18 Karat Yellow Gold Holly Twist Pave Diamond Ring '1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features waves of metal & pav diamonds twist throughout three-fourths of the band. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Diamond Pave Cocktail Ring in White and Brushed Rose Gold, .22 Carat Total
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simple and beautiful, this diamond and gold ring is perfect for everyday wear! Our pretty 14k rose gold ring has a gorgeous brushed finish and features sparkling round brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage French-Made 18K Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl & 4.36ct Pavé Diamond Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Surrounding the pearl is a meticulously pavé-set dome of fine F–G color, VS1–VS2 clarity round diamonds, seamlessly complemented by a row of baguette diamonds set into the shoulder—t...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
High Profile Pearl Cocktail Ring with Pavé Diamond Accents 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The diamond pavé includes both baguette and round cut stones arranged in a triangular fan around the base of the pearl, giving the ring a bold architectural look.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Pave-Set Diamond Knife Edge Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: DiamondMain Stone Color: HMain Stone Shape: RoundMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 1.5mmMain Stone Carat Weight:...
Diamond, Gold
18k White Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, White Gold
$1,188Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$990Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K White Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, White Gold
$1,188Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, White Gold
$1,309Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,111Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,111Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Rose Gold
$990Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,111Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k White Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, White Gold
$1,309Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Rose Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Rose Gold
$990Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Rose Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Rose Gold
Chaumet Pavé Diamond Open Spiderweb Disc Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 7 This captivating and unique Chaumet diamond spiderweb cocktail ring is a truly dazzling piece that embodies sophistication and artistry. Crafted with meticulous attenti...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fred of Paris Pavé Diamond Band Ring in 18K White Gold, 2.18 Carats
By Fred Paris
Located in Miami, FL
An iconic and sculptural design by Fred of Paris, this luxurious band ring is crafted in 18K white gold and encrusted with approximately 2.18 carats of brilliant pavé-set diamonds. T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,980Sale Price|20% Off
Greek Key Maze Geometric Pavé Diamond Eternity Band Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
The iconic Greek key motif, symbolizing infinity and unity, is reimagined here as a continuous maze pattern that wraps elegantly around the band. Adorned with 126 round brilliant-cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Interlocking Open Circle Motif Pavé Diamond Band Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, the design features a curved, open circle motif with diamond pavé along the sides. The asymmetry and dimensionality give the ring a sculptural feel w...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds .
Diamond, Rose Gold
18k White Gold Mini Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1/6 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank.
Diamond, White Gold
$2,473Sale Price / item|30% Off
14k Yellow Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Mini Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1/6 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, White Gold
$3,124Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$2,679Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$2,473Sale Price / item|30% Off
14k White Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank.
Diamond, White Gold
$872Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold Mini Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1/6 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18k Rose Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$2,679Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Rose Gold
14k White Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, White Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold Mini GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, White Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k White Gold Mini GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, White Gold
$2,734Sale Price / item|30% Off
18k White Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank.
Diamond, White Gold
$2,898Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, White Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Mini GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$2,827Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$2,898Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1 1/2 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Rose Gold Mini GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K White Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, White Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold Mini GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/4 ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Miniature ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Double Halo Solitaire Two Toned Pave Band Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★MATERIALS★ Center Stone- Natural Diamonds Shape - Round Weight - 0.70ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH Side Diamonds - Natural Diamonds Shape - Round Weight - 0.32 ct Clarity: SI Colo...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
0.32 Carat Natural Diamond Pave Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.32CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, pave style, 2.1 grams 3/16 inch in width Size 7 36 stones R6946WD ALL OUR...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire and Pavé Diamond Butterfly Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Each wing is detailed with round brilliant pavé diamonds that trace the curves of the design, creating contrast and elegance.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pavé Rainbow Muli-Sapphire & Diamond Wavy Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This vibrant sapphire and diamond ring displays a breathtaking spectrum of color, blending warm and cool tones in perfect harmony. From deep blues and purples to bright yellows, oran...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Curb Link Band Ring with Pavé Diamonds in Polished 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The chunky chain design is both edgy and elegant, featuring a single central link pavé set with round brilliant cut diamonds for a touch of refined sparkle.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Open Loop Pavé Diamond Wide Band Ring in Polished 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A captivating statement of elegance and artistry, this diamond ring showcases an openwork design that glimmers from every angle. Rows of round brilliant diamonds trace graceful curve...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$842Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Diamond Wedding Band Micro Pave Full Eternity Band Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 18k solid Gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, these ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Pave Ring G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.01 Ct Natural Round Cut Diamond Ring G SI 14K Yellow Gold 100% Natural Diamonds 1.01CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold, Pave style, 4.60 grams 9 mm width ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large 5 Carat Pavé Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold, Signed MAHIND
Located in Miami, FL
A bold pavé diamond dome ring crafted in 18 karat white gold, signed MAHIND, and set with approximately five carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aurora Pavé Diamond Crossover Ring in 14K White Gold with Yellow & White Diamond
By Hand Made
Located in New York, NY
*Custom Made Ring -Material: 14K White Gold -Condition: Mint *Yellow Diamond -Total Diamond: 2.50ctw -Clarity: SI1 -Color: G *Ring dimension: -Size: 6.5 -Width: 15.1mm -Thickness: ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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 diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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.