$2,857Sale Price|39% Off
18k Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring Victorian
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful 18k yellow gold ring features both round cut sapphire and diamond. The center of the ring is oval shaped with pointed ends, and features a center round cut sapphire th...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold 12.43ct Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring, 1880
Located in New York, NY
This striking antique ring is a masterpiece of timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. At its center is a captivating 12.43-carat antique cushion-cut blue sapphire, radiatin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Synthetic Ruby Repousse Work Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (3) Synthetic Ruby - Step Cut - Pave Set - Magenta/ Red Color - 2.4mm (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 3.46 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 ( fitted on finger, plea...
Ruby, Gold, 18k 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
Vintage 18k yellow gold Victorian Reproduction Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 18k yellow gold Victorian Reproduction Diamond and Emerald Ring - The center marquise diamond measures 8.5 x 4.2mm and weighs approximately .75ct.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Carnelian 18K Gold Column Heraldic Crest Antique Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion shaped carnelian measuring 17.0 x 14.5 mm - translucent reddish-orange in color Carved with an intaglio of a heraldic crest with shield, scrolling foliates, and b...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18K Gold - c.1880
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian 18ct gold opal and diamond cluster ring made c.1880.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian pearl diamond 18k yellow gold three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The rose cut faceting brings a candlelit sparkle to the design, adding texture, charm, and a wonderful sense of old-world craftsmanship. Crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum to...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 18k Gold Marcasite & Blue Glass Flower Cluster Ring, Circa 1860
Located in Altrincham, GB
These stones continue around the outside of the vivid blue centre, resting in fine silver settings and leading to the floral open worked gallery and 18k yellow gold band. Looks great...
Marcasite, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald and Pearl Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald and Pearl Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.36ct Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring, USA
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Ruby diamond halo ring set on 18k gold. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stone: Natural Ruby Stone Shape: Oval Stone Origin: Mozambique Stone Color: Vivid Red Pigeon Blood Stone Weight: 1.36...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian dome engagement ring 18k white gold
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Victorian dome chunky solitaire engagement ring will leave you breathless. Crafted from 18ct white gold, this ring showcases a natural, 0.86ct round diamond with a stu...
White Gold
Antique English Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique English Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Old Mine Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Era 18K Yellow Gold Ring. Buckle Band Detailed Hand Engravings 7mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Buckle Ring, Engraved Band Design: Victorian Buckle Design with Intricate Hand Engraving Era: Victorian Era, Circa 1880 Country of Origin: E...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ring Silver 18k Gold Enamel Diamond Antique Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous Victorian ring, made of silver and 18k gold, features enamel and diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Cabochon Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold Cabochon Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Swedish 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian Swedish 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,059Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Amazing Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
An antique Victorian amazing ring in 18k gold, circa 1900s, set with natural brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.32 carats and natural rose cut diamonds totaling approxim...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,778Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Cut Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A Victorian ring in 18k gold, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.25 carats (H color, SI1 clarity) and natural rubies totaling approximately 0.19 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Engagement Ring. Antique Ruby and Diamond 6 Stone 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Era: Victorian Era, Circa 1860 Material: 18k Yellow Gold This antique six-stone ring showcases the timeless beauty of old European-cut diamonds paired with vibrant round-cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian diamond ruby emerald sapphire 18k yellow gold silver Navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 18k yellow gold and silver ring shimmers with rose cut diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, capturing antique elegance with vibrant color.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian English 18k Gold 1.35ct Sapphire Diamond Substantial Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Total Carat Weight: 1.35 (approx.) Material: Solid 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 5.36 Grams Ring Size: 7.0 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive Victorian ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Old European Cut Diamond 18K Gold Antique Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 0.95 carats H color VS2 clarity Set in an eight talon prong mount with swooping basket Completed by satin finish Tested as 18 karat gol...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Agate Cameo Ring, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 19th century Dimensions: 2,3 x 1,7 cm Ring size: 7 ½ The 19th-century ring features an agate cameo set in an 18-karat yellow gold setting. The cameo features the engraving ...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, 14k/18k Gold, Antique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted with a 14k gold top and an 18k gold shank, the ring offers tonal warmth and visual contrast, while the ingenious construction—allowing the top to unscrew from the shank—adds ...
Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k 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
Vintage Oval Rodolite Garnet Victorian Revival in 18K Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage rodolite garnet solitaire ring in 18K yellow gold featuring oval faceted rodolite garnet in ornate eight-prong crown setting with Victorian-revival engraved shoulders.
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VICTORIAN ring with emerald and rose cut diamonds 18k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold and silver ring set with emerald and rose-cut diamond up to 0.15 ct - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.2 cm long, 1.5 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Early Victorian 18k Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold and silver ring set with ruby, and brilliant and rose cut diamonds, total 0.30 carats G/H SI/P - ring size US 9 - EU 19 (59) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian old European cut diamond ruby 18k yellow gold platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking Victorian jewel, this elegant ring captures the romance and richness of turn-of-the-century design.
Blue Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian GIA 3.72 carat old European diamond 18k yellow gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A diamond of this size in a cut of this age is a pleasure to find, since the hand-finished facets give each stone its own personality. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the ring weighs 3.1...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: English Victorian Estate Hallmarked Town of Chester Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Old European/Antique Single Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: Approximately 0.35 C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Style Sapphire and Diamond 18K Handmade Ring
Located in Brunswick, ME
This elegant sapphire ring features 3.33ct total calculated weight of Ceylon blue sapphires, displaying a rich blue hue with some natural windowing. Round brilliant-cut natural diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian GIA 1.01 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Surrounding the central stone, eighteen old European and old mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.80 carat in G-H color and VS-SI clarity form a rich, glittering halo, crafted ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian GIA 1.10 carat no heat sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Graded G color and SI-I clarity, the diamonds bring a soft, candlelit shimmer that beautifully complements the center stone and enhances the romantic Victorian design. Crafted in war...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Three Sapphire & Rose-Cut Diamond Victorian Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Sheet: Period: Circa 1880–1900 (Victorian) Style: Three-Stone Victorian Ring Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰) Gemstones: Three Sapphires (total ~1.00 ct); Four Rose-Cut Di...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.75ct Old Mine-Cut Diamond Gypsy Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
- Victorian diamond gypsy ring - 0.75ct Old Mine-cut diamond (G / SI2) - Rub-over setting, tapered band - 18K yellow gold - Antique (Victorian), circa 1885-1901 - Partial 750 hallmar...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Marquise Diamond Snake Ring, Early 1900s
Located in Firenze, IT
Finger size: 7 1/4. Weight: 8,56 gr. The setting of this ring is fashioned as two intertwined snakes, each with a marquise brilliant-cut white diamond and a marquise brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring set to the front with two lines of alternating cushion-cut sapphires and diamonds, circa 1890. 7 old cut diamonds for an approximate total diamond weight of 1.50 carat 5 cus...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian GIA 2.62 carat Ceylon sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Encircling the sapphire are 11 old mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.70 carat, graded I-J color and SI-I clarity, their soft antique sparkle framing the center stone in clas...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire & Natural Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
The navette (French for "little boat") shape is an elongated, marquise-like form that was especially popular during the Victorian era. Material: 18k yellow gold Gemstones: Sapphire ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Engagement Ring - GIA.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ring. Sapphire Diamond Accent Three Stone Ring 1880
Located in New York, NY
Origin: English Era: Victorian Era, Circa 1880 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7.5 This stunning Victorian ring showcases the rich color and distinctive character of three s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising five old cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a band of 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is set with 5 sparkling diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.01ctw Rose-Cut Diamond Floral Ring, Victorian-Style, 18K Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Bold and Royal Looking Rosecut Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. With floral design on the sides and bright yellow pave diamonds around the big rose cut diamond and texture on the sha...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Belcher Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
My favourite thing about this Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, is the dazzling sparkle of the diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Colombian Emerald Cabochon Diamond Silver 18K Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped Colombian emerald cabochon weighing approximately 8.90 carats total Transparent medium green in color and set in a gold bezel with silver surround Bead set w...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 7.00 carat cabochon cut sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Six single cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.10 carat, graded H color and VS-SI clarity, add delicate glints of white light around the sapphire, a subtle complement to its rich c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
18K Marquis Shaped Early Victorian Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Wonderful marquis shaped mid Victorian ring with a marquis shaped border and interior diamonds composed of tiny rose-cut diamonds, bezel set in silver. The yellow gold shoulders reac...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 18K Gold 0.35ct Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Belcher Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
My favourite thing about this Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, is the dazzling sparkle of the diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Early Victorian Diamond Trilogy Ring with Blue Enamel Details
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold early Victorian ring features three Old Mind Cut diamonds encased in blue enamel square details.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Era Silver and Diamond Ring. 0.40ct Cushion Cut Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.40 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Dia...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Double Diamond Star-Set Gypsy Cigar Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An authentic Victorian gypsy band ring crafted in rich 18-karat yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.70ct Opal & Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
- Victorian opal and diamond cluster engagement ring - 0.70ct opal, 7.89 x 6.25 x 2.93mm - Halo of Old Mine-cut diamonds, approx 0.35ct total (G-H / SI1-SI2) - 18K yellow gold - Anti...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.90ct Ruby & Old European Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
- Victorian ruby and diamond cluster engagement ring - 0.90ct untreated Burmese ruby, 7.87 x 5.09 x 2.62mm - Twelve Old European-cut diamonds, approx 0.45ct total (G-H / VS2-SI2) - 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.3ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Diamond weight, estimated: 0.3ct Ring size: UK – K US – 5 ¼ EU – 50 mm Gross weight: 11.8g Hallmarks: band with crown standard mark and stamped ’18.C’ (for 18K gold), band tests...
Diamond, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Double Diamond Star-Set Gypsy Cigar Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds: 2 Round Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: approx. 0.10 carat Ring Size: 8.5 Width: approx. 0.5 inch Weight: 9.65 grams Style: Victorian Gypsy / Cigar Ba...
Diamond, 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.