Antique Circa 1890's Sapphire Cabochon Gold Nugget Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1890's. Antique gold nugget ring with a beautiful blue sapphire cabochon. The signet style ring is very comfortable and great for everyday wear. In very good condition. Size: ...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Garnet Angel Ring Sz8 Renaissance Revival
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Details: • Metal: 18 karat yellow gold • Stone: Cabochon garnet • Motif: Winged cherubs / angels • Period: Antique, likely late 19th century • Style: Victorian / Classical Reviv...
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Garnet Ring 14K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is an Antique Victorian - Edwardian 14K Gold Ring with five gorgeous natural round Opals of stunning beauty.
Opal, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal & Diamond 18K Prong Set Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Looking for a Victorian opal ring? This fabulous ring has three beautiful, full spectrum opals with blue, green, orange, pinks.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 9K Gold Beehive Banded Agate Intaglio Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This simple and understated 9k gold intaglio ring has a tiny beehive carved into a banded agate shield on a carnelian stone. We absolutely love the details of the beehive. It has a t...
Agate, Carnelian, Gold, 9k Gold
Victorian Black Opal Ring Rose Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
The ring dates to the Victorian period, circa 1850-1910.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian 10K Gold Large Coral Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
A Spectacular 10 Karat Gold Coral Ring. Makes a statement, this is a large Ring. Stunning Early Craftsmanship. If you have an appreciation for fine early Jewelry take a good look at...
Coral, Yellow Gold
Dramatic Victorian Almandine Garnet Ring with Diamonds, 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A dramatic and richly sculptural ring centered with a massive 40.80ct almandine garnet cabochon, framed by a sparkling halo of 32 rose cut diamonds, and finished with a distinctive 1...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Victorian Essex Crystal and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Essex crystal reverse intaglio and 9 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This impressive Essex crystal...
Crystal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
15.58 Carat Cabochon Spessartine Garnet Diamond Ring 14 Karat Rose Gold
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This breath taking and Victorian inspired ring has a 15.17 Carat Oval Cabochon Cut Spessartine Garnet.
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Moonstone 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Unisex Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped moonstone cabochon measuring 14.5 x 10.5 mm Translucent colorless body with vivid blue adularescence - flush set Flanked by rounded shoulders With high polis...
Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal, Diamond & Demantoid Garnet Cluster Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This stunning late Victorian cluster ring is set with the most gorgeous combination of stones- opal, diamond and demantoid garnet.
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 15k Gold
Victorian 2 Carat Moonstone Bezel Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Estate Composition: 10K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Oval Cabochon Natural Moonstone Carat Weight: Approximately 2 Carats Ring Size: 6.25 Ring Weight: 2.4 Grams Item Bar...
Moonstone, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Featuring a natural Cabochon cut sapphire at its centre, this wonderful Victorian cluster ring is a unique find.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 1850s 'In Memory Of' Enamel Mourning Band Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 18ct yellow gold mourning ring from the early Victorian era. The ring has been set with a central cabochon black cats eye tourmaline and the band of the ring feat...
Tourmaline, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1.17 Carats Emerald Cabochon Ring with Vintage-Style Diamond Cluster
Located in London, GB
Handmade in our atelier, this vintage-style ring is truly special. The unique pale green emerald cabochon at its centre is a timeless oval shape and weighs in at 1.17 carats. Around ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.0 Ct Opal Five Stone 18 Kt Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful Victorian period ring has been hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold, English origin The lovely claw mount showcases a selection of slightly graduated oval Opals estimate 2...
Opal, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 9ct Yellow Gold Turquoise Cluster Ring, Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
This antique Victorian turquoise cluster ring is a charming example of 19th-century sentimental jewellery, crafted in 9ct yellow gold and set with natural turquoise cabochons.
Turquoise, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Turquoise Pearl Ring Victorian Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous antique Turquoise Ring with a Pearl Halo. In the center is a stunning 19mm by 14mm by 5mm Turquoise Cabochon. The ring is from the estate of Hollywood Legend Mar...
Turquoise, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Opal & Moonstone Foliage Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquires.) Ring Measurements: 10.7mm (0.42") (north to south) - 1.8mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 4.1mm rise off the finger Cond...
Moonstone, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k yellow gold ring set with a cabochon-cut coral - ring size U.S. 8 - EU. 18.2
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with a cabochon-cut coral - ring size U.S. 8 - EU. 18.25(57) detailed description: The top of the ring has a diameter of 2.0 cm wide by 1.2 cm high Ring s...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.40ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful cabochon cut ruby features at the centre of this Victorian ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This delightful opal and diamond ring dates to the 1880s. The central opal weighs 0.50 carat, with three old cut diamonds set on either side, totalling 0.18 carat. The ring itself ha...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Essex Crystal Yellow Gold Dog Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Essex crystal reverse intaglio and 9 karat yellow gold 'dog' cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique Victorian jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and...
Crystal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.10ct Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Victorian three stone ring features a trio of iridescent Opals.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Coral Cocktail Ring, Netherlands, Circa 1870
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with coral - ring size U.S. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.4 cm wide and 7.4 mm high weight 5.5 grams ring size U.S. 6....
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Victorian Rose Gold Onyx Cameo Signet Ring Size 8
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Rare and stunning Victorian signet ring is crafted from warm rose gold, featuring a cushion-shaped onyx that is deeply engraved with a profile of a head, showcasing the exceptional a...
Onyx, Rose Gold
High Victorian Ring with coral 14k yellow gold 2.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with coral - ring size U.S. 8 – EU. 18.25(56) detailed description: The top of the ring is oval in shape, measuring 1.6 cm by 7.3 mm high. Ring size U.S. ...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Gold Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Seal Ring, 1868
Located in Napoli, IT
Stepping back into History An impressive antique Carnelian intaglio seal ring, bearing full British hallmarks for 1868 age and 18 ct gold The face set with a large oval piece of Carn...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 9K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Seed Pearl Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
A classic Victorian-era navette ring crafted in 9k yellow gold, showcasing elegant proportions and delicate detailing.
Pearl, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14kt Gold Amethyst & Seed Pearl Ring, Size 6
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Exquisite Victorian-era ring features a beautifully faceted, central large highly faceted amethyst set in an ornate prong setting with small seed pearl on two sides . The open-back ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Engraved Yellow Gold Onyx Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 5.9 Grams Stone: Onyx (18.45 x 13.8 mm) Measurements: 18.8 x 21.75 x 2.95 mm Ring Size: 11 Hallmark: 14 ITEM #: BR-1458-111824-15
Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.10ct Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring, C.1900s
Located in London, GB
Ornate scrollwork flaunts both sides of this gorgeous Victorian ring, showing off excellent craftsmanship.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Solid Yellow Gold Faceted Jade Saddle Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jade - Faceted Custom Cut - Prong Set - Green Color - 18.8x6.8mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 5 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 (Fitted ...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian cats eye chrysoberyl ruby low karat gold and silver halo ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary Victorian ring is a beautiful example of late 19th-century craftsmanship, combining rare gemstones, rich color, and remarkable antique charm. At its center rests a...
Chrysoberyl, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Yellow Gold Amethyst Pearl & Rose Cut Diamond Mourning Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking Victorian mourning ring crafted in yellow gold, rich with symbolism and antique character. At the center sits a vivid, domed amethyst displaying deep violet tones, a gemst...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Five Stone Opal Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
The graduated oval cabochon opals claw set. Ring size : 8 3/4 Weight: 4.35gr.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian Diamond Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped opal cabochon measuring 9.0 x 6.0 mm Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color Bead set with halo surround of old European cut diamonds Wei...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Emerald Ruby Ring Antique Wedding Engagement Ring 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful Antique Victorian Ring with a central Emerald surrounded by a halo of six gorgeous natural round Opals of incredible color and stunning beauty. The effect is of...
Opal, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Diamond Ring, 1890s
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring, dated to the late 19th century, is made of 18-karat yellow gold and is characterised by the presence of a chrysoberyl cabochon, commonly known as the "cat's eye" due to the...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Garnet, Ruby & Pearl Ring of 12ct Gold, Circa 1860-1880
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A dramatic antique ring (circa 1860-1880), centered with a large, deeply saturated red garnet carbuncle of commanding presence. The garnet is framed by pearls and rubies, creating a ...
Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Estate 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Round Cabochon & Diamond Three-Stone Style Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Elegant and refined, this 18K yellow gold ring features a captivating design. At its center, a 0.5-carat cabochon-cut emerald radiates a rich green hue. Flanking the emerald are clus...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst Purple Oval Cabochon Cut Ring with Diamonds in 18 Carat Rose Gold
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Amethyst Purple Oval Cabochon Cut Ring with pave Diamonds in 18 Carat Rose Gold The central stone is an Amethyst 8.53ct surrounded by brilliant cut pave diamonds 0.28ct A delicate a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 25.90 Ct Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye 3.30 Diamond Rare ring
Located in Napoli, IT
A wonder to behold An exceptional and quite unique Victorian period statement ring hand crafted of solid 22 KT gold, marked, 1880 ca. shank later replacement Chrysoberyl, one of the ...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 22k Gold
Late Victorian 2.40ct Emerald and Diamond cluster Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring dates to the later Victorian era and centres around a stunning, vivid green emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 18k Gold Opal & Rose Cut Diamond Half Hoop Ring, Circa 1880
Located in Altrincham, GB
A lovely Victorian period half hoop ring set with five fiery opal cabochons.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Antique Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped turquoise cabochon measuring 12.5 x 17.5 mm Opaque light greenish blue in color and bead set with a halo surround Comprised of old European cut diamonds and ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Persian Turquoise & Rose-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This late Victorian ring features a trio of Persian turquoise cabochons arranged in a vertical row, accented by four rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 6.40 Ct Star Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
They associated the star’s three crossbars with Faith, Hope, and Destiny Set amidst the most lovely rose cut Diamonds surround disposed into two tiers to give out power and sparkle t...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 5.90 Ct Natural No Heat Sapphire 2.90 Ct Mine Diamond ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian ring, is made to delight the wearer, perfect as engagement ring or as signature to your personality Strongly hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold with multi claws set made in s...
Diamond, Sapphire
Antique Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 14.84ct Amethyst and Seed Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold and elegant Victorian ring centering on an impressive oval cabochon amethyst weighing approximately 14.84 carats.
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Cabochon Cut Ruby and Opal Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive cabochon cut ruby and opal ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.90ct Opal and 0.90ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
- Victorian antique opal & diamond engagement ring - 0.90ct vibrant opal centre - Six Old Mine-cut diamonds totalling approx. 0.90ct - Antique (Victorian) circa 1837-1901 - 18K...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Antique Navette Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a turquoise navette shaped cabochon - opaque robin's egg blue in color Bezel set with a halo surround of bead set rose cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.52 carat total ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Solid Gold Opal and Old Mine Cut Diamond Large Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Nice Play of Orange, Green & Violet Colors - 8.2x6.4mm (approx.) (34) Natural Genuine Diamo...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Five Stone Opal Ring, Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
The graduated oval cabochon opals claw set. Ring size : 7 1/4 Weight: 3.23gr.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Australian Opal & Old Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1890s, 18ct Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring dating to the circa 1890s, crafted in 18 carat yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
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.
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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.