LALAOUNIS Double Lion Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in San Antonio, TX
18 kt. gold double headed lion ring, set with old mine-cut diamond collars and ruby eyes. Signed
Greek More Rings
Diamond, Ruby
LALAOUNIS Double Lion Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in San Antonio, TX
18 kt. gold double headed lion ring, set with old mine-cut diamond collars and ruby eyes. Signed
Diamond, Ruby
Sold|$2,400
LALAOUNIS SNAKE RING
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Woven 18Kt Yellow Gold Snake ring set with ruby Eyes. Size 9 1/2
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,900
Zolotas Yellow Gold and Gem Set Chimera Ring
By Zolotas
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Zolotas Greece Chimera Head 18k Yellow Gold Ring, hand made with traditional Ancient
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$5,024
Lion Ring by Ilias Lalaounis
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Paris, FR
Lion Ring by Ilias Lalaounis 18K Gold, Black Enamel, Ruby, Rose Cut diamonds Greece, Circa 1970
Agate, Amber, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,900
Zolotas Yellow Gold and Gem Set Chimera Ring
By Zolotas
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Zolotas Greece Chimera Head 18k Yellow Gold Ring, hand made with traditional Ancient
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,895
Lalaounis Gem Set Gold Lion Head Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Chicago, IL
18K Yellow Gold and Gem Set Lion Head Ring by Ilias Lalaounis, nicely detailed and set with Rubies
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,100
Lalaounis Gem-Set and 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in San Francisco, CA
By Lalaounis, one of the most renowned Greek jewelry designers, this 18k gold ring makes a
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Filigree Yellow Gold Aries Astrological Ram Bypass Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous bypass Ram/Aries ring by Ilias Lalaounis made of 18k yellow gold featuring ruby and a rose
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Yellow Gold Precious Gemstone Crown Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
Creating a compelling aura of antique luxury and ancient beauty, this outstanding ring from Ilias
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Ram Head Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This sculpted rams head ring has been crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and is set with rubies
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Precious Gemstone Lion Gold Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
Ilias Lalaounis draws on animal instinct and luxury elements to create a unique and intriguing ring
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Gold and Diamond Twin Lion Heads Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Firenze, IT
textured and sculpted gold crossover design in twin lion heads, enhanced by rose-cut diamonds, mounted in 18k gold Size : 5 1/2 Weight:12gr.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ancient Greek Ephesos, Ionia Bronze Coin Set in Gold Ring Flanked by Rubies
Located in Atlanta, GA
a 22-karat gold band and flanked with rubies. Ancient Greek coins from Ephesos (often spelled
Gold, Bronze
Lalaounis Greece Chimera Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Lalaounis Greece Chimera Ruby Diamond Gold Ring 18k gold Chimera ring by Greek designer Ilias
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Greek Key Ruby Sapphire Emerald Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring all Hand Made featuring the Greek Key design
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Sold|$3,250
Lalaounis Greek Chimera Diamond Gold Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Chimera Ring by Ilias LaLaounis. With 24 round rose cut
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Lalaounis 1970 Greece Band Ring in 18Kt Yellow Gold & Sterling with Round Ruby
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
A Ring designed by Ilias Lalaounis. Beautiful sleek piece, designed in Greece by the famous
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Greek Ram Head Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
Created in Greece, this 18K yellow gold ring features the head of a ram with the tail wrapping
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Sold|$3,750
Lalaounis Ruby & Rose Diamond Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold wrap around Ring set with Burmese Rubies and Rose Diamonds. Overly opulent and
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,500
Lalaounis Frosted Ruby Cabochon Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Dallas, TX
18k Yellow Gold LaLaounis Cabochon Ruby Ring with frosted crystal and two Round Diamonds. The ring
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis Byzantine Motif Ruby and Gold Dome Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
Byzantine-inspired motifs and set with a .20 carat ruby, this superb ring is Lalaounis at its most stylish
Ruby, 22k Gold
Lalaounis Large Yellow Gold and Ruby Dome Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 Illias Lalaounis 18K Yellow Gold Dome Ring, the ring top measures 1 1/4 inches in
Ruby, 18k Gold
Large Scale Lalaounis Gold Band Ring with Rubies and Sapphires
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Made of 18K Yellow Gold, this large scale Lalaounis cigar band ring is set with rubies and
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1970s Ilias Lalaounis Gold Ram's Head Ring with Ruby Eyes
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This 1970's Classic Lalaounis ram's head ring features ruby eyes and a single diamond. Size 6
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Gold Diamond and Ruby Chimera Lion's Head Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Geneva, CH
Beautiful signature ring from famous Greek jeweller Ilias Lalaounis. Called Chimera with a lion's
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Lion Bypass Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
gorgeous rubies while glistening diamonds totaling 0.16ct are set in complementing 18K white gold. Ring
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Ruby Emerald 22 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Timeless 22 karat yellow gold band crafted by Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis. The ring is set with
Emerald, Ruby, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lalaounis 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Cabochon Ruby Double Snake Ring Vintage Rare
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
piece at a great price! Weight: 11.3 grams Dimensions: 1" (height) 1/8" (width of ruby) Ring Size
Ruby, 18k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold Byzantine Ring with Ruby Sapphire Emerald
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring is microscopically
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold Byzantine Ring with Ruby Sapphire Emerald
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring is microscopically
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Lalaounis Byzantine Motif Ruby and Gold Dome Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Ilias Lalaounis, a meticulously hand-crafted 18 kart dome ring. The ring is adorned with
18k Gold
Lalaounis Byzantine Mosaic Ring, Set With Emeralds, Ruby, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in London, GB
, Diamonds and a ruby. A unique design reflecting the brand’s signature Greek-inspired craftsmanship and
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald Key Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat White Gold Ring featuring the Greek Key design symbolizing eternity
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald Key Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat White Gold Ring featuring the Greek Key design symbolizing eternity
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Byzantine Ruby Emerald Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
Presenting S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Ring all handmade in Byzantine Style
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold Ruby Stackable Band Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Baltimore, MD
Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver & 18K Gold Ruby Stackable Band Ring Size 5 Metal: Sterling silver
Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Bochic “Orient” Blue Sapphire & Red Ruby Serpent Ring In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Blue Sapphire & Red Ruby Serpent Ring In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Blue
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
LALAOUNIS - Two-Headed ring in yellow gold white gold rubies and diamonds
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in PARIS, FR
LALAOUNIS Two-headed lion head ring in yellow gold, white gold, rubies and diamonds. Circia 1980's
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Thin Diamond Ruby Handmade Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring is microscopically
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Thin Diamond Ruby Handmade Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring is microscopically
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Byzantine Style Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
workmanship and a unique velvet background. The ring features a 2.58 Carat Natural Ruby which has been heated
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald Key Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat White Gold band Ring featuring the Greek Key design symbolizing
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Multi-ge...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring with Ruby Sapphire Emerald
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design Ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The Ring is microscopically
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
granulation and a combination of Diamonds, Rubies, Emerald and Sapphires. The Ring features Brilliant cut
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Custom Private Order 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
your Ruby and diamond ring which is shown on the picture you provided through the messenger. After I
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Byzantine Style Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
workmanship and a unique velvet background look. The stunning ring features a 3.03 Carat Natural Ruby and 2
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring with Rubies and Blue Diamonds
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Karat White Gold. The ring is microscopically
Blue Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Lalaounis 1970 Double Chimeras Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.96 Ctw In Rubies
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
A ring designed by Ilias Lalaounis. Gorgeous Hellenistic revival ring, created in Greece by the
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring with Ruby Sapphire Emerald
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring is microscopically
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Lalaounis Double Headed Chimera Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring Sz 6.5
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Winter Springs, FL
The original double-headed chimera ring by Ilias Lalaounis. This is quintessential Lalaounis circa
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Blue Sapphire & Red Ruby Serpent Ring In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Blue Sapphire & Red Ruby Serpent Ring In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Blue Sapphire
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Ring With Emerald and Sapphires
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios ring is handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring is microscopically
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald and Sapphire Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring is microscopically
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold Diamond Emerald Ruby Ring with Black Rhodium
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
granulation and a combination of Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, and a center Emerald. The Ring features
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire Ring with Emeralds and Rubies
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios Ring is handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold and is microscopically decorated with
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design multicolor ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. This Multicolour
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sa...
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.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories 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.