Turquoise, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with two central flowers of turquoise paste surrounded by two flowers of rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Band Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant retrò ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby (11 mm x 7.5 mm) surrounded by diamonds and other little rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Modern ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with an oval ruby and, laterally, three diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant modern ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby and,laterally, three rows of diamonds for each side.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oltremare Gioielli 18k Solid Gold Ruby Band Made in Italy
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
18k Solid Gold Wedding Band with Rubies Made in Italy by Oltremare Gioielli Celebrate your everlasting love with this radiant solid gold wedding band, adorned with natural rubies an...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant modern ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central drop ruby surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds, Ruby, 18 Karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful modern ring in 18 karat white gold structure mounted with white diamonds and a ruby in the center.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds, Rubies, 14 Karat White Gold Band Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Astonishing band ring in 14k white gold structure, totally studded with rubies and diamonds, This ring is totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths Diamonds 0.68 ct Blue sapphir...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Retrò Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant vintage ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with an oval ruby and,laterally, two drop rubies surrounded by a crown of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds Ruby Sapphires 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite ring is a timeless piece of fine jewelry, crafted in 18kt white gold and designed for those who appreciate elegance, character, and refined craftsmanship. At the hear...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds Ruby 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Fantastic 18 karat white gold cocktail ring.Handmade by our artisans assembled with ruby and diamonds Ring weight 11.50 grams Diamonds weight 1.35 karat Ruby weight 0.51 karat Ring ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$32,203Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat White Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K white gold cocktail ring is from Divine Collection. This extraordinary piece of jewellery is a detailed combination of beautiful oval natural ruby 2.1 Carat and natural white dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antiques Carved Chinese Jade Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Antiques Chinese Jade carved imperial jade china 1750, ruby princess cut 1,50ct, 18kt gold gr.2230. Size 6.5 US. All Giulia Colussi jewelry is new and has never been previously owne...
Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,680Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby 18 Karat Gold Mother of Pearl Cocktail Ring
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Very nice 18 kt gold gr.23,20 cocktail ring with oval Lucent mother of pearl in the center a ruby 0,55 CTS princess cut. Very modern and essential design. All Giulia Colussi jewelr...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exclusive ring in 18-karat yellow gold is a masterpiece of elegance and charm, perfect for those seeking a distinctive jewel. Its yellow gold structure, chosen for the warmth an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Bellerophon Certified Natural Mozambique Ruby 3.03 Carat Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and finely balanced ruby ring, crafted in 18K white gold, centered by a natural ruby weighing 3.03 carats, certified by Bellerophon Gemlab. The ruby is cut in an octagona...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Bvlgari Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum, circa 1950s
Located in Roma, RM
This elegant vintage ring by Bvlgari dates to the 1950s, a formative decade in which the Roman Maison refined its distinctive approach to high jewelry, blending classical proportions...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three sapphires surrounded by diamonds, emeralds and rubies.
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Bear Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, Sapphires, 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 coral surrounded by a frame of two flowers of coral, sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, 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 tipaz surrounded by four flowers of coral, diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rossella Ugolini 0.45c Ruby Yellow Gold Snake Essential Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 0.45c Ruby Yellow Gold Snake Essential Ring. Dimensions: height 1,18 inches (cm 3) x width 1,1 inches (2 cm) Available in any size ion order. 18K yellow gold ruby sn...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring is totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Green Peridot Red Rubies Rose Gold Ring Botta Gioielli
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Ring size: Italian 13, French 53, US 6.5, UK N. The ring can be resized.
Peridot, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Old Cut 1.02 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Ruby Platinum
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful ring with an amazing old European cut diamond weighing 1.02 ct. The frame is in platinum and is studded with rubies. The center stone was cut by hand during the 1920s and 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamonds, Ruby, 18 Karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring is totally handmade by Italian master goldsmith.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
stunning ruby and diamond ring has an eye catching look with bright sparkle, gorgeous color, and a glamorous vintage inspired design! The 1.60ct natural ruby is a beautiful rich red ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Dalben Oval Rose Cut Slice Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a Kind 18k yellow gold matte finishing ring with a 1,78 carat bezel-set oval rose cut slice ruby.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Magnesite, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central magnesite surrounded by rubies, sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a flower of sapphires and ruby surrounded by a flower of diamonds and, externally, rubies, emeralds and leaves stud...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Retro 1.80 Ct Diamond 2.50 Ct Ruby Bold Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful retro ring is 1940 circa Fascinating combination of natural Rubies and shimmering baguette Diamonds giving life to an exclusive vintage design, bold and effective to a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamonds Sapphires Rubies Pearl Rose Gold Spiral Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Dalben Trilogy Rose Cut Slice Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a Kind 18k yellow gold matte finishing ring with 3 bezel-set rose cut slice ruby total weight 1,4 carat .
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Red Ruby Round Cut Rose Gold Ring Botta Jewelry
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Finger size: US size 6 1/2, Italian size 13, UK size N, French size 53. The ring can be re-sized to the customer's size before shipping.
Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari 18k White Gold Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bvlgari 18k White Gold 1.15 cts of Diamonds 1.02 Cts Oval Ruby GIA Report 2233803252 Ruby is Burma (Myanmar) Gia Report 2233803252 Dec 2 2025 Size 7.5 Ruby 7.5 x 5.2 x 3.4 mm 1.02 c...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Coral, Rubies, Tourmaline, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral with three tourmaline surrounded by a crown of rubies, diamonds and tourmaline.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Diamond Sapphires Rubyes 18 kt White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Wonderful ring in 18 kt white gold totally enriched with sapphires and rubies of ct 3.44 and is alternated with diamonds of ct 0.28 of which the central diamond 0.39. Total weight g ...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Amethysts, Rubies, Topaz, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with amethysts and topaz and, between of them, diamonds and rubies.
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond dome cocktail ring features 8.93 carats of oval-cut fine quality faceted rubies of brilliant color originating from Africa.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Rubies, Sapphires , 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 sapphires and ruby surrounded by petals of coral and leaves of diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$3,424Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This striking ring features vibrant square-cut rubies channel-set in sinuous diagonal rows, framed by pavé set brilliant cut diamonds that curve gracefully across the bold, 18K yello...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central flower of sapphires and emerald surrounded by a frame of diamonds, sapphires and rubies.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18 Karat Gold Granulata Style Oval Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated hand engraved design that blends traditional granulation technique with a modern twist. This handcrafted ring has ruby 1.75 carat and diamonds 0.66 carat weight of F/G ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Alex Jona Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold ring, set with 52 rubies for a total weight of 0.41 carats.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
18 kt White Gold Design Ring, Sapphires, Rubies & Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
WHITE GOLDEN 18 KT RING WITH DIAMONDS, RUBIES & SAPPHIRES Amazing design and fits like a glove ! MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold DIAMONDS: brilliant cut diamonds, together ca. 0.5 Cts ...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retrò ring in 14 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds, 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, sapphires and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
Spectacular Vintage 1940s Retro Burma Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Spectacular Vintage 1940s Retro Burma Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring Step back into the glamour of the 1940s with this extraordinary Retro-era cocktail ring, showcasing a natural, unt...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamonds 9 Karat White Gold Band Ring Handcrafted
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
The dimension of the ruby is 4.80x6.20 mm / 0.188x0.244 inches. Us finger size is 6.25 / Italian size 13 / French size 53.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three rubies surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18 kt White Gold Diamonds Rubies Fashion Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Amethyst, Rubies, Diamonds, Spinel, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central amethyst surrounded by flowers of rubies, hydrothermal spinels and diamonds.
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Spinel, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central part composed by emeralds, rubies and sapphires surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.
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.