Midcentury Persian Turquoise and 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
The turquoise sits high on the setting and is securely held in place by ten beautifully carved prongs. The ring is a size 8 and can be sized to fit your finger.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Italian 26.01 Carat Topaz, Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine vintage topaz and sapphire ring. Topaz Quality Color Blue Cut Emerald Content 26.01 carats Sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Princess Cut Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color F Clarity VVS1 Cut Princess Content 0.48 carat Dimensions 4.28mm x 4.11mm x 3.10mm Dimensions Height of Setting 4.7mm/0.2" Ring Size UK Size K 1/2 USA Size 5 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Tourmaline 5ct & Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
The ring is size 8 and weighs 11 grams.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ruby Diamond Peacock Ring in 14K Rose Gold
By Hand Made
Located in New York, NY
A striking statement piece, perfect for both everyday elegance and special occasions. *Custom Made Ring -Material: 14K Rose Gold -Condition: Pre-Owned *Ruby: 0,70ctw *Diamond: 0,35...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
3.03 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this 3.03 carat VVS diamond ring. Diamond Quality Color M Clarity VVS1 Cut Round Brilliant Content 3.03 carats...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Opal and Diamond Point 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: Q or 8 1/4 Face Width: 8mm Height Off Finger: 5mm Weight: 5.8g
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Antique Style Platinum & Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Ring size - 56/P/8 Marked - 'PLAT' for platinum Total diamond weight - 2.03 carat Total weight of piece - 5.29 grams
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Platinum Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bilateral Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Color Red Cut Square Faceted Content 0.90 carat Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Square Faceted Content 0.90 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (ave...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1.38ct Sapphire and 2.55ct Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Colour Blue Cut Round Faceted Content 1.38 carats Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) E Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Transitional Modern Brilliant Round/Bagu...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.93Ct Sapphire and 0.63Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Origin Basaltic Colour Blue Cut Cabochon Content 1.93 carats Dimensions 6.22mm (length) x 5.87mm (width) x 5.49mm (depth) Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Colour...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
3.00ct Fancy Yellow Black and White Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring is size 8 1/2 but it can be resized.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s French Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Dimensions Height of setting 8.60mm/0.33" Ring Size UK Size Q USA Size 8 The ring size may be professionally adjusted on request to meet your personal requirements.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Tourmaline and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tourmaline Quality Color Green Cut Square Step Content 0.83 carat Dimensions 5.83mm x 5.76mm x 3.62mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Old ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.16 Carat Chrysoberyl and Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this vintage gemstone ring. Chrysoberyl Quality Cut Oval Faceted Content 2.16 carats Dimensions 9.26mm (length...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.37 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold French Crossover Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color E Clarity VVS1 Cut Pear Content 0.72 carat Dimensions 7.59mm x 4.66mm x 3.17mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) E/F Clarity (average ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 3.56 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cluster Ring, circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color I Clarity VS2 Cut Round Brilliant Content 0.74 carat Dimensions 5.80mm x 3.50mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) G/H Clarity (average...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.10 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Marquise Content (total) 1.10 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) I Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Modern brilliant round Content (tota...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian GIA Certified 1.01ct Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The center diamond is accentuated by dazzling round cut diamond accents. The ring is stamped PLATINUM and weighs 3 grams. The ring is size 8 but it can be resized.
Diamond, Platinum
0.62ct Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Gold, 1996
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color F Clarity SI2 Cut Princess Content 0.62 carat Dimensions 4.83mm x 4.89mm x 2.92mm Dimensions Height of Setting 6mm/0.24" Ring Size UK Size K 1/2 USA Size 5 3...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Nephrite Jade Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1960
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Currently a size 8, the ring may be professionally resized for an additional charge.
Jade, 14k Gold
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. Please contact for any questions.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Cultured Pearl and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Old European / Eight Content 0.52 carat Dimensions Length across pearls 2.13cm/0.84" Width of setting 1.37c...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 8.51 Carat Aquamarine 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aquamarine Quality Cut Oval Faceted Content 8.51 carats Dimensions 14.62mm (length) x 11.27mm (width) x 8.14mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grad...
Diamond, Sapphire, Aquamarine, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Signed Baccarat Medicis 18K Gold & Sugarloaf Glass Cabochon Cocktail Ring
By Baccarat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fineness: Hallmarked for 18k gold fineness. Ring Size: ca. 8 Gemstone Measurements: 1 crystal glass sugarloaf cabochon: ca. 14.4 x 14 mm Measurements: Height: ca. 15.4 mm Width: c...
Crystal, 18k Gold
Vintage Citrine and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Fully hallmarked London 1973. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Stone Dimensions: 18x12mm Height Off Finger: 10mm Weight: 4.8g
Citrine, Gold
14K 1.52 carat Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
The gems are all set in white gold. The ring fits a size 8 1/4 finger and can easily be sized.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century Ruby and Diamond Ring by Chaumet
By Chaumet
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Ring size - 56/P/8 Marked - 'CHAUMET RM' along with a rubbed French mark, acid tested for 18 karat yellow gold and platinum Total diamond weight - 1.85 carat Total weight of piece...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.59ct Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum, Circa 1935, France
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Colour H Clarity SI1 Cut Old European Content 0.64 carat Dimensions 5.35mm (length) x 5.42mm (width) x 3.12mm (depth) Feature Diamond Two Colour ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Emerald and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Modelled in platinum. Ring size: O 1/2 or 8
Black Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
C1940 14K Russian Signet ring with Russian hallmarks
Located in Baltimore, MD
The additional marks include the initials of the maker in cyrillic and an incised hammer and sickle in a star, the Russian symbol for communism. The ring is size 8 1/2 but can be siz...
14k Gold
Vintage Amethyst and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Fully hallmarked London 1967. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Stone Dimensions: 14x10mm Height off finger: 8mm Weight: 5.7g
Amethyst, Gold
Certified 5.01ct Natural Oval Ruby & Diamond Ring, 14k Rose Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Total diamond weight is 1.86 carats. Ring size is 8. Ring top measures .55 inch across and .65 inch down.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Cut Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
Totally is ruby about 2 ct. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. The box is not included.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond Sz M
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
The open-backed construction allows the coil to flex, providing a comfortable fit that adapts to the movement of the hand. Sized at M in Bvlgari's Viper sizing, it accommodates a US ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
Totally is sapphire 0.85 ct. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. Please contact for any questions.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage 0.51 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Square Content 0.51 carat Dimensions 4.30mm x 4.32mm x 2.30mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) D Clarity (average grades) VVS2 Cut Baguette Con...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.33 Carat Aquamarine and 1.55 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aquamarine Quality Cut Emerald Content 3.33 carats Dimensions 10.15mm x 8.10mm x 5.23mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) E Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Baguette Content 1...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. Please contact for any questions.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond Sz M
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
The open-backed construction allows the coil to flex, providing a comfortable fit that adapts to the movement of the hand. Sized at M in Bvlgari's Viper sizing, it accommodates a US ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ming's Bird on a Plum Marquise Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.6 Grams Ring Size: 4.75-8 (adjustable band) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 18.1 mm tall...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1.90 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Square step Content 1.90 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) D Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Trillion / Baguette Content (total) 0.52 ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cocktail ring with citrine up to 45.00ct 18k gold 23.0 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with a citrine totaling 45.00ct – 23.0 grams - ring size U.S. 8 – EU 18.25(57) detailed description: The top of the ring is in an emerald shape measuring 2...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Vintage Moonstone and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Stone Diameter: 11mm Weight: 3.6g
Moonstone, Gold, 9k Gold
Corals Diamond and Blue Sapphire Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Size Ring: US 8 - ITA 17 - French 57 - UK Q Total weight 13.5 gr Diamonds 0.44 Kt Blue Sapphires 0.61 Kt Coral 0.70 gr RF ++IUEU RK.AIIC80 For any enquires, please contact the ...
Coral, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.20 Carat Diamond and 14k White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Colour I Clarity SI2 Cut Round Brilliant Content 0.49 carat Dimensions 5.25mm x 2.82mm Feature Diamond Two Colour H Clarity SI2 Cut Round Brillia...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Bombe Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
All the stones sit in 9carat gold claws. Ring Size: Q or 8 Cluster Diameter: 17mm Height Off Finger: 9mm Weight: 4.6g
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Band Ring, 2ct, Circa 1950-1970, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold band ring with a central large diamond of 1 carat in emerald cut, and contour diamonds for a total of 1 carat / Made in Italy 1950-1970s Ring size US 8
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire, Diamond and Opal Ring in 14K Yellow Gold.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Other Important Details: The ring is a Size 8. The ring is stamped 14K, but has been tested to be 14K Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18k Gold Jade Cabochon Dome Ring
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CIRCA: 1990’s MATERIALS: 18k Yellow Gold WEIGHT: 22.1 Grams MEASUREMENTS: 5/8" x ¾" RING SIZE: 7 HALLMARKS: Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti, 750, Hong Kong
Jade, 18k Gold
Vintage 0.72 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Colour F Clarity VVS1 Cut Round Brilliant Content 0.72 carat Dimensions 5.69mm (average diameter) x 3.42mm (depth) Number of Diamonds 1 Dimensions Height of setting...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Brazilian Alexandrite GIA and Diamond Platinum Double Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Framed by a sparkling Double Halo Diamond, weighing approx. 0.89tcw and set in Hand crafted solid Platinum. Measuring approx. 8" long x 8" Wide. Ring size 6.25, we offer ring resizing.
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
14K Rose Gold Snake Wraparound Emerald Diamond Ring Estate by EFFY
By Effy
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Brand: EFFY Material: 14K Rose Gold - durable and elegant Stones: Emerald - 0.1 carats Accent Stones: Brilliant Round Diamonds - 0.8 carats total Design: Snake-Inspired Wraparoun...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 2.51ct Sapphire 0.86ct Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring is size 8 1/2 but it can be resized.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring ca. 1950
Located in Lucerne, CH
The back of the setting is artistically decorated. Ring Size: EU 57 / 8 US Maker's mark: illegible Assay mark: PT 950
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
2.80 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Ring Feature Diamond Color I Clarity SI1 Cut Old European Content 1.75 carats Dimensions 7.30mm x 7.28mm x 4.86mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) H/I Clarity (ave...
Diamond, Platinum
25 Carats Emerald Sapphires Yellow Gold Ring, 1950
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Details Period: Circa 1950 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstones: Natural Emerald and Sapphires Emerald Weight: Approximately 25 Carats Emerald Length: 18 mm (0.7 in) Ring Size: US 8 Gro...
Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style 1950s 1.89 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Diamond One Color H Clarity VS2 Cut Transitional modern brilliant round Content 0.39 carat Dimensions 4.73mm x 2.79mm Diamond Two Color H Clarity VVS2 Cut Transition...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Amethyst and Diamond Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
On the tip of each claw is a diamond point which adds a lovely bit of sparkle. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Stone Dimensions: 11 x 16.5mm Rise Off Finger: 11mm Weight: 9.27g
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver
C’est Laudier 18K Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1970s, 0.75ct
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Maker: C’est Laudier / Georg Lauer, Pforzheim Period: Circa 1970s Material: 18 karat yellow and white gold, 750 Diamonds: 20 brilliant-cut diamonds, approximately 0.75 ctw Diamond qu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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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