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
Victorian Hair & Enamel "Sacred to Affection" Mourning Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A truly sentimental memento mori authentic antique Victorian mourning ring with the words "Sacred to Affection" encircling a lock of hair encased in glass. This ancient heirloom is f...
10k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Antique Peridot Rose Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Bold mid 19th century peridot and rose diamond ring set in 18K gold and silver with an ornate shank. Peridots are prized for their yellow greenish color. The ancient Egyptians mined ...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Silver
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. Per...
Diamond, Peridot, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian Natural Turquoise Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
A perfectly matched cluster of sumptuous turquoise from Persia, set in pave, centered and surrounded by European cut diamonds, is set in a shank of 15 kt gold which is original. The...
Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold
Detailed Victorian 14 Karat Gold Grapevine Band Ring, circa 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band style ring with central channel deeply engraved to depict clusters of grapes alternating with leaves Flanked by wheat motif edges With inner inscription 'Ella' Tested as 14 k...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond Turquoise 14 Karat Gold Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering three bright blue turquoise cabochons set north to south Surrounded by rose cut and single cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.30 carat total Stamped 14 with dated insc...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Victorian Octagon Garnet Rock Crystal Gold Ring, 18kt
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
A dramatic Victorian ring with tulips engraved on the shoulders, boasts a generous 5.8ct square cut garnet and two oval 1.25 ct rock crystals. The scalloped prong setting, like a c...
Garnet, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
8 rose cut diamonds weighing approx 0.40 carat K-L color I clarity 14k rose gold shank and silver top Victorian circa 1860s Ring size 5-3/4 and can be resized 2.3 grams Step ba...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
French Art Nouveau Diamond and Gold Snake Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An antique, French, Art Nouveau, diamond and gold double headed snake ring, set with an old-cut diamond in each head, the heads are engraved to suggest scales, with a French eagle ma...
Diamond, 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. Per...
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
Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring Set in White Gold
Located in Trumbull, CT
Marquise Diamonds with other diamonds set in 14 Karat White Gold.Center Marquise Diamond is 0.83 Carat and additional approx 1.17 Carat Diamonds which is princess cut and Baguette. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold and Black Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A superb antique victorian mourning ring. The is set with glossy black enamel around the ring. The borders of the band are ornately detailed. The inscription on the inside of the ban...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Garnet and Diamond Serpent Ring Symbolizes Love's Ardor
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
A coy diamond serpent coils around the large scale cabochon garnet of this ring like a love knot symbolizing endless loyalty and devotion. The diamonds of the serpent's body are off-...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Victorian Five-Stone Opal and 18 Carat Gold Graduated Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A gorgeous Opal Five-Stone Graduated Ring, dating from the Victorian era. The five striking opals are set in an ornate 18 carat gold gallery, showing exquisite craftsmanship which ex...
Opal, 18k Gold
Victorian Old Mine Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1860
Located in London, GB
Victorian old mine diamond solitaire ring. Set with a cushion shape old mine diamond, H colour, VS1 clarity, with an approximate weight of 1.43 carats, to an ornate carved solitaire ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Hallmarked 1870 Oval Translucent Green Agate Signet Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
We are transfixed by this apple green agate signet ring for many reasons; the ornamental grooves that circle undisturbed about the band, the unusual green agate stone, and the icing ...
Agate, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.50 Carat Amethyst and Peridot Ring, circa 1866
Located in London, GB
This Mid-Victorian ring has a beautiful design, featuring three amethysts accented by peridot. The amethysts are old oval cuts and are 0.50 carat each. They form a floral design, lik...
Amethyst, Peridot, 15k Gold
C1860 Agate Signet Ring of Bust of Helmeted Warrior, Probably Menelaus
Located in Baltimore, MD
Hard stone cameo signet ring in 12K, lime green agate with a carved intaglio of possibly Roman warrior Mars (Greek: Ares) with a gryphon overtop his helmet. He may also be simply a ...
Agate
Victorian Opal Cabochon 14 Yellow Karat Gold Five Stone Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering five opal cabochons prong set east to west Each measuring approximately 3.5 mm White with spectral play-of-color Tested as 14 karat gold With partial maker's mark Circa: ...
Opal
Sold|$6,500
Victorian 5.7 Carat Garnet Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
center cabochon cut red garnet weighing approximately 5.7 carat 14 old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 2 carat I-K color VS-SI clarity 14k yellow gold shank with silver t...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Engraved Signet Baby Ring Yellow Gold Antique Original 1860's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Victorian Engraved Signet Baby Ring Yellow Gold Antique Original 1860's Engraved Initials HW 10K Yellow Gold Circa 1860's The Victorian Era in Jewelry Design Genuine Baby Rin...
10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1863 Antique Opal and Pearl, Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian pearl and 0.46 Ct opal, 18k yellow gold dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive opal...
Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Mid-19th Century Gold, Emerald, and Enamel Egyptian Revival Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique Egyptian Revival ring centering on a cushion-shaped emerald in a pedestal-form mount, flanked by lions, in 18k gold with scrolled shoulders and multicolored enamelled acce...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 9ct Gold Turquoise and Diamond Pavé Ring
Located in Portland, England
An impressive and heavy Victorian turquoise and old cut diamond pavé ring with a dome of beautiful turquoise cabochons around a central diamond-set star motif. The star motifs were v...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold
Russian Alexandrite 18k Gold Antique Design Ring with Diamonds
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Exceptional Russian Alexandrite Ring wrapped in an antique chequerboard design – popular motif in the ’60s of the XIX century. Alexandrite was first found in Russia's Ural Mountain...
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique French 18 Karat Gold Colombia Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
An impressive Colombia Emerald and diamond cluster ring made in 1860. It is typical of good French design and has been set with a rectangular cut Columbian emerald. It is surrounded ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold This Victorian 18 Karat Gold Natural Stone Floral 'Regards' Ring is not only a beautiful piece of jewelry b...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and Gold Three Headed Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
A unique Antique Diamond and Gold Three Headed Snake Ring. Three intertwined snakes with Old European cut diamonds inset into the heads wrap around the finger. A rare ring that is a ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian Engraved Monogram Baby Ring 14K Yellow Gold Antique Original 1860's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from the 1860's Victorian Monogram Baby Ring 14K Yellow Gold Has Engraved Monogram D $75 in Gold Value Alone 14K Yellow Gold Circa 1860's The Victori...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1870's Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Band Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gold band ring wraps around finger. Terminating as a stylized snake head. With gold bead eyes, deeply grooved head bands, and engraved scales. Tested as 18 karat gold. With dated ins...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Scroll Work Engraved Band Ring Size 6.25
Located in Fairfield, CT
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Scroll Work Engraved Band Ring Size 6.25 This exquisite band ring features intricate scrollwork engraving, creating a textured and ornate design that wraps s...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Hand Painted Essex Crystal Ring Depicting a Robin, 1860
Located in Baltimore, MD
9K marquis shaped Essex crystal ring, c 1860 featuring a portrait of a red robin perched on the branch of a tree amidst a snow covered backdrop. Robins are symbols of rebirth and ren...
Rock Crystal, 10k 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. Curlicues, whorls and incising add interest to thi...
Opal, Peridot, Ruby, 15k Gold
Victorian Turquoise Diamond Yellow Gold Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Victorian Turquoise Diamond Yellow Gold Navette Dinner Ring. Featuring one oval cabochon turquoise weighing approximately 1.15 carats. Accented by 34 old mine and senallie cut di...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1865 Antique Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.33 carat emerald and 0.66 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections This fine a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Pearl and 0.04 ct Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive pearl and diamond ring haws been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pierced decorated, organic scrolling leaf design mount is ornamented with a feature 4mm n...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique 18KT Gold 1.5CT Diamond Domed Cluster Ring, Engraved 1861
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This antique, hand-crafted and American-made diamond domed cluster ring dates from 1861 with an engraving that reads: H. Mc. C. 1861. The ring contains approximately 1.50CT of old mi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 15 Karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, England, 1860s
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian 15k gold ring with ruby and diamonds Made in England Circa 1860's Tested positive for 15kt yellow gold. Dimensions - Finger Size: (UK) = M (US) = 6 1/2 (EU) = 52 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique 15 Karat Gold Victorian Forget-Me-Not Regard Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
This circa 1880 Victorian Regard ring with 5 stones set in radially around the face, the first letter of which spell out the word "Regard"- Ruby-emerald-garnet-amethyst-ruby-Diamond,...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Gold
Victorian Horseshoe Tiara Ring Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Horseshoe Tiara Ring Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Gold The Victorian Double Horseshoe Tiara Ring, crafted in the 1860s, is a remarkable testament to the artistry of the era....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Onyx and Diamond Ring of 9k and 15k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A dramatic Victorian era ring centered with a romantic composition of a heart, ribbons, and arrows, set with rose cut diamonds on a polished onyx plaque. The bold contrast between th...
Diamond, Onyx, 15k Gold, 9k Gold
Art Nouveau 3.20 Carat No Heat Burma Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Prong set east to west with five rectangular step cut Burma rubies weighing approximately 3.20 carats total, transparent violetish-red with no indication of heating With scrolled sh...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Fortune Bold Intaglio Signet Unisex Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped face carved with an intaglio depicting a bulls head with banners Inscribed 'Fortuna Facet Auqaci' translating to 'Fortune Favors The Bold' Flanked by highly ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise and Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring ~2.57ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian 14k diamond and turquoise cluster ring This timeless ring brings together vibrant color and refined craftsmanship. At its heart is a smooth turquoise cabochon, its serene ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring, GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring. This incredible ring has a 1.18 ct Kashmir Sapphire in the center of a beautiful old mine diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Diamond 14 Kart Yellow Gold Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped opal cabochon measuring 5.5 x 4.0 mm Translucent white in body color with strong spectral play-of-color Prong set with a decorous buttercup-spray motif surr...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 15ct Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet & Cultured Pearl Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Victorian 15ct yellow gold rhodolite garnet & cultured pearl ring Era: Victorian Composition: 15ct Yellow gold Primary Stone: Three rhodolite garnets Carat Weight: Approximately .6...
Garnet, Cultured Pearl, Rhodolite, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold
1860s Antique 1.38 Carat Burmese Ruby and 1.12 Carat Diamond, Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.38 carat natural ruby and 1.12 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, five stone ring; part of our antique jewellery and estate jewelry collec...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Scrolling Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Features three graduated and oval-shaped turquoise cabochons prong set east to west Ranging in size from 3.5 x 4.0 mm to 4.5 x 5.5 mm - opaque robins egg blue With old mine cut diamo...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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. This 3 stone hallmarked ring with its scrolled shoulders and open back is Victorian through and through. The open...
Diamond, Garnet, 15k Gold
Victorian 2.48 CTW Sapphire Diamond 10 Karat Gold Antique Double Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.88 carats - transparent light blue Bead set with a tiered double halo surround of rose cut diamonds With a scalloped edge and...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold
Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald and Chrysoberyl Engraved Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald and Chrysoberyl Engraved Ring. This amazing Victorian ring has rubies, emeralds and a cushion chrysoberyl in the center on a ...
Chrysoberyl, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1.30Ct Diamond & 15k Yellow Gold, Silver Set Dress Ring - Antique Victorian
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive Victorian 1.30 carat diamond and 15 karat yellow gold, silver set dress ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This impressive seve...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped turquoise cabochon measuring 5.0 x 7.0 mm Opaque and saturated robin's egg blue in color - bead set With a halo surround of old European cut diamonds Weighin...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Diamond Cluster Ring Catseye Chrysoberyl Yellow Gold ~2.26ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian 18K Diamond Cluster Ring Catseye Chrysoberyl Yellow Gold ~2.26ctw This exquisite ring showcases a 1.3ct cabochon-cut Cat's Eye at its center, offering a unique and captiva...
Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Chrysoberyl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.