Silver Fede Ring
Recent Sales
2010s Turkish Contemporary Band Rings
Sterling Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century Russian Russian Empire Engagement Rings
Gilt Metal, Silver
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Bridal Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1780s British Georgian Band Rings
Silver
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Band Rings
9k Gold, Sterling Silver
Finding the Right Rings for You
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.
- What is a Fede Gimmel ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A Fede Gimmel ring is a type of finger ring that is composed of two (sometimes three) separate hoops linked together, having the same shank split lengthwise so that the hoops can be fitted together unnoticeably as one hoop. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Fede Gimmel rings today.
- Can wedding rings be silver?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023Yes, wedding rings can be silver. Typically, jewelry makers use .925 sterling silver to produce wedding bands due to its strength and tarnish resistance. You can also find silver-toned wedding rings made of other materials like white gold and platinum. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of wedding rings from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024How much a silver ring weighs varies. The thickness of the ring and its diameter will both determine the weight. In addition, any gemstones present in the design will also make the jewelry heavier. Most silver rings weigh two to four grams, but some may weigh more or less. Shop a wide range of silver rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A snake ring can symbolize eternal love, especially if the snake is depicted as eating its own tail. Another meaning is one of mourning, and of the snake purifying a corpse and its return to Earth. Shop a collection of snake-shaped jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024Your silver ring is likely turning gold due to a chemical process known as tarnishing. It occurs when sulfuric compounds and other substances in the air react with silver, causing it to change color. You can reduce the risk of tarnishing by following the storage, cleaning and care instructions provided by the jewelry maker. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of silver rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024On a silver ring, 750 means that the ring is actually crafted out of white gold rather than silver. 750 is a hallmark commonly used to identify 18-karat gold. The reason for this is that 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metal. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of white gold rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Real diamonds are not usually put in sterling silver rings because the metal is too soft. As a result, cubic zirconia stones are often used instead of a real diamond. This will be marked with “CZ”.1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021No, they usually do not put real diamonds in silver rings. Sterling silver is too soft, and would not be a good metal to hold diamonds. Most people use cubic zirconia stones (CZ) in sterling silver. Find a variety of diamond rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, sterling silver wedding bands can last, provided you care for them properly. Sterling silver resists scratches due to its strength, but it can become damaged if you wear your wedding band while playing sports, exercising or doing chores. In addition, sterling silver requires regular cleaning and polishing to fight tarnishing. You'll also want to remove your wedding band before working with chemicals, showering or applying skin care products. Find a range of sterling silver wedding bands on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, some men wear silver wedding rings. There are no rules regarding what type of metal wedding rings should be made from, so couples are free to choose materials that appeal to them. Some people find silver appealing due to its light, cool color and durability. Explore a variety of antique and vintage silver wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023No, sterling silver isn't bad for engagement rings. Like all other metal options, it has advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying a ring. Sterling silver is economical and can hold up to daily wear. However, the metal does require cleaning and polishing to prevent tarnishing. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of sterling silver engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Sterling silver is a great quality material for rings given its durability and beauty. Because of the addition of copper, pure silver is too soft for an everyday ring, but because sterling silver is alloyed with copper, it is a stronger material and makes a great choice for everyday use in a wedding or engagement ring.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, sterling silver can be a good metal for wedding rings. The metal has an attractive, cool color and sleek appearance that many people appreciate. Sterling silver is also economically priced and fairly resistant to scratching and breakage. Keep in mind that sterling silver can tarnish. As a result, you should remove a sterling silver wedding ring before working with chemicals, applying beauty products, swimming or showering. Cleaning it regularly in accordance with the maker's instructions can also reduce the risk of tarnishing. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of sterling silver wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not Neil Lane can make one of its silver rings gold or not depends on the piece. The brand allows you to design your own ring in a choice of silvertone platinum, gold or rose gold. Pieces from the curated couture collection and those made for third-party retailers may only come in one metal option. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Neil Lane jewelry.
Read More
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
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.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.