Georgian Double-Heart Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Gold Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A Beautiful Sapphire and Diamond Double-Heart Sweetheart Ring in Gold, Georgian, early 1800s, composed of a blue sapphire and a rose-cut light yellow diamond, surrounded by a cluste...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Contemporary 18K White Gold Heart Shaped Garnet Ring
Located in Venice, CA
A wonderful sweetheart ring , this is the perfect gift to show someone your love or your self love.
Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable
Vintage Have A Heart Garnet Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This is a perfect sweetheart ring in red, the color of love and passion.
Garnet, 18k Gold
Gorgeous Vintage Amethyst & Seed Pearl Dress Ring
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
A pretty pretty Sweetheart of a Ring.
Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Edwardian Double Heart Moonstone Sweetheart Ring
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Sweetheart rings were and are popular in Britain not so much in the United States as Victorian and Edwardian jewelry had its heyday overseas, but still a coveted piece for those coll...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Platinum
15ct Gold Antique Double Sweetheart Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sweetheart Ring Double Sweetheart Conversion From Pin to Ring 15ct Gold Set with Gorgeous Seed Pearls Circa 1900 UK Size S 1/2 US Size 9 1/2 Can be resized using our...
Pearl, 15k Gold
2.00 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Platinum Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Hand crafted Platinum mounting. Ring size 8, resizing available. This Simple and Classic, yet elegant, ring, a/k/a as a Moi et Toi ‘Sweetheart’ ring epitomizes vintage charm and woul...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 9ct Gold, Enamel RAF and Diamond Ring, Circa 1940s
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage RAF sweetheart ring 9ct Gold Stamped Makers Mark J H Circa 1940 A touching mid-century RAF sweetheart ring in 9ct yellow gold, designed to be worn daily as a symbol of ...
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel
【Conchéa】Convertible Sweetheart Conch Pearl Ring & Pendant — 3.56ct
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A rare union of romance and versatility — this Conchéa piece transforms effortlessly between a ring and a pendant, offering two elegant expressions in one. At its heart is a stunning...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Late Victorian 14 Karat Gold Nugget Grapevine Sweetheart Antique Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering two intersecting yellow gold heart forms with flat faces With a recessed surround accented by raised grapevine motifs Depicted with grapes, foliate, gold nugget and rose go...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Engagement Ring, 14 Karat White Gold Marquise Brilliant .75 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Surprise your sweetheart with this gorgeous engagement ring! Fashioned in 14k white gold, this ring showcases a dazzling marquise cut diamond solitaire that is held in a raised six-p...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, 14 Karat Gold VVS2 Marquise .41 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Shining like the resplendent beauty of your cherished romance, this spectacular engagement piece will be the perfect choice for your sweetheart! This 14k white gold ring cradles a ma...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.57 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold GIA Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Propose to your sweetheart with the ring of her dreams! Featuring a cathedral-style bridge, this spectacular NEW engagement piece hosts a GIA-graded diamond solitaire set in timeless...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Cut 1.00 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Surprise your sweetheart with the engagement ring of her dreams! Fashioned in a sophisticated three-stone style, this 14k yellow gold ring showcases a resplendent trio of brilliant w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Halo Engagement Ring, 14 Karat Gold Round Cut 2.50 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Propose to your sweetheart with her dream engagement ring! Fashioned in a breathtaking halo style, this 14k white gold ring showcases a rich blue sapphire solitaire encircled by spar...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
LEO Princess Diamond Ring, 14 Karat Gold and Platinum VVSI I .75 Carat
By Leo Schachter
Located in Greensboro, NC
A lifetime of love ahead. Propose to your sweetheart with her dream ring! Crafted by Leo Schachter, this LEO engagement piece showcases a laser-inscribed sparkling princess cut LEO d...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 14 Karat Yellow Gold Old European Cut Solitaire Engagement Simple Petite
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a beautiful simple petite solitaire. Dated 1919 this sweetheart of a ring is 100 years old and as beautiful as ever!
Diamond, 14k Gold
18 Karat Gold Vintage Art Deco 0.10 Carat Single Cut Diamond Floral Wedding Band
Located in Addison, TX
Featuring 10 channel set antique single cut diamonds across the top and adorable floral endcaps the sweetheart of a ring makes for a great band to pair with your vintage engagement r...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Gemjunky Romatic Elegant 1.2 Carat Columbian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
This classic setting is set in sterling silver ring size 7 (sizable). This the perfect romantic sweetheart ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co .50 Carat Blue Sapphire and 18K Gold Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
This sweetheart ring fits a size 7.5 finger and can be sized down 1 size only, it cannot be sized up.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Antique Napoleon III Sapphire Diamond Gold Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion: A splendid antique ‘Sweetheart’ ring of an incomparable charm. The history of this ring: This sapphire and diamond ring was offered as an engagement ring to the Coun...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
18 Karat Gold Vintage Art Deco 0.10 Carat Single Cut Diamond Floral Wedding Band
Located in Addison, TX
Featuring 10 channel set antique single cut diamonds across the top and adorable floral endcaps the sweetheart of a ring makes for a great band to pair with your vintage engagement r...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Ruby and Diamond Sweetheart Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A pretty 18 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond sweetheart ring. The two entwinned hearts are set with two rubies, each 0.10cts, pave set with eight cut diamonds with an estimated dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1917 WWI 18 Carat Gold Sweetheart Locket and Old Cut Diamond Signet Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A very rare 18 carat gold ring with a locket front. Believed to be from World War One(due to the English hallmarks to 1917). Set with a natural old cut diamond in star grain setting...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Romantic Georgian Double Heart Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Such a romantic and stunning ring! This sweetheart is made of Silver and 18k gold with rose cut diamonds surrounding a pair of natural pearls...love it!
Diamond, 18k Gold
U.S. Naval Academy Bailey Banks Biddle Sapphire Diamond Ring, 1949
By Bailey, Banks & Biddle
Located in New York, NY
Superb United States Naval Academy sweetheart ring. Made and signed by BAILEY BANKS & BIDDLE. 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum
Impressive Kunzite Pink Tourmaline Diamond Gold Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in TRYON, NC
The gallery and sides of the ring are decorated with cut out hearts to let light shine in under the stone.This is a real sweetheart of a ring for your someone special!
Diamond, Kunzite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Heart garnet ring 14KT rose gold Romantic natural garnet solitaire ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
One of the most romantic rings you would come across, looks so gentle and loving but at same time very sterdy and well made. The ring is a size 7.5 but can be resized. The garnet is ...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 18ct yellow gold sapphire and diamond cluster ring. An oval shaped sapphire possessing a deep dark navy tone sits in a 10 clawed setting at the centre of the piece. T...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,136Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Heart and Ruby Toi et Moi Two Stone Ring in 18k White Gold Settings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Heart and Ruby Toi et Moi Two Stone Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.48 carats and diamond of 0.31 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Ru...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Shaped Ruby and Diamond You & Me Ring
Located in New York, NY
Heart-Shaped Ruby and Diamond You & Me Ring A platinum You & Me ring with a heart-shaped diamond and ruby set with two tapered baguette diamonds. The 2.19 carat diamond is...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Certified Natural Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The sapphire in this ring is the most stunning blue colour and measures approx 1.25carat. It has been certified and is a natural stone. Surrounding it are diamonds totalling approx 5...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 2.60 Carat Sapphire 0.44 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cluster ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 sapphire, oval cut, 1.60ct, B 6/3, SI - 14 sapphires, round cut, TW 1.00ct, B 6/3, VS-SI - 1...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 1.20 Carat VS Sapphire 1.00 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cluster ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 sapphire, oval cut, 1.20ct, B 6/3, VS - 12 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 1.00ct, RW-W, V...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 12K Gold Sapphire & Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
A wonderful Antique Sapphire Ring with Diamond Accents. Hallmarked 500 which is less than 14K more like 12K. The Sapphires are Bezel set and has minor wear. Mine Cut diamonds set lik...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$744Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dainty Heart Cut Ruby Ring 18k Solid White Gold with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Heart Cut Ruby Ring with Diamonds Set in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.48 carats and diamonds of 0.48 carat. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Ruby improves...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,150 / item
3.41 Garnet Diamond 14 Karat Gold Heart Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14-karat gold, this ring is hand set with 3.41 carats heart shape garnet & .32 carats of sparkling diamonds. See other matching heart garnet collection. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEW...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Rhodolite Garnet Heart Ring
By Thomas Laine LLC
Located in New York City, NY
This petite Gold Heart Ring is perfect for stacking. Featuring a striking ½ carat (.50tcw) Rhodolite Garnet Heart in a high polished 14k white gold bezel setting. Available in 14k ye...
Garnet, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1.40 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking cluster ring from the late 19th century. This exquisite piece showcases a deep blue sapphire at its centre, surrounded by a frame of round faceted old mine-cu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$860Sale Price / item|50% Off
Heart garnet ring in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Heart garnet ring in 14k gold. Heart shape engagement ring. 1ct heart garnet ring. Solitaire heart ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size 1 piece (central stone) - gar...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,083Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring 14 Karat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone: 12 PCS ROUND DIAM APPRX 0.25 GEMSTONE: 15 PCS BLUE SAPPHIRE 2MM carat total weight: n/a color: h clarity: si2 brand: UNBRANDED ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$230Sale Price / item|50% Off
Modern Square-Cut Garnet Three-Stone Ring for Valentine Gift in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This Modern Square-Cut Garnet Three-Stone Ring contemporary three-stone ring features a deep red square-cut gemstone reminiscent of garnet set at the center of a minimalist 925 sterl...
Garnet, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,280Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 1.48Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Indulge in the captivating beauty of this IGI Certified 1.48 Carat Heart-Shaped Ruby Ring. This exquisite piece features a stunning heart-shaped ruby, certified by IGI, in a vivid pi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
A row of old mine-cut diamonds glow within a vivid border of square emeralds, creating a richly contrasted, elongated design. Set in yellow gold with a silver-topped setting, this ...
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$2,400Sale Price|50% Off
Tourmaline & Natural Pearl Ring, Georgian
Located in Northampton, MA
A bright pink tourmaline weighing .60 carats is surrounded by 10 luminous natural saltwater pearls in this antique buttery 18K yellow gold ring. This gorgeous jewel dates from around...
Natural Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Georgian 18k Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and foliate decoration, closed back settings throughout, with engraved bright-cut decoratio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold
Georgian Imperial Topaz Diamond distinctive 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Imperial Topaz Magic Allure Imperial topaz is also known as “precious topaz”. It is the most sought after natural topaz Considered to be the colour of the setting sun, imperial topaz...
Diamond, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Gold
Edwardian 12 MM. Mabe Split Pearl 1.60 Ct Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The Queen of Seas Prised for millennia, pearls are organic gems with strong associations with the Moon, great value, and weddings Emblem of Purity, rewarded in history by Kings and Q...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Old Cut Diamond Cluster Flower Ring Silver/14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa early 1900's. This ring is dainty but packs a punch with a mix of sparkly old mine cut and rose cut diamonds. Beautiful piece that is low profile and very wearable. One of the ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold French Stamped, Victorian Peridot & Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct Yellow Gold French Stamped Circa 1890 Discover a stunning example of Victorian craftsmanship with this exquisite marquise/navette-shaped ring, beautiful...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold
An early Victorian topaz and diamond cluster ring
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian topaz and diamond cluster ring, the cushion-shaped golden topaz estimated to weigh 6 carats, set to the center of an old-cut diamond cluster surround, the diamond...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Georgian Golden Topaz, Pearl and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking round golden topaz is a pale yellow colour and is set in a gorgeous halo of seed pearls. It is modelled in 9 carat gold and has lovely decorative shoulders and ridged b...
Topaz, Pearl, Gold
Edwardian 14k White Gold Rose Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1910, 0.50ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Edwardian diamond ring is a beautifully refined jewel from the 1910’s, featuring 2 principal rose cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.50 carat in total. Graded I color...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Georgian rose-cut diamond plaque ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique navette-shaped rose-diamond plaque ring in silver and 18k gold. France. * Free shipping * Includes letter of authenticity for insurance purposes * Please do not hesitate ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1890s Victorian 14K 3.67 Ct Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American Size 6.25
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1890s Victorian 14K 3.67 Ct Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American Size 6.25 Size 6.25 4.1 gram Handmade, no damage, in good condition 9.8~9.4 mm wide by 5.4 mm deep Top Top ligh...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Victorian rose cut diamond and enamel engagement ring is crafted in 18k yel...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Georgian Emerald and Diamond Ring of 18k and 15k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A rare and evocative Georgian era ring, circa 1770–1790, designed as an elongated navette set with vibrant emeralds, bright white enamel, and centered with a pear shaped rose cut dia...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous cluster ring taken from the Victorian period. This antique piece has been focally set with an oval-shaped emerald at the centre boasting a vibrant green hue. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
A late Georgian emerald and half pearl cluster ring
Located in London, GB
A late Georgian emerald and half pearl cluster ring, the oval faceted emerald, weighing approximately 1 carat, surrounded by eleven half pearls, all in gold cut-down collet settings ...
Emerald, Pearl, 9k 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.
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.
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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.