Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with rubies and diamonds.
Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds and, externally, a round of rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby Diamonds White Gold Snake Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Snake ring in 14k white gold mounted with all diamonds and a ruby on the head.
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Natural Unenhanced Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Burmese ruby and diamond 'Trombino' ring. An important piece, set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby, with an approximate weight of 4.42 c...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds and rubies .
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three central diamonds surrounded by rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby Macri Classica Model Ring ca 1960s
Located in Napoli, NA
The surface is wavy and embellished with round cut rubies. Has a total weight of 4.70 grams. The size is 6 Band width 4.4 mm Excellent condition, Made in 1960s, Italy CONDITION: P...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphires Rubyes Diamonds White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fabulous 14 kt white gold ring, all enriched with sapphires, 8.74 ct rubies and 0.83 ct diamonds. Total weight g 15.25 Rubini sapphires ct 8.74 Diamonds ct 0.83 Size eng 16.5 Size fr...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Bulgari No-Heat Ruby and Diamond Trombino Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Details Maker: Bulgari Collection: Trombino Period: Circa 1980s Metal: Platinum Center Stone: Certified no-heat cabochon ruby, 17.98 carats (GRS Report No. 2023086814) Accent Stones:...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with diamonds and, between of theem, rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18 Karat Italy Unisex Huge 3.40 Carat Diamonds Ruby Lioness Ring 18 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Prime Deco Lioness Ring Mens / Ladies 2.00ct. White diamonds, F-G color Vs-1 Vs-2 clarity. 1.00ct. Natural Fancy yellow diamonds. .40ct. Natural rubies (in eyes and mouth) ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a frame of diamonds and little rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with three aval rubies surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,297Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Three in One Cluster Ruby Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Blue Sapphire Ring Available) Diamond 11-RND 57-0,09-4/5 Diamond 1-RND 57-0,09-4/5 Ruby11-RND-0,3 Т(3)/3 Weight 6.2 gram Size US 7 With a heritage of ancient...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
Damiani 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Ring
By Damiani
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant ring by Damiani, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and set with natural diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Ruby Ring. 7.40ct Oval Cut Burma Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold 1970
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Age: Vintage Era: Circa 1970 Manufacturer: Buccellati Country of Origin: Italy Primary Stone: Burma Ruby Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 7.40-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Oval Cut Secon...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 karat rose gold structure mounted with, in the central part, a ruby surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby and,laterally, diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds, Rubies, 18karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful modern ring in 18 karat white gold structure mounted with five rubies and white diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 4.03 Carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional masterpiece centered on a 4.03 carat natural Mozambique ruby, certified by GRS GemResearch Swisslab as displaying a coveted Vivid to Deep Red color with no indication ...
Diamond, Ruby
Ruby Cluster Ring Sterling Silver and 18k Vintage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ruby Ring Cluster of Natural Brilliant Ruby Stones Black Rhodium to compliment the red ruby Approx ruby area size 17 x 13 mm Mostly Sterling Silver 925 and the bezel is Real ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with five rubies surrounded and alternated by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant modern ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a crown of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant modern ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a crown of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds, Rubies, 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
This particular ring has been created in Italy, totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths Diamonds 4.37ct, round cut, F color, VS clarity Rubies 0.82ct Total weight 6.5g italian ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.66 Carat Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
It is set with a fine Natural Rubies halo, weighing approximately 1.00 ct. Handmade in Italy, circa 1960 CONDITION: Excellent METAL: 18k Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 1.66 ct - Ruby 1.0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with a strand of rubies enclosed between two rows of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, Yellow Gold and White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Vintage GIA Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Details Designer: Buccellati Origin: Italy Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: Approx. 1.70 Carats GIA Report Number: 12329392140 Accent Stones: White & Fan...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond Ruby Emerald Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Precious ring in 14kt gold and details in white gold composed of a central pearl surroundes by a crown of diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Ring Size: US 7.5 - ITA 16 - French 56 - ...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring is totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with four central coral surrounded by a frame of diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master gold smiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.28 Ct Central Diamond, Rubies, Diamonds, Platinum Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by four coral, diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Eternity Band Ring with 4.13 ct of Rubies and 0.25 ct of Diamonds. Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
Total Rubies Weight: 4.14 carats Total Diamonds Weight: 0.25 carats Total Weight: 14.90 grams Ring size: Size IT 17, USA 7-3/4, FR 57 •THE MANUFACTURE IS MADE IN ITALY •THE JEWEL I...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Estate Ruby Diamond Pavé Gold Band Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A timeless design Diamond band ring set in 18k white gold, it features a vivid natural oval Ruby in the center, weight 1.10 carat, surrounded by 1.50 carats of Sparkling Round brilli...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Lapis, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central lapis surrounded by rubies and diamonds.
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Circular Diamond Ruby White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Charming Ring in 14 kt White Gold Studded With Very Bright ct 2,80 Diamonds And Carre-Cut Rubies. Diamonds : 2,80 ct Rubies : 2,12 ct Size ita : 16 Size franc : 56 Size Usa :7.50 To...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Garnet, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central garnet surrounded by leaves studded with diamonds and flowers of rubies.
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18KT Florentine Engraved Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Lynchburg, VA
This beautiful ruby ring was handmade by a multigenerational goldsmith outside Florence, Italy.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by a flower of rubies and diamonds.
Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by a frame of leaves and flowers studded with rubies and diamonds.
Topaz, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by rubies and leaves studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion snake ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with rubies and diamonds on the head and tail.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three central sapphires surrounded by a frame of diamonds, rubies and little sapphires.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by petals of rubies and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Band Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a band of diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby and Diamond Snake Ring
Located in San Antonio, TX
Ruby and Diamond Ring designed as a snake. Signed 750 and Italian Hallmarks, Circa 1980
18k Gold
Stone, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central flower of diamonds and a central ruby on a stone surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Sapphire, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted, in the central part, with a flower of sapphire and rubies, surrounded by diamonds.
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 4 Carat Red Ruby Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite GRS Certified 4 carat red ruby trillion cut diamond platinum ring
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$200,000Sale Price|20% Off
SSEF Certified 4.05 Carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking high-jewelry ring centered with a magnificent 4.052 carat natural ruby, accompanied by a prestigious SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute report confirming the stone’s authen...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Buccellati Burma Ruby Ring. 7.40ct Oval Cut Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Age: Vintage Era: Circa 1970 Manufacturer: Buccellati Country of Origin: Italy Primary Stone: Burma Ruby Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 7.40-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Oval Cut Secon...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TIMELESS 18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
This ring belongs to the Timeless collection by Vitale 1913, an Italian house known for its fine jewellery craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Rubies, Pearls, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds, pearls and rubies.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Alex Jona Burmese Ruby Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring two drop cut rubies weighing in total 1.11 carats.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central amethyst surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring mounted with three strands of four and five rubies and, each one, is surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.
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.”
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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.