clamp the center stone, while 2.81 Carats of
Citrine, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
$3,368Sale Price|20% Off
AENEA 18k White Gold Pink Sapphires White Diamonds Flower Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
fourth leaf in perfect E-F/VVS diamonds even moves! Ring handcrafted in 18 k White Gold and Palladium
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold, Palladium, 18k Gold
Zorab Creation 32.49 Citrine Quartz Red Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Bombe Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Accessorize with glamor and share you verve with Zorab's 32.49 Carat Citrine Quartz Cocktail Ring
Citrine, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation Ruby Multi-Color Sapphire Garnet Diamond Butterfly Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
The delicate creature with painted wings of multi-colored sapphire (4.36 carats), Tsavorite Garnet
Diamond, Blue Diamond, Rubelite, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Pal...
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Statement Ring in a Precious Metal Alloy
Located in New York, NY
A striking ring featuring a floral design with deep blue pear-shaped sapphires and round brilliant
Diamond, Sapphire
Retro Vintage Tiffany Belt & Buckle Ring of 14k Gold Sapphire and Diamond
Located in Lewisburg, PA
ingenuity and elegance. Its finely articulated buckle is set with a diamonds and sapphires, adding a
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Zorab Creations Tanzanite 9.27 Carat and Sapphire 7.62 Carat Wreath Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
a scalloped fashion by a case of 7.62 carats of Blue Sapphire gems. This ring is in 18K &
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Palladium
0.81 Carat Sapphire 0.48 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring Circa 1895
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, palladium and silver set triple cluster ring; part of our collection of sapphire jewelry. This stunning
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Palladium, Silver
Zorab Creation 15.90 Cts Blue Sapphire Hera Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
diamonds set in 18-karat gold and palladium. The Hera ring is as regal today and as legendary as the Greek
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
18 Karat White Gold Yellow Sapphires Ring Aenea Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
Ring handcrafted in White Gold with Yellow Sapphires and White Diamonds Paving: Yellow Sapphires
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold, Palladium
18 Karat White Gold White Diamonds Orange Sapphires Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
Ring handcrafted in White Gold with Orange Sapphires and White Diamonds Paving: Orange Sapphires
White Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Zorab Creation-Boule Mystérieuse Diamond and 10.40 Carat Pink Tourmaline Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
palladium ring protected by 0.14-carat Yellow Diamonds. The ring’s surface is paved with 2.70-carat of Pink
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Palladium
18k White Gold White Pink Diamonds Orange Yellow Sapphires Ring Aenea Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
Diamonds, Orange and Yellow Sapphires Paving: White and Pink Diamonds; Orange and Yellow Sapphires
Pink Sapphire, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, W...
Zorab Creation Yellow Sapphire with Fancy Diamond Three Band Halo Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Sapphires). This uncommon halo ring with a stylish twist is accentuated with 0.49 Carats of Yellow Diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation 39.05 Carat Blue Sapphhire and Diamond Blue Bear Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Sapphires further enhanced with rows of 1.27-Carat White Diamonds mounted on 18k gold and palladium. The
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
AENEA 18 Karat White Gold Blue Sapphires E-F/VVS White Diamonds Flower Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
This beautiful Clover Ring goes super well with any case of attire. The crisp Blue Sapphires are
Amethyst, White Diamond, White Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation Ring Jade , Moon , Diamond
By Zorab Creation
Located in istanbul, TR
set with diamond ,moon stone ,yellow sapphire ..etc. . This cocktail ring is hallmarked Zorab and
Diamond, Jade, Moonstone, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation 23.70 Carat Blue Topaze Red Pink Blue Sapphire Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
center stone is the crowning glory of this must-have piece set with Blue Sapphires (0.59 Carats), Pink
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, Tsavorite, 18k G...
Baguette Blue Sapphire 14K (or 18k upon request) White Gold Diamond Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sapphires, making it a perfect symbol of lasting love and grace. Ring Information Diamond Type : Natural
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Palladium
Unheated Fancy Sapphire Ring 2.76 Carat Mismatched Oval Bypass "Toi et Moi" Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
engagement ring. Crafted by extremely skilled hands in the USA. These natural Sapphires are very brilliant
Sapphire, Platinum, Palladium, 18k Gold, 14k Gold
Zorab Creation Multicolored Diamond the Sparkling Swan Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
and palladium ring. A 2.29-carat Green Tourmaline is placed in the center of its dark plumage like a
White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Brown Diamond...
Zorab Creation Diamond 16.55 Citrine Carat Citrine Quartz Round Dome Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Sapphires (2.60 Carats) and Yellow Diamonds (1.25 Carats) swirl around the eye-catching center stone with a
Citrine, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
Zorab Creations Pink and Green Tourmaline Bi-Fold Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
the other and 0.94 carats Yellow Diamonds across the wearers finger. Ring Size 8.75 This ring, as
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, 18k...
Palladium Blue Sapphires White Diamonds Earrings Aenea Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
Eaarings handcrafted in Palladium and White Gold with Blue Sapphires and White Diamonds Paving
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Palladium
Luxe Lobster Ring, a Zorab Creation
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
carats of yellow diamonds accented by 0.03 carats of white diamonds set in 18-karat gold and palladium
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
Antique 1.30 Carat Ruby 1 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
palladium. This impressive ruby and diamond cluster ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation 7.73 Carat Tanzanite and Tourmaline the Blue Lake Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
by white and fancy 0.98-carat colored diamonds mounted in 18k rose gold and palladium. This ring
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation Multi-Color Precious Gemstone Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
. The ring is designed and asorted with Multicolored Sapphires the colors include Orange, Yellow, Blue
White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapp...
Zorab Creation Lions Lair Double Band Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
and 6.70 carats of fiery sapphires meet 2.83 carats of black diamonds, 2.43 carats of white diamonds
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Pa...
Zorab Creation, Multi-Gems Kaleidoscope Butterfly Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
. Mesmerizing in its brilliantly light catching tones, yellow diamonds 0.26 carats meet yellow sapphires 0.37
Amethyst, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Spin...
Zorab Creation 10.13 Carat Spessartite Tangerine Dream Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
orange shine brightly on this 18k white gold and palladium ring paved with 0.80-carat diamonds and 1.50
White Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation Enchantment in Flight of the 79.70 Carat Amethyst Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Enchantment in Flight: The Splendor of the 79.70 Carat Amethyst Ring In the heart of this
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, Purpl...
Zorab Creations Amethyst Quartz 10.58 Carat Largesse Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
dainty Pink Sapphires, 0.83 carats of White Diamonds and 0.35 carats of Brown Diamonds. The decorative
Amethyst, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
Zorab Creation, the Sunset Garden Ring in 32.30 Carat Citrine
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
evening. Presenting the Sunset Garden ring, a Zorab Creation. Enter an array of early evening amber hues
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 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.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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.