Antique Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 14.84ct Amethyst and Seed Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the amethyst is a halo of delicate seed pearls, their subtle luster providing a refined contrast to the gemstone’s rich glow.
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Early Victorian Seed Pearl & Carnelian Spinner Memorial Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
On one side, it features beautifully woven hair encased behind glass, framed by a rectangular border of natural seed pearls—a typical hallmark of Victorian mourning jewellery.
Carnelian, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
9ct Yellow Gold Birmingham Hallmarked Victorian Seed Pearl Set Keepers Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The seed pearls set into the yellow gold give the ring an elegant touch making it perfect for any occasion.
Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Blue Enamel & Seed Pearl Floral Round Domed Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (17) Genuine Cultured Seed Pearls - Round Shape - Pave Set - White Color - 1.5mm to 1.8mm (approx.)
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Round Amethyst & Seed Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Surrounding the amethyst is a delicate halo of natural seed pearls, enhancing its allure and providing a touch of vintage romance.
Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique shield ring. Sapphire pearl seed. 14k Filigree Open scroll ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Size: 8 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Sapphire Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Style: Art deco Very beautiful Art Deco pearl seed and sapphire ring. Fil...
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Moonstone, Seed Pearl, and Onyx Ring MF61-021826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The breathtaking Moonstone center stone is surrounded by Onyx and Seed Pearl accents in an exquisite, scalloped arrangement.
Pearl, Moonstone, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Seed Pearl Heart Ring 18k Yellow Gold Band Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian era seed pearl heart ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 18k yellow gold. 18 small seed pearls measure approx. 1mm to 1.5mm.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1912 Ring Red Garnet Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø5US / 1.1gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring with two natural Seed Pearls and one rose cut Garnet of Pyrope variety set in solid 18K Gold band with hand - engraved decor on the shoulders.
Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Garnet and Seed Pearl Vintage Ring, Size 7, Unisex
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vintage ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a rich garnet center stone accented by two delicate seed pearls.
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian c1896 Almandine Garnet, Seed Pearl 15K Rose Gold Cannetille Style Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This delightful late Victorian – c1896 - 15ct Rose Gold Ring, is set with a row of richly coloured oval Natural Almandine garnets, interspersed with delicate seed pearls.
Garnet, Pearl, Rose Gold, 15k Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Rectangular Carved Citrine Intaglio Cameo Seed Pearl Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Numerous Genuine Cultured Seed Pearls - Near-Round Shape - Wire Set - Nice White Color - 1.4mm each (approx.)
Citrine, Pearl, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Turquoise & Seed Pearl Vintage Halo Ring - 14k Pear Cabochon Rope
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1/2 a size for $30 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Turquoise Treatment: Routinely Enhance...
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1 Carat Round Moonstone and Seed Pearl Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Round Moonstone and Seed Pearl Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely Hand set 1 Carat Round Moonstone.
Moonstone, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Cabochon, Ruby and Seed Pearl Dome Ring in 22 Karat Gold
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Emerald Cabochon, Ruby and seed Pearl Dome Ring mounted in 22 Karat Gold. This singular and stunning cocktail dome, dating from the mid-20th-century, a time of super creativity and a...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold
15ct Gold Victorian Garnet & Seed Pearl Triple Row Ring With Scrolled Shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet & Pearl Ring 15ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1872 Pretty, Victorian triple row ring.
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Early Victorian 9KT Gold Red Glass Ring with Seed Pearls and Green Accents
Located in Braintree, GB
From the images, the surrounding details appear to include seed pearls, green accent stones, and a darker small accent stone, all arranged within an ornate scrolling mount.
Natural Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold
Angara Seed Freshwater Cultured Pearl and Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.2ct. Sapphire Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø6.25US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 18 natural Seed Pearls settings.
Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold, Blue Topaz, & Seed Pearl Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Edwardian signet style ring. In 14 karat yellow gold. Bezel-set to the center with a light blue topaz gemstone that is surrounded by a halo of pale blue seed pearls.
Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 10k Rosy Gold Old Cushion Diamond & Seed Pearl Open Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Cushion Mine Cut -Pave Set - I Color - SI2 Clarity (2) Natural Cultured Seed Pearls - Round Shape - Star Pave Set - White Color Mate...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
15ct Gold Victorian Onyx, Diamond & Seed Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring Locket Back
Located in Brighton, GB
The design features a delicate daisy cluster crafted from lustrous seed pearls, contrasting black onyx, and a centre diamond, all meticulously set within the warm embrace of yellow g...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Vintage Art Deco Ring Carnelian Seed pearls Enamel 14k White Gold Filigree
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
It showcases a stunning carnelian gemstone accented by delicate seed pearls. Enamel detailing adds vibrant color and depth to the design, creating a sophisticated and elegant aesthet...
Carnelian, Pearl, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian circa 1896 Seed Pearl Turquoise Ring Vintage 15 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian ring (circa 1896), crafted in 15 karat yellow gold. 8 x 2mm seed pearls are accented with 7 x 2mm pieces of turquoise.
Pearl, Turquoise, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
15ct Yellow Gold Georgian Rare Hessonite Garnet, Natural Seed Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
At its heart lies a rare hessonite garnet, encircled by natural seed pearls, all nestled within an ornate yellow-gold setting.
Garnet, Pearl, Hessonite, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
1907 Nordic Ring Blue Turquoise Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold ØUS5.25 /1.4gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold with three size-matching natural Blue Turquoise stones flanked with 6 gradually sized Seed Pearls set into leaf-shaped clusters.
Turquoise, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14k Tri Color Gold Oval Amethyst Seed Pearl Filigree Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Numerous Genuine Cultured Seed Pearls - Round Shape - Wire Set - White Color - 1.3mm each (approx.)
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Antique 14k TT Gold 15ctw Amethyst Seed Pearl Halo Floral Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
It is further surrounded by a lovely, wire set, seed pearl halo in which wonderfully complements the center stone.
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Garnet Flower Ring with Seed Pearl Center
Located in Sewickley, PA
At the center sits a single seed pearl, nestled within a small, textured gold setting that mimics the natural center of a flower. the warm gold tones beautifully complement both the ...
Garnet, 14k Gold
1920 Antique Ring Rubellite Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US7 / 1.8 gr.
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three natural Rubellites / or Red Tourmalines and 6 natural Seed Pearls.
Pearl, Rubelite, 18k Gold
14k Gold Left Facing Amethyst Cameo Ring w/ Seed Pearl Filigree & Floral Frame
Located in Montclair, NJ
It features a detailed carved amethyst left facing cameo neatly bezel set at the center of the ring. The outstanding carving shows a detailed portrait of a woman and is absolutely wo...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Ring with Natural Seed Pearls, Turquoise and Green Stones
Located in London, GB
Beautiful 9K gold ring set with natural seed pearls, turquoise and green stones.
9k Gold
Victorian 10k Turquoise Cabochon and Pearl Seed Ring. 10k Victorian ornate
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1900s Materials: Gold Gemstone: Turquoise Gem color: Blue Style: Minimalist Beautiful Victorian Ring. Turquoise and Pearl seed bezel set into a 10k bypass ornate s...
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Coral Cameo Ring with Seed Pearl Halo – 7.63g, Size 6
Located in Media, PA
The cameo features a detailed classical profile in a rich, natural coral hue, surrounded by a halo of lustrous seed pearls. Each pearl is carefully set in a twisted gold rope-style f...
Coral, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 10k Turquoise Cabochon and Pearl Seed Ring. 10k Victorian ornate
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1900s Materials: Gold Gemstone: Turquoise Gem color: Blue Style: Minimalist Beautiful Victorian Ring. Oval top with Turquoise and Pearl seed bezel set into a 10k Flo...
1899 Cross Ring Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø 6.5 US / 1 gr.
Located in SE
Antique 18K Orange toned Gold Ring with seven Seed Pearls set in a Cross pattern.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 10k Gold 22.66ct GIA Jade & Seed Pearl Halo Filigree Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jade - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Seafoam Green Color - 22.66ct (exact - certified) *See Certification Details Below* Numerous Cultured Genuin...
Jade, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold
1863 Bombe Ring natural Gems Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US5.75 / 1.7 gr
Located in SE
A Ring of Bombe appearance with voluminous hollow crown and shoulders hand - engraved with floral ornaments and nine clustered natural Turquoise, Garnets stones and Swedish River Pea...
Pearl, Garnet, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Victorian 10k Turquoise Cabochon and Pearl Seed Ring. 10k Victorian ornate Vine
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1900s Materials: Gold Gemstone: Turquoise Gem color: Blue Style: Minimalist Beautiful Victorian Ring. Vine top with Turquoise and Pearl seed bezel set into a 10k Flo...
Victorian 10k Turquoise Cabochon and Pearl Seed Ring. 10k Victorian ornate Vine
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1900s Size: 5 1/4 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Turquoise Gem color: Blue Style: Minimalist Beautiful Victorian Ring. Vine top with Turquoise and Pearl seed bezel s...
Antique 14k PEARL seed MOP cluster Marquise Navette ring. ANTIQUE Victorian Pear
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Delicate Navette cluster ring with pearl seeds and center MOP. Condition: Shows little to no signs of use.
10k Victorian MOONSTONE cabochon TRIO Garnet and pearl seed Claw set ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1900s Size: 6 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Moonstone Band Color: Gold Style: Victorian Amazing MOONSTONE. Sphere Cabochon set into a Victorian Claw with small side...
1884 Ring natural Seed Pearls Enamel solid 18K Gold Ø US6 / 1.1 gr
Located in SE
Antique 18K Gold Ring decorated with hand - engraved enameled eight- pointed Star and three natural River Pearls. Crown : 7.5 mm in diameter x 2.7 mm deep. Larger pearl is Ø 2.25 m...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Yellow Gold Shell & Seed Pearl Vintage Halo Cameo Ring - 14k Carved Silhouette
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Shell Cut: Carved Cameo Size: (approx.) 19....
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.3ct. Sapphire Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø4.75US/ 1.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural medium Blue Sapphire and 6 miniature natural seed pearls settings.
Diamond, 18k Gold
10k Victorian Opal Pearl Seed garnet ring. 10k Gold Victorian claw opal garnet
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1900s Materials: Stone Gemstone: Opal Gem color: White Band color: Gold Style: Victorian 10k gold unmarked but tests appropriately 4mm by 5mm twin opals. 2mm pearl...
10k Gold
Art Deco 14K Gold, Diamond, Seed Pearl, Rock Crystal, and Onyx Filigree Cocktail
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Art Deco gold, diamond, seed pearl, and rock crystal inlaid with an onyx band cocktail ring.
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold
$2,058Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond and Pearl Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Divine and luxurious looking Ice Diamond Ring with seed pearls hand woven with pave diamonds around.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 15ct Gold Ruby & Pearl Ring
Located in Portland, England
A beautiful late Victorian ring crafted in warm 15ct yellow gold, featuring a distinctive panel design set with alternating rubies and seed pearls.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique Garnet and pearl 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
There are two larger garnet stones measuring 10pts each and a further two smaller stones. The face of the ring also has seed pearls set within it. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 7 Face Width...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Pearl Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This impressive antique gemstone ring is fine quality set with amethysts, emeralds and seed pearls.
Amethyst, Emerald, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Ruby Diamond & Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Set with a Star-Set Centre Diamond, Plus Natural Rubies & Seed Pearls. Face of the ring measures approx height 7mm & width 15.5mm UK Size M 1/2 US Size 6 1/2 Can be resized usi...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Pearl Band Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian sapphire, pearl, and yellow gold ring, comprising one round cut blue sapphire, and ten seed pearls, set in 15 karat yellow gold, to a band of 15 karat yellow gold.
Pearl, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Black Enamel and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Mourning Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A very fine 18carat gold Georgian black enamel and seed pearl mourning ring. Fully hallmarked London 1824.
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
GIA Jadeite Jade Pearl and Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in Honolulu, HI
The ring features 12 seed pearls. The ring is ~20.90mm x 17.02 mm.
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Black Star Sapphire & Pearl Ring Size 5.75 #20226
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Black Star Sapphire and Seed Pearl Cluster Ring Size 5.75 JAGi Certified- This striking cluster ring showcases six cabochon-cut natural black star sapphires accented...
Pearl, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold French Hallmarked, Edwardian Ruby & Pearl Ring with Feather shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Flanking the rubies on either side are four delicate natural seed pearls, enhancing the ring's charm with a touch of classic sophistication.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose 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.
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
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.