Purple spinel and diamond cluster ring, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
Purple spinel and diamond cluster ring. Set centrally with an oval old cut natural no heat purple spinel in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 1.80 carats, fu...
Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
2.76 Carat Purple Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Breathtaking PPurple Sapphire Diamond Ring with a beautiful setting. Can also be a unique Engagement Ring or Cocktail Ring! The center Oval Cut Sapphire is 1.97 Carats. This Sapphir...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Diamond, Purple Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Fancy Intense Pink Purple Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
According Gia certificate 15830674. Centering white diamond on white 18K gold ring. Fancy Intense Pink Purple Natural Diamond Dimensions: 7.25 x 3.31 x 2.10 mm.
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
Platinum 2.3ctw Cabochon Purple Star Sapphire w/ Diamond 3 Row Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Sapphire - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Purple Color - Sharp Star - 6x5.1mm -1.30ct (exact.) (34) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Purple Sapphire GIA and Diamond Filigree Platinum Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Show Stopper Oval Purple Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Statement Platinum Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
Elegant Platinum GIA 4.71ctw Oval Cabochon Purple Star Sapphire w/ Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Sapphire - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Purple Color - No Heat - 100% Natural -4.06ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Complet...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Peter Suchy GIA 3.13 Carat Purple Sapphire Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
The alluring hue of the purple sapphire is complemented by 36 ideal cut dazzling diamonds in three rows along each shoulder of the mounting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
1.60ct Unheated Purple Sapphire Cushion Platinum 3-Stone Diamond Ring AGL
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Details Center stone: Natural purple sapphire, 1.60 carat, cushion cut, unheated Side stones: French cut trapezoid diamonds, 0.32 carat total, H color, SI1 clarity Accent diamonds: R...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum GIA 1.19ctw No Heat Oval Purple Sapphire & Diamond Bypass Style Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Cut - Channel Set - Purple Color - 1.11ct (exact stamped) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** (6) Natural Genuin...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
18kt Yellow Gold Ring with 4ct Purple Ceylon Sapphire, 1ct Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous 18kt Yellow gold ring With 4ct Purple Ceylon Sapphire, 1ct Diamonds Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds, together approx. 1ct Sapphire: Purple Ceylon sapphire, approx. 4ct M...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.83 Carat No-Heat Purple-Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rich intensely colored purple sapphire takes center stage. It weighs 1.83 carats and has a bright vivid purple color.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Alexis NY Purple Titanium Diamond Leaf Motif Ring
By Alexis NY
Located in New York, NY
Alexis New York purple titanium ring, featuring three leaves, adorned with approx. 0.56ctw G/Vs diamonds.
Diamond, Titanium
1.51 Carat No-Heat Purple Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A contemporary fashion ring featuring a striking 1.51 carat square purple sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Natalie K GIA 3.33 Carat Octagonal Purple Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
By Natalie K
Located in Stamford, CT
Natalie K sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified 3.33ct deep rich purple all natural untreated center Sapphire, in a platinum setting with 2 trapezoid side diamonds and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
1890s Antique Purple Sapphire and Old Mine Cut Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
It is set with a purple-pink natural sapphire and two gorgeous, matching old mine cut diamonds in stunning Tiffany ”crown”-style settings.
Purple Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Certified Natural Purple Sapphire Signet Ring
Located in London, GB
This ring is inspired by bold, beautiful shapes of strength, complementing a stunning and glowing, vivid purple sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 14k Gold
Peter Suchy GIA 5.69 Carat Purple Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Sapphire and diamond three-stone engagement ring. Impressive, dark pink and purple GIA certified 5.69ct Antique cushion cut center sapphire, set in a three-stone platinum handmade ei...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
2.62 Carat Cushion Purple Sapphire and Diamond Gold Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Cushion Purple Sapphire and Diamond Gold Vintage Solitaire Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$15,680Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3.66 Carat Cushion Cut Purple Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
By DLUSH
Located in Trumbull, CT
This exquisite ring features a GIA-certified, no-heat 3.66-carat purple sapphire, surrounded by 2.81 carats of mixed-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold
Alexis NY Purple Titanium & Natural Diamond Leaf Motif Ring
By Alexis NY
Located in New York, NY
Titanium Purple Ring Finger size 6.5 Design area size approx 35 x 20 Made from Titanium and Enamel Pre-Owned in Good Condition, may have minor wear signs.
Diamond, Titanium
14k Purple Star Sapphire Natural Oval Cabochon ring. Sapphire Diamond ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
One of a kind ring. Excellent oval cabochon Rare PURPlE Star sapphire set into Platinum setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Unheated Ceylon 8cts Purple Sapphire with Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Purple Sapphire 8.66 carats with Diamond 1.87 carats Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings (GIA & GIT Certified) Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 13.5...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified Unheated Purple Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring, 2.14 Carats
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful purple sapphire and diamond 3-stone ring features a natural, 2.14 carat unheated purple-colored sapphire set with perfectly-matched, D-color Asscher-cut diamonds!
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Rose Gold, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold
6Ct Natural PURPLE Sapphire , Black Onyx & Pave Diamond Ring & Earring Set 18KG
Located in New York, NY
A Vintage classic, Ring and earring set 6 Ct of total Natural PURPLE Sapphire in the ring and earring set with Black Onyx & Pave Diamond Ring & Earring Set in 18 Karat yellow gold...
Diamond, Onyx, Purple Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.09 Carat Unheat Purple Sapphire & Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring GIA Certified 1.09 Carat Natural Unheated Purple Sapphire and 0.45 Carats of Diamond Accents made in Platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum Halo Diamond Gia No Heat Color Change Purple Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Design Collection Masterpiece Beautiful Modern/Art Deco Extremely Rare Purple Color Change Sapphire and Diamond Ring Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.40ct Purple Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Art Deco cluster ring showcases a striking central baguette cut, purple sapphire elongated for a strong geometric silhouette that is classically Deco.
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco purple star sapphire and diamond cluster ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco sapphire and diamond cluster ring, centered by a purple star sapphire with a diamond surround, the shoulders set with baguette diamonds terminating top-and-bottom with ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum
3.74 Carats Purple Sapphire Trilogy Ring with Diamonds in White Gold
Located in London, GB
Ring Size: UK - N, US 6 3/4 3.74 Carats Purple Sapphire 0.39 Carat Diamonds
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.78ct GIA Emerald Cut Pinkish Purple Sapphire Three Stone Platinum Diamond Ring
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 3.78 carat pinkish purple sapphire diamond engagement ring, GIA certified and cut in a refined emerald step cut, anchors this architectural three stone platinum design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
3.93 Carat Purple Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Burst Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Discover the allure of this 3.93 carat purple sapphire! The cabochon sapphire radiates a captivating purple hue, drawing the eye with its smooth, polished surface.
Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Purple Sapphire, Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Purple Sapphire 2.63 carats, Pink Sapphire 1.27 carats and Diamond 1.22 carats Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 15.65 gra...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Unheated Tanzanite, Purple Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Tanzanite 2.30 carats, Purple Sapphire 0.25 carat, Green Sapphire 0.66 carat and Diamond 0.63 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring ...
Diamond, Green Sapphire, Tanzanite, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Purple Amethyst Yellow Gold Ring, Size 6.5
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage women's ring is made in 14k yellow gold and set with a faceted 8.0mm x 10.0mm amethyst of an estimated 4.50- 5 carats surrounded by sparkling round H-I VS2-SI1 ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.54tcw 18K Natural Purple Blue Tanzanite & Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a gorgeous contemporary tanzanite and diamond ring! This is quite an alluring piece with a stunning center stone!
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Pink and Purple Sapphire Diamond Geometric Ring by Harmony by Hand
Located in BILBAO, ES
- Designer: Harmony by Hand (Thailand) - Year: 2005 - Metal: 18K White Gold - Weight: 10 g - Pink & Purple Sapphires: 40, total approx. 3.50 carats - Diamonds: 12 Round Brilliant-C...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, White Gold
Vintage 4 carat purple star sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring from the 1970s features a captivating 4 carat cabochon cut purple star sapphire, known for its natural asterism.
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 2.64 Carat No Heat Purple Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Purple sapphire and diamond engagement ring. AGL certified 2.65cts oval center stone, set in a platinum three-stone setting with two trilliant cut side diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Purple Sapphire Ring with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, Round 4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural purple sapphire sits at the heart of this round ring, surrounded by a sparkling halo of diamonds in solid 14K white gold.
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Purple Sapphire Round Ring with Natural Diamond Halo: Solid 14K Gold, Round 4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural purple sapphire sits at the center of this round ring, encircled by a sparkling halo of diamonds in solid 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Heart Cut Purple Sapphire & Diamond Halo Ring, New
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat white gold and features a PURPLE SAPPHIRE gemstone set within a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold
3.20 Carat Cushion Cut Purple Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A stunning well-crafted engagement ring showcasing a 3.20-carat Cushion Cut Purple Sapphire.
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Unheated Purple Sapphire Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Natural Unheated Purple Sapphire Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Pinkish Purple Sapphire Diamond Ring with a beautiful setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
Purple Star Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.8 Grams Diamond Count: 12 brilliant cut Diamond Color: H-M Diamond Clarity: VS2 -I1 Diamond Carat Weight: ~2.50-3...
Star Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Purple Sapphire with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Purple Sapphire 1.09 carats with Diamond 0.19 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.32 grams "We first opened ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Purple Sapphire and Brown Diamond Ring Set in 18k Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Purple Sapphire 3.18 carats with Purple Sapphire 0.69 carat and Brown Diamond 0.29 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight...
Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified 1.56 Carat Purple Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Expertly finished in a heart mixed cut, a silhouette that symbolizes love and devotion while showcasing an intense purple-pink hue with exceptional transparency. The radiant center...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Peter Suchy Pink Purple Sapphire Diamond Gold Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Peter Suchy GIA certified light pink purple Sapphire, simple heat only engagement ring. 14k white gold setting with oval side diamonds. 1 oval light pinkish purple Sapphire, approx....
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White...
18 Karat White Gold Madagascar No Heat Purple Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Sapphire: cushion = 4.06cttw Diamond: 2 fancy cut = 0.46cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Diamond: 10 round brilliant cut = 0.19cttw Color: G Clar...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Modern No Heat Purple Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
This sapphire ring is set on its top with a purple sapphire with 6 claws and 2 modern brilliant- cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...
Platinum Sapphire Unheated Purple Diamond GIA Ring Antique Old Mine 17.37 CTS!
Located in Sylvania, GA
GIA BREATHTAKING PLATINUM HUGE 17.37 CARAT UNHEATED PURPLE SAPPHIRE DIAMOND VINTAGE RING & BOX! GIANT 13.51 CARAT REGAL PURPLE GIA CERTIFIED RARE NO HEAT NATURAL SAPPHIRE.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Purple Garnet & Diamond Five-Stone Ring in 14k Rose Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Purple Garnet & Diamond Five-Stone Ring in 14k Rose Gold This elegant ring is crafted in 14k rose gold and features five prong-set oval-cut purple garnets arranged in a graduated-st...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Unheated Tanzanite, Purple Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Tanzanite 2.71 carats, Purple Sapphire 0.63 carat and Diamond 0.65 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.9 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.39...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Unheated Purple Sapphire with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
GIA Certified Unheated Purple Sapphire 4.59 carats with Diamond 1.42 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings (GIA Certified) Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Wei...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Rose Gold
GAL Certified Natural No Heat 4.59 Carat Purple Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning cocktail ring showcases a beautiful GAL Certified Natural No Heat 4.59 Carat Cushion Purple Sapphire with a Diamond Halo.
Sapphire, Diamond, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.08ct Unheated Purple Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, US
Art Deco ring featuring a 1.08 carat unheated bezel-set Purple Sapphire, 0.63 carat of Blue Sapphires and 0.34 carats of Diamonds set in 18K White Gold.
Purple Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Superb Sri Lanka Purple 7.45ct Star Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in bangkok, TH
This is a truly beautiful and extremely unusual Sri Lanka Purple 7.45ct Star Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
RARE purple GARNET ring 18KT white gold Diamond Sapphire cocktail ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A unique purple garnet ring accompanied by sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.14 Carat Natural No Heat Purple Sapphire and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.14 Carat Natural Unheated Purple Sapphire and 0.69 Carat Diamond Accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Blue Sapphire Green Garnet & Diamond Pave Purple Sapphire White Gold Fly Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.60x1.60x2.50cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "1 Blue Sapphire 0.69 CT 43 White Diamonds 0.16 CT 24 Green Garnet 0.36 CT 1 Purple Sapphire 0.24 CT 18KW 3.75 GM (WBTT)...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.