Ancient Roman Cameo High Karat Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Roman Empire, 2nd – 3rd century A.D. This massive solid gold ring with broad shoulders is of a
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Dome Rings
Gold
Ancient Roman Cameo High Karat Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Roman Empire, 2nd – 3rd century A.D. This massive solid gold ring with broad shoulders is of a
Gold
Sacchi Cameo Ring 18 Karat Satin Yellow Gold Roman Style
By Sacchi Gioielli
Located in Rome, IT
Roman Style Cameo Ring in Satin Yellow Gold, from Sacchi’s "Rome" Collection, hand-crafted with
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 22 Karat Yellow Gold Hardstone Agate Cameo Roman Emperor Ring
Located in New York, NY
A large carved agate cameo ring depicting the Roman emperor Vespasian (9 - 79 AD). The high carat
Agate, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Ring With Hare Pinkish Agate Roman Cameo 1st-Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1st century Ring size: 7 ¾ Dimensions (cameo): 1,9 x 1,4 cm Weight: 5,27 gr This
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Gold Ring With Swan Agate Roman Cameo 2nd-3rd century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
characterized by a cameo from the Roman era, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, carved in agate and set
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Blackened Silver Gold Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Cameo Men’s Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Depicting a roman emperor Gaius Julius Caesar, 18kt yellow gold and blackened silver. Top size 21mm
Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Ancient Roman Gold ring with Agate Cameo Fish , circa 2nd Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
junction, where is set a Roman cameo in agate, depicting a fish. This is a subject that was widespread in
Agate, Gold, 22k Gold
Small Ancient Roman Medusa Carved Cameo Gold Ring 2nd Century Gem Carving
Located in London, GB
A scarce and small ancient Roman gold Medusa cameo ring, circa 2nd to 3rd century AD. The carved
Onyx, Gold
Late Roman 22ct Gold Agate Cameo Ring, She-Wolf of Rome, 3rd Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: III century Top Size: 22mm Ring size: 7 1/2 Weight: 17,25 gr The cameo refers to the Roman
Silver
$285Sale Price|40% Off
Miriam Salat Mythological Roman Cameo Resin Ring Set In Sterling Silver & Topaz
By Miriam Salat
Located in New York, NY
Miriam Salat Mythological Roman Cameo Resin Ring Set In Sterling Silver & Topaz Miriam Salat (MRM
Topaz, Sterling Silver
Gold And Ovoid Agate Roman Cameo Dog Ring 2nd-3rd century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
al cane"). The agate cameo, dating from the Roman imperial period of the II-III century, depicts a
Jasper, Agate, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,647
Antique Gold Cameo Ring
Located in London, GB
Antique 9ct Gold Mounted Cameo ring Circa 1890s stamped 9ct with makers initials ? & S Both
Gold
Large Hardstone Cameo of Roman Emperor Men's Ring Late 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 18th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 8 Dimensions (cameo): 26 mm Weight: 18 gr
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Tiger's Eye Double Cameo Ring Neoclassical Roman Victorian Gold Hand Carved
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique Belle Epoque, Victorian gold double cameo ring with a
Tiger's Eye, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold ring with Roman Pink Agate Cameo depicting Two Putti 3rd-4th Century A.D.
Located in Firenze, IT
features a contemporary yellow gold setting featuring a Roman-era pink agate cameo dating to the 3rd-4th
Agate, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian Cameo Ring 10K Gold with Roman Soldier Engraving - c.1820
Located in London, GB
ring is set with a central carnelian cameo (possibly an earlier carving) of a Roman figure, intricately
Carnelian, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Roman Lapis-Lazuli Cameo Of Cupid Circa 2nd Century A.D.
Located in Firenze, IT
century Roman cameo is made of lapislazuli and is inserted in a 18 carat contemporary gold setting which
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Black Onyx Hardstone Roman Soldier Cameo 10k White Gold Ring 1930s
Located in Towson, MD
One 1930s Art Deco onyx hardstone cameo ring in 10K white gold, showcasing refined period
Onyx, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Tiger Eye Cameo Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 14K Yellow Gold Tiger’s Eye Cameo Ring. It depicts a white and yellow gold ring tiger’s
Tiger's Eye, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ancient Gold Ring Set with a Sardonyx Cameo of a Woman. Roman, 3rd century AD.
Located in London, GB
Ancient Gold Ring Set with a Sardonyx Cameo of a Woman. Roman, 3rd century AD. Measurements
Gold Ring with a Roman Calcified Onyx Cameo of a Young Woman, 2nd century A.D.
Located in London, GB
Gold Ring Set with a Roman Calcified Onyx Cameo Portrait Bust of a Young Woman. Roman cameo, 2nd
Gold Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Eurydice 17th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 17th century Provenance: Italy Dimensions (cameo): 22 mm Ring size: 7 Weight: 18 gr
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold
$449Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Cameo Ring with Intricate Gold Setting – Timeless Elegance
Located in New York, NY
Step into the past with this exquisite vintage cameo ring, featuring a beautifully carved profile
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Hardstone Cupid Cameo Ring 2nd-3rd century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
, ovvero l’astuccio che custodisce le sue preziose frecce. This hard stone cameo of Roman production
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Blackened Silver and Gold Medusa Cameo Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 19th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 4 1/4 Weight: 11.9 gr The 19th century
Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
18kt Yellow Gold Agate Lady Profile Cameo Men's Ring Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: late 19th century Ring size: 12 Dimensions (cameo): 21 mm Weight: 9,6 gr Il cammeo
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Grey Agate Cameo Ring of A Faustina The Elder 2nd-3rd century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
così da permettere un’efficace rappresentazione dell’imperatrice. This 2nd-3rd century Roman cameo is
Agate, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
A Roman Onyx Two Layers Of Gray And Blue Cameo Of Medusa Circa 2nd Century A.D.
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring, dated to the 2nd century, consists of a cameo made of onyx with shades ranging from grey
Onyx, 22k Gold
An 18th century sapphire cameo depicting Hercules
Located in London, GB
. This ring features a sapphire cameo of a gorgeous light sky-blue colour depicting Hercules. Used as a
Sapphire, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Roman Centurion Cameo Ring
Located in Toronto, ON
plaque depicts a detailed roman centurion carved in deep honey coloured agate. The ring measures size
Agate, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Ruby Cameo of Roman Lady Diamond Ring
Located in New York , NY
Antique Ruby Cameo of Roman Lady Diamond Ring mounted in silver topped gold
Ruby, 15k Gold
Unavailable
18ct Yellow Gold Sardonyx Cameo Ring
Located in Glasgow, GB
A 19th-century sardonyx cameo ring set in 18ct yellow gold. The cameo, depicting a bearded man with
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Antique Cameo Ring Gold and Bronze
Located in PARIS, FR
Antique cameo ring gold and bronze, the ring in gold 18 karats. The oval bezel is in gilt bronze
Gold, 18k Gold, Bronze
Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Onyx Cameo Ring, 1881
Located in Glasgow, GB
A Victorian oval onyx cameo ring set in 18ct yellow gold. The cameo, depicting the philosopher John
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Renaissance Cameo Ring with Double Portrait
Located in New York, NY
the Romans. Cameos were often worn in rings and portraits and mythological scenes were the favorite
Anna Porcu Athena Ring 19th Century Antique Cameo in 18 Gold
Located in Jackson, WY
With an eye for meaningful antiques, Anna presents both museum-quality cameos as well as cameos she
Gold, 18k Gold
A Roman Ring With A Nicolo Cameo 1st Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
A Roman gold ring with a nicolo cameo of a mouse seated, holding a nut. The ring is made of two
Agate, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silver Gold Roman Emperor Lucio Septimio Severo Cameo Men’s Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Depicting a roman emperor Lucio Septimio Severo, 18kt yellow gold and silver. Top size 23mm x19mm
Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian/Victorian Cameo Ring Roman Style 18ct Gold - Early 19th Century
Located in London, GB
passion for history, culture and antiquities. This ring is made in the manner of earlier Roman cameo
Gold, 18k Gold
Goddess Demeter Roman '3-4th Century AD' Pink Coral Cameo Sterling Silver Ring
Located in Roma, IT
An authentic roman cameo (3-4th century AD ), depicting the head of Demeter , is set in this
Sterling Silver
Two-Layered Agate Roman Cameo '4th cent.AD' Sterling Silver Ring Depicting Nike
Located in Roma, IT
This sterling silver ring has been set with a post classical Roman cameo carved in two-layer agate
Agate, Sterling Silver
14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Sardonyx Roman Soldier Cameo Ring, circa 1940
Located in McLeansville, NC
1940's 14 karat yellow and white gold sardonyx Roman soldier cameo ring. A rectangular, carved
Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
A Gold Ring set with an Italian Agate Cameo — Theatrical Tragic Mask
Located in London, GB
This ring stands out for its exceptional cameo — a large Italian banded agate carved in high
Agate, Gold
Antique Stone Cameo Ring in an 22K Hand Made Ring, 17th-18th Century
Located in Aspen, CO
figure with horns, extravagant ear and rugged nose. This, in turn, is set in an early 20th century ring
Agate, Carnelian, 22k Gold
Antique 22 Karat Yellow Gold Carved Lapis Cameo Ring Depicting Apollo
Located in New York, NY
Antique 22k Yellow Gold Carved Lapis Cameo Ring Depicting Apollo, 18th Century Carving set in a
Lapis Lazuli, 22k Gold
Antique Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Tiger's Eye Cameo Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Tiger's Eye Cameo Ring Mars was the Roman God of war and
Tiger's Eye, Gold
Roman Emperor Augustus Georgian Period Sardonyx Cameo 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Superbly carved Georgian period sardonyx cameo signet ring depicting Roman Emperor Augustus in
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Art Deco Hand Carved Roman Soldier Cameo Chalcedony Gold Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A very unusual cameo ring from the Art Deco (ca1920) era! This striking ring is crafted in 14kt
Chalcedony, 14k Gold
Gentleman’s Gold Diamond Cameo Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Gentleman’s diamond and gold cameo ring circa 1960. The hexagonal design features the head profile
Diamond, 14k Gold
Italian 14k Gold Cameo Intaglio Ring
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Italian 14K yellow gold cameo intaglio adjastable ring with about 1 inch oval classic Roman young
14k Gold
Early 18th Century Stone Cameo Gold Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
example of a stone cameo carving in agate of a Roman centurion. While we are estimating the age of this
Agate, 22k Gold
Roman Greek Cameo Ruby and Pearl Scroll Styled Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 7.25 (resizing
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sacchi Lapis Lazuli Cameo Ring 18 Karat Satin Yellow Gold
By Sacchi Gioielli
Located in Rome, IT
Lapis Lazuli Cameo Ring in Satin Yellow Gold, from Sacchi’s "Rome" Collection, hand-crafted with
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Roman Red Jasper Cameo Of Medusa Circa 2nd Century A.D.
Located in Firenze, IT
The stone red jasper, the head stylistically carved in high relief turning slightly to the left, 14mm wide. Size 6 1/2 Weight: 9,46gr.
Jasper, 22k Gold
Antique Melissa Venus Victrix Intaglio Signet Ring Carnelian 18K Gold ØUS8/5.8gr
Located in SE
and Roman designs of Cameo and Intaglio Rings very closely. Ca 19th - 18th century or earlier. The
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Sold
Roman Cameo Ring
By Maison Auclert
Located in Paris, IDF
18K gold ring set with a fragment of Roman cameo, 1st century A.D., sardonyx with 2 layers (opaque
Agate, 18k Gold
Ancient Roman Medusa Cameo Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
Ancient Roman agate cameo ring in hammered gold, the cameo sculpted in high relief with the facing
Agate, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Magnificent Hardstone Roman Helmeted Figure Cameo Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
14K yellow gold ring custom made for this lovely hardstone cameo of Roman helmeted figure. The
14k Gold
Antique Georgian Roman Emperor Cameo Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A superb Georgian cameo ring depicting a Roman Emperor, bearded and wearing a laurel wreath. The
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Men's Roman Warrior Cameo and Crossed Swords Ring
Located in METAIRIE, LA
This period Men's Roman Warrior Cameo Ring contains a central Bezel set Conch Shell Cameo. Gold
Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Roberto Cavalli blue-grey and gold brocade-print silk corset mini dress, fw 2004
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli silk corseted mini dress ▪ Blue-grey and metallic gold brocade printed silk ▪ Corseted bodice with asymmetric ruching ▪ Ruffled mini skirt with frayed hem ▪ Cors...
Gianni Versace Runway F/W 1992 Bondage Collection Leather Fox Astrakhan Jacket
By Gianni Versace
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely rare museum piece vintage GIANNI VERSACE Couture Runway Fall / Winter 1992 Bondage Collection leather, fox fur and astrakhan fur black runway jacket ! Angelina Kallio model...
Old Hay Signet Ring Rock Quartz Stone Intaglio solid 14K Gold Ø 10.5 US/17gr
Located in SE
Great Intaglio Signet Ring with wide band and remarkable Coats of Arms of ancient Scotch Clan of Hay of Tweeddale ( moto " Spare Nought " ) / hand-engraved into the deep of natural R...
Quartz, 14k Gold
Ancient Greek 4th Century BC Eagle Coin 18K Gold Mens Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A clear and crisply struck image of an eagle carrying a snake in its talons is depicted on an authentic ancient Greek silver "drachm" coin struck in the seaport city of Chalkis on th...
18k Gold
1829 Signet Men Intaglio Ring Chalcedony solid 18K Gold ØUS9.5 /10.5gr
Located in SE
195 years old Signet Intaglio Ring featuring a natural red- spotted Gray - Blue Sardonyx stone with hand-cut heraldic depiction of three smoking Grenades flanked with Lilies on the s...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Late 1990s Donna Karan Sheer Dark Brown Asymmetric Grey Double Slip Dress
By Donna Karan
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This late 1990s Donna Karan dress features a sheer dark brown slip with an asymmetric grey underlay. The design includes a draped neckline, a fitted silhouette, and an uneven hemline...
Issey Miyake Open Sleeve Draped Top
By Issey Miyake
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous blue top, shirt from Issey Miyake. It overlapping at the front exposing the waist and buttons at the shoulder. The back is fuller and longer and the sleeves are open fro...
S/S 1999 Roberto Cavalli Sheer Zebra Slip Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Austin, TX
S/S 1999 Roberto Cavalli Sheer Zebra Slip Dress Chest: 32-36", Waist: 30-36, Hips: 40-49", Length: 54.5" Condition: Excellent Size S ( fits S - M )
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Up Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. The body of the dress is made of fine black stretch silk with functional adjustable lacing at the center front and b...
Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap Bag iconic handbag crafted in Alligator skin and silver hardware. Red double front flap and signature 'CC' turn-...
Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress
By Zuhair Murad
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE An incredibly rare dress from Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2006 This really is a work of art, a tasseled flapper style mini dress. The dress is sheer mesh and i...
Beautiful Rare Thierry Mugler Devoré Silk Velvet Dress Black
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Manfred Thierry Mugler distilled the drama of midnight velvet and the intrigue of bare skin into this impossibly rare devoré cocktail dress: a piece that feels less like clothing and...
Tom Ford for Gucci Dragonfly Gold Metal MicroGuccissima Enamel Minaudiere Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Gold Dragonfly Minaudiere in Micro Guccissima Embossed Gold tone Metal and Enamel Clutch 2000"s Collection This striking Gucci Minaudiere is rendered in Micro Gucc...
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Large Oval Black Onyx Carved Intaglio Trojan Heavy Ring
By Vahe Naltchayan
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Black Onyx - Oval Cut w/ Carved Intaglio Cameo - Bezel Set - Solid Black Color - 24.7x17.4mm (approx.) Material: Solid 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 29.3...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Iconic Thierry Mugler Les Infernales SHE DEVIL Runway Dress Black Red
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
In Thierry Mugler’s spectacular “Les Infernales - SHE DEVILS” Collection FW 1988/89, the designer’s flair for drama reaches a smoldering crescendo in this black-and-red masterpiece. ...
Thierry Mugler 1996 Les Amazones Sculptural Black Crystal Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This gorgeous FW 1996 Thierry Mugler jacket is a striking example of bold, feminine tailoring. With its sculpted silhouette, flared peplum, and sharp lines it's a dream come true. Cr...
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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.