Unavailable|$1,950
Steven Kretchmer 18K Yellow Pear Shaped CZ Tension Ring
Located in Kirkwood, MO
Steven Kretchmer 18K Yellow Pear Shaped CZ Tension Set Ring. The ring is designed to hold a 1.5 carat diamond.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K Gold Vintage Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Screw Nail Tension Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-century Italian vintage ring from the 1960s features a striking tension-set emerald-cut green tourmaline.
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,500
18ct White Gold Tension Diamond Ring
Located in Cape Town, ZA
Extraordinary Item Attributes: Metal Colour: White Weight: 5.2g Size: L ½ Center Stone Attributes Number ...
Diamond, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,029
.41 Carat Diamond Tension Set 14K Ring
Located in Fuquay Varina, NC
A .41ct round brilliant diamond is tension set beautifully in 14k white gold. This ring will get noticed with it's eye inspired design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$5,269
GIA 0.5Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring F-G/VS 18k White Gold, Brilliant Cut
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Fine Piece of High Jewelry whith a total of 0.5 Carat. Hand Made Tension Ring with "Floating" Diamond. High Gloss Finish.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$800
9 Carat White Gold Illusion Tension Diamond Ring
Located in Cape Town, ZA
Marvelous Item Attributes: Metal Colour: White Weight: 7g Size: S Center Stone Attributes Number of Stones:...
Unavailable|$5,980
Yellow Gold Tension Set Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
Clean, sleek and understated, this solid 14 karat yellow gold 6mm wide tension set solitaire ring features a horizontal set emerald cut diamond at approximately .80 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$12,760
Steven Kretchmer Omega Ring with a Tension-set Purple Sapphire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Omega Ring with a tension-set purple sapphire is handcrafted in matte platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Tension Set Peridot and Diamond Horseshoe Ring
Located in Gainesville, FL
18K White Gold Tension Set Peridot & Diamond Horseshoe Ring Size 4.5 You are viewing a beautiful tension set peridot & diamond horseshoe ring.
White Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gelin Abaci Tension Collection Diamond 14 Karat Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Gelin Abaci
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous 14k White Gold Engagement Ring Features Tension-Set Asscher Cut Diamond Solitaire Part of the Gelin Abaci Tension Collection Size = 5.25 Total Diamond Weight = Approximately...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$13,080
Steven Kretchmer Platinum SHO Ring with a Tension-Set Blue Sapphire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Steven Kretchmer Softened Hard Omega Ring with a tension-set cornflower blue sapphire is handcrafted in platinum with a matte finish.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$24,900
Steven Kretchmer Omega Channel Ring with a Tension-Set Blue Sapphire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Steven Kretchmer Omega Channel Ring with a tension-set blue sapphire is handcrafted in platinum with a shiny finish.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,157
Estate 2.00ctw Tension Set Diamond Ring Accented Band 18k YG Size 5.5
Located in New York, NY
Sleek and sophisticated, this estate diamond ring features a striking 0.50ct center diamond in a modern tension setting, complemented by 1.50ct of dazzling accent stones.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$11,260
Steven Kretchmer Platinum Tension-Set FF8 Ring with 2.68 Ct. Orange Sapphire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This ring is a size American 6.75. Please note Tension-set rings have sizing limitations, contact us for more information.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$17,700
Platinum 2-Stone Helix Ring with Tension-Set Blue Sapphire and Rubellite
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The ring features a 3.44 ct. burgundy rubellite and a tension-set 2.44 ct. medium cornflower blue sapphire.
Rubelite, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$15,380
Steven Kretchmer Platinum Blade Ring with 2.16 ct. Tension-Set Pink Sapphire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Steven Kretchmer Blade ring with a tension-set pink sapphire is handcrafted in platinum with a shiny top finish and matte undercut.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$12,030
Steven Kretchmer 2-Stone Jazz ring in Platinum with 2 Tension-Set Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The ring features two round brilliant diamonds, one tension-set 0.33ct.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Steven Kretchmer Platinum Jazz Ring with a Tension-Set .69 ct. Blue Sapphire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This ring is a size American 6.5. Please note Tension-set rings have sizing limitations, contact us for more information.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Steven Kretchmer Hard Omega ring 18KW with a Tension-Set 2.27ct Orange Sapphire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Please note Tension-set rings have sizing limitations, contact us for more information.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Steven Kretchmer Platinum DP Tension-Set Ring with 2.91 ct. Pear Shape Sapphire
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Steven Kretchmer DP Ring with a tension-set orange sapphire is handcrafted in platinum with a shiny finish.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$24,500
Steven Kretchmer 2-Stone Helix Ring with a Tanzanite and Tension-set Diamond
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The ring features a 3.61 ct. deep blue-purple tanzanite and a tension-set 0.78 ct.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 24k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$7,700
14 Karat Human Figural Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
14K yellow gold Abstract cocktail ring featuring human figure motifs. Ring Size: 4, Tension spring expands up to ring size 4.5.
14k Gold
Unavailable|$14,250 / item
18 Karat White Gold Checker Ring with Diamonds
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Part of the Checker Collection, shown here is the white gold version of the 5 row checker ring tension set with 1.13cts of Diamonds. The tapered back allows you to comfortably wear ...
Diamond, White Gold
Unavailable|$6,000
18 Karat Gold Multi Sapphire Checker Board Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
The Rainbow of Sapphires are on display in this comfortable and every day band ring. Sapphires are tension set so that no stone sits above the gold, therefore making it wearable for ...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,400 / item
18k Gold Checker Ring w/ 3.34 Cts. Burmese Rubies
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
The most comfortable and practical ring design in Nancy's vast array of rings. The "tension set" rubies are completely protected, thus the ring can be worn for EVERY occasion!
Ruby, 18k Gold
Steven Kretchmer Platinum 2-Stone Rudder Ring with Chrome Tourmaline and Diamond
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This ring is a size American 6.5. Please note Tension-set rings have sizing limitations, contact us for more information. ** Ring must be bought as size 6.5, very limited sizing opt...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Niessing 925 Silver Tension Ring with 1 Carat Zirconia, Matte Gray
Located in Viena, Viena
in gold with diamond from 15 000 euros - we have the original tension ring for little money the classic from Niessing in silver with zirconia, a tension ring like the original in go...
Silver
Sold|$9,445
Tension Set Diamond Ring set in Yellow Gold
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Rosior Contemporary "Tension" Ring set in Yellow Gold with 1 Round Cut Diamond weighting 0,72 ct (G-VVS).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Tension Set Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat White Gold Tension Set Engagement Ring Featuring One Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Weighing Approximately 0.25 Carat of I1 Clarity & H Color.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$2,495
Princess Cut Tension Set Engagement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
14 karat white gold (not stamped acid tested) ring featuring a 4.76 mm by 4.95 mm square princess cut diamond weighing 0.66 carat. There are 10 round brilliant channel set diamonds a...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tension Set Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Webster, NY
This unisex Diamond ring features a .46CT Tension Set Round Brilliant Cut Diamond displaying G-H color and I1 clarity.
Diamond
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Tourmaline Fancy Rose Cushion 18k Yellow Gold Doppio Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Fancy Cut Green Tourmaline 18k Yellow Gold Doppio Ring. Fancy cushion rose cut deep green tourmaline set in a fine 18k yellow gold tension ring from the rare Bv...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tension Set Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Webster, NY
This stunning Platinum tension set Diamond Ring features a 1.04CT Round Brilliant Cut Diamond.
Diamond, 14k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Tension Set Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k white gold Center Diamond: 1 round brilliant cut = 0.75ct Color: H Clarity: VS1 Ring Size: 6 ¼ (please allow two additional shipping days for si...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Tension Set Aquamarine Diamond Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
A tranquil blue, 2.00 carat, princess cut aquamarine is presented between a pair of trillion cut diamonds at the centre of this fabulous mid-century ring. The trillion cuts are a rar...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Scott Kay IGI Certified 1 Carat Diamond Solitaire Tension Set Ring
By Scott Kay
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Crafted in platinum throughout, the eye clean diamond is tension set, an exclusive method allowing you to see entire shape of the sparkling diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
Contemporary Blue Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Tension Set Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring three oval cut sapphires weighing approximately 1.30 carats total Transparent medium blue Each tension set with open profile and alternating with diamonds Baguette cut and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold and Tension-Set 0.25 Carat Oval Diamond Band Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This contemporary ring is made in solid 14k white gold. It features a tension-set oval-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.25ct.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.45 Carat Tension Set Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A uniquely puffed band ring with rounded curvature, yellow gold shoulders, and a white gold shank Centering a tension set round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 0.45 car...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
10K White and Rose Gold 1/10 Carat 3-Stone Tension Slant Band Matte Finish Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fashioned in 10k white and rose gold in a matte finish, this three stone band ring is absolutely stunning in a unique tension setting that makes the stones appear as if they are floa...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$1,640
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Split Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Modern 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tension Set Engagement Ring Featuring A Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Weighing Approximately 0.65 Carat with VS2 Clarity & S/T Color.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$62,869
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
All stones here have been masterfully bezel and tension set before the ring is made complete by a plain ribbed shank.
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold Watermelon Tourmaline Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This 18k yellow gold ring features a tension-set piece of watermelon tourmaline.
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arthur Court Faceted Quartz California Modernist Ring
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Ring features a tension set large chunk of cut quartz in an electroplated brass shank.
Quartz
Sold|$2,109
Cartier White Gold Rose Quartz Tank Ring
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold ring from the Tank collection by Cartier. The ring is set to the centre with a square cut rose quartz in a tension setting.
Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Tronchetto 18K White Gold Citrine Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
It is adorned with a log-like citrine cabochon held by a tension setting. The ring's top dimensions measure 16mm by 9mm.
Citrine, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Tank 18 Karat White Gold Amethyst Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is designed with a half-round shank and a head decorated with a square cabochon-cut amethyst in an open tension setting.
Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold
John Atencio 2.01 Carat Oval Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Unique tension set approximately 2.01CTW diamond ring crafted in 18k yellow gold by designer John Atencio.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$16,084
7.60 Carat Bombe Vintage Dress Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
They are of high quality, with an estimated grade of F in colour and VS in clarity. In the centre of the ring are tension set emerald cut diamonds, with a combined weight of 1.60 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Etoile Ring in Platinum 0.23 Carat
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The ring is set to the centre with a 0.23ct round brilliant cut diamond, G/H colour and VS2 in clarity set in a raised, open tension setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Etoile Platinum Engagement Ring F/VS1
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful platinum Tiffany & Co. diamond ring from the Etoile collection. The ring is set to the centre with a 0.50ct round brilliant cut diamond, F colour and VS1 in clarity, set ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Bulgari Celtaura Ring in Yellow and Rose Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Bulgari Celtaura ring set in 18k yellow and rose gold. The ring is domed and centred with highly polished rose gold set in a fine 18k yellow gold tension style r...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French 18 kt Gold Signet Ring with Amethyst
Located in Stamford, CT
I do not recommend sizing this ring as the tension may damage the amethyst.
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
Aletto 2 Carat Diamond Modern Cut Solitaire Ring in Platinum
By ALETTO
Located in Miami, FL
A signed Aletto tension set diamond Solitaire ring styled in satin brushed finish platinum circa 1980.
Diamond, Platinum
Emerald and Diamond Bombé Cluster 18 Carat Gold Dress Ring
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
This contemporary small bombé cluster ring features a tension set oval emerald weighing 0.35ct in the center of a diamond pavé set mount.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Theo Fennell Yellow Gold Namibian Green Tourmaline Arc Ring 12.44ct
By Theo Fennell
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A unisex 18k yellow gold tourmaline Arc ring by Theo Fennell. Adorning the centre of this Arc ring is a 12.44ct natural Namibian checkerboard cut green tourmaline set horizontally in...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Princess Cut Diamond Ring 1.07 Carat D/VS2
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The diamonds are set in a tension. The ring measures a size UK I - EU 47 - US 4 but can be adjusted for a perfect fit.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.