Art Deco 18KT Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An Art Deco ring in 18KT gold with a platinum-topped setting, centred with a square-cut natural emerald. The top is arranged in a geometric plaque design, accented with old cut diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.15ct Vivid Green Asscher Cut Emerald Solitaire Bezel Set Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This exquisite solitaire emerald ring highlights a captivating Asscher-cut Zambian emerald, admired for its rich medium-green hue and enchanting semi-transparent clarity. The gemston...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14kt Gold Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby Dragon Harem Ring
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Absolutely beautiful details on this 14kt yellow gold harem ring . Ring has hollow dome top with genuine stones and is topped with a small dragon . Marked 14kt and faded Chinese mark...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Ring with emeralds up to 3.50ct - 11.8 grams - 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18 kt white gold ring set with carre cut emerald tot. 3.50 ct - ringsize U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide weight 14.6 grams ring...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake Ring Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Serpent Ruby Emerald Diamond Silver Double Cocktail Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring is handcrafted in sterling silver, a double serpent coiled around the finger, one ...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Black Enamel Ring Emerald Diamond Star Cocktail Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Black Enamel Ring White Diamonds 14k Gold Plated Shooting Star Cocktail Ring Designer J DAUPHIN This Black Enamel Bubble large cocktail ring has a shooting star motif swe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Antique 18K Gold Toi et Moi Ring with Diamonds, Pearl & Emerald
Located in Antwerp, BE
This extraordinary ring is crafted in 18 karat solid gold. This stunning 'toi et moi'-ring is set with lovely old rose cut diamonds, A stunning bright green emerald and a romantic pe...
Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 2 Carat Colombian Emerald & 2.2 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning antique Victorian Colombian emerald ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Crest Ring Emerald Skull Memento Mori Style Gold Plated Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Emerald Skull Crest Signet Ring 14k Gold Plated Memento Mori Designer: J Dauphin Title: Secret Doors The Secret Doors Emerald Crest Ring is a structural statement signet han...
Emerald, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,357Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.21 carat. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is emerald 0.17 carat. Ring size is US 7 We c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,152Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.47 carat. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Totally is emerald 0.30 carat. Ring size is US 6...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Carved Center Emerald Ring Surrounded By Diamonds Made In 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Carved Rectangular Emerald & Rose cut Ring. There is a very pretty design with diamonds around on shank. Ring size:7 14Kt:4.09gms Diamond:1.35cts Emerald: 6.15cts
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Colombian Emerald & Old Mine Diamond Ring, 18K, France
Located in Northampton, MA
Sleek and classic, this hefty, substantial (9 grams) men's ring (although a woman could certainly wear it) features an incredible rich green GIA. certified F1 emerald from Colombia t...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald Snake Ring Serpent Ring Double Head Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Snake Ring Serpent Ring Double Head Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring Gold Plated Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN The Double Serpent Ring is handcrafted as two entwined snakes, with f...
Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
$2,152Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.1 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 1 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Totally is emerald 1 ct. Ring size is US 8.5 W...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has H-J color and vs1-s1 clarity. Totally is emerald 0.33 ct. Ring size is US 7.8 We ca...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Emerald Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.24 ct. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is emerald 1.79 ct. Ring size is US 10 (We can m...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Snake Ring Ruby Heart Emerald Diamond Gold Plated Silver Two Headed Serpent
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: 14k gold plated silver Gemstone: Ruby, Emerald, White diamond Color: Gold, Red, Green, White Design: Two headed serpent open ring crowned with a heart cut ruby, "Toujours ...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$1,872Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.40 ct. Totally is emerald 0.60 ct. Ring size is US 8.5 We can make any size. Please contact for any questions.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
$2,668Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.3 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.50 ct. The diamond is has I-J-K-L color and s1-s2-s3-Pique clarity. Totally is emerald about 3 ct. Ri...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,059Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.6 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond about 0.50 ct. Totally is old cut diamond 0.30 ct. The old cut diamond is has H color and s2 clarity. T...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18K Gold and 1.8 Carat Diamond and 2.0 Carat Checkerboard Plaque Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k Yellow Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamond Checkerboard Plaque Ring c.1900.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald Three Stone Ring Victorain Syle in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crafted in yellow gold, the elegant design echoes a Victorian Inspired Ring, celebrating the rich green beauty of natural emeralds.
Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Double Snake Ring Serpent Cocktail Ring Sapphire Emerald J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double Snake Ring Serpent Cocktail Ring Sapphire Emerald J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring is a sculptural ouroboros in gold plated brass, the serpent coiling around the...
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Brass, Gold Plate
$2,567Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18K Gold Multi-Gemstone Flower Cluster Ring, Natural Ruby, Emerald
Located in Marcianise, IT
📊 Item Details (Technical Specifications) Period: 20th Century / Vintage Style: Classical Target Floral Cluster / Victorian Revival Item Type: Statement / Cocktail Ring Metal: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,340Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 10k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.85 ct. Totally is emerald 1.08 ct. Ring size is US 7.5 We can make any size. The box is not included. Please c...
Emerald, 10k Gold, Silver
Gaetano Chiavetta 8.50ct Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 9.6 grams Ring Size: M (53) - Resizable Face Dimensions: 30mm x 20mm Emerald Dimensions: 1 (14mm x 11mm) Total Diamond Carat Weight: Approx. 0.08 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Antique Cluster Ring in Yellow Gold with Emeralds and Old-Cut Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This exquisite antique cluster ring is a true jewel of timeless elegance. Crafted in 18k yellow gold (750‰), it features a captivating arrangement of 5 old-cut diamonds (approximatel...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Antique Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Emerald Old Mine Cut Diamond Halo Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Montclair, NJ
(Old Rare Signature) Condition: Rare Antique Victorian Tiffany & Co. Emerald Shows some light facet abrasion and few nicks under magnification.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 10.00ct Amethyst and Diamond Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1900s, this stunning ring centres around an eye-catching 10.00 carat amethyst. The vivid purple stone is emerald cut and claw set in 18 carat yellow gold. Surrounding t...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 25 Carat Siberian Emerald 1880s American Handmade Old Cut Diamonds GIA
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Victorian 25 Carat Siberian Emerald 1880s American Handmade Old Cut Diamonds GIA Finger size 7 Weighting 20.7 gram Certification GIA , see pictures Gems 25 Carat Sugar Loaf cut Sib...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Black Diamond Snake Ring Victorian Style Ouroboros J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond Snake Ring Emerald Eyes Gold Plated Silver Ouroboros Designer J DAUPHIN The True Love Turtle Dove ring is a premier sculptural statement piece by J DAUPHIN continuing...
Emerald, Black Diamond, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Late Georgian 1.10 carat Emerald and Ruby Ring, c.1820s
Located in London, GB
Exquisitely carved 18 carat yellow gold is adorned with emeralds and rubies in this beautiful Late Georgian ring. To the centre sits the largest of the emeralds at 0.50 carat, with f...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.04ct 18K Seafoam Colombian Emerald Cut Bezel Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This refined solitaire emerald ring highlights a 3.04-carat emerald-cut Colombian emerald, showcasing a luminous seafoam green hue with transparent eye clarity. The gemstone, featuri...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Emerald and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1880
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This Victorian ring (circa 1880–1900) showcases a vivid antique cushion-cut emerald with a slightly bluish-green hue, flanked by two sparkling old European cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$2,059Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Cut Emerald Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.60 ct. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.15 ct. The diamond is has H color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Totally is emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k 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
$20,800Sale Price|35% Off
GIA Certified 6.00 Carat Oval Green Emerald 18K White & Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning 18K White Gold Victorian-style ring features a 6.00 Carat GIA certified Zambian vibrant green emerald bezel set in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
10.90 Ct's Cabochon Emerald Cocktail Ring Heart Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Istanbul, Fatih
This one is a special one, it is from a very special collection of very special lady. 10.90 Ct's Cabochon Emerald Cocktail Ring Heart Shaped Diamond Ring Weight of Stone : 10.90 Ct's...
Emerald, 18k Gold
C1880 18K Emerald Five Stone Ring with Fleur De Lis Shoulders
Located in Baltimore, MD
18K extremely rare Victorian five stone Columbian emerald half hoop ring.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald and Pearl Two Stone Antique Inspired Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Featuring vibrant natural emeralds and luminous pearls, this Emerald Pearl Ring showcases an elegant Two Stone Ring design crafted in solid 9K gold. Inspired by antique jewelry, its ...
Emerald, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Belle Epoque Colombian Certified Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Antique 18Kt rose Gold and silver Ruby and Diamond ring. The cluster style ring is centered with a stunning oval natural emerald, accented by an halo of sparkling old mine cut diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.60ct Tourmaline and Diamond Four Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This unique ring from the Victorian era features four vibrant, green tourmalines on display.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
No oil Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, circa 1900.
Located in London, GB
No oil Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural Colombian emerald with no oil in an open back claw and cutdown setting with an a...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond Ring, signed G. R. Addis, Australia, circa 1890–1910
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Addis Date: Circa 1890–1910 Place of Manufacture: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia (likely) Material: Yellow gold (tests approx. 18K) Gemstones: 1 central emerald-cut emerald (approx. 1...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
13.42 Carats Zambian Emerald Cabochon Ring Diamond Studded
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Zambian emeralds are renowned worldwide for their vibrant green color and exceptional clarity, making them some of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. This ring exemplifies...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Antique Colombian Emerald and Diamond Flanked Solitaire Ring, circa 1860
Located in London, GB
Antique Colombian emerald and rose cut diamond flanked solitaire ring. Set with rectangular emerald-cut natural Colombian emerald with no colour enhancement and minor clarity enhance...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver
Crest Ring Skull Signet Emerald Ruby Memento Mori Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Signet Ring Emerald Ruby 14k Gold Plated Silver Memento Mori Ring J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Signet is a signet ring handcrafted in 14k gold plated silver, the r...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Colombian emerald and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1870.
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald-cut natural Colombian emerald with insignificant oil in an open back cut-down setting with...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
4.58tcw 18K Rich Green Asscher Emerald & OEC Diamond 3 Stone Vintage Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A victorian inspired Colombian emerald and old European cut diamond three-stone ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.21ct Dark Green Oval Emerald Creates a Striking Solitaire Statement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This elegant solitaire emerald ring features a 3.21-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald, showcasing a rich dark green hue and semi-transparent clarity that highlights its natural beauty. ...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.15 Carat Multi Gemstone Oval Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This vibrant statement ring features oval-cut emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, beautifully alternating and set east-to-west for a bold, colorful display. The spaces between the gemst...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Colombian Emerald Three Stone Ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald three stone ring. Set with three octagonal mixed cut natural Colombian emeralds with minor clarity enhancement in open back claw settings with a combined approximat...
Emerald, Yellow Gold
3.52tcw 14K Round Vivid Colombian Emerald & Diamond Double Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This is a very rare, round Colombian emerald and diamond engagement/right-hand ring. Color and brilliance can best describe this rare Colombian emerald ring. The luminous, bluish-gre...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
Antique 1.50 Carat Emerald and 2.64 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine, and impressive antique Victorian 1.50 carat emerald and 2.64 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelr...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.58 Carat Colombian Emerald and Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous vintage three-stone engagement ring features a rectangular cushion cut Colombian emerald weighing 2.58 carats, mounted in a four double claw, open back setting.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified Round cut Colombian Emerald, Yellow Diamond and White Diamond Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A rare Colombian Emerald from the rich Muzo mines, with intense and vibrant hues of Green is naturally set, with no thermal treatment or enhancements. The ring comes around in style ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 4.15ct Emerald and 2.4ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds Ring
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Perfectly imperfect At the center of this ring rests an oval faceted emerald of approximately 4,15 carat, a gemstone that has likely witnessed more history than any of us ever will...
18k Gold, White Gold, Palladium
Victorian Natural 3 CTW Multi Gemstone/Diamond Serpentine Ring Size 7 in 18k/925
Located in New York, NY
Discover the allure of the Victorian Multi Gemstone and Diamond Serpentine Band Ring — a stackable masterpiece in 18k Gold and Sterling silver that seamlessly blends historical charm...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling ...
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.
No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”
There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!
There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.
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.