Victorian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring three round opal cabochons ranging in size from 3.5 to 4.5 mm Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color Set with belcher-style prongs with diamonds prong...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Bypass Ring Demantoid Garnet 14K Yellow Gold Size 7.5
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Diamond Bypass Ring Demantoid Garnet 14K Yellow Gold Size 7.5 This refined ring features two central white diamonds, each framed by a vivid halo of green demantoids. The c...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Rhodalite Garnet Rose Cut Diamond 9 Karat Gold Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style ring designed as a floral motif comprised of four rhodalite garnet petals weighing approximately 0.90 carat, transparent and light purplish-red in color Accented by ro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Yellow Gold
1860's Victorian Shakudo Silver 10 Karat Mixed Metal Ginseng Root Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring features an elongated oval shakudō billon - heavily oxidized Depicting two lively renderings of ginseng roots - symbolic of a long healthy life Accented by 10 karat gold appli...
Gold, 10k Gold, Silver, Mixed Metal, Shakudo
Victorian 0.90 Carat Emerald Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring an emerald cut emerald weighing approximately 0.90 carat Eye clean and medium light slightly bluish and strongly green in color Belcher set in a stylized scallop motif he...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Old Mine 14K Yellow Gold Original 18
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from the 1860's Victorian Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Old Mine 14K Yellow Gold Featuring a Beautiful Genuine Old Mine Cushion Cut Diamond Center S...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Cabochon Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round oval cabochon measuring 6.0 mm round White in body color with spectral play-of color Prong set with a recessed halo surround Comprised of rose cut diamonds Weighin...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Engagement Ring 1.26ctw Rose Cut Diamonds Yellow Gold Sz 6
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Diamond Engagement Ring 1.26ctw Rose Cut Diamonds Yellow Gold Sz 6 This Victorian-era engagement ring is a breathtaking display of antique craftsmanship and timeless roman...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise Cabochon Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a row of graduated turquoise cabochons bead set east to west Oval shaped and ranging in size from 2.5 x 3.5 mm to 3.5 x 4.5 mm Opaque light robin's egg blue in color with ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
C1870 Victorian 15K Multi-stone Ring with Heart Shaped Almandine Garnets
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is an early Victorian multi-stone ring, quite typical of the romantic and sentimental design of Victorian rings throughout this decade, set with heart shaped almandine garnets, ...
Chrysophrase, Emerald, Garnet, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian Spinel and Diamond Navette Ring in 10 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
This beautiful Antique Victorian Navette Ring features spinel and diamond set in 10 karat gold. The navette-shaped design is adorned with vibrant red spinels surrounded by a halo of ...
Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s 3.53 Carat High Zircon and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 3.53 carat high zircon and 0.12 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow and white gold set dress ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections. This fine and i...
Diamond, Zircon, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round shaped opal cabochon measuring 7.5 mm round Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color Set by talon prongs with a halo surround of diamonds Old Eur...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Napoleon III Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds and a Pearl
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold ring consisting of four horizontal gold bands with a silver flower with w pearl heart and its petals set with rose cut diamonds and on each side another rose cut dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 3.60 CTW Colombian Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Antique Solitaire Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut emerald weighing approximately 3.60 carats total Natural Colombian in origin with minor clarity enhancement (F1) Transparent, vibrant medium green in color...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
This lovely Victorian Opal and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring is a beautiful example of elegant antique simplicity. Made in 14 karat gold, the ring features a fiery opal at its center...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round cut emerald weighing approximately 0.15 carat - transparent bright green Bead set and flanked east to west by two bead set cushion cut rubies Weighing approximately...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.55 CTW Old European Diamond 14 Karat Gold Belcher Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.55 carat - K color with SI2 clarity Set with belcher style prongs in a buttercup motif setting Flanked by flared archi...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.20 CTW Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Antique Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut ruby weighing approximately 0.40 carat - transparent medium purplish red Prong set with a navette-shaped surround prong set with rose cut diamonds Clustered a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.82 CTW Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut emerald weighing approximately 0.46 carat - transparent medium green Flush set with beads and accented by a halo surround of prong set old mine cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Old Mine Fancy Brown Diamond 14 Karat Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.85 carat Fancy brown in color with VS2 clarity - bead set east to west Featuring a halo surround of old European cut diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.65 CTW Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut emerald weighing approximately 0.35 carat total Transparent vibrant medium green in color - prong set With a recessed halo surround of old European cut diam...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby Solitaire Ring .55ct Round Sz 8 Original 1860's Antique 10K Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Victorian Antique from 1860's-1880's Ruby Solitaire Ring .55ct Round Cut Sz 8 Yellow Gold Features a Genuine Natural .55ct Round Ruby Gemstone Center Ruby Entice...
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.58 CTW Sapphire Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Antique Cluster Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring three oval cut sapphires bead set east to west and weighing approximately 1.50 carats total Transparent medium/dark blue in color - with a halo surround of old European cut...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond 14K Rose Gold Antique Lovers Knot Snake Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as two sleek and entwined snake heads flush set with a ruby and diamond Juxtaposed toi-et-moi style, French for "You and Me" with ruby and diamond eyes Rubies weigh approxim...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Opal Rose Cut Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped opal cabochon measuring 7.0 x 11.0 mm Translucent white body color with spectral play-of-color Set with talon prongs with a scalloped halo surround Compris...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Large Victorian Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Unisex Bypass Snake Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bypass style ring designed as a coiling snake pavé set throughout by diamonds and sapphires Sapphires are greenish-blue to royal blue in color, cushion and oval cut, weighing in tot...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 3.44 CTW Garnet 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering five graduated round cut garnets flush set east to west Transparent medium-dark red to orangey-red in color Weighing approximately 3.44 carats total With an engraved scro...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Clover Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Clover Ring. This gorgeous early Victorian diamond clover ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and silver top. T...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Early Victorian Black Enamel and Old Cut Diamond Mourning Ring
Located in London, GB
A one of a kind antique early Victorian black enamel and diamond mourning ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is composed of an oval plaque, set to the centre with a star motif w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Silver Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.15 carats O/P color with I1 clarity and prong set in a silver-topped gallery Pierced with a draped festoon motif fully arou...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl 14 Karat Gold Five Stone Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five oval shaped cat's eye chrysoberyl cabochons prong set to front Graduated and ranging in size from 3.5 x 2.0 mm to 5.5 x 3.5 mm Yellowish green with linear chatoyancy...
Chrysoberyl, Cat’s Eye, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1866 0.76 CTW Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Antique Belcher Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.76 carat total - G color with VS1 clarity Set with scalloped belcher style prongs forming a buttercup motif Flanked by ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 2.78 Carat Cushion Cut Colombian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mixed cushion cut emerald weighing approximately 2.18 carats total - transparent bright green. Natural Colombian in origin with insignificant traditional clarity enhancem...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1866 Victorian 0.65 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.65 carat total - L color with SI1 clarity Set with belcher-style prongs in a buttercup-shaped gallery flanked by grooved sh...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Victorian Ring, 10 Karat Old Mine Pear .32 Carat Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
This elegant Victorian ring would make a great gift for someone who treasures jewelry from yesteryear. Fashioned in 10k yellow gold, this piece from circa 1860s - 1870s features a di...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.45 CTW Old Mine Diamond Silver 14 Karat Gold Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring features six old mine cut diamonds set east to west by silver-topped prongs Weighing approximately 1.45 carats total - H/I color with SI clarity With grooved profile and sh...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 4.12 Sapphire Diamond Silver 18 Karat Rose Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Victorian 4.12 Sapphire Diamond Silver 18 Karat Rose Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring one cabochon sapphire of 4.12 carats. Accented by 28 old mine and rose cut diamonds with a total...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian 4.28 CTW Colombian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an octagonal step-cut emerald weighing 2.04 carats - transparent medium green Natural Colombian in origin with minor traditional clarity enhancement(F2) Prong set with a h...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.05 Carats Diamond Silver-Topped 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.15 carats. O/P color with I1 clarity and prong set in a silver-topped gallery. Pierced with a draped festoon motif fully ar...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 2.10 Carats Cushion Cut Sapphire Old European Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.00 carat total - transparent medium blue. Flanked by two additional cushion cut sapphires weighing approximately 0.86 carat ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.69 CTW No Oil Colombian Emerald Diamond 14K Gold Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rectangular cushion cut emerald weighing approximately 0.56 carat total Natural Colombian in origin - transparent medium green and prong set No indications of oil clarity...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian GIA 1.00 Carats Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Victorian GIA 1.00 Carats Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring. Featuring one GIA old mine cut diamond of 1.00 carat, accompanied with GIA #1226743112 stating the ...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian 2.12 Carats Emerald Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a square emerald cut emerald weighing approximately 1.52 carats. Transparent vibrant green with medium saturation and natural inclusions. Prong set with a halo surround and...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian 1.12 Carats Old European Cut Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.48 carat total - H color with VS1 clarity. Prong set with a clustered starburst surround of old single cut diamonds. We...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 1.15 Carats Cushion Cut Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five cushion cut sapphires weighing approximately 1.15 carats total. Transparent light to medium blue in color - prong set. Prongs are accented by rose cut diamonds. Qualit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Victorian 0.52 CTW Opal Diamond Silver 14 Karat Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped opal cabochon measuring 6.5 x 5.0 mm Translucent white body color with spectral play-of-color With a recessed halo surround all prong set in silver-topped g...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.08 Carats Jelly Opal Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a jelly opal cabochon measuring 6.75 mm round - colorless body with transparent play-of-color. Bezel set with a recessed halo surround of bead set old mine cut diamonds. We...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 2.18 CTW No Heat Burma Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion-shaped sapphire weighing 1.16 carats total - transparent deep vivid blue Natural Burmese in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Prong set with...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Blue Enamel Diamond Woven Knot Ring Circa 1860 18K and 14K Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Blue Enamel Diamond Woven Knot Ring Circa 1860 18K and 14K Gold This exquisite Victorian ring, dating back to circa 1860, is a stunning example of the era's intricate craf...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 2.45 Carats Old Mine Diamond Silver-Topped 18 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.05 carats - M/N color with VS clarity Surrounded by clustered old mine cut diamonds weighing in total approximately 1.40 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 4.16 Carats Oval Cut No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mixed oval cut sapphire weighing approximately 2.72 carats total - transparent saturated light/medium blue. Natural Ceylon in origin with no indications of heat treatment...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.82 Carats Sapphire Old European Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering five mixed oval cut sapphires weighing approximately 1.28 carats total. Transparent medium blue in color - bead set East to West. Accented by a halo surround of old Europea...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
1860's French Victorian Garnet Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster ring features a highly domed oval garnet cabochon measuring 13.0 x 8.0 mm. Backed with dark purplish red color - eye clean. Surrounded by a halo of rose cut diamonds - set in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.80 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Natural Pearl 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a 6.2 mm round natural pearl - opaque cream in body color with subtle iridescent. Featuring a clustered surround of old mine cut diamonds. Weighing approximately 0.80 carat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian 15 Carat Gold Pearl Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A superb antique Victorian five-stone ring set with stunning graduated pearls. The points between the pearls are set with beautiful triple claw decoration. Modelled in 15 carat yello...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 4.10 CTW No Heat Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Antique Band Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five cushion cut sapphires graduating in size and flush set east to west Weighing approximately 4.00 carats total - transparent deep blue in color Natural Cambodian in orig...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 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.