Stunning 2.32 Carat GIA Princess Cut Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum handmade ring featuring a GIA graded 2.32ct F color VS2 clarity princess cut diamond flanked by two extremely fine emeralds weighing approximately 2.50cts.
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum
14 Karat Yellow Gold Channel Set Princess Cut Emerald Band Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14k yellow gold Emerald: 22 princess cut = 1.32cttw Ring Size: 6.5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing requests) Dimensions: ring top measures 3.3mm w...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Princess Cut Emerald Ring with Diamonds Around in 18K White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Princess cut Emerald Ring with pear shape rose cut diamonds around in 18K White Gold is pure luxury.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Princess Cut Emerald Diamond Detail Band Engagement Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
14K White Gold 1 Emerald Cut Emerald at 1.50 Carats - Measuring 6.7 x 5.9 mm Princess and Round White Diamonds at 0.66 Carats - Color: H-I /Clarity: VS-SI Alberto offers complimenta...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 karat White Gold Emerald Eternity Band Princess Cut 1.14 Total Carat 6
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat White Gold Emerald Eternity Band Princess Cut 1.14 Total Carat This stunning eternity band contains twenty nine princess cut emeralds.
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Princess Cut Emerald and Pear Shape Yellow Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Evergreen Princess cut Emerald and pear shape yellow Diamond Ring in 18K Gold is perfect everyday ring.
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.89 Ct Princess Cut Natural Emerald 1.13 Ct White Diamond Antique Ring 14K Gold
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
A beautiful Princess Cut Emerald encased in 14K white gold and 1.13 Carats of Brilliant Round White Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Princess Cut Band 1/2 Emerald 1/2 Sapphire & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring/Band Size7
Located in New York, NY
Princess Cut Band 1/2 Emerald 1/2 Sapphire & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring/Band Size7 1/2 band is made of Princess Cut Emerald and other half is made of Princess cut Sapphire There are ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$3,149
0.18 Carat Princess Cut Sapphire Men's Band
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: 14k WhiteGold Gemstone Details: 1 Emerald Cut Sapphire at 0.18 Carats- Measuring 3 x 3 mm Ring Size: 10. Alberto offers complimentary sizing on all rings. Fine one-of-a-ki...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$12,500
Platinum Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: platinum Diamond: 1 princess cut = 1.82ct Color: J Clarity: SI1 Diamond: 2 emerald cut = 0.65cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1-2 Diamond: 40 round brilliant cut =...
Diamond, Platinum
F G VVS Emerald And Princess Cut Diamond Solid 18K Gold Ring Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE PREPAID TARRIFS & CUSTOMS DUTIES. Crafted in 18K white gold ( 33.82 grams ), this one-of-a-kind piece features 7.49 carats of hand-set diamonds, including bag...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Faye Kim Platinum Princess Cut 4.20 Carat Pink Morganite Ring with Diamonds
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Princess Cut Morganite Ring with Diamonds and a matte-platinum finish.
Diamond, Morganite, Platinum
Faye Kim Platinum Princess Cut 4.20 Carat Pink Morganite Ring with Diamonds
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Princess Cut Morganite Ring with Diamonds and a matte-platinum finish.
Morganite, Diamond, Platinum
0.80 Carat Princess Cut Natural Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful half eternity band ring featuring 0.80 Carats Natural Princess Cut Sapphires and 0.35 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
0.55 Carat Natural Princess Cut Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful half eternity band ring featuring 0.55 Carats Natural Princess Cut Sapphires and 0.41 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Sold|$3,400
Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
Emerald and Diamond Ring This timeless classic ring features a beautiful 2.33 carat emerald cut emerald, set in platinum and accented with two princess cut diamonds for added sparkle.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sold|$7,250
Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Platinum Ring features an Emerald Cut Emerald for approximately 2.45cts set with 12 Princess Cut Diamonds for a total approximate weight of 1.60cts.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sold|$11,500
Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Surrounding the center diamond are 12 princess cut green emerald gemstones and surrounding the emeralds are 48 round brilliant cut diamonds.
Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$4,250
Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Jae's Jewelers
Located in Coral Gables, FL
New 14 karat yellow gold ring featuring one 0.85 carat Emerald cut emerald and 2 Princess cut diamonds totaling 0.20 carat of VS clarity & G color.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$5,625
Platinum Emerald and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
Princess Cut Emerald and round diamond. Stamped P 7 and 950.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sold|$4,200
Platinum Diamond and Emerald Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: platinum Emerald: 5 princess cut Diamond: 4 princess cut = 0.61cttw Color: D/F Clarity: VS1-2 Dimensions: ring top measures 4.63mm wide Ring Size: 4.75 (co...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.60 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Accents 18K White Gold Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
The 18k White Gold jewelry boasts 7X9 Emerald-Shape Prong Setting Natural Emerald (1 pcs) 1.60 Carat, along with Natural Channel Setting Princess-cut Diamond (2 Pcs) 0.19 Carat, Pron...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$5,750
Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring. Featuring one square shaped emerald of 2.01 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sold|$12,000
Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This ring has 2 principal stones. One is an emerald cut emerald weighing approximately 1.15 carats, and the other is a GIA certified princess cut diamond weighing 1.04 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sold|$12,891
Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A luxurious 18k yellow gold emerald and diamond dress ring. The ring comprises of a princess cut emerald in a rubover setting approximately 5.50ct with a light green hue throughout.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,295
2 Carat Emerald Band
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 14k White Gold Gemstone Details: Approximately 2ctw princess cut emerald gemstones Diamond Details: Approximately 0.84ctw round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$2,200
Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Center Diamond Carat Weight: Approximately .65CT Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Total Diamond Carat Weight: Approximately 1.07CTW Ac...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14 Karat 2 Tone Colombian Emerald International Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Colombian Emerald International Material: 14K white & yellow gold Diamond: 20 round brilliant cut = 0.60cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Emerald: 4 princess cut = 0.30cttw Dimens...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 7.39 Natural Emerald Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Trumbull, CT
Hand cut and polished oval Emeralds set in a one-of-a-kind ring with E color diamonds and VVS1 clarity, Round and princess cut cherry picked diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sold|$3,633
Kurt Wayne Emerald Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This lovely 18kt yellow gold Kurt Wayne ring features both a brush and high polish finish with two rows of alternating princess cut green emeralds totaling 0.63cts and princess cut d...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Sold|$6,681
Emerald and Diamond Floral Crossover Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Each shoulder section comprises of a triple row of 7 princess cut emeralds in a channel setting and 14 brilliant cut diamonds in a pave setting.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colombian Emerald Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
With an alluringly sophisticated design of steep, elevated gallery, this superb estate engagement ring exposes a square-cut very fine Colombian emerald at the center, weighing 2.0...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Modern Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The bright green clear emerald is approximately 1.00 carat and is flanked by two princess cut diamonds weighing .50 carat total weight.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$15,000
Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By Manfredi
Located in Greenwich, CT
A gorgeous ring, centered with a very fine princess-cut emerald (6.5 mm, approximately 1.50 carats) surrounded by a cluster of 8 old european cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
4.12ct Diamond Emerald Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Style: Platinum 4.12ct Diamond Emerald Halo Engagement Ring Material: Platinum Center Diamond Details: 4.12 Emerald Cut Diamond, Diamond is J in color and VS in clarity Mounting D...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$795
4-Stone Emerald and Diamond Band
Located in Towson, MD
14kt yellow gold approximately .40tcw Princess Cut Emerald and approximately .55tcw I-J/SI2-I1 Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 7.88 carat Colombian emerald diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The emerald displays the rich, vivid green color that makes Colombian emeralds among the most desirable gemstones in the world.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,950
Emerald and White Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3.04 ct. emerald oval cabochon with 0.50 ct. good quality white diamond princess cuts.
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Certified Colombian Emerald and Diamonds Set Ring in Platinum
Located in London, GB
A vivid green even saturation gives the stone a luxurious appearance, enhanced by two clean white baguette-cut diamonds on either side, with further princess cut diamonds set into th...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sold|$2,900
Emerald and Diamond Retro Ring 1.75 Carat
Located in MIAMI, FL
This ring showcases five princess cut natural Colombian Emeralds, with a vibrant green color.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Modern New 2.89CT Columbian Emerald and Diamond Ring GIA Certified
Located in Cape May, NJ
Modern new 2.89ct columbian emerald and diamond ring gia certified Modern, New 14k white gold 2.89 carat Columbian emerald cut emerald round brilliant and princess cut diamonds 1....
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold
Ruby Sapphire Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring Platinum PT900 R6720
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ A stunning cluster design ring set with princess-cut rubies, sapphires, and emeralds (all earth-mined real gemstones), and glistening diamond rounds interspersed in between the col...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
French Art Deco 3.00 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This platinum piece features single emerald cut emerald of Colombian origin at the centre of the face.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Green Emerald & Natural Diamond Half Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Platinum Green Emerald & Natural Diamond Half Band Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 5.11 grams Diamonds: Approx. .20 CTW G VS princess cut natural diamonds Emeralds: Approx. .25 CTW squ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Ring 1.52 Carat
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A platinum emerald cut diamond ring. The ring features an emerald cut diamond as the centre stone with 4 baguette and 6 princess cut diamonds beside on the shoulders.
Diamond, Platinum
0.60 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
The focal point of the ring is a 0.60 carat emerald cut diamond set in a rubover mount. Each shoulder is set with two rows of seven princess cut diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Sold|$12,800
18 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 0.26cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Emerald: 1 princess cut = 1.15ct Dimensions: ring top measures 9.8mm wide Rin...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$14,000
7 Carat Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A bold contemporary design for fans of style and substance, the dome-shaped ring is set in the center with a 7 carat cabochon emerald and decorated with white diamonds. Thirty-six br...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Square Fine Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Brunswick, ME
Natural Colombian emerald, diamond and 18K white gold ring, centering 1 bezel-set, emerald-cut, square emerald with bezel-set princess-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Emerald and Diamond Ring Size 5.5- This lovely ring features one genuine emerald (approx. 5 mm x 4 mm) and two princess cut diamonds set in clas...
Emerald, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,921
Art deco style Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Set with a central princess cut bezel set diamond with a brilliant cut diamond surround, set on each side with diamonds and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
LB Exclusive Platinum 0.20 Ct Diamond and Emerald Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The band is made with platinum and set with a 0.20 carat halo of round and baguette cut diamonds surrounding a lovely 0.48 carat princess cut emerald center stone held in place by fo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18k white gold Emerald: 16 princess cut = 1.30cttw Diamond: 16 princess cut = 0.80cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Size: 7 Weight: 3.62 grams
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Colombia Pear Shape Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring Weighing 4.26 Carat
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind eighteen karats yellow gold emerald cocktail ring Emerald was mined in Colombia Pear Shape emerald weighing 3.10 carat Princess cut diamond weighing 1.71 carat Ring s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The approximately 1.71 carat natural green emerald is bezel set with surrounding baguette and princess cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.36 carat total weight.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamond: 1 emerald cut = 1.00ct Color: F Clarity: SI1 GIA: 6382160087 Diamond: 10 princess cut = 0.34cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 5...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 5 round brilliant cut = 0.06cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Emerald: cabochon and princess cut = 0.46cttw Dimensions: ring top m...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.”
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.