Platinum Diamond GIA 3.50 Carat No Heat Pink Oval Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
surrounded beautifully by baguette diamonds in a halo setting. Metal- 90% Platinum. Stones- GIA Certified
Platinum Diamond GIA 3.50 Carat No Heat Pink Oval Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
surrounded beautifully by baguette diamonds in a halo setting. Metal- 90% Platinum. Stones- GIA Certified
1.37 Carat Pink Sapphire and 0.14 Carat Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Wedding Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
: 1.37 CT Natural Natural Ruby & 0.14 G VS1 CT Diamonds Condition: New Estimated Retail Price: $1800
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Made in Italy Diamond Rodolite Garnet Vogue Awarded Cocktail Ring
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
18K White Gold Made in Italy Diamond Rodolite Garnet Vogue Awarded Cocktail Ring. Unlock Your
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Blue Enamel and 9 Gold 'REGARD' Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
of the ring spells "REGARD'. Ruby, Emerald,Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby and Diamond. At the centre of the
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
$5,588Sale Price|20% Off
VICTORIAN 1880 Antique Ring In Yellow Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
the fire of diamond. The best opals command prices per carat that rival expensive diamonds, rubies
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Roberto Coin Appassionata Diamond Band - Yellow Gold 18k Rd .34ctw Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Greensboro, NC
Coin Collection: Appassionata Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier - Vintage Contessa Wedding Band in Yellow and White Gold, Diamonds, Rubi
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
thousandths), it features an alternating design of 3 brilliant-cut diamonds and 4 calibrated rubies set in an
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,960Sale Price|20% Off
Sonya K. 2.504ct Untreated Purple Sapphire Ring in 18K White Gold
By SONYA K.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
is 2/3 pavé-set with ~0.32 ct of F-color, VS-clarity round brilliant-cut diamonds (based on size 6.5
Ruby, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Ring 14k Gold Emerald Cocktail Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
accented with seven Old European cut diamonds. This emerald ring top measures 1” x 1 ¼” x ½” (2.5 x
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Multi Gemstone Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
the band with graceful flow. Featuring diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, sapphire, and topaz stones
Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Multi Gemstone Vintage Style Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
* PRIMARY STONE(S) Stone: Natural Diamond Color/Clarity: H-I/I Shape: Round Size: 3 mm. Number: 1 Weight
Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roberto Coin "Capri Plus" Pavé of Diamonds in Ebony Setting
By Roberto Coin
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Roberto Coin Capri Plus Ebony Wood & Diamond Women's Ring in 18k gold plated and 18k gold base
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold Plate
Roberto Coin "Capri Plus" Pavé of Diamonds in Ebony Setting and Gold
By Roberto Coin
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Roberto Coin Capri Plus Ebony Wood & Diamond Women's Ring in 18k gold Pavé of Damonds total
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$3,038Sale Price|20% Off
Aria Jewelry Design 14K White Gold 5.98ct Tanzanite Cocktail Ring
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
less than a million to one. Unlike gemstones like diamond and ruby, which have been mined for hundreds
Tanzanite, Zircon, 14k Gold
English 18K Yellow Gold, Natural Peridot Cluster Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Opal, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Pink Tourmaline, Turquoise or
Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Twisted Gold Ring Italian 18k Gold Design Oltremare Gioielli
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
: Love the design but prefer different gemstones? We can customize this ring with rubies, diamonds, or
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Dainty Heart 18k White Gold Natural Tanzanite Womens Solitaire Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
dainty solitaire style setting, which has 3 graduating heart shapes pierced into each shoulder. The ring
Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dainty Heart 14k White Gold Natural Tanzanite Womens Solitaire Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
dainty solitaire style setting, which has 3 graduating heart shapes pierced into each shoulder. The ring
Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Dainty 9k White Gold Heart Design Natural Garnet Solitaire Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
, Blue Topaz, Citrine, CZ, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Opal, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Pink
Garnet, 9k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Band with 3 Oval Rubies and Diamonds. (Size 6.00)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
14K White Gold Band with 3 Oval Rubies and Diamonds. (Size 6.00) New Gender: Ladies. Ring
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
White Gold Ruby & Diamond Pendant Necklace 14 3/4" - 14k Round .72ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .60ct
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Halo Interchangeable Diamond, Emerald & Ruby Earring Set with Ring
Located in New York, NY
diamond ring. Our hand crafted set is staring GIA certified Interchangeable Double Halo Ballerina style
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 7Ct Ruby & 2 Ct Diamond Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Ring 68 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Natural 7 Ct Ruby and 2 Ct Diamond Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold With Ring 68 Grams This Necklace
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
New 2.28 Carat Red Ruby Cabochon & Diamond Cut Ruby Sterling Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
carats each. The main stones are 7 x 5 x 3 mm and are surrounded by diamond cut Red Sapphires. The
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
New 1.14 Carat Red Ruby Cabochon & Diamond Cut Ruby Sterling Pendant Necklace
Located in Eagan, MN
This is such a beautiful necklace. It has a 7 x 5 x 3 ruby cabochon stone that totals 1.14 carats
Ruby, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Ring and Earrings Jewelry Set in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A beautifully coordinated ring and earrings, each centered with a round brilliant diamond
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$225Sale Price|37% Off
L 18 in
New 1.14 Carat Red Ruby Cabochon & Diamond Cut Ruby Sterling Pendant Necklace
Located in Eagan, MN
This is such a beautiful necklace. It has a 7 x 5 x 3 ruby cabochon stone that totals 1.14 carats
Ruby, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$4,733Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Ruby Black Diamond White Gold Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Earrings (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 44-RND 57-0,24-4/6 Ruby 10-Oval-2,71 ct
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,892Sale Price / item|20% Off
Impressive Red Ruby White Diamond White Gold Every Day Pendant
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Pendant White Gold 14 K (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 1-Round 57-0,03-3/5A Diamond 22-Round 57
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$1,892Sale Price / item|20% Off
Impressive Red Ruby White Diamond White Gold Every Day Pendant
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Pendant White Gold 14 K (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 1-Round 57-0,03-3/5A Diamond 22-Round 57
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$1,892Sale Price / item|20% Off
Impressive Red Ruby White Diamond White Gold Every Day Pendant
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Pendant White Gold 14 K (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 1-Round 57-0,03-3/5A Diamond 22-Round 57
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$135,000 / set
H 3 in W 1.5 in Dm 1 in
Boucheron Ruby And Diamond Earrings Day & Night Vintage Jewelry
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular pair of Boucheron ruby and diamond earrings, featuring a convertible “day to night
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,733Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Ruby Diamond White Gold Dangle Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Earrings (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 124-RND57-0,46-4/6 Ruby 2-Oval-0,6 Т(4
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$24,600
H 0.22 in Dm 0.58 in
GIA Cert Ballerina Halo Interchangeable Diamond, Emerald & Ruby Earring Set
Located in New York, NY
GIA certified diamonds: E / VVS & E / VS1 . Our pair of handcrafted earring comes with 3
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat yellow Gold Pendant and Chain
Located in Poitiers, FR
openwork in its center, set with modern brilliant-cut diamonds on 3/4 of its wire, and in its center an
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Diamond Burma Ruby Bombe Earrings GIA Certified in 18 Karat Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Dallas, TX
diamonds, all set in 18 karat yellow gold. Two large oval rubies are of richly-saturated color and
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,044
H 0.2 in W 2.17 in L 18 in
Vintage 2.15 Carat Ruby and Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Necklace Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.15 carat ruby and 0.03 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections Yellow Gold 18 Karat Diamond and Ruby Byzantine Bracelet
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
background. The bracelet features 2 Brilliant cuts White Diamonds total weight of 0.20 Carat and 3 round-cut
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,450
W 0.75 in L 2.33 in
Elegant Vintage 18 K Yellow Gold Brooch Meister Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
jeweller Meister Zurich. The brooch festures 3 top quality colored stones like Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
$6,437Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Pink Sapphire Ruby Diamond White Gold Lever-Back Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Earrings (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 42-RND 57-0,21-4/6 Ruby 10-RND-1,19 Т(3
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,100
H 0.4 in W 0.34 in D 0.2 in
Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Rubies Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.63 gr
Located in SE
. 1960s -1970s. Two bezel set oval cut natural rosy Red Rubies 4 x 3 mm / ca. 03 ct each, both
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Rubies Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.7 gr
Located in SE
rosy Red Rubies 4 x 3 mm / ca. 025 ct each, both clear and of good transparency and demonstrate
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$7,384Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Pink Sapphire Ruby Diamond White Gold Lever-Back Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Earrings (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 152-RND57-0,45-4/6 Ruby 2-Oval-0,42 Т(4
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,271Sale Price|20% Off
Fancy Every Day Ruby Diamond Rose Gold Lever-Back Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings Rose Gold 14 K (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 58-RND-0,22-H/VS2A Ruby 2-0,304 Т(5)/5A
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$8,500
W 16.93 in L 18.12 in
Antique Egyptian Scarab Brooch Ruby Sapphire Diamonds Citrine Garnet Gilt Silver
Located in SE
with 15 natural Rubies, 11 natural Sapphires , 28 natural Diamonds, one Citrine and a Garnet stones
Diamond, Ruby, Citrine, Garnet, Sapphire, Gold-filled, Silver
$1,375
W 7.09 in L 12.21 in
Egyptian Revival Scarab Brooch 1ctw Ruby 1ctw Emeralds 0.56 ctw Diamonds /7.6gr
Located in SE
Rubies, 13 natural Emeralds and 15 natural Diamonds, both bezel and pave set. Roll-over safety clasp
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver, Gold-filled
$5,000
W 0.36 in L 0.36 in
Art Deco Style Round Diamond & Ruby Fancy Cut Halo Stud 14K White Gold Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
These Art-Deco stud earrings are completely spectacular! The vibrant color stone is specialty cut
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,275
W 0.6 in D 0.2 in L 1.19 in
Antique Butterfly Brooch Pin 2ct Ruby 1.5 ct Diamond 10K Gold Silver / 3.9gr.
Located in SE
rose cut Diamonds set in Silver , 10K Rose and Green Gold. One Ruby is of old table cut 7 mm x 5 mm
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Silver
Collar Necklace of 18K Gold Openwork Plaque Links Set w Diamonds & "Big 3" Gems
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
plus diamonds and "Big Three" gemstones. Each plaque is hinged to its neighbor with a sturdy ring
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Art Deco Platinum Multi Stone Charm Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
features an array of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, all varying in color. The flower vase has a
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum 14kt Rose Gold Natural Pink & Diamond Eternity Ring, Custom-to-Order
By Rock N Gold Creations
Located in San Diego, CA
Platinum and 14kt Rose Gold Natural Pink & White Diamond Eternity Ring, Custom Made-to-Order Ring
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Alexandrite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine,...
1900s set Necklace Pendant natural 2ctw Ruby 2ctw Tourmaline Pearl Gilt Silver
Located in SE
Pearls. There are both round old European diamond cut and oval diamond cut stones. All stones have closed
Pearl, Ruby, Tourmaline, Silver, Gold Plate
Antique Iberian Diamond Pendant/Brooch 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
influx of diamonds and other precious stones. The powerful trade links, meant they could easily have
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
$13,818
W 2.05 in L 2.76 in
Antique 18th Century Iberian Emerald Cabochon & Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in OVIEDO, AS
relative influx of diamonds and other precious stones. The powerful trade links, meant they could easily
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$72,000Sale Price|20% Off
Multi Gemstone Choker Necklace, Ring, Bracelet, and Earring Matching Set set in
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
equal 0.20 carats. The Center Stone of the Ring is Ruby, weights 3.00 carats.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Pearl and Diamond Flower Pendant / Brooch, 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
. 2.90 carat total diamond weight. White gold 18 Karat chain (hallmarked) measures 41.5cm - 16 1/3-inch
18k Gold, Silver
Tutti Frutti Art Deco Earrings in 18K White Gold with Gemstones
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Ruby with Diamonds. The Diamonds form a bell shape and they are gorgeous stones, true Emerald green
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 14k 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.