Theo Fennell Diamond Ring

One of the last companies in the United Kingdom still making silverware by hand, Theo Fennell also brings its creativity and brilliance to masterfully crafted jewelry. 

Born in 1951 into a military family, founder Theo Fennell grew up all over the world and later studied at Eton College, York College and the Byam Shaw School of Art. He began as an apprentice and designer at silversmiths Edward Barnard before opening his studio across the street. In 1997, Fennell moved into a purpose-built building on Fulham Road in London where his studio operates today.

All of the company’s necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, brooches and cufflinks are handmade with an unparalleled level of detail and attention. Its breadth of jewelry includes the King Henry VIII brooch honoring the powerful monarch with an 18kt white gold and enamel portrait set with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. The Colosseum ring — a collaboration with micro-sculptor Willard Wigan MBE — is an 18kt yellow gold miniature recreation of the Rome landmark with a 2mm high gladiator standing center stage. 

The company also creates bespoke pieces, corporate gifts and trophies including commissions for the Italian Grand Prix, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Dubai Championship Stakes, the PGA European Tour, the European Film Awards and the Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards. 

To support the next generation of artisans, Fennell started Gilded Youth, an initiative that sponsors prizes, awards and programs for both secondary and college students. Fennell is a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company and an honorary fellow of the University of the Arts London. 

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Theo Fennell necklaces, earrings, rings and more.

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.