Antique Georgian Gold and hair Buckle Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Elaborate Georgian buckle ring in 15K gold and plaited hair. The swirling gold work is amazing. The buckle was a symbol of the binding love between the giver and the wearer. The ring...
15k Gold
Sold|$1,890
Antique Regard Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Early Victorian 'Regard' ring set in 15K yellow gold was a lover's gift.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,930
Antique Regard Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Early Victorian regard ring with an elaborate scroll setting in 15K yellow gold.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold
Wide 15 kt Gold Wide Victorian Australian Cigar Band by Johnson and Simonsen
Located in Stamford, CT
Favored as a wedding band choice in the last two years, this elegant, classic Victorian cigar band style ring comes to us from Australia c. 1895. The gold is 15 kt with a slight rose...
Gold, 15k Gold
Sold|$2,120
Antique Regard Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Romantic 15K gold "Regard" ring set with a Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby and Diamond. The first letters of the stones spell the word "regard", a term that had a romantic conn...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold
Sold|$4,060
Antique Amethyst Silver Gold Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Early Victorian large beautifully faceted amethyst ring in an intricate 15K gold and silver floral motif setting.
Amethyst, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver
Sold|$1,600
Antique Emerald, Ruby and Pearl Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Wonderful Victorian multi-stone ring with four pearls, three emeralds and four rubies set in 15K gold.
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
Sold|$2,600
Captivating Natural Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
With an appearance that is soft as a cloud, nature formed these pearls without a helping hand and prior to the turn of the century when the reknown Mikkimoto fashioned cultured pearl...
Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
Enchanting Diamond and Ruby Double Serpent Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
This fabulous diamond and ruby 15-carat double snake ring is a lovely Victorian find. During the Victorian era, two entwined serpents suggested love and were often given as a sign of...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,150
15 Karat Rose Diamond and Peridot Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely early Victorian closed back 15k gold ring with a quatrefoil center design of 2 peridot stones and 2 diamonds flanked on each side by 2 smaller designs and another peridot.
Diamond, Peridot, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,680
Antique Pearl Amethyst Emerald Gold Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely Victorian 15K gold multi-stone ring of pearls, amethysts and emeralds is hallmarked Birmingham 1897, the year the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies was established ...
Natural Pearl, Emerald, Amethyst, 15k Gold
Antique Pearl and Diamond Ring - Hallmarked Chester 1886
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
The shoulders are adorned with eight seed pearls in perfectly shaped individual settings and engraved scroll work down the shoulders completes the ring. Hallmarked Chester 1886. Dia...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,710
Antique REGARD Ring of 15ct Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique Acrostic “REGARD” Ring, Early Victorian (c. 1840) An exquisite jewel of sentiment from the early Victorian era (circa 1840), this 15ct gold ring showcases a delicately craft...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,150
15 Karat Rose Diamond and Peridot Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely early Victorian closed back 15k gold ring with a quatrefoil center design of 2 peridot stones and 2 diamonds flanked on each side by 2 smaller designs and another peridot.
Diamond, Peridot, 15k Gold
English Antique Diamond Sterling Silver Gold Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique old mine cut diamond cluster ring with a diamond-set band, in 15k gold and sterling silver; original fitted box. England. Size 7. Vertical measurement of central cluste...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Hands and Heart Ring with Star Diamond
Located in Baltimore, MD
15K gold fede or love ring with two hands coming together to enclose a gold heart with a single rose-cut diamond embedded in a carved star at the center. The word "fede" means faith....
Diamond, 14k Gold, 15k Gold
Antique English Diamond and Sapphire Fox Head Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique sapphire and diamond ring depicting a relief of a fox head, in 15k gold and platinum. England.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 15k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$1,800
Antique Citrine and Emerald Ring, circa 1860
Located in Baltimore, MD
C1860 this lovely 15ct ring in the shape of what we call a classic Victorian five stone ring, has three citrines and four emeralds. The double emeralds flanking the central citrine ...
Citrine, Emerald, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,900
A Serpent Ring with Love Stone
Located in Stamford, CT
The loving serpent with diamond eyes weaves an infinite circle around a garnet. Both serpent and garnet symbolize true love. The protecting serpent sits on the finger with its head s...
Garnet, 15k Gold
15ct Gold Antique Double Sweetheart Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sweetheart Ring Double Sweetheart Conversion From Pin to Ring 15ct Gold Set with Gorgeous Seed Pearls Circa 1900 UK Size S 1/2 US Size 9 1/2 Can be resized using our...
Pearl, 15k Gold
Endearing Ring of Rubies, Emeralds and Pearls
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
Luscious colors of ruby, emerald and pearl are marvelous neighbors in this Victorian 15kt gold ring c. 1840. The gems are foiled as was the manner at this time. The colors, nonethele...
Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Opal Ruby and Peridot 15 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
2 opals form the centerpiece of this lovely natural opal, ruby and peridot 15k gold ring, hallmarked Birmingham and dating to 1866.
Opal, Peridot, Ruby, 15k Gold
HM Birmingham 1868 Three Stone Ring with Center Garnet and Diamonds
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian 15K diamond and garnet ring hallmarked Birmingham, 1868.
Diamond, Garnet, 15k Gold
Mid-19th Century Rose Cut Diamond and Hair 15 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This early victorian mourning ring holds a blonde and perfectly neat plait surrounded by tiny glistening rose cut diamonds. All set in 15ct gold. Ring Size: O or 7 1/4
Diamond, 15k Gold
Antique Natural Untreated Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring - GIA Certified
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A jewel of refined elegance, this antique ring (circa 1900) features a natural deep blue sapphire weighing 4.32ct, GIA certified, and surrounded by a delicate halo of rose cut diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold
1840s Antique Diamond & Enamel Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.63 carat diamond and enamel, 15 karat yellow gold dress ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and un...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Flush Mount Band Ring with Single Diamond in Star Setting, HM Chester, 1890
Located in Baltimore, MD
Charming 15K Victorian surface mount ring with a single old mine cut diamond securely imbedded in a polished gold band.
Diamond, 15k Gold
Antique Rhodolite Garnet and Diamond Ring of 15ct Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique Garnet Ring: This antique ring (circa 1880) features four rhodolite garnets with a rose cut diamond in 15ct gold. The face of the ring measures 0.4 inches from north to sout...
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 15k Gold
Turquoise, Natural Pearl, Diamond Lit Ring c. 1840-50
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
Lush and luscious with the texture of gold granulation and engraving, a sophisticated turquoise, natural pearl ring holds a few white diamonds to add the sparkle of stars glistening...
Natural Pearl, Turquoise, 15k Gold
1922 Rare Suffragette Colors Violet Ruby Emerald Gold Ring
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
A delicious ruby, emerald and pearl ring with a marvelous 15 kt gold setting pulls no punches with beauty or symbolism. The colors of the gems , emerald, white and violet signify "Gi...
Emerald, Garnet, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
Ruby Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
The claw set round cut sapphire and ruby to the old cut diamond set half hoop. Mounted in 15Kt yellow gold Weight: 1.7 gr Finger size: 7
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
HM 1869 Multi-Stone Ruby Emerald and Pearl Ring of Suffrage Colors
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely multi-stone 15K ring with 4 natural pearls as the central stones and 4 rubies and 2 emeralds accenting the pearls. This ring could have been worn as part of the Suffragist mov...
Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
HM B'ham 1868 15 Carat Emerald Pearl Ruby Band
Located in Baltimore, MD
Multi-stone Victorian 15K ring with 4 natural pearls accenting the 3 rubies and 6 emeralds.
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Fine Curb Link 19 1/4 Inch Chain, Bolt Ring Clasp
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fine Curb Chain 15ct Yellow Gold Tested Circa 1880 This stunning Victorian-era curb link chain is crafted from 15ct yellow gold, which has been thoroughly tested to ensure...
Gold, 15k Gold
15ct Yellow Gold Victorian Fine Curb Link 18 1/2 Inch Chain with Bolt Ring Clasp
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fine Curb Chain 15ct Yellow Gold Tested Circa 1880 This stunning Victorian-era curb link chain is crafted from 15ct yellow gold, which has been thoroughly tested to ensure...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
15ct Yellow Gold, Early Victorian Hand Carved Fancy Split Ring Fitting Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Split Ring 15ct Yellow Gold Tested Circa 1870 CHAIN SOLD SEPARATELY This exquisite early Victorian split ring is crafted from 15ct yellow gold, showcasing intricate hand-...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
C1880 15k Victorian "Regard" Ring with 6 Gemstones
Located in Baltimore, MD
This circa 1880 Victorian Regard ring with 5 stones set in radially around the face in a forget-me-not, the first letter of which spell out the word "Regard"- Ruby-emerald-garnet-ame...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Bloodstone Signet Ring, 15k Yellow Gold, Engraved, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
This handsome antique, Victorian era 15kt gold and Bloodstone signet really stands out from the crowd. It is a delicate yet bold ring, perfect as a pinky ring, the fine engraved sho...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,800
C1880 15K Mizpah Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Our wonderful 15K Victorian ring with the word "Mizpah" is known as a sentimental message ring and symbolizes the bond between two people separated by an act of war or other forced e...
15k Gold
Antique Ruby gypsy set ring, 15k yellow gold, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
You can't help but be charmed by this sweet antique, Victorian era, Ruby Gypsy set ring in 18ct yellow gold. One of our favourite styles here at StolenAttic and a firm customer favo...
Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Pearl and Turquoise Ring 15k Yellow Gold, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique, late Victorian Turquoise and pearl ring in 15kt yellow gold. This ring has an unusual design and is truly a perfect combination of vibrant turquoise and creamy ...
Pearl, Turquoise, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
15K Gold Early Victorian Flower Ring with Pearl and Ruby
Located in Venice, CA
Here at Kirsten’s Corner, we have a sweet spot for these early Victorian flower rings. Circa the 1840’s, this 15k gold ring is reminiscent of a Forget-Me-Not flower, a popular motif ...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Ring, 15k Yellow Gold, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful and unusual antique, Victorian era Ruby and Diamond ring in 15kt yellow gold. This beautiful ring is a band style ring with a channel gemstone set face, the shoulders ha...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15k Gold Onyx Signet Ring, Shield Shaped, Pinky, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
This handsome antique, Victorian era 15kt gold and Black onyx signet ring has everything you could wish for in a signet ring! It has a shield shaped face set with an inky black Onyx...
Onyx, 15k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Buckle Mourning Ring, 15k Yellow Gold, Hairwork
Located in NEWARK, GB
UK/AU ring size K½ US ring size 5⅜ EU ring size 50.27 Total weight 2.77 grams Approx 5.1mm band width Any questions or queries please contact us.
Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Garnet and Pearl Ring with Engraved Band
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian garnet, pearl and yellow gold ring, comprising five cushion shaped garnets, and eight half seed pearls, set in 15 karat yellow gold, to a 15 karat yellow gold band. Thi...
Garnet, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Mourning Ring, 15k Gold and Black Enamel, Agate Forget Me Not, Pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique Victorian mourning ring. If you are looking for a mourning ring that is filled with sentiment and symbolism then this is the one for you.
Agate, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Opal and Ruby Cluster Ring, with Engraved Band
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique opal, ruby, and yellow gold ring, set with three round cabochon opals, and eight cushion shaped rubies, set in 15 karat yellow gold, to a 15 karat yellow gold band. This...
Opal, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,650
Antique Ruby and Chrysoberyl 15K Gold Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely 15k early Victorian ring with two cushion cut chrysoberyls and four rubies, hallmarked Birmingham and dated 1868.
Ruby, Chrysoberyl, 15k Gold
Antique 15K Gypsy Ring w Turquoise and Pearls, HM 1895
Located in Baltimore, MD
Unusual 15k gypsy ring with pearls and turquoise set flush within the setting. Incised ribbons, dashes and dots along the face and upper shank add interest. Worn by men and women al...
Natural Pearl, Turquoise, 15k Gold
Antique Turquoise and Pearl Triple Row Ring, 15k Gold, Engraved Band
Located in NEWARK, GB
This antique Victorian Turquoise and pearl triple row ring is nothing short of enchanting!
Pearl, Turquoise, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,800
Victorian Gold Buckle Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
A solid, warm tone 15 Kt gold buckle ring, like the buckle motif bracelets of the Victorian era symbolized two people united, joined together as one. The ring is engraved with rose...
Gold, 15k Gold
Sold|$2,450
Antique Victorian Bloodstone Signet Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
A clean 15kt gold signet ring that has not been engraved. This gives you the opportunity to engrave the stone to show your identity. The bloodstone has little red flecks that the pho...
Agate, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,950
Wonderful Victorian Double Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful Victorian Double Snake Ring set in 15 Carat slightly rose gold with natural rubies set into heads and diamond eyes. Wonderful condition with the 2 entwined snakes represent...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Sold|$2,100
Victorian Yellow Gold Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890s Yellow Gold Tiara Ring, measuring 3/4 inch in length and centrally set with an old mine cut pear shape Diamond approximately 1/3 carat and further set with numerous old c...
Diamond, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,100
Antique Victorian Pavé Turquoise Bombé Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
A fine Victorian bombé ring pavé set with turquoise cabochons, with a band of 15k gold and stones set in silver.
Turquoise, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,250
Victorian Scottish Agate Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Unusual Victorian Scottish agate ring set with three natural pearls.
Agate, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
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.
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 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.