Unique Engagement Rings For Second Marriage
Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Wedding Rings
Jasper, 18k Gold
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Antique Late 17th Century British Engagement Rings
Gold
Antique 17th Century English Band Rings
Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 17th Century European Stuart Signet Rings
Silver
Antique Late 17th Century Italian Signet Rings
Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Signet Rings
Carnelian, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 17th Century Unknown Renaissance Engagement Rings
Emerald, Yellow Gold
Antique 17th Century English Band Rings
Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Early Victorian Signet Rings
Yellow Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Signet Rings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Signet Rings
Garnet, 18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Signet Rings
Agate, 18k Gold
Antique 17th Century Unknown Renaissance Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Antique Early 18th Century Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Agate, Fire Agate, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Etruscan Revival Signet Rings
Agate, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Etruscan Revival Signet Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Signet Rings
Carnelian, Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.
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Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
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