Vintage 9ct Gold & Opal Doublet Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine vintage gold and opal signet style ring. With oval opal doublet cabochon bezel set in 9ct gold.
20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold & Opal Doublet Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine vintage gold and opal signet style ring. With oval opal doublet cabochon bezel set in 9ct gold.
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Cocktail Ring 1960s
Located in Towson, MD
This opal cluster ring, dating to the 1960s, is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and set with a total of thirteen cabochon opals arranged in a classic cluster composition. A round cab...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Black Opal Silver Ring Colorful Australian Gemstone Mens ring vintage gift
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish silver ring with natural Black Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.51 x 0.91 in / 3 x 13 x 23 mm opal weight - 8.55 carats ring size - 8...
Opal, Black Opal, Silver
Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond Black Opal Cabochon Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
14K White Gold Diamond Black Opal Cabochon Ring Approximate Dimensions: 5.25 (Ring Size) 21.65 mm x 18.66 mm x (Opal) Approx. 0.96 carats (Diamond) 13.6 grams in weights. ** All di...
White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Opal and 9 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opal set up high in a crown style setting is so glossy and throws so much colour! There is an inscription on the inside of the band which is rather worn so the letters 'H P R' is...
Opal, Gold
Vintage 9-Stone Opal Ring in 10k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage 9-Stone Opal Ring in 10k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 10k yellow gold and features a prong-set oval crystal opal at the center, surrounded by eight smaller cr...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,059Sale Price / item|23% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon. Starburst Opal Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Starburst Opal Ring. Vintage style opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with oval opal cabochon.
Topaz, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 5.00 Carat Opal and Diamond Cluster Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G-H, Clarity: VS-SI Marked: Platinum Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Gorgeous Vintage Opal and Diamond Halo Platinum Ring Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Gorgeous Vintage Opal and Diamond Halo Ring certainly has caught my attention!
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Scratched Silver Ring Natural Australian Gemstone gift vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant sterling silver ring features a natural dark opal sourced from Australia, renowned worldwide for producing opals of mesmerizing color and depth. The gemstone weighs 1.06...
Opal, Silver
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ornate Opal Dome Ring #17677
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal Ring- This gorgeous ring is crafted in meticulously detailed 14k yellow gold.
Opal, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Vintage Opal & Diamond Ring, 8.7g, .35tdw
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K White Gold Vintage Opal & Diamond Ring, 8.7g, .35tdw Ladies Australian opal and diamond vintage ring in 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Large Opal Ring 8.50 carats Diamonds Vintage Cocktail Ring 18K Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An impressive vintage cocktail ring centered by a magnificent natural Australian white opal displaying vivid flashes of green, orange, yellow, blue and violet across the entire face ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sat at the centre of a sparkling halo of diamonds is a gorgeous opal. The opal has wonderful colour. The diamond halo totals approx 32pts. The stones are set in platinum and the ring...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Vintage 6 Carat Boulder Opal Gold Solitaire Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Solitaire Boulder Opal Gold Vintage Halo Ring. Featuring a securely nestled Hand set 6 Carat Boulder Opal.
Opal, Gold, White Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Bombe Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds garnets measuring 20pts each and 10pts each. In between the garnets there is an opal halo with the opals measuring 15pts each and a larger opal at the centre...
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Vintage 1930's Opal Diamond Halo 18K Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Are you looking for a fabulous Vintage Opal and chunky diamond halo ring from the 1930's?
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum 2.51ctw Oval Opal & Diamond Accents Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring Measurements: 11.5mm (0.45") (north to south) - 13.4mm (0.52") (east to west, diamond to diamond), 2.4mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 9.4mm rise off the finger Stamp: PT.9...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Peridot and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous bright peridot stone is complimented beautifully by shimmering opals. The central peridot stones measure approx 50pts each. The ring is modelled in 9 carat gold and ful...
Peridot, Opal, Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds a garnet measuring 15pts and opals surrounding it. All the stones sit in 9carat gold claws. Full hallmarked London 1975. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Cluster Diam...
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Vintage opal diamond 14k yellow gold silver cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This captivating vintage cluster ring centers on a mesmerizing cabochon cut opal measuring approximately 17.91mm by 11.25mm, displaying a beautiful play of color that shifts with lig...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 2.02 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning vintage opal engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold Ring Cocktail Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Opal Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold Ring Cocktail Vintage Natural Opal Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold Ring Cocktail Vintage This beautiful large vintage ring is finely crafted in s...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.70ct Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring, hallmarked1961
Located in London, GB
With hallmarks dating to 1961, this beautiful opal and diamond ring has been created in a Victorian style. A trio of opals take centre stage with the largest sitting central at 0.30 ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Poison Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace mystery and vintage charm with this Opal Vintage-Style Cocktail Poison Ring.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous round opal cluster takes center stage in this vintage-style ring, blossoming like a tiny, radiant flower.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$524Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Black Opal Ring in 925 St. Silver Handmade Vintage Style Statement Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Ethiopian Black Opal Ring in 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Vintage Style Genuine Opal Gemstone Ring with Play of Color for Men or Unisex, Engagement, Anniversary, Cocktail &...
Opal, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Opal and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are gorgeous and throw some great colours. They are set flush within the 18ct gold claws, there are also diamond points and a very ornate gallery. Fully hallma...
Opal, Gold
9K Yellow Gold Opal Vintage Style Cluster Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fall in love with the delicate beauty of this Opal and Diamond Vintage-Style Cluster Floral Ring.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage 17k White Gold 9.75tcw Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage ring crafted in 17k white gold, centered with a substantial 9.75 carat opal cabochon and framed by approximately .80 carats total weight of diamonds.
Diamond, Opal
Vintage Ruby and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The mix of rubies and opals makes the perfect pretty and feminine colour way. The rubies measure 4pts each. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Cluster Diameter: 9mm Height Off Finger: 5mm Wei...
Opal, Ruby, Gold
Vintage Opal and 9 Carat Gold Double Row Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are gorgeous and throw some great colours. They are set upon an ornate gallery in 9ct gold claw settings. Ring Size: S or 9 Face Width: 7.5 Height Off Finge...
Opal, Gold
Silver925 Natural Garnet Synthetic Opal White Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm.
Opal, Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silver925 Natural Amethyst Synthetic Opal White Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm.
Opal, Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Opal and 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are gorgeous and throw some great colours. They are set upon an ornate gallery in 9ct gold claw settings. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 5.5mm Height Off...
Opal, Gold
1.46 ctw Diamond Opal Ring Vintage 14K White Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
1.46 ctw Diamond Opal Ring Vintage 14K White Gold This estate ring is made in solid 14K White Gold and set with genuine Opal and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 5.12 Carat Australian Black Opal and Marquis Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Vintage Black Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Cocktail Vintage Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
9K Yellow Gold Oval Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Discover enchanting elegance with this Oval Opal Vintage-Style Cocktail Ring. The luminous oval opal captivates with its shifting colors and soft glow, embodying a dreamy, ethereal b...
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Australian White Opal Cocktail Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Australian White Opal Cocktail Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and centers on an elongated oval Australian white opal weighing approx...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald & Opal Vintage Style Floral Halo Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A vintage style dress ring containing an approx. 0.40 carat oval emerald center stone, accented with a timeless halo of twelve white opal petals.
Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Full of vintage charm, this ring showcases a round prong-set opal that shimmers with soft, iridescent hues.
Opal, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Opal Cocktail Ring, Vintage 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and substantial vintage opal gemstone and 14-Karat yellow gold cocktail ring, circa 1960s.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 1.75 Carat Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Platinum Navette Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant Finely detailed Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Platinum Vintage Navette Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Vintage Style Solitaire Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Surrounding the opal is a delicate cluster design, enhancing its ethereal charm and vintage appeal.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6.5 #15380
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold and Opal Ring Size 6.5 JAGi Certified- This stunning ring features one oval opal (8.7 mm x 6.5 mm) set in beautifully detailed 18K yellow gold.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds round cut garnets totalling approx 50pts and a shimmering opal at the centre. All the stones sit in 9carat gold claws. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Cluster Dimens...
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Vintage Fire Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Fire opals are the most striking bright orange colour. The emerald cut fire opal has such a fiery glow to it. The diamonds total approx 36pts and are set in platinum. It is believed ...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 2.77 Carat Black Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Black Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 2.77 Carat Black Australian Opal.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$964Sale Price / item|30% Off
Vintage style 14k gold ring with oval opal cabochon
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage style opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with oval opal cabochon.
Topaz, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Ruby and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The mix of rubies and opals makes the perfect pretty and feminine colour way. The rubies measure 5pts each. hallmarked London 1979. Ring Size: R or 8 3/4 Cluster Diameter: 14mm He...
Opal, Ruby, Gold
Vintage 1970's Opal and Diamond Halo Ring 14k Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1970's. Beautiful opal surrounded by sparkling white diamonds. The opal shows a lively mix of orange, blue, green and even some purple. The setting is mainly white gold but the...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking ring holds round cut garnets totalling approx 60pts and a shimmering opal at the centre. All the stones sit in open 9carat gold claws. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Cluster ...
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Vintage Lightning Ridge Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Expertly crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, this striking ring showcases a breathtaking Australian black opal from Lightning Ridge. The opal radiates intense flashes of fiery red, be...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian Yellow Gold Ring with Opal and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Ring Top : width : 1 cm, length : 1.3 cm, height : 0.5 cm This vintage Italian ring is a graceful example of timeless design and fine craftsmanship.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold 4.42ct Opal & 1.70ctw Diamond Enamel Accented Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is exquisitely crafted in 13k yellow gold and centered by a captivating 4.42 carat oval opal displaying vivid flashes of fiery red, green, blue, and golden play-of-...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Art Deco Opal and OEC Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant Finely detailed Art Deco Opal and OEC Diamond Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring, American, circa 1950
Located in London, GB
Vintage opal and diamond ring. Set with one oval cabochon natural white opal in an open back four claw setting with an approximate weight of 10.00 carats, flanked by twelve round bri...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Victorian Jelly Opal Cluster Gold Vintage Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Victorian Natural Jelly Opal Cluster Gold Cluster Ring.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum High Quality 4.35ctw Opal & Diamond Halo Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquires.) Ring Measurements: 18.7mm (0.73") (north to south) - 16.2mm (0.63") (east to west), 1.9mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height:...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 4.88ctw Oval Opal & Diamond Halo Large Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring shows some light surface wear. Opal has few light scratches.
Diamond, Opal, 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.
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).
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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.