Skip to main content

Victorian Acrostic

Victorian 18ct Gold, ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Gold antique ADORE ring, a true epitome of elegance and charm. This fabulous Victorian acrostic ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold This Victorian 18 Karat
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 'REGARD's Acrostic Ring Synthetic Stones in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian 'REGARD's Acrostic Ring Synthetic Stones in 14 Karat Yellow Gold This 14 Karat yellow
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 15ct Gold Circa 1880 Acrostic rings became popular throughout the Victorian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Victorian 14k "REGARD" and Enamel Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A lovely "REGARD" ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This charming acrostic ring is made of 14k
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel

Recent Sales

Antique Victorian Acrostic Fede Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
Antique Victorian Acrostic Fede Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring Step into the elegance of the
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Acrostic Dearest 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring spells out Dearest using the first letters of the stones. Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. The stones are modelled set within a 9carat gold ...
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold

18ct Gold Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Yellow Gold Vintage ADORE ring, a true epitome of elegance and charm. This fabulous Victorian acrostic
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold

Acrostic ADORE Ring Victorian 18ct Gold Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian acrostic ring features enchanting amethyst, dazzling diamond, opulent opal, ravishing ruby, and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

15ct Two Colour Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Adore Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Introducing a breathtaking 15ct gold Victorian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Victorian Regard Acrostic Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful 18ct yellow gold 'REGARD' ring taken from the Victorian era; a time when
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

English Victorian R-E-G-A-R-D Gold Acrostic Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An English Victorian 15 karat gold REGARD bracelet with rubies, emerald, garnet, amethyst and
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Charm Bracelets

Materials

Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, White Diamond, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian Heart Shaped 'Dearest' Acrostic Bracelet 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
this bracelet is deeply rooted in the Victorian era's fascination with coded messages and acrostic
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, ...

Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 15ct Gold Circa 1880 Acrostic rings became popular throughout the Victorian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 15ct Gold Circa 1880 Acrostic rings became popular throughout the Victorian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

15ct Gold Fancy Victorian Adore Acrostic Ring Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby Emerald
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1850s This stunning early Victorian Adore acrostic
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique Rose Gold and Multi-Gemstone Seven-Band Harem/Acrostic Ring
Located in New York, NY
, turquoise, ruby, amethyst, and topaz, in 14k. First letter of each stone name forms an acrostic that most
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Iolite, Ruby, Topaz, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Ro...

18ct Gold, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
gold antique ADORE ring, a true epitome of elegance and charm. This Victorian acrostic ring features
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold

Victorian Gemstone 14k Yellow Gold Acrostic “Regard” Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Victorian Gemstone 14k Yellow Gold Acrostic “Regard” Ring. Featuring two cushion mixed cut
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Early Victorian 15 Carat Gold Acrostic Regard Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This early victorian regard ring is just beautiful, it holds seven stones in total and has an
Category

Antique 1830s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold

15ct Gold Fancy Victorian Adore Acrostic Ring Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby Emerald
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1850s This stunning early Victorian Adore acrostic
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Victorian "REGARD" Gemstone Floral Heart Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful gemstone "REGARD" necklace from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This unusual acrostic piece
Category

Antique 1880s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage English 9K Gemstone Regard Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
Fun vintage early 20th century English 9kt gemstone acrostic "regard" ring Victorian sentiment at
Category

Early 20th Century English Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 9k Gold

Victorian Multi-Gem Acrostic Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A Victorian multi-gem acrostic bracelet, consisting of seven clusters, each centrally-set with a
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Acrostic "Dearest" Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This splendid mid-Victorian acrostic ring is set with stones that spell out the romantic sentiment
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Yellow Gold

One-of-a-Kind Robert Sorrell Victorian Acrostic Love Token 'DEAREST' Pin
Located in New York, NY
This one-of-a-kind pin is a copy of the Victorian Acrostic 'Love Token' which spells out the word
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches

Antique Victorian Acrostic Diamond Adore Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A rare and beautiful antique Acrostic ring, the principal stones spell out the popular romantic
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Acrostic Dear Lucky Clover Locket Pendant
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A sweet Victorian lucky four leaf clover locket with an acrostic message spelled out by the stones
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold

Victorian Acrostic Regard Gemstone 18 Carat Gold Stack Eternity Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A very rare ladies mid Victorian period ' REGARD ' design ring. Set with Ruby Emerald Garnet
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Dearest Gemstone Acrostic Ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Acrostic rings like this one were beloved by the private and sentimental Victorians. The style
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 15k Gold

1855 Victorian 18 Carat Gold and Dearest Acrostic Stack Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A very rare ladies Victorian period ' DEAREST ' design cluster stack ring. SIZE ; N UK, 6 3/4 US
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Victorian Acrostic ‘Regard’ Gold Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This wonderful Victorian acrostic ring is modelled in 15ct rose gold, with clear hallmarks for the
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold, Rose Gold

Divine Locket Back Acrostic Dearest Ring
Located in New York, NY
The absolute best of its kind-cabochon stones with diamond center cluster. The stones spell out the word dearest using a diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire, and tour...
Category

Antique 1820s English Early Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 15k Gold

People Also Browsed

New 8.80 Carat Citrine, Tanzanite & Sapphire Sterling Rose Gold PL Necklace
Located in Eagan, MN
What a magnificent pendant! The center stone is a fancy oval cut citrine and is 8.80 carats. It measures 11 x 9 mm and is surrounded by 8 oval tanzanite stones and there is also on...
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Citrine, Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold, Rose Gold

New 12.1 Carat Sapphire & Diamond Cut Sapphire 24k Y Gold PL Sterling Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
These earrings are just beautiful! Each earring has a 6.05 carat oval cut blue sapphire stone. The stones are surrounded by beautiful diamond cut dark blue sapphires.They are place...
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Gold, Sterling Silver, S...

Victorian 18 Carat Gold Decorative Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The engraving on this 9ct gold band is gorgeous and the pattern almost looks like flowers. This band would make a gorgeous fancy wedding band or a beautiful every day wear ring. Hall...
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold

Edwardian Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Three vibrant rose cut rubies are the feature of this fine Edwardian period eighteen karat 18k yellow gold ring. It's beautiful antique setting includes four .01 carat diamonds accen...
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold old mine cut diamond ring in floral head designe with estimate diamond weight of 1.4 carats H colour vs clearity centered with large old mine cut diamond flanked wit...
Category

Vintage 1910s Cluster Rings

Antique Platinum, Edwardian era Cabochon Moonstone and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Moonstone Ring Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian era ring, crafted with exceptional attention to detail. This stunning piece features an...
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Platinum

Hallmarked 1842 18K Five Gemstone "Adore" Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian five stone ADORE ring which spells out the first letter of each gemstone in the following linear pattern: Amethyst-Diamond-Opal-Ruby-Emerald. message ring similar to REGARD...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Early Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Bally Antique Gold Colour Gilded Ring with Red Emerald-Cut Crystal
By Bally
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A timeless expression of vintage elegance, the Bally Antique Gold Ring showcases a stunning red emerald-cut crystal, set in an intricately detailed antique gold-tone band. The deep r...
Category

2010s European Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Silver

Christian Dior by John Galliano Floral Silk Embellished Evening Dress, FW 2001
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB

▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2001 ▪ Fabric: Silk, Tulle ▪ Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in: France ▪ Condition: Very Good ▪ ...
Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

NWT Christian Dior by John Galliano Origami Dress Runway Fall 2006 Wedding Gown
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Baar, CH
New with tags, this never-before-worn archival piece has been carefully stored for the past 18 years, preserving its pristine condition. An absolutely stunning and rare masterpiece ...
Category

Early 2000s French Evening Gowns

15ct Yellow Gold French Victorian Emerald, Diamond & Seed Pearl Pendent Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald Necklace 15ct Gold French Hallmarked Circa 1870 Step back in time with this exquisite Victorian necklace, crafted from 15ct gold and showcasing an intricate design...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian / Early Edwardian Moonstone and Diamond Heart Ring
Located in Hummelstown, PA
This romantic late Victorian/early Edwardian ring centers on a glowing heart-shaped cabochon moonstone outlined in glittering rose-cut diamonds. Hand fabricated in silver over 9K ros...
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, 9k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Old Mine Cut Cluster Ring 18k ~1.60ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
Antique Mid-Victorian Old Mine-Cut Diamond Cluster Ring Metal – 18K rose gold shank with silver prong-set diamond cluster Diamonds – 15 old mine-cut diamonds (including shoulders) t...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique German Halo Ring 2.25ct Turquoise Diamonds solid 14K GoldØ5US/2.3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Halo Ring from ca. late 19th - early 20th century period. Double band and crown 12mm x 10mm x 4.75mm deep in solid 14K Yellow Gold with mounted natural Turquoise cu...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Arts and Crafts Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Love Token Double Heart 15K Diamond Emerald Bow Gold Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Two red gold hearts side by side, one is set with an emerald, the other with a diamond. They are joined by a silver bow set with nine old cut diamonds. The ring is marked 15K on the ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold

Antique 9ct Gold, Georgian Tear Drop Amethyst Pendant, Circa 1850
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Georgian Amethyst Pendant 9ct Gold Circa 1850 *The chain is sold separately. Crafted in gold, this pendant features a teardrop-shaped amethyst suspended below a smalle...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 15k Gold

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Victorian Acrostic", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Victorian Acrostic For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate victorian acrostic for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 15k Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. If you’re looking for a victorian acrostic from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. Take a look at a victorian acrostic featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes rose cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a victorian acrostic, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Victorian Acrostic?

Prices for a victorian acrostic can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $396 and can go as high as $15,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,275.

A Close Look at Victorian Jewelry

The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.

The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.

Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.

Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs. 

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

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 ringsvintage 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.