Vintage 2.85ct Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Ring, hallmarked, c.1985
Located in London, GB
An enchanting amethyst takes centre stage in this vintage cluster ring. The oval cut stone weighs 2.85 carat and is expertly claw set into 18 carat white gold. Surrounding the purple...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18ct Gold Ring, Ruby Diamond Five Stone Ring Hallmarked 1901
Located in Brighton, GB
The ring boasts a full Chester hallmark dating back to 1901.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring, Hallmarked 1992, Size L
Located in New York, NY
HALLMARKS EF Ld, Rose, Crown, 750, Letter - 'S' - 1992 MEASUREMENTS Height - 0.5cm / 0.2" Width - 1.4cm / 0.5" Weight - 3.3g RING SIZE UK - L US - 5 3/4 CONDITION The ring is in e...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Vintage 0.80ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, hallmarked 1986
Located in London, GB
With hallmarks dating to 1986, this wonderful trilogy ring features a central emerald flanked by round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Star Set Diamond Buckle/Belt Ring, Hallmarked 1919
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Buckle Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1919 Makers Mark T W M This antique gold buckle ring is a timeless piece of jewellery that symbolises everlasting lo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold, 3 Stone Diamond Band Ring, Hallmarked London 1992
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Diamond Band 18ct Gold Hallmarked London 1992 This 18ct yellow gold band ring is an exquisite piece of jewellery that is sure to catch your eye.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold 0.50 Carat Diamond Single Stone Engagement Ring Hallmarked London 1979
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked London 1979 Makers Mark F.D.P Step back in time with this exquisite vintage engagement ring from the 1970s, showcasing timele...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold 0.40 Carat Diamond Single Stone Ring Hallmarked 1989
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1989 Makers Mark CJ This is an 18ct yellow gold ring featuring a single claw-set brilliant-cut diamond of a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold Emerald and Diamond Square Cluster Ring, Hallmarked London 1997
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Emerald Cluster Ring 9ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked London 1997 Makers Mark V & Co This exquisite 9ct gold vintage cluster ring showcases a striking square design, featuring ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold, Oval Shaped Eagle Intaglio Signet Ring, Hallmarked London 1974
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Signet Ring 9ct Gold Hallmarked London 1974 Makers Mark S H S Discover a striking vintage signet ring, crafted from luxurious 9ct yellow gold.
Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Star Set Diamond Buckle/Belt Ring, Hallmarked London 1915
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Buckle Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked London 1915 Makers Mark A M This antique gold buckle ring is a timeless piece of jewellery that symbolises everlasting love, fid...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold, 0.30 Carat Diamond Single Stone Ring, Hallmarked London 1986
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked London 1986 Makers Mark H.Ltd Step back in time with this exquisite vintage engagement ring from the 1980s, showcasing timele...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct White Gold 0.15ct Square Set Single Stone Diamond Ring Hallmarked 1938
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Engagement Ring 18ct White Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1938 Makers Mark G P Behold this exquisite vintage 18ct white gold engagement ring adorned with a stunning ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unique Fancy Shape 14K Gold Natural Aquamarine 1980s Cocktail Ring Hallmark
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Unique Fancy Shape 14K Gold Natural Aquamarine 1980s Cocktail Ring Weighting 15.9 gram Marked "14K Lasnier", Jean Lasnier, Mill Valley, California Size 6.5 19mm long conservativel...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Victorian 0.60ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, hallmarked 1897
Located in London, GB
The original hallmarks are visible on the inside of the band dating this stunning ring to 1897.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ancient Coin Ring Hallmarked Opals, 1940s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ancient Coin Ring American Hallmarked 1940s 14 Karat yellow gold one 15 mm Coin ring halo,12 pieces of 2.5mm Opals, hallmarked and marked "14k", weighting 5.1 g...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Three Stone Opal and Diamond Ring, Hallmarked 1904
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1904 Maker's Mark S.
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
18ct Gold and Diamond 5 Stone Carved Half Hoop Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1914
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Band Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1914 Makers mark H.W.P This exquisite five-stone diamond ring whispers of devotion and craftsmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Two Colour Gold Star Set Diamond Signet Ring Hallmarked London 1939
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Signet Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Hallmarked London 1939 Makers Mark L W & G Serial Number: 768156 Discover a stunning vintage 18ct yellow gold signet ring, an exqui...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Ruby and Pearl Ring Hallmarked Birmingham Circa 1870
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Victorian Pearl & Ruby Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1870 Hallmarked Birmingham Crafted in solid 18ct gold, this ring features three pearls spaced evenly across the band, ...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Set of 4 modernist design sterling silver napkin rings hallmarked in 2012
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 2012 by R. C. Phillips, this charming, Modernist design set of 4 Elizabeth II period, Sterling Silver Napkin Rings, are of different shapes, and all featu...
Sterling Silver
Hallmarked 1918 9K Ruby Double Headed Snake Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Chunky 9K antique quadruple banded Victorian snake ring hallmarked for Birmingham in the year 1918.
Ruby, 9k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, 1912 Hallmarked, Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 18ct Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring Hallmarked Chester 1912 18ct yellow gold ring, set with three round-cut sapphires and two diamonds in alternating order.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Chester 1912 Hallmark, Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Gypsy Ring Hallmarked 18ct Gold Chester 1912 18ct yellow gold ring, set with two round-cut sapphires and three diamonds in alternating order.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Signet Ring with Monogrammed Initials SSR & Hallmarked 1909
Located in Baltimore, MD
Late Victorian signet ring, hallmarked 18 carat gold for the year 1909 and for the Birmingham guild and monogrammed with initials SSR in Old English script and polished smooth with s...
18k Gold
18ct Gold, Birmingham Hallmarked, Victorian Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Ring Hallmarked 18ct Gold Birmingham, Date Letter Worn 18ct yellow gold ring, set with three round-cut sapphires and two old-cut diamonds in altern...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This signet is modelled in 9ct gold and has the initials 'EP' engraved onto the face of the ring. Hallmarked Birmingham. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Face Dimensions: 10x9.5mm Height Off ...
Gold
Tiffany and Co. Diamond Ring. Platinum Enchant Flower Diamond Band.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Tiffany and Co. Platinum Diamond Ring. Hallmarked Tiffany & Co. PT950. Tests appropriately.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Carnelian and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The deep red carnelian is complimented perfectly by the 9ct yellow gold in this signet ring. Hallmarked Birmingham 1964. Ring Size: I 1/2 or 4 1/2 Stone Dimensions: 9x7mm Weight:...
Carnelian, Gold
Art Deco 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This signet is modelled in 9ct soft tone rose gold and has the initials 'FAA' engraved onto the face of the ring. Hallmarked Chester 1908. Ring Size: K 1/2 or 5 1/2 Face Diameter: ...
Gold
Art Deco Carnelian and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The deep red carnelian is complimented perfectly by the 9ct yellow gold in this signet ring. Hallmarked Birmingham 1976. Ring Size: S 1/2 or 9 1/4 Stone Dimensions: 10x8mm Weight...
Carnelian, Gold
Modern 18 Karat White Gold 0.54 Carat Diamond T Wire Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Type: Ring Hallmarks: NA Top: 12 mm * 20.50mm Total Weight: 3.4 gr Size: 6.5 Stone Type: Diamond Color: H Clarity:SI1 Metal: White Gold Condition: New Metal Purity: 18K Stock Numb...
Diamond
Diamond cocktail ring 18k white gold
Located in London, GB
Total diamond weight 0.71ct F colour VS1 clarity Art deco style semi open cocktail ring. Hallmark Ring size N in UK Accompanied by valuation.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage CARTIER 18k 750 Tricolor Rolling Ring. Must de Cartier Trinity Band
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Cartier Rolling Ring. Beautiful Rolling 18k Tri band ring. Hallmarked and tests 18k.
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
10k Gold Jostens Seal Ring With Onyx In Yellow Gold.
Located in London, GB
Weight 11.8g Graduation ring. Hallmarked. The ring can be resized. Loyola College BA 1998.
Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Green Stone Diamond Heart Claddagh Ring Size 6#25841
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Green Heart Diamond Claddagh Ring - Hallmark: SD 585 Weight: 4.1 g/ 2.6 dwt Diamond: .01cts in single cuts Clarity: VS Color: G Ring size: 6 Very good condition,...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.20ct Pink sapphire vivid pear diamond halo engagement ring 18k white gold.
Located in London, GB
Pink intense sapphire solitaire with diamond halo engagement ring. Hallmarked. The ring can be resized. Box and valuation included.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold
Cartier Platinum Plain Wedding Band Size 52 (6 US Sizing) 2 mm Wide
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
A Platinum Cartier Wedding Band Size: 6 (French Size 52) Unisex Ring Hallmarks on inside of band: "Cartier; PT950; 52 C 88374" Width: 2mm Total Mass = 3.0 grams
Platinum
14 karat yellow gold cable ring with brilliant 1.00 carat, peridot gemstone.
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Hallmark 585, 14 karat, the ring is a size four. The cable measures 3.20 mm, while the Bezels Paradox measures 7.05 mm Add this two-toned, yellow and white contrasting ring to any wa...
Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 18k Yellow Gold 4.9mm Love Band Ring sz 55
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.46 Grams Overall Width: 4.9mm (0.19") (top of the ring - north to south) Overall Height: 2mm rise off the finger Size: Size 55 Will C...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond on Oval Onyx Slab Engraved Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Classical and Timeless this Ring hallmarks the characteristics of the famed Art Deco period.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Bezel Set Coral 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Red coral set in 18k yellow gold ring. Hallmarked 18K inside shank. Red genuine coral cabochon measures 12.80mm x 10.50mm x 5.20mm 5+ Carats.
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Fancy yellow and pink diamonds large art deco cocktail ring 18k white gold
Located in London, GB
Composed of fancy yellow, pink, champagne, brown and white diamonds all mounted in 18k yellow and white gold large cocktail ring. The ring hallmarked. All diamond various sizes round...
Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1919 Edwardian Emerald Diamond 18ct Gold Three Stone Boat Ring N.5 / 7
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A beautiful antique Edwardian ring hallmarked 1919 Birmingham with emerald and diamonds in intricate belcher setting.
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Round Brilliant 0.90 cts Hearts & Arrows Diamond set in Tacori Engagement Ring
Located in San Diego, CA
Hearts & Arrows Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire with Diamond Band Ref. number: EGL 2221389936 Metal: Platinum Size: 7 sizable Measurements: 1.5 mm Band ...
Diamond
18KT White Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions Weight: 6.16 grams Ring Size: UK Q / US 8.25 / EU 58 Specifications Maker: JG Metal: 18KT white gold Date: 2017 Type: Diamond ring Hallmarks: Maker’s mark JG, stamped 750...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pear Diamond Ring Canary Sapphire 14K White Gold Engagement
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
The ring hallmarked "Verbrite" inside of the shank. The center natural pear cut Diamond is .30 carat of VS2 clarity and H color.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
C1880 9K Double Headed Snake Ring with Ruby Eyes
Located in Baltimore, MD
Chunky 9K antique quadruple banded Victorian snake ring hallmarked for Birmingham in the year 1918.
Ruby, 10k Gold
Modern 18 Carat Gold Decorative Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This band would make a gorgeous fancy wedding band or a beautiful every day wear ring. Hallmarked London 1970. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 5mm Weight: 3.5g
Gold
Hearts on Fire Diamond 0.51 cts J SI1 set in a Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in San Diego, CA
Hearts on Fire Round Brilliant Diamond set in Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire with Diamond Band Ref. number: AGS 104065097103 Metal: Platinum Size: 6 sizable Measuremen...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Decorative Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This band would make a gorgeous fancy wedding band or a beautiful every day wear ring. Hallmarked London 1969. Ring Size: R or 8 1/2 Band Width: 4.5mm Weight: 2.6g
Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Decorative Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This band would make a gorgeous fancy wedding band or a beautiful every day wear ring. Hallmarked London 1973. Ring Size: S or 9 Band Width: 8mm Weight: 5.5g
Gold
Tiffany and Co. Diamond Ring. Platinum Flower Diamond Band. Tiffany and Company
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1990s Size: 4 US Materials: Platinum Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Silver Rare Tiffany and Co. Platinum Diamond Ring. Hallmarked Tiffany & Co...
Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Sterling Silver Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Classical and Timeless this Statement Ring hallmarks the characteristics of the famed Art Deco period.
Diamond, Onyx, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Vintage 9ct Gold Snake Ring, London Hallmarked 1971
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Snake Ring 9ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked London 1971 Makers Mark W W L D This 9ct yellow gold snake ring is truly stunning.
Gold, 9k Gold
Carol Felley Sterling Silver jumping Dolphin Ring 1988
By Carol Felley
Located in Wallkill, NY
Hallmarked and dated 1988 inside the shank of the ring measuring 1 inch top to bottom Ring and about .60in High.
Sterling Silver
SALAVATTI 18K Gold Turquoise Mother of Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Comes with the original Salavetti ring box. Details Designer: Salavetti Metal: 18K Blackened Gold Weight: 29.0 grams Ring Size: 6 Measurements: 30 mm wide x 19 mm high Gemstones: • ...
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Patek Philippe Twenty 4 Diamond Sapphire White Gold Ring
By Patek Philippe
Located in Miami, FL
Details Brand: Patek Philippe Collection: Twenty~4 Metal: 18K White Gold Gemstones: 54 Brilliant-Cut Diamonds Sapphire Count: 6 Cabochon Sapphires Diamond Weight: Approximate Total W...
Diamond, White Gold
$4,740Sale Price|20% Off
Retro / Vintage 1970s Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold
Located in London, GB
Red ruby flower cluster genuine retro ring, hallmarked London 1976. Let the fashionista in you bloom this summer and step out in style and in fantastic colour!
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold, Birmingham Hallmarked 1907, Edwardian Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1907 This stunning Edwardian 18ct yellow gold five-stone band ring is a true work of art.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique 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.
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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.