Natural Pearl and Diamond Enamel Ring
Located in New York, NY
Natural Pearl & Diamond Enamel Ring Circa 1860 Gold Type: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.75 Resizable free of charge
Antique 1860s American Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel
Natural Pearl and Diamond Enamel Ring
Located in New York, NY
Natural Pearl & Diamond Enamel Ring Circa 1860 Gold Type: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.75 Resizable free of charge
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel
Pearl & Rose cut Diamonds Green Enamel Ring
Located in Milano, MI
Unusual ring from the 1960s with green enamel typical of the period set in 18ct gold, featuring a Japanese cultured pearl surrounded by rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold
Diamond Blue Enamel Natural Pearls Gold Ring, 1930
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Natural Pearl, Blue Enamel & Diamond Ring 18K Gold European, 1930 Overview A truly unique European Art Deco ring, crafted circa 1930, combining natural pearls, blue enamel, and fi...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Blue Enamel Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Blue Enamel Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This 14k yellow gold ring features a luminous pearl center framed by rich blue enamel and raised gold leaf accents.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Style Natural Pearl and Enamel Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful 18ct yellow gold dress ring. At the centre of the face we find a single round natural pearl neatly nestled in a fine star-burst setting.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 9ct Gold, Victorian Pearl & Enamel Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl Ring 9ct Gold This charming Victorian ring centres a deep, glossy enamel panel framed by a halo of natural seed pearls, each one delicately set to create a soft, lum...
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel
Pearl and black enamel memorial ring, English, 1854
Located in London, GB
Pearl and black enamel memorial ring. Set to centre with an oblong crystal slice covering plaited hair in a closed back setting, encircled by a row of twelve natural half seed pearls...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Art Deco Pearl, Diamond & Enamel Ring Circa 1930s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
True to its era, this Art Deco diamond ring is crafted in platinum and features a checkerboard cluster of pearls and diamonds in bead and mille-grained settings with a white enamel s...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Enamel
Blue Enamel Pearl Ring Flower 14k Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Blue Enamel Pearl Ring Flower 14K Gold Vintage This pretty vintage ring is crafted in solid 14K gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,272Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Enamel Pearl cocktail ring 14KT solid gold EARTH sapphire ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
An art creation, a rare enamel work combining green and blue colors, stunning center sapphire and pearl halo in 14KT yellow gold.
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Georgian pearl black enamel mourning 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A deeply symbolic jewel from the Georgian period, this antique mourning ring features a graceful cluster of eleven luminous pearls set against rich black enamel.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Pearl Diamond Royal Blue Enamel Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Nature on the Spot This marvelous Art Nouveau period ring is 1905 ca Superbly hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold Inspired by Nature, with a one off tasteful solitaire design, for a stu...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Green Enamel and Seed Pearl 14K Gold Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This is an antique square shaped 14 karat yellow gold ring set with green enamel, seed pearls and a rhinestone.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Pearl and Enamel 9 Carat Gold Mourning Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 18 carat gold and black enamel ring has the words 'in memory of' across the front of it and is set with 9 pearls.
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Georgian Yellow Gold Engagement Ring. Diamond Pearl Ruby Ring Green Enamel 1810
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Secondary Stones: Pearls & Rubies Accent Details: Green Enamel Border Cut: Rose Cut Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Cluster Ring, Floral Design, L...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
26.13 carats Aquamarine, Blue Enamel, Pearls & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Aquamarine, Blue Enamel & Pearls Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & Diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
$1,216Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Pearl And Enamel Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.8 grams. Ring size is US 7.75 We can make any size. The box is not included. Please contact for any questions.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Georgian Black Enamel and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Mourning Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A very fine 18carat gold Georgian black enamel and seed pearl mourning ring. Fully hallmarked London 1824.
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Antique Enamel pearl diamond Gold memorial ring
Located in London, GB
Antique diamond and pearl 'urn' memorial ring. Set with ten round rose cut diamonds in silver cutdown settings with an approximate combined weight of 0.10 carats, decorating an intri...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Mabe Pearl, Enamel and Diamond Ring, Attributed Boivin
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Art Deco Mabe Pearl, Enamel and Diamond Ring, Attributed to Rene Boivin from the 1920's.
Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Enamel
Antique Black Enamel Pearl Ring in 9 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique Black Enamel Pearl Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold “in memory of” ring, charming and chunky The item comes without the box in the photos but will be presented in a gembank1973 gi...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Antique-Style Diamond Pearl Enamel Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hand-painted black enamel decorated the top of the ring with stars on the ribbon folds as well as filigree design around the outer perimeter of the ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Yellow Gold Carved Oval Amethyst Solitaire & Pearl Halo Enamel Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 10-14k Yellow Gold Weight: 9.67 Grams Ring Size: 8.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring.)
Amethyst, Pearl, Enamel
Jaclyn Davidson 18K Yellow Gold Enamel with Woman Holding a Pearl Ring
By Jaclyn Davidson
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 14.7 Grams Stone: Enamel, Pearl (6.5 mm) Face of Ring: 26.8 x 10.7 x 8.66 mm Ring Size: 8 Hallmark: Jaclyn 20-50, 18K Item #: BR-1404-091624-02
Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique blue enamel star ring, Diamond and pearl, 18k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
You cannot help but be enchanted by this exquisite antique Victorian star ring. Crafted in rich 18ct gold it features a stunning duck egg blue enamel cabochon, star set with creamy ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Revival Pearl Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a 9.5 mm split pearl - white body color with strong iridescence Flush set with a halo surround flush set with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.80 carat to...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Georgian 18k Gold Pearl, Diamond & Enamel Triple Row Ring, Circa 1830
Located in Altrincham, GB
Each of the stones rest in gold settings, leading to the buttery yellow gold band that features lovely blue enamel details at the shoulders. Its modelled 18k gold throughout, and fea...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Gold, Diamond, Seed Pearl, and Blue Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in Princeton, NJ
A true antique Georgian period (late 18th century) 10 karat yellow gold, diamond, seed pearl, and blue enamel mourning ring.The central urn motif set with one pear shaped old mine cu...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Enamel
18k Natural Large Pink Pearl Ring Solid Gold Diamonds and Green Enamel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Enamel Pearl Ring 18K Yellow Gold 21 Grams Large Natural Pink Fresh Water Pearl Beautiful Bronze-Pink Color Pearl Size 14 MM - with very good Luster Brilliant Green Enamel on ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Yellow Gold Pearl & Enamel Victorian Cluster Cocktail Ring 18k Lattice Button
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Era: Victorian Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Pearls Stone Note: minor wear Material Infor...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau 14K Gold Double Pearl Diamond Enamel Ring, France 1920
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This art nouveau ring is pretty special as it has two beautiful pearls in an enamel tulip setting.
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel
Art Deco PSI Upsilon Fraternity Badge Ring, Black Enamel, Seed Pearls
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The combination of rich yellow gold, glossy black enamel, and lustrous seed pearls creates a timeless aesthetic that reflects both tradition and craftsmanship.
Pearl, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Antique 1830 Mourning Ring Gold Enamel Natural Half Pearls Flowers Garnet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The gold ring is set with ten natural half pearls within a wavy black enamelled surround.
Garnet, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique Edwardian Enamel Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Seed Pearls
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed Edwardian era enamel ring (circa 1900s to 1910s), crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Ippolita Contemporary Diamond Mother-Of-Pearl Quartz Enamel 18K Lollipop Ring
By Ippolita
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rose cut quartz over an inlaid mother-of-pearl Quartz is clear and mother-of-pearl with iridescent white Bezel set with a halo surround of bead set diamonds Round brillia...
Diamond, Pearl, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Yellow Gold Blue Enamel & Seed Pearl Floral Round Domed Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ Blue Enamel Work Weight: 10.11 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 (We can custom size this ring - please let us know prior to purchase for inquiries.)
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Blue Enamel, Diamond & Pearl Ring 14K Gold - c.1860
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian enamel gold ring made c.1860-1880. This ring exudes a regal and majestic air with its deep royal blue enamelling that co...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
19th Century Opal Fine Pearl Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, own hallmark. Beautiful and rare antique ring, it is decorated with an opal cabochon in the center of a chased decoration, surrounded by half fine pearl...
Opal, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Enamel, Pearl, and Diamond Flower Ring of 14k Gold and Silver
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking 14k gold bouton ring (circa 1870-1880), centered with a silver flower accented with an old mine cut diamond and rose cut diamonds, surrounded by a garland of half pearl le...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Victorian Blue Enamel & Pearl Locket Ring of 18k Gold, Circa 1860-1870
Located in Lewisburg, PA
The ring is in very good condition, with the enamel and pearls beautifully preserved.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Enamel Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
The border is carved with stylized roses filled with orange-red enamel. The shank of the ring is modeled as two interlaced, stylized branches. 21 mm (7/8 in.) wide Ring size...
Diamond
Antique 1831 English 18K Gold Memorial Ring with Pearls and Black Enamel
By William Eaton
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An exquisite relic of the past, this antique 18K gold memorial ring from 1831 with pearls and black enamel is a testament to the elegance and sentimentality of bygone eras.
Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Sculptural Freshwater Pearl and Enamel Snake Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Pearl Pearl Count: Five Pearl Shape: Baroque – Stick Shaped Pearl Luster: Very Good Pearl Color: White Pearl Surface Quality: Mostly Clean Pear...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Black Enamel and Pearl Hinged Locket Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique gold, black enamel and pearl ring, comprising three seed pearls and black enamel, with a hinged locket compartment containing plaited hairwork, set in 18 karat yellow gold...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Georgian 18K Gold Blue Enamel Cross Diamond Pearl Ring, Circa 1790
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Treasure This quite outstanding antique ring is genuine Georgian period, 1790/1800 ca Marvellous large Marquee shaped with a very flat profile when worn It displays the skilful ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Unique Vintage Style Emerald & Pearl with Enamel Cocktail 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Accent Gemstones I Type: Pearl Shape: Round Size: 1.3 mm. Number: 4 Weight: 0.06 Carat (approx. total weight) This ring will be made to your order in 3-5 weeks, contact us to find ou...
Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
C1870 Cambridge Blue Enamel and Three Stone Pearl Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is a unique 3 stone ring with its pretty hand painted Cambridge blue enamel detail and 3 well matched pearls symmetrically placed with the 2 slightly smaller pearls flanking the...
Pearl, Turquoise, Enamel, 18k Gold
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Pearl, Diamond, Black Enamel Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Always a great hit David Webb pearl and black enamel ring with diamonds. It is bold and brave yet has lots of feminine touches to it.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Oval Shape Blue Topaz & Pearl White Enamel Antique Style Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This enchanting ring captures the allure of the sea with its radiant blue topaz centerpiece, surrounded by luminous pearls that evoke soft ocean foam.
Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 1840s 18K Gold Diamond, Pearl and Black Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique yellow gold, pearl, black enamel and diamond ring, comprising of one sparkling old mine cut diamond set in centre of a black enamelled panel, four larger pearls, two small...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Museum Quality Antique Georgian Black Enamel Pearl Memorial Ring
Located in London, GB
Georgian pearl and black enamel memorial ring. Set to centre with an oblong crystal slice covering plaited hair in a closed back setting, encircled by a row of ten half seed pearls w...
Pearl, Gold
Antique 14k Gold Oval Amethyst Solitaire Pearl Halo Enamel Floral Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Amethyst - Oval Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - Transparent Medium Purple Color - 20x15mm Numerous Genuine Cultured Seed Pearls - Round Shape - Wire S...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Angie Marie 18k Gold 13mm Tahitian Pearl Diamond Black Enamel Isis Goddess Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 18k Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 12.07 Grams Ring Size: 8.0 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
14K Gold Navette Ring Vintage Pin Conversion with Natural Pearl and Enamel R6647
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 14K Gold Navette Ring Vintage Pin Conversion with Natural Pearl and Enamel R6647 ♥ The item measures 36mm in length, 10.7mm in width, and 5.4mm in thickness.
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Art Deco Ring Carnelian Seed pearls Enamel 14k White Gold Filigree
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
The Art Deco Gold Enamel Ring is a vintage piece featuring intricate filigree work in 14kt white and yellow gold.
Carnelian, Pearl, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Enamel Snake Ring 14k Yellow Gold Sz 6 Cultured Pearl Diamond Band
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage snake ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Cultured pearls measure from 2.5mm to 3.5mm. One small diamond is estimated at 0.05 carats. Two sma...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yel...
Vintage Diamond Pearl Ring Green Enamel Large Round Cocktail 14k Gold Sz 5
Located in Torrance, CA
Old European & rose cut diamonds total an estimated 0.35 carats (estimated at K-L color and SI2-I1 clarity). 24 cultured pearls each measure 3mm. The large cocktail ring features a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Go...
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.
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
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.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.