Sterle 18K Yellow Gold Elongated Multi Coral Estate Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
Sterle 18K Yellow Gold Elongated Multi Coral Estate Ring.
20th Century French Modern Fashion Rings
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterle 18K Yellow Gold Elongated Multi Coral Estate Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
Sterle 18K Yellow Gold Elongated Multi Coral Estate Ring.
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterle sapphire and diamond dress ring, French, circa 1950.
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
Sterlé sapphire and diamond dress ring. Set centrally with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphire in an open back double claw setting with a weight of 8.67 carats...
Sapphire, Platinum
Pierre Sterlé Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring Platinum, Circa 1950
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
A Pierre Sterlé opal and diamond cocktail ring in platinum, circa 1950.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sterle Paris 3.70 carat old European cut diamond 18k gold enamel engagement ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sterlé Paris 3.70 carat old European cut diamond 18k gold enamel engagement ring is an extraordinary Mid Century creation blending bold French design with timeless elegance.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Sterle of Paris Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Sterle of Paris diamond cocktail ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back claw setting with a weight of 0.80 carats, encircled by thirty one round old cut dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sterle Paris Natural Unenhanced Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Cabochon sapphire and diamond ring by Sterle Paris. Set to centre with an oval cabochon natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphire in an open back collet setting with an approximate weight o...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
STERLE Diamond Dome Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Southampton, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold rope work dome ring set with round diamonds in platinum.
Unavailable
STERLE. An Emerald and Diamond Ring.
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
Cf. Viviane Jutheau, Sterle Joaillier Paris, Editions Vecteurs, second page of the Rings section for the original drawing of the ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sterlé Carved Emerald Ancient Cameo and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Paris, IDF
Exceptional Carved Emerald Ring by Sterlé at Second Petale Gallery. A woman is depicted in bust form, holding a snake in both arms.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterlé Paris 1960s L.F.G Certified Colombian Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Beziers, FR
Around 1960. Signed by Sterlé Paris Colombian Emerald Certified L.F.G Paris 2017 Ring Size: Us 6 ( T52 ) Weight: 10.85 Grams
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CHAUMET PARIS Coral Ring Designed by Pierre Sterle
By Chaumet
Located in Southampton, NY
Designed by Pierre Sterle for Chaumet
Philip Sterle Carved Coral and Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Stratford upon Avon, GB
Unique Philip Sterle carved coral ring featuring an old cut diamond.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
PIERRE STERLÉ Paris 1960 Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold & Platinum With VS Diamonds
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Pierre Sterlé. This is a beautiful cocktail ring created in Paris France during the postwar period, back in the 1960.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
PIERRE STERLE 1955 Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold-Platinum 43.49 Ctw Emerald & Diamonds
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural ring designed by Pierre Sterlé. This fabulous cocktail ring, was created in Paris France during the postwar period back in the 1950.
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Sterle Cabochon Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exquisite cocktail ring created by Pierre Sterle in Paris in 1950's.
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterle Gold, Platinum, Amethyst and Diamond Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, platinum, amethyst and diamond ring, Sterle. Centering a cushion cut amethyst measuring approximately 16.71 x 15.97 mm. in an elevated crown form setting of...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Pierre Sterlé Round Diamond and 18 Karat Gold Fashion Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A beautifully designed ring by Pierre Sterle, known as the 'couturier of jewellery'.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Pierre Sterlé Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring Platinum, Circa 1950
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
A Pierre Sterlé opal and diamond cocktail ring in platinum, circa 1950.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
PIERRE STERLÉ 1950 Ultra Modernist Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Five Tiger Eyes
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Miami, FL
The voluptuous ring is very rare and one of a kind piece designed by Pierre Sterlé.
Tiger's Eye, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
PIERRE STERLÉ 1950 Modernist Ring In 18Kt Gold Platinum And 3.84 Ctw In Diamonds
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Pierre Sterlé. This is a fabulous statement cocktail ring, created in Paris France during the postwar period, back in the 1950.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sterlé Paris diamond gold Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
A wonderfully delicate ring with subtle movement. Ring size 5
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterle 1960 diamond gold pendant and ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
STERLE 1960 Set composed of a ring and a pendant in white and yellow gold, the clip is set with diamonds and engraved Sterle Paris, clip height: 9.5 cm (51.1 grams)
Diamond, 18k Gold
STERLE for CHAUMET Coral, Emerald Diamond Ring
By Chaumet
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
A bold 16.5mm cabochon coral is the central feature of this bold 1970's ring. Further highlights include rich, green emeralds and sparkling, white diamonds all mounted in textured 1...
Coral, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Sterle Paris 18K Yellow Gold 7.00ct Floral Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A stylized flower bud centers upon a round diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carats within a domed swirl motif set with alternating rows of round and baguette diamonds totaling app...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterle Paris 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cultured Akoya Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Sterle Paris Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 65 round brilliant cut = 1.20cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Measurement: ring top measures 19mm wide Size: 7.5 Weight: 12.10 g...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterle Paris Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exquisite and timeless diamond band created by Pierre Sterle in Paris in the 1950s. Elegant and different! Sparkly yet understated. Made of white gold and studded with round and marq...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
17ct sapphire ring by Sterlé, ca 1960
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Elegant 1960s star sapphire ring band by Pierre Sterlé, Paris. Ring made in 18 karat gold, 750, with platinum, 850, details, the braided setting adorned with a cabochon of shimmerin...
Sapphire, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sterlé Mid-Century Modern Diamond Gold Bombe Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural twist on the traditional bombé ring by the French master jeweler Pierre Sterlé.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Pierre Sterlé 1950 Modernist Ring In 18Kt Gold And 43.43 Ctw Emeralds & Diamonds
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Pierre Sterlé. Gorgeous cocktail ring, created in Paris France during the postwar period back in the 1950.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sterle gold ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
Gold ring by Pomellato
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
sterle burmese star ruby ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
Gold ring by Pomellato
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
sterle burmese star ruby ring 140000
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
Gold ring by Pomellato
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950's Sterlé ring, white gold, sapphire and diamonds.
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Paris, IDF
A 750/ooo white gold ring signed by Sterlé. The mounting is shaped as a foliage enhanced by brillant-cut diamonds, holding an ovale cabochon cut sapphire.
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Cocktail Ring Signed by Pierre Sterlé Set with Diamonds
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Paris, IDF
A 18K yellow gold Sterlé ring, centered with a round cut diamond; the surrounding of the center stone is made up of small closed-set brilliants in teardrop motifs; the whole is surro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterle diamond ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
A fantastic platinum and diamond ring by Pierre Sterle, designed to resemble a coronet in twisted bands of platinum highlighted with brilliant and square cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
STERLE, Paris Diamond Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Southampton, NY
Sterle, Paris. 18K wheat design containing a center diamond weighing approximately 2.3 cts.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Pierre Sterle sapphire and diamond ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
Central sugarloaf sapphire of Ceylon origin weighing approximately 8 carats. Ring size 14. Designed by Pierre Sterle and marked Sterle, Paris, numbered 9634.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sterlé Paris Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in New York, NY
Centering a gem quality circular-cut aquamarine weighing approximately 15 carats atop a braided gold and diamond tassel mount, the shank designed as a textured gold branch with reali...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Coral and gold ring by Pierre Sterle
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
Composed of five barettes of natural coral capped with organically textured 18kt yellow gold to a square ring shank. Designed by Pierre Sterle and marked 'Sterle' 'Paris' and number...
Coral, 18k Gold
STERLE. A yellow gold and ivory ring.
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
Of geometric form. French assay marks for 18ct gold. Signed Sterlé Paris.
18k Gold
STERLE. An Emerald and Diamond Dress Ring.
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in London, GB
The central cabochon emerald, set within an openwork basket accented with circular-cut emeralds and diamonds, between triangular shoulders set with single-cut diamonds, to a graduate...
Diamond, Emerald
Sterlé Paris Pink Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Paris, FR
Marguerite ring in platinum set with marquise cut diamonds (G-VS) surrounding a cushion-cut pink sapphire. Weight of the sapphire : 2,61 ct Weight of diamonds : around 4,50 ct Siz...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
STERLE Mid-Century Diamond and Sapphire Platinum Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Southampton, NY
A large sapphire dome tops this 1950’s Sterle, Paris ring. The statement-making platinum band is composed of round diamonds set into intricate geometric sections.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
STERLE Solitaire 1.11 carat round diamond platinum ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in PARIS, FR
STERLE PARIS - Ring in platinum (>850°/°°) set in its center with a brilliant-cut diamond weighing 1.11 carats (6.68 x 6.72 x 4.02 mm) in quality D VVS1.
Diamond, Platinum
Sterle Paris 20 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ruby Gold Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Exquisite vintage Sterle Paris ring, set in 18k yellow gold, featuring an approx. 20 carat aquamarine, surrounded with rubies and approx. 0.40ctw in G/VS diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
STERLE PARIS Tiger Eye Baton Ring
Located in New York, NY
An 18k gold ring of striking design by Sterle Paris circa 1970s.
Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold
STERLE. A gold and diamond ring.
Located in London, GB
Of fluted spherical design, set to the centre with a diamond-set star motif, to a textured band of stylised foliate design, French assay marks for 18ct yellow gold, signed Sterlé Par...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Elegant Modele Sterle Paris Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Montreaux
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and unusual 18k diamond cocktail ring of a foliage motif, diamonds set in platinum, Modele Sterle Paris manufactured by Montreaux, circa 1960s
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian 18kt Gold Lapis Lazuli Skull Ring with Diamonds
Located in Firenze, IT
Italian ring, likely dating back to the 1970s, in 18kt yellow gold, depicting a natural lapis lazuli skull cameo of exceptional quality and detail, with three gold snakes encircling ...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Joaquim S'Paliu Barcelona 1970 Modernist Geometric Cocktail Ring in Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist cocktail ring designed by Joaquin S'Paliu. This ring is a wonderful example of the Spanish modernist jewelry from the 1970. The cocktail ring was created by the artist jew...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Platinum, 1960s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Calibrated Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Aquamarine Cocktail Ring Platinum Tested Circa 1960s Step into a world of elegance with this fabulous vintage cocktail ring from the 1960s. At its heart lies a mesmerisin...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum 2.25ctw Diamond Emerald Sapphire Floral Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
This stunning antique pin/brooch is crafted in solid platinum during the art deco period. It features the most adorable floral patterns and is completely drenched with fine quality o...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum
Oscar de la Renta Corsage Cocktail Dress New!
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oscar de la Renta strapless lace and silk corsage cocktail dress offered in brand new condition. Hand ruched black lace bodice with large attached rosette corsage. Bodice extends ...
Cartier Paris Carved Coral Diamond Sapphire Rose Flower Gold Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 18k gold brooch, crafted by Cartier Paris, featuring two rose flowers, executed in angel skin and orange coral, with blue sapphire in the center and approx. 0.40ctw G/Vs di...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
$8,134
H 0.37 in W 1.61 in L 1.69 in
Boucheron 1950s Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage French 0.16 carat emerald, 0.25 carat ruby, 0.15 carat sapphire, 0.18 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold brooch by 'Boucheron'; part of our diverse gemstone je...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Michael Casey Silk Ombre Botanical-Patterned Strapless Gown W/ Train
By Michael Casey
Located in Gresham, OR
A lovely 1990s Michael Casey silk ombre botanical-patterned silk chiffon strapless gown with ruching and gathering at bodice. Asymmetrical delicate bronze toned bamboo leaf beaded g...
Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire, Green Emerald And Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, and Mother-of-Pearl Necklace is a rare and exquisite vintage masterpiece. This exceptional necklace features a beautifu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Revillon Sable Fur Coat for Saks Fifth Avenue
By Revillon Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an absolutely sumptuous natural brown Sable fur coat, by Revillon for Saks Fifth Avenue. This coat has a large notched collar, two front slit pockets, an open front and is ...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 38 Briefcase Electric Blue Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes coveted Kelly Depeches 38 briefcase. Very rare in Electric Blue. Epsom leather with Palladium hardware. Two large accordion compartments. Front wall ha...
Boucheron Vintage Bamboo Anyolite Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Watch France 1970s
By Boucheron
Located in Lisbon, PT
BOUCHERON ‘Bamboo’ anyolite and diamonds manual watch in 18kt yellow gold, France, 1970s. Embodying the pinnacle of 1970’s haute horlogerie, this Boucheron 'Bamboo' timepiece is a te...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giorgio Armani Vintage Dress Hand Beaded Fleurette on Tulle Formal Gown 40
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare and vintage Giorgio Armani gown so divinely exquisite that it can take you from the Red Carpet to the White House. Breathtaking and the epitome of the Giorgi...
UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Hourglass Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress 42
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Switzerland, CH
An extremely luxurious and CHRISTIAN DIOR signature piece that will last you for years Gorgeous, couture-like piece hand-crafted by the seamstresses in Christian Dior's atelier in Pa...
$42,240Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.75 in L 1.63 in
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Aquamarine Diamond Floral "Cousins" Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine and Diamond "Cousins" Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Circa 1964, featured on page 38 of The Jewels of Jean Schlumberger. The b...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
5.03 Carat Royal Blue Sapphire Cushion Three Stone Platinum Engagement Ring
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A 5.03 carat royal blue sapphire cushion cut platinum three stone ring, handcrafted by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills as a refined collector jewel and meaningful alternative engagemen...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
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.
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.