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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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, a wedding ring can be a diamond ring. In fact, you're free to wear any type of ring that appeals to you as a wedding ring. You could opt to wear a solitaire diamond ring to symbolize your wedding vows or a band ring that features multiple diamonds, such as an eternity band that shows diamonds all the way around its surface. Find a large selection of diamond wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a diamond eternity ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A diamond eternity ring is a ring that features multiple diamonds, adorned in an endless circular design. This ring normally features a band set with a continuous circle of diamond stones in a manner that can be very glamorous. Diamond eternity rings are available in a variety of styles including Contemporary, Victorian, Retro, Art Deco, Modern, Edwardian, Empire, Renaissance, and Artisan. Find a collection of antique and vintage diamond eternity rings on 1stDibs today.
- What is a floating diamond ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A floating diamond ring is a ring where the center diamond appears to be floating free of the setting or band. Typically, the bands in a floating diamond ring divert away from the stone.
- Do eternity rings have diamonds?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Some eternity or infinity rings feature diamonds, while some feature other gemstones. An eternity ring is a continuous band that is set with a string of gemstones centered in the band. It’s meant to symbolize never-ending love and is often given as a gift on an anniversary. Many people like to have their infinity ring adorned with diamonds, other people simply prefer a different gemstone. Shop a collection of eternity rings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The symbolism of a diamond ring is largely a matter of personal opinion. Because diamonds are the most commonly used stones in engagement rings, many people associate them with commitment, undying love and marriage. The diamond is also the gemstone for April. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of diamond gemstone rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024No, an engagement ring doesn't have to have a diamond in it. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement jewelry, so any ring that appeals to you can signify your intention to marry someone. Alternatives to diamond rings include simple band rings formed of precious metals and gemstone rings featuring rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other stones. Explore a diverse assortment of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a diamond bypass ring?1 Answer
Roman Malakov DiamondsMarch 22, 2021a diamond bypass ring is a fashionable and unique ring that consists of a single metal band that "twists" and do not connect to each other. If it is an engagement ring, this gap between the two ends of the bands holds the diamond. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022On a diamond ring, the head is the portion of the jewelry that holds the gemstone in place. You may also see it referred to as the prongs, setting or crown. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of diamond gemstone rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An illusion diamond ring is a type of diamond setting that enhances the appearance, namely the perceived size, of the diamond. One of the strategies used to create illusion diamonds is to surround the diamond with another precious metal, making it look bigger. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted illusion diamond rings from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024No, an engagement ring does not have to be a diamond. Although diamonds are popular, rings featuring other gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds can serve as engagement rings, and it's even possible to choose a ring made entirely out of precious metals with no gemstone accents of any kind. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement rings, so feel free to select any ring that appeals to you. Find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, you can wear a diamond ring as a wedding ring if you wish. Your wedding jewelry should reflect your taste and style, so you're free to choose any type of ring you desire. One option is to wear a diamond solitaire as a wedding ring. An eternity wedding band dotted with diamonds is a popular alternative. Many brides opt for two identical eternity bands, wearing one on either side of the engagement ring as guard rings. Shop a wide range of diamond wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A princess cut diamond ring is a genre of the diamond cuts often used in engagement rings. Possessing the technical name square modified brilliant, these rings are peculiarly crafted into a square or a rectangle shape, giving it an exquisite look of an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides. Shop a range of antique and vintage princess cut diamond rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What black diamond rings symbolize is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Charisma, power, passion and self-assuredness are some of the characteristics commonly associated with black diamond jewelry. Shop a range of diamond gemstone rings from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Opinions on what a pink diamond ring symbolizes vary. Some people associate the gemstone with love and tenderness. Others link it to innocence, happiness and creativity. As a result, pink diamond rings work well as engagement rings as well as gifts for friends and family for special occasions. On 1stDibs, find a selection of pink diamond jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A micro pavé engagement ring setting is a category of pavé engagement ring setting that contains small diamonds set in the ring's shank. Small diamonds are set in small openings in the ring's band in a pavé setting. Small metal pegs hold these small diamonds in place. Shop a range of fashionable vintage micro pavé diamond rings on 1stDibs today.
- Can guys wear diamond rings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Diamond rings are more popular among women than men, but that doesn't mean men can't wear them. Plenty of men wear bands with diamond accents.
- How much is a VVS diamond ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A VVS diamond ring price is based on the cut quality, color, shape and carat weight. These types of diamonds are among the highest and most expensive diamond clarity grades. The average price of a 1-carat VVS diamond ring is $5,500. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of diamond rings from different periods and styles to choose from.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021In the United States, diamond rings are certified by an official gemological laboratory known as the Gemological Institute of America. A certified diamond ring means that the diamond has undergone a quality analysis by experts at an institution such as the GIA and these experts have issued a lab report that is indicative of the grading process.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A single diamond ring is usually known as a solitaire. A solitaire diamond ring, which doesn’t feature any gemstones other than the diamond, has a minimalist yet ravishing appearance. Shop a unique range of vintage solitaire rings from top brands on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023There is no single most elegant cut of a diamond for a ring. Each cut has its own characteristics that can exude elegance, so you're free to choose the cut that appeals most to you. If you want your ring to sparkle, consider brilliant cuts like the round, princess, marquise, oval and pear. To put the spotlight on color and clarity, opt for stepped cuts like the emerald, Carr� and Asscher. Explore a wide range of diamond rings on 1stDibs.
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