Chaumet Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1980
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
Chaumet Burmese ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set with six oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese rubies in open back claw settings with a combined approximate weight of 2.50 carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Mabe Pearl Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1940s, this stunning cocktail ring features a 12mm Mabe pearl surrounded by ten natural cabochon oval-shaped rubies and accented with a mix of twenty Old European and ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro 14k Gold Diamond and Ruby Buckle Ring
Located in Venice, CA
Eleven table cut square natural rubies create the rectangular buckle; six round brilliant cut diamonds are set in white gold and cascade through the center of the buckle, offsetting ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Modernist 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Queens, NY
18K Yellow Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Ring, featuring one bezel set round ruby cabochon, adorned further by three bezel set oval ruby cabochons, decorated with nine channel set square s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Tiffany and Co. Diamond Ruby Ring. 18k Gold Tiffany Ruby Trinity band
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Tiffany and Co. Ruby and Diamond Trinity Band. 18k Yellow Gold Condition: Excellent condition for the age. Details: Size 6.5 3mm Center Diamond 3mm Natural Rubies. 2.4 grams
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Ruby and Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring - VHK#24
Located in Hicksville, NY
Platinum Ruby and Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring - VHK#24 Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Diamond Details: W...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Floral Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and designed with a striking cluster of rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.80ct Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1970s this unique cluster ring features a wonderful collection of diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Princess Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Vibrant ruby and diamond harem ring crafted out of 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Flanked Solitaire Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Vintage ruby and diamond flanked solitaire ring. Set to centre with one cushion shape old cut natural and unenhanced Siam ruby in an open back claw setting with a weight of 4.92 cara...
Diamond, Ruby
Old Mine Cut Diamond, Ruby, and Rectangular Diamond Art Deco Ring
Located in New York, NY
Old Mine Cut Diamond, Ruby, and Rectangular Diamond Art Deco Ring Description: This striking antique-style target ring is crafted in 14k gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1.04ct Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring, 1990s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At the heart of this vintage ring sits an oval cut ruby weighing 1.04 carats, its rich red hue radiating warmth from the elongated, faceted cut.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold 1.08ct Diamond and 1.76ct Ruby Ring
Located in Broomall, PA
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stones: Diamonds and Rubies - Diamonds Carat Weight: 1.08 carats - Rubies Carat Weight: 1.76 carats Center Ruby: 1.08 carats Weight: 6.8 grams Size: US 6.5...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 8.5mm Pearl, Ruby and Diamonds Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 8.5mm Pearl, Ruby and Diamonds Ring 14k Gold. Very nice heavy ring featuring a center real Pearl measuring 8.5mm and 0.25 total carat weight of Ruby gemstones channel set wit...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three rubies surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage EFFY Designer Marquise Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
By Effy
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage EFFY Designer Marquise Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring. Hand set with 3.00tcw Marquise Cut Red Rubies and .08tcw Diamonds on shank.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Gold Ring with Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
Antique 18K Gold Ring with Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamonds An exquisite antique ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring a vivid cushion-cut ruby and a deep blue sapphire set side by ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A dramatic and sculptural vintage statement ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, centering a vivid oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 1.89 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage cocktail ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a vivid oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 4.27 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 5 This stunning ring features one pear shaped ruby (7 mm x 5 mm), ten round brilliant cut diamonds, 14 baguette diamonds set...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a richly colored ruby at its center, framed by a sparkling halo of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 9carat gold ring holds a glossy ruby cabochon stone with sparkling diamonds surrounding it.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Textured Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and sculptural mid-century cocktail ring handcrafted in rich 18K yellow gold, featuring a vibrant oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 1.84 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bold 1970s 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage cocktail ring crafted in richly textured 14K yellow gold, centered with a vivid 1.15-carat round-cut ruby in a secure bezel setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine, diamond and synthetic ruby cocktail ring, circa 1945.
Located in London, GB
Aquamarine, diamond and synthetic ruby cocktail ring, circa 1945.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 9.1 grams Band Width: 5mm Ring Size: P (56.5) Ruby Weight: Approx. 1.08ct Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.78 Diamond Details: Approx.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
This 1960s cluster ring centres around a single red ruby. The round cut stone is 0.40 carat and encircled by a ring of white diamonds really allowing the rubies colour to pop.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Star Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring, 18k Gold Certified Ruby
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A striking and substantial star ruby and diamond cluster ring centred on a large oval cabochon natural star ruby weighing approximately 8.50 carats.
Star Ruby, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies Yellow gold ring with round cut diamonds and twelve marquise cut rubies around.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,000
Ruby You and Me Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby You and Me Ring A yellow gold ring set with two oval rubies and two round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a vintage 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. Each ruby features a rich red hue and the centre stone is slightly large than the other two.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond cluster ring, 9k yellow gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
A really pretty vintage glass filled Ruby and Diamond cluster ring! It features a lovely pinky red ruby with a faceted oval cut where the facets catch the light beautifully.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
This timeless vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a richly hued ruby as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
16.45 Carat Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Flanking either side of the stone is a small tapered baguette diamond. Ruby weighs 16.45 carats. Diamonds weigh 0.41 carats total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modernist Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire Gold Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Modernist brutalist ring with inset diamond, rubies and emeralds in a wide 14k yellow gold mounting.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow ...
Vintage 14K White Gold Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring
Located in Queens, NY
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, featuring one bezel set oval cabochon ruby weighing approx. 3.40 carats, further adorned with 36 pave set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Border Ring
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring Description: This ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a vintage-inspired marquise design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Ring with 3.27-Carat Ruby and Pear-Cut Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Details: • Material: 950 Platinum • Gemstones: • Center stone: Cushion-cut heated Burmese ruby, 3.27 carats (GGT certified) • Secondary stones: Pear-cut diamonds • Design: Floral-ins...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Pear-Shaped Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pear-Shaped Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring Description: This ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a sophisticated pear-shaped design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.30 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.30 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Ring. The ring features baguette cut Ruby gemstones along with round brilliant cut diamonds for a total carat weight of 1.30 approx by formula.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Natural Red Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This striking mid-century ballerina ring features a natural oval red ruby weighing approximately 1.30 carats, surrounded by a halo of round and baguette diamonds totaling approximate...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring Ruby Sapphire circa 1950 Yellow Gold 18 Carat, Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Lovely 1950s ring drawing a knot of twisted 18 Kt (750°/ooo) yellow gold wires set with lines of sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous pear shaped ruby and diamond cluster has a heart shaped feel to it.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
GIA Certified Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautifully classic cocktail ring boasts a bright oval brilliant cut ruby measuring 9.83 x 7.49 x 4.88 mm and weighing approximately 3.09 carats, surrounded by 12 pear shaped di...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Ruby Heart Shape Eternity Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
The ring features 0.25 total carat weight for diamonds and rubys.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond ballerina cluster ring, mid 20th Century.
Located in London, GB
Siam ruby and diamond ballerina cluster ring. Set to centre with one oval old cut natural unenhanced Siam ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 2.10 carats,...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage 7.75ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1970
Located in London, GB
This awe inspiring vintage ring features at its center a mesmerizing star ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$30,400Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Oval Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Oval Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring Crafted in platinum, the ring features a stunning oval cabochon ruby at its center, weighing approximately 17.00 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Elegant 18K Gold Filigree Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
This is a truly delicate and lightweight piece, perfect for adding a touch of vintage luxury to any collection. Ring Size: 54 (EU) Resizable: This ring can be professionally adjus...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Stone Ruby and Heart-Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Three Stone Ruby and Heart-Shaped Diamond Ring Description: This classic three-stone ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and centers on a vibrant 1.10-carat oval ruby with a r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby
Mellerio ruby and diamond dress ring, French, circa 1945.
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in London, GB
Mellerio ruby and diamond dress ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.75 carats, flank...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Ring with Oval Ruby and Tapered Baguette Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage men’s ring crafted in solid platinum, centered by a richly colored oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 2.20 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Invisible Setting Ruby and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Invisible setting Square Natural Ruby's and center Oval Diamond 18k Yellow Gold 8.0 grams. Total Ruby 5.25 carat AAA very nice red. Center oval Diamond approx 0.50 carat H-I ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold diamond and ruby cluster cocktail ring. With 12 natural rubies and 13 natural mined diamonds arranged in a swirling illusion cluster setting on split shank band.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 3.09 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Multigem Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.09 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Multigem Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a vibrant combination of natural diamonds, vivid rubies, and multicolo...
Diamond, Ruby
Victorian Style Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Ring of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A refined vintage ring designed in a Victorian revival style as an elongated navette set with vibrant synthetic rubies and sparkling old European cut diamonds, mounted in silver topp...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A wonderful 1.00 carat ruby features in the centre of this vintage trilogy ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Three Stone Ring Gold Ruby and Diamond Engagement
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful three stone engagement ring, made of 18k gold, featuring diamonds and a ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories 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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