Unavailable|$4,670
Victorian Platinum Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous ruby and diamond ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in platinum, this gorgeous piece features an approximately 12ct ruby cabochon, which is held within a six-p...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,999
1880s Victorian Diamond gold platinum Ring
Located in Bellevue, WA
The ring is crafted of solid 14k yellow gold and the top of the ring is platinum.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$12,750
Victorian Fancy Brown-Yellow Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Williamsburg is a one of a kind Victorian platinum and 18k yellow gold three stone ring centering a 1.70ct GIA certified Old Mine Brilliant graded Fancy Brown-Yellow and VS2 clarity.
Brown Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$14,500
Victorian 1.97 Carat Diamond Gold Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beverly Hills is a unbelievable authentic Victorian era (circa 1895) platinum and 18k yellow gold ring centering a 1.97ct EGL certified Cushion Square Modified Brilliant Cut diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,800
Victorian Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire Ring
Located in Santa Fe, NM
A stunning 18K yellow gold Victorian ring set with a central sugarloaf-cut blue sapphire weighing approximately 1.5cts.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,300
Late Victorian Emerald Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Greenlake is an extraordinary example of the impeccable craftmanship of the Late Victorian period (circa 1895). This captivating platinum topped 18k yellow gold ring centers a single...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,550
Antique Victorian .50 C Center Diamonds Platinum 18K Gold Men’s Ring
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This is a stunning antique late Victorian c.1910 Men’s ring with floral Art Nouveau designs on the side.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Carat Gold circa 1900 Cluster Ring
Located in Lancaster , GB
This stunning antique Ruby and Diamond cluster ring is Victorian, Circa 1900 A rich, red 0.75ct Ruby sits in the centre surrounded by a halo of sparkling Diamonds There are 0.75ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 2.14 Carat Diamond Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Gold Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Seattle, WA
This sublime Victorian navette ring features over 2 carats of diamonds in a platinum-topped 18KT yellow gold setting.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Victorian Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Ring in in Platinum and 18 Carat Gold
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
This late Victorian piece is a forever ring set with a fine deep blue Sapphire of an estimated weight of 2.03 its surrounded with fourteen mixed old cut diamonds of an estimated tota...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,100
Platinum Cognac Diamond Cluster Ring
By Jiedy Jewels
Located in Indooroopilly, QLD
Platinum Cognac Diamond Cluster Ring Daisy cluster design with a showcase of cognac diamond surrounding with 10 colourless diamond forming a cluster head. Band stamped 950, round sh...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,250
Platinum Demantoid Diamond Cluster Ring
By Jiedy Jewels
Located in Indooroopilly, QLD
Platinum Demantoid Diamond Cluster Ring Daisy cluster ring contains round dementoid garnet in bezel setting at the center. There is 10 round brilliant cut diamond surrounding the ce...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$5,852
Platinum Ring 2.13 Carat Sapphire
Located in New York, NY
In a vintage platinum setting, a stunning Oval Sapphire is surrounded by sparkling diamonds. This was framed with a superb pure Oval Sapphire. The ring is a real showpiece. ***** Det...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$13,750
Natural Round 1.01CT Alexandrite & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous natural AAA quality round Alexandrite surrounded by dainty diamonds that are set in a vintage platinum setting. This ring features a natural 1.01 round alexandrite...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$12,500
Elegant Victorian 1.68 Carat Diamond Gold Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Holloway is an elegant Victorian era (circa 1895) platinum and 18k yellow gold traditional cluster ring.
Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,699
Late Victorian Era Turquoise Old Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Bellevue, WA
This gorgeous ring dates from the late Victorian era and features the most stunning natural turquoise center stone surrounded by a lovely old Euro and swiss cut diamond halo.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$66,500
Natural Platinum 1.41 Ct Alexandrite & Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous natural AAA quality oval Alexandrite surrounded by dainty diamonds that is set in a vintage platinum setting. This ring features a natural 1.41 carat oval alexandr...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$23,500
Victorian 2.75 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rich, gorgeous, luscious green Colombian emerald, faceted in a modified emerald-cut shape and weighing 2.75 carats, is framed in a sparkling halo of bright white old European-cut d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$9,200
Vintage Platinum Ring With European Cut Diamond
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Platinum Ring, prong set with one European cut diamond, weighing 1.25cts, GIA certified (lab report #1182914479) F color, SI2 clarity and 14 bead set, full cut round diamond...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$34,000
2.86 Carat Round Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant lady’s antique engagement ring in platinum featuring a 2.86 carat old European cut round diamond with a J color grade set between 0.18 carats of round cut diamonds . Set in a...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,936
Unique Late Victorian Antique Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era. Period: ca. 1900 Material: Two to...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,590
Victorian 14k Diamond Engagement Ring .58ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A timeless piece, this ring would make a lovely engagement ring for any Victorian-era jewelry lover!
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$5,950
Platinum Tiara Engagement Ring set with a .70 carat Diamond
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Trumpet & Horn's exclusive Tiara ring is reminiscent of Victorian times where jewelry and fashion were inspired by nature and romance.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$7,500
GIA Certified Natural Oval 0.55CT Alexandrite & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous natural AAA quality oval Alexandrite surrounded by a dainty diamond halo that is set in a vintage platinum setting. This ring features a natural 0.55 oval alexandr...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$19,500
3.34 Carat Diamond Gold Platinum Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique looking Ring has a 3.34 CT Round Brilliant Diamond in its Center estimated to be G in Color and I1 in Clarity. The center is surrounded by eight other Diamonds estimate...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Mixed Metal, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$7,417
Antique Victorian Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster , GB
A magnificent antique Diamond Solitaire ring from the Victorian era, Circa 1900 Adorned with a stunning 1.07ct old cut Diamond which is VS2 clarity and I colour The stone is set in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$12,180
Antique Victorian Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster , GB
An eye catching antique Diamond Solitaire ring from the Victorian era, Circa 1900 Adorned with a stunning 1.59ct transitional cut Diamond which is SI 1 clarity and J colour The sto...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$5,500
5.39 Carat Opal Diamond Blue Sapphire Platinum Cocktail Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous Victorian design inspired cocktail ring has a very large, beautiful Oval Cut Opal that weighs 4.61 Carats.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$10,199
Victorian Style Blue Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring 4.12ct Cabochon With Cert
Located in Kendal, GB
An outstanding Victorian inspired cluster ring claw set with an alluring natural blue cabochon sapphire at its heart, haloed by ten bright old European cut diamonds around the border...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$20,880
Platinum 2.5 TCW Diamond Solitaire Ring Engagement Ring Designed by Tacori
By Tacori
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Diamond Solitaire Ring Engagement Ring Designed By Tacori Triple cluster halo diamond engagement ring. Fashioned in platinum, is the perfect way to say "I love you" to your...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in Camelford, GB
If you have landed on this page then you have an eye for beauty. On offer is this gorgeous 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND BYPASS TRILOGY ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Sapphire Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Camelford, GB
If you have landed on this page then you have an eye for beauty. On offer is this gorgeous 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM CEYLON SAPPHIRE DIAMOND CLUSTER ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Materi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,703
Late Victorian Diamond and Pearl Cross Over Engagement Ring, 1900s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: ring Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 55 & 17½ , Size US 7¼ , Size UK: O - Free resizing (only for extreme resizing we have to ch...
Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...
3.11 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire 0.61 Carat Diamond Platinum Halo Ring Engagement
Located in New York, NY
3.11Ct Oval Sapphire 0.61Ct Diamond Platinum Halo Engagement Ring Sz 4.5 Oval sapphire diamond halo cluster engagement ring, handmade Platinum prong setting. The Sapphire changes co...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Engagement Ring Platinum 2.01 Carat Old European Cut J-VS1, circa 1920s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This striking 1920s platinum solitaire engagement ring made in late Victorian style, stars a bright and fiery EGL certified 2.01ct Old European Cut center diamond, J-VS1.
White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$8,500
Victorian 2 ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 18k Gold & Plat
Located in Joelton, TN
2.ct Old Mine Cut Victorian Diamond Engagement Ring. Clarity VS1-2, Color I-K Size 7 3/4 Circa 1860 Weight: 4.4 grams
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,020
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Cluster Gypsy Ring 750 950 Purity
Located in Camelford, GB
If you have landed on this page then you have an eye for beauty. On offer is this gorgeous ANTIQUE 18CT GOLD PLATINUM DIAMOND DAISY CLUSTER RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000 Heav...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$895
Hand Engraved Platinum Wedding Band
By Helen Ringus
Located in TRYON, NC
Skillfully hand carved on 3 sides in platinum. Classically beautifully yet modern.
Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Tourmaline Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring Size P
Located in Camelford, GB
For your consideration I have this amazing: 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM TOURMALINE DIAMOND CLUSTER ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000 Yellow Gold with 950/1000 Platinum...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Bypass Engagement Ring Size U 10.25
Located in Camelford, GB
OUTRAGEOUS LIMITED TIME OFFER I realize that being new to 1st Dibs means I need o build some sales, trust and feedback. For this reason I am vastly reducing the price of SOME items u...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Size N 6.75 750 950
Located in Camelford, GB
For your consideration I have this amazing: 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND SOLITAIRE ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000 Yellow Gold with 950/1000 Platinum Pt Mount...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Sapphire Diamond 18 Carat Gold Platinum circa 1910 Twist Ring
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This wonderful Edwardian twist ring features two bright Blue Sapphires and four sparkling Diamonds, all set into an elegant curved gallery in Platinum. The 18ct Yellow Gold shank flo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring Size N 6.75 750 950
Located in Camelford, GB
For your consideration I have this amazing: 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND TRILOGY ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000 Yellow Gold with 950/1000 Platinum Pt Mount T...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$58,000
Paris Craft House 4.18 Carat GRS Mozambique Ruby Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Paris Precious Craft House
Located in Hong Kong, HK
PARIS Craft House 4.18ct GRS Certified Mozambique Ruby Diamond Ring in Platinum. - 1 GRS Certified Oval-cut Mozambique Ruby/4.18ct - Round Diamonds/3.45ct - PT900 Platinum - Ring si...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring Size L 6 750 950
Located in Camelford, GB
If you have landed on this page then you have an eye for beauty. On offer is this gorgeous 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND BYPASS TRILOGY ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Bypass Engagement Ring 750 950 Size L
Located in Camelford, GB
If you have landed on this page then you have an eye for beauty. On offer is this gorgeous 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND BYPASS TRILOGY ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring Size L1/2 6.25 750
Located in Camelford, GB
For your consideration I have this sparkling: 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND TRILOGY ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000 Yellow Gold with 950/1000 Platinum Pt Mount...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Bypass Engagement Ring Size M1/2 6.75
Located in Camelford, GB
If you have landed on this page then you have an eye for beauty. On offer is this gorgeous 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND BYPASS TRILOGY ENGAGEMENT RING Crafted from solid 18ct...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Twist Engagement Ring Size L 5.75 750 950
Located in Camelford, GB
For your consideration I have this amazing: 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND TWIST ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000 Yellow Gold with 950/1000 Platinum Pt Collar Mo...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Size K 5.5 750 950
Located in Camelford, GB
For your consideration I have this amazing: 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND SOLITAIRE ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000 Yellow Gold with 950/1000 Platinum Pt Mount...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Platinum and 18 Carat Yellow Gold 3 Ruby 2 Diamond Band Eternity Ring
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
This is SUCH a beautiful old Ring. And in excellent condition. It would serve as an Engagement Ring or simply a very attractive Eternity. The centre Ruby in this is 0.35 carats & i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Rare Victorian, Burmese, Double Pink Sapphire and Diamond Heart Engagement Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
An incredible Victorian pink sapphire and diamond double heart ring, circa 1880. Set with two oval-cut unheated Burmese sapphires in an intense shade of delicious pink. Burmese pink ...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian Engagement Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds and Cabochon Opals
Located in Antwerp, BE
In this Victorian cluster ring from 1890, the two central cabochon cut opals seem to just keep on duplicating.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, P...
Unavailable|$9,280
Late Victorian English Triple Cluster Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in London, GB
An emerald and diamond triple cluster ring with the stones set in 18 carat gold and platinum and the shank set in platinum. The old mine cut diamonds have a weight of 1 carat + or -...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring 750 950 Size L 1/2 6
Located in Camelford, GB
If you have landed on this page then you have an eye for beauty. On offer is this gorgeous 18CT GOLD AND 950 PLATINUM DIAMOND TWIST BYPASS ENGAGEMENT RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 75...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,990 / set
Antique Platinum & 18ct Yellow Gold & Diamond Bridal Suite
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
Such a lovely reminder of the quality of an Antique purchase is this so pretty Diamond Bridal Suite. Fashioned in Platinum & 18ct Yellow Gold the attached pics do show the lovely & ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,995
Victorian 2.29ct Cushion Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Halo 18k gold and plat
Located in Joelton, TN
Late Victorian handmade 2.29 carat Cushion Cut Ceylon Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond 18k gold and Platinum set Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.
The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.
Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — 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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.