Alessa 2MM Adjustable Tennis Bracelet 18 Karat Rose Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$18,995
Alessa 3MM Tennis Bracelet 18 Karat Rose Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$18,995
Alessa 3MM Tennis Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$3,995
Alessa 2MM Tennis Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alessa 2MM Adjustable Tennis Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alessa 3MM Adjustable Tennis Bracelet 18 Karat White Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$3,995
Alessa 2MM Tennis bracelet 18 Karat White Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,975
Vintage Style 18K WG Diamond and& Ruby Eternity Band 0.51ct, circa 2000s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Style 18K White Gold 9mm wide diamond set band with open leaf motif with scalloped edges set withy diamonds 0.43ctw & rubies 0.51ctw. Newly manufactured in vintage scroll wor...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alessa 2MM Tennis Bracelet Red Ruby 18 Karat Rose Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Alessa 3MM Tennis Bracelet Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Essentials Collectio
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$3,995
Alessa 2MM Tennis Bracelet 18 Karat Rose Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
A collection of designs that are timeless and always sought season after season. Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in white, yellow or rose gold adorned with white or black di...
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$1,304
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an lovely ruby and diamond eternity ring. This vintage piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and showcases an alternating array of rich red rubies and bright whit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Michael Rose
Located in London, GB
A ruby and diamond eternity ring in 18 karat yellow gold.
18k Gold
Roman + Jules Gem Quality Oval Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Los Gatos, CA
This magnificent Roman + Jules Gem Quality Oval Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring is carefully constructed using Platinum.
Diamond
18 Karat Gold Princess Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring Finger
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
18 karats white gold eternity wedding or anniversary ring band Princess cut diamond weighing 1.80 carat Alternating with princess cut ruby weighing 3.00 carat Band measuring 4 mi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
William Rosenberg 20 Karat Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring
By William Rosenberg
Located in Troy, MI
Expertly hand fabricated eternity band by William Rosenberg made from rare 20 karat gorgeous colored rose gold with 1.59 Cttw rubies & 1.05 Cttw diamonds showing hearts & arrows of V...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Inspired Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring in Platinum
Located in London, England
A unique Art Deco inspired sapphire, ruby and diamond convertible flip ring set in platinum. This piece is an excellent example of the Art Deco style. Firstly, the central band is ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Sold|$3,400
Ruby and Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Platinum eternity band ring featuring nine square rubies with an approximate total weight of 5 carats and 18 baguette diamonds with an approximate total weight of 1 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Sold|$1,400
Gold Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Antique 14K Gold Diamond & Ruby Eternity Band Ring. The ring is in excellent estate condition and ready to wear.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby Diamond and Platinum Eternity Ring, Circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A vintage ruby and diamond eternity band ring, set with approximately 7.00ct of baguette, round brilliant-cut, Edwardian-cut and eight-cut diamonds and four oval cabochon-cut rubies ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Platinum Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This full eternity ring is absolutely stunning! The ring boasts a total of 1ct of round cut diamonds and also hold a total of 1.3ct square cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Sold|$7,000
Ruby Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By Michael Kanners
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
Very finely made platinum, square ruby (app. 3cts) and round diamond (app. 1ct) eternity band ring.
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Ruby Diamond Platinum Eternity Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A Platinum 900 Ring, set with Ruby 11 Pieces 0.22 Carat and Diamond 11 Pieces 0.07 Carat. The ring was made in size US.7
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Princess cut rubies and 0.20 carat round brilliant diamonds alternate in 18 carat yellow gold across the top of this colourful half eternity ring dating from the 1970s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,756
Ruby Diamond 18 Carat Half Eternity Ring
Located in London, England
An 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond seven stone ring. Featuring three marquise cut rubies, set alternate to four round brilliant cut diamonds all in rubover settings to a plain poli...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,094
White Gold Ruby & Diamond Full Eternity Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold ruby and diamond full eternity ring. The ring is channel set with 15 square cut rubies with an approximate weight of 0.92ct and 16 princess cut diamonds wi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Graff Ruby and 0.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Set with gorgeous diamonds and rubies whose compelling resplendence is brought out magnificently by the luxuriously bright platinum backdrop, this splendid Graff band offers a look o...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
Deco Ruby and Diamond Platinum Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Striking square cut rubies and sparkling old European cut diamonds sat in a beautiful eternity band.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Michael Rose
Located in London, GB
A ruby and diamond half eternity ring in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in London, England
An 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond set half eternity ring. The ring is set with 0.58ct's of intense ruby and 0.31ct's diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Platinum Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This wonderful ruby and diamond Art Deco style eternity boasts a total of 12 10pt rubies and 13 7pt diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
“Americana” Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Marquis-shaped rubies form flower shapes and are complimented by blue sapphires and white diamonds. This 18k white gold eternity band s generously-sized at a 9.25 and can be only mod...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.89cttw Ruby and 1.05cttw Diamond Eternity Band Ring 14k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning eternity band features prong set Emerald Cut Rubies as a center row with Baguette cut diamonds outline.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Italian 1.24 Carat Ruby and Diamond White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage Italian 1.24 carat ruby and 0.24 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections, This fine and impress...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond and Ruby Half Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful diamond and ruby half eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Masterfully crafted from classy 18K yellow gold and beautifully decorated with expertly cut gems, this ravishing Van Cleef & Arpels band boasts a splendidly refined appeal. The band ...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
William Rosenberg Platinum 1.90 Carat Ruby and 1.45 Carat Diamond Eternity Ring
By William Rosenberg
Located in Troy, MI
Expertly crafted eternity band by William Rosenberg made from noble platinum with scalloped set fine rubies = 1.90 Cttw. & round brilliant diamonds = 1.45 Cttw.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold 0.75ct Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band Ring MF18-020
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The precious gems are mounted in a channel setting, offering better security and a neater and cleaner look.This 18K Yellow Gold 0.75ct Diamond and 1.0ct Ruby Eternity Ring is offered...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A superb Art Deco ruby and diamond Half Eternity Band. A row each of fantastic rubies and diamonds run in parallel , modelled in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
0.75ctw Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band Ring, 14k White Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: ruby, 15 round cut 1.75 mm approximately .45 total carats diamond, 15 round brilliant cut 1.75 mm approximately .30 total carats G-H color/ VS1-2 clarity Ring Size 6 Rise O...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.53 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning Half-Eternity Engagement Ring featuring a 0.53 Carat Natural Ruby and 0.57 Carats of Diamond accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Alex Sepkus Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Stamford, CT
Authentic Alex Sepkus Eternity band ring with nice full cut diamonds, Sapphires and Rubies. 4 genuine fine red cabochon Rubies, approx. total weight .10cts, VS, 2 to 2.2mm 10 ful...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring in Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. diamond and ruby half eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish diamond and ruby half eternity ring set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful art deco eternity band in platinum with alternating square-cut rubies and old cut round diamonds in sets of 3.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Contemporary 1.56 Carat Ruby Diamond Platinum Eternity Channel Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eternity band ring channel set fully around with diamonds and rubies, alternating Rubies are well-matched and bright red while weighing in total approximately 0.65 carat Round bril...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Convertible Eternity Flip Ring in Platinum
Located in London, England
An early 1930’s sapphire, ruby and diamond convertible flip ring set in platinum. This piece is an excellent example of the Art Deco style, period and craftsmanship. Firstly the ba...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Alternate Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Alternate Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring in 18K gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
0.62 Carat Natural Diamond-Cut Rubies & Diamonds Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful band ring set in Platinum featuring 0.62 Carats Natural Diamond-Cut Rubies and 0.48 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of G...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
0.70 Carat Natural Diamond-Cut Rubies & Diamonds Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful band ring set in Platinum featuring 0.70 Carats Natural Diamond-Cut Rubies and 0.48 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of G...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 2.65Ct Ruby and Platinum Eternity Ring Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 2.65 carat ruby and platinum eternity ring; an addition to our collection of antique ruby rings.
Ruby, Platinum
Sold|$3,800 / item
Princess Ruby and Diamond Eternity Hand Engraved Platinum Band
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Platinum hand engraved by master engraver eternity wedding or anniversary ring Round diamond weighing 0.60 carats alternating with princess cut ruby weighing 1.15 carat Special or...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum Princess Ruby Alternating Round Diamond Eternity Anniversary Band Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Platinum eternity wedding or anniversary ring Round diamond weighing 1.00 carat Alternating with princess cut ruby weighing 2.00 carat Ring Size 6 Ring cannot be resized Stone si...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Alternating Emerald Cut Ruby and Diamond Eternity Wedding Band
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous eternity band features 9 natural emerald cut rubies weighing 5.89 carats total that alternate with 9 emerald cut diamonds weighing 4.82 carats total. Set in an eternity...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Filigree Eternity Band
Located in Montgomery, AL
The setting is platinum and features intricate openwork filigree alongside sparkling diamonds and french cut rubies. The filigree and gemstones encompass the entire length of the ban...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Rachel Koen Ruby & Diamond Eternity Band Ring 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning eternity band features 10 prong set oval cut rubies alternating with Baguette and Round Cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 1.00 Ct Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This pretty LB Exclusive band ring offers a perfect pop of color! The ring is made with 14K white gold and bezel-set with a row of alternating diamonds and rubies around the band, fo...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.”
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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.
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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.