Vintage Navette Bypass Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This gorgeous vintage diamond by-pass ring is centered with a round brilliant diamond weighing approximately 0.35 carat diamond. The center stone is wrapped around by ten near colorl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Bypass Tahitian Pearls and Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with two Tahitian Pearls measuring approximately 15mm each, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 5.00 carats. Circa 196...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Cluster Bypass Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This fashionable vintage 14 karat yellow gold and diamond ring features a round brilliant G color VS1 center diamond weighing approximately .25 carats that is smartly set off by sixt...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Platinum Natural Round & Baguette Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Retro Platinum Natural Round & Baguette Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 6.66 grams Top: 17.5 x 16mm Size: 6.25 (US) Diamonds: Approx. 0.80 CTW G-H VS round and ...
Diamond, Platinum
18k Two Tone Vintage Bypass Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Bypass Pave Diamond & South Sea White Pearl Gold Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mid-Century 1.08 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.83 carats total L color with VS2 clarity - set in a bypass style prong and bezel mount Flanked by pierced scrolling bypa...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Sapphire Tourmaline Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent and bold sapphire, pink tourmaline, and diamond cocktail dome ring, exquisitely crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring an impressive sculptural bypass design with two ri...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald & Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Bypass Cocktail Ring circa 1970s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning 14k yellow gold emerald and diamond bypass cocktail ring from the circa 1970s exudes timeless elegance and vintage charm.
18K Yellow Gold Channel-Set Baguette Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
A bypass, or crossover, ring in 18k yellow gold, the shank splitting into two parallel terminals that sweep past one another rather than meeting, with a graduated row of baguette dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold
0.39 Carat Old European Cut Brown Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A unique solitaire engagement ring featuring a light brown 0.39 carat Old European cut diamond in a 14K white gold bypass style setting.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, White Gold
Diamond Ruby Platinum Starburst Comet Bypass Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Platinum diamond and ruby cocktail ring featuring with a .65c center diamond (VS2 H-I) surrounded round and marquise diamonds and rubies with a band that has one side with baguette ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Mikimoto Pearl Ring. Sterling Silver Mikimoto Sapphire Twin Pearl Bypass band.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring Sterling Silver Twin Akoya pearls set in a Bypass design Details: Size 7.5 is resizable 2.4grams total 7mm pearls
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Vintage Yellow Gold 2 Detailed Lion's Head Bypass Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 14k Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 4 Grams Ring Size: 3.5 (Fitted on a finger, please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Ring Width: 16.1mm (0.63") (top of the ...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980's 18k Yellow Gold Bold Bypass Statement Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 18k Yellow Gold Bold Bypass Statement Ring. The 18k yellow gold ring has a textured finish top and measures 1.40" down the length of the finger and 1" wide.
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pearl Large Fluted Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully sculpted vintage bypass cocktail ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, featuring a bold, dimensional design with a 9.30 mm cream-colored pearl balanced opposite a flut...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat Pave Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Bypass Design Ring
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
An exquisite statement ring showcasing a sophisticated bypass design, beautifully crafted in luxurious 18-karat yellow gold and adorned with approximately 1.00 carat total weight of ...
Vintage 1980's 18k Yellow Gold Bold Bypass Statement Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 18k Yellow Gold Bold Bypass Statement Ring. The 18k Yellow gold ring is inlayed with white gold on the top for a mirror finish.
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Navette Shaped Ruby Cluster Bypass Style Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This lovely navette shaped bypass cluster ring is set with round faceted, pinkish red color rubies, prong set, approximately 1.39 TCW and decorated with a yello...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Rhodolite Garnet and Bypass Diamond Style Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k white gold ring. This pretty white gold bypass style ring is set with a center round faceted, purplish red color rhodolite garnet, approximately 2.26 CTS, prong set.
Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Amethyst and Pave Diamond Bypass Crossover Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k white gold ring. This striking bypass style ring is set with two square cushion faceted, dark purple color amethysts, approximately 2.32 TCW, prong set, and decorated with offset...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Round Ruby and Diamond Bypass Toi et Moi Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Round Ruby and Diamond Bypass Toi et Moi Ring Description: This elegant Toi et Moi (You and Me) style ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a classic inter...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Oval Ruby Bypass Cocktail Ring with Baguette and Round Diamond Accents
Located in New York, NY
Oval Ruby Bypass Cocktail Ring with Baguette and Round Diamond Accents Description: This striking bypass-style cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features two prom...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Sapphire Pearl Ring. 14k Mikimoto Sapphire Twin Pearl Bypass band.
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring 14k White gold Twin Akoya pearls set in a Bypass design with Sapphire accents.
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Estate 18K Pavé Diamond Bypass Carré Cut Ruby Ribbon Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A striking contemporary estate ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, designed in an elegant sculptural triple-bypass style that wraps fluidly across the finger.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18k Yellow Gold Round & Princess Diamond Sapphire Bypass Statement Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Striking and elegant, this 18K yellow gold cocktail ring showcases a unique design. The ring features a dazzling array of round & princess cut diamonds, totaling 2.75 carats, with a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980's Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Toi-Et-Moi Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a bypass style shank terminating with juxtaposed emerald cut emerald and diamond Emerald weighs approximately 1.02 carat - transparent medium green in color Diamond weigh...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Amethyst and Diamond Modernist Bypass Swirl Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1970's. Beautiful modernist style ring with an oval cut amethyst as the dramatic focal point. Two small diamond accents are nested at the base where the band begins the curve. ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum 1.04ctw Carre Square Step Diamond Wide Bypass Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (24) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Square Step Carre Cut - Channel Set - Very Nice White Brilliant Diamonds - 1.04ctw (approx.) Material: Solid Platinum Weight: 8.37 Gra...
Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold Pearl & 1.87ct Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring – Size 5.25
Located in New York, NY
Title: A bold vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K white gold, featuring two luminous 10mm pearls set in an elegant bypass design.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage EFFY Designer Diamond ‘Moi et Toi’ Crossover Bypass Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage EFFY Designer 'Toi et Moi' Diamond Crossover Bypass Gold Ring. Hand set with 1.10tcw Baguette and Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bypass 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Ring, Black Tahitian Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a ladies 14 karat yellow gold bypass design ring with a center black tahitian round pearl and two side diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold Bypass Hinged Ring MODIFIED #25984
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Paloma Picasso 18K Yellow Gold Bypass Hinged Ring Size 7.5 MODIFIED A striking vintage design by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co., this lovely ring is crafted in rich 18K yellow gol...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby & Round Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (6) Natural Genuine Rubies - Marquise Cut - Prong Set - Rich Red Color - 1.20ctw (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G/H Color - ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Wide Ribbed Bypass Style Marquise Blue Topaz Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This striking ring has wide, ribbed bypass style shoulders, set in the center with a marquise faceted, London blue color blue topaz, prong set, approximately 1....
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mid Century Platinum Pear Sapphire & Diamond Bypass Moi Et Toi Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Pear Cut - Prong Set - Very Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 4.16x7.7mm - 0.58ct (approx.) (24) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Tapered & Strai...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
New 1.00ctw Single Cut Black & White Diamond Ring, Silver Cluster Bypass
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 6 - 6 1/4, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $20 fee.
White Diamond, Silver
Solid White Gold 1.50ctw Round Fiery Diamond Covered Bypass Modern Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (60) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Fiery Very Nice Brilliant White Color - 1.50ctw (approx.) Total Carat Weight: 1.50 (approx.) Material:...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
80s Vintage Diamond Ring Sculptural Bypass Sz 8.5 Cocktail Band Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond sculptural ring crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1980s). 68 pave set diamonds total an estimated 0.50 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI2-I1 clarity). ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Fancy Yellow-Brown and White Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage diamond cocktail ring crafted in 14K white gold, featuring an asymmetrical bypass design centered by two contrasting round diamonds.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Estate 18k Two-Tone Gold Diamond Star Cluster Bypass Wrap Statement Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Discover the allure of this striking statement ring, crafted in a combination of 18k yellow and white gold. The design showcases a cluster of round white diamonds, totaling 1.20 cara...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Snowflake Bypass 18k Gold Flower Ring 52
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Snowflake Bypass Flower Ring. A rare vintage ring with a unique floral/snowflake design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set wi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Bypass Retro Style Cluster Ring, App. 1.48 TCW
Located in Fairfield, CT
Platinum, Emerald And Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring, Size 6.75 This stunning cluster ring is a bypass swirl of round faceted, bright green color emeralds approximately 1.04 TCW scatter...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1980's 18k Yellow And Rose Gold Wide Bypass Statement Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980's 18k Yellow And Rose Gold Wide Bypass Statement Ring. The design on the top measures 18mm long and 12mm wide and sits 8mm high off the finger.
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1980's Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Toi-Et-Moi Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a bypass style shank terminating with juxtaposed emerald cut emerald and diamond Emerald weighs approximately 1.02 carat - transparent medium green in color Diamond weigh...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Hinged Bypass Cocktail Ring By Blickman
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully engineered and exceptionally well-made cocktail ring crafted by Blickman in 18 karat yellow gold and set with approximately 7 carats of perfectly matched round brillia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Fred Paris Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bypass Engagement Ring
By Fred Paris
Located in London, GB
A vintage Fred Paris diamond and emerald 18 karat yellow gold bypass engagement ring. Inspired by the Toi et Moi style this gently curving solid bombé style ring is bezel set in 18 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Menotte Onyx Ring 18k White Gold Band Sz0-56 US-7.5 Bypass Motif
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The iconic Cartier ring features a bypass design that ends in two black onyx points.
18k Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Sapphire Baguette Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring 2.90ctw Sz 6.75
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A nicely made cocktail ring crafted in 18K yellow gold and channel set with approximately 1.90cttw in natural yellow square baguette cut sapphires as well as 1cttw in G-I color Vs1-2...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Old Mine, Baguette and Round Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.75 A timeless symbol of elegance and romance, this exquisite cocktail ring showcases a stunning old mine-cut diamond at its center, set in luminous platinum. The antiqu...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Old European & Old Mine Cut Diamond Bypass Style Band Ring in Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This breathtaking vintage diamond ring is a masterpiece of antique fine jewelry that transports the wearer to an era of unparalleled diamond craftsmanship and romantic elegance. A ma...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Multi Diamond Bypass Style Band Ring in Two-Tone 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This breathtaking antique diamond cluster ring is a celebration of old-world craftsmanship and timeless elegance, bringing together a captivating collection of diamonds in a design t...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist Bypass Moi et Toi Diamond Kunzite Gold Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Dynamic Handmade Modernist Toi et Moi double bodied Diamond and Kunzite Ring in 14 Karat white gold; set with a cushion checkerboard-cut Kunzite, approx. weight: 3 Carat and four rou...
Diamond, Kunzite, 14k Gold, Gold, White Gold
90s Vintage Diamond Crossover Ring Sz 9 14k Yellow Gold Double Row Bypass Band
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond crossover ring crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1990s). 26 diamonds total an estimated 0.15 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI2-I1 clarity). Two rows...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Style 1.66 Carat Round Diamond Toi et Moi Ring 18K Gold Halo Bypass Band
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION Metal: 18K Gold Design: Toi et Moi Diamond Ring with Halo and Bypass Design Center Stones: Natural Round Diamond Gemstone Shape: Round Gemstone Cut: Faceted Di...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Greek Bypass 22K GOLD Lion Ring 13.9 Gram Size 5.5 Adjustable Wrap Band Hallmark
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Greek Bypass 22K GOLD Lion Ring 13.9 Gram Size 5.5 Adjustable Wrap Band Hallmark This exquisite ring is a true piece of history.
22k Gold
18k White Gold Offset Bypass Pave Set Diamond Twin Anthurium Ring, App. 1.07 TCW
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k white gold ring. This fascinating, unusual ring is a bypass, crossover style, adorned with two complementary offset anthurium, decorated with round faceted diamonds, approximatel...
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Three-Stone (Trinity) Diamond (0.50ct) ByPass Setting Ring in 22K Yellow Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Exquisitely designed as a three-stone ring, of elegant bypass motif (that type of setting traditionally symbolised 2 souls coming together in 1 union) Claw-with 3 sparkling bril...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef Diamond Wedding Band. 1.5TCW Eternity Platinum Band Bypass VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum circa 1960, the ring features a graceful bypass design accented with approximately 1.50 carats of pavé-set diamonds, creating continuous sparkle across its distin...
Diamond, Platinum
14 Karat White Gold, 0.25ctw, Ladies Size 4 1/4, Five Prong-Set Diamonds Bypass
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This ring was crafted in 14 karat white gold in a bypass style with a row of diamonds prong-set in between them.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum Ruby Cabochon Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional vintage platinum ruby and diamond cocktail ring. Designed with a dramatic asymmetrical bypass composition, the ring features two round ruby cabochons of rich purplish-...
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
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.
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