18K White Gold Sapphire Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
This eternity wedding band is crafted in 18K white gold and features 84 natural blue sapphires 2 carats and 27 brilliant round diamonds 0.6 carats. The ring has a top width of 3/8 in...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Style Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Pear Content 0.45 carat Dimensions 5.72mm x 3.51mm x 2.43mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Modern brilliant...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Amethyst & Diamond Cocktail Ring 14.3g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The side diamonds are round brilliant cuts, .50 total carats, j color, Si clarity. The top of the ring measures 17.5mm wide. Ring size is 8 1/4 and can be sized down to 7 3/4 or up t...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Sapphire Diamond Tulip Engagement Ring Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K White Gold Sapphire Diamond Tulip Engagement Ring Metal: 14K White Gold Center Stone: Oval Natural Sapphire - 1.8 Carats Accent Stones: Single Cut Diamonds - Total 0.4 Carats Des...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Tsavorite Garnet & Diamond Ring 1.06g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The top of the ring measures 3/4 by 5/8 inches. Ring size is 5 and can be sized down to a 4 1/2 or up to a 6 for an extra fee.
Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond 3 Row Band Ring Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Fabulous Modern 18K White Gold Diamond 3 Row Band Ring. Metal: 18K White Gold Gemstones: Numerous Brilliant Round Diamonds - 0.8 Carats Design / Style: Modern 3 Row Band Band Width: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Vintage Accented Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 0.69ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The four side diamonds are single cuts, .06 carats total, h color, vs clarity. The ring size is 8 and can be sized to fit.
Diamond, Platinum
14K White Gold Vintage Diamond Ring, 1.00tdw, 6.7g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The diamond total is 1.00 total carats. The top of the ring measures 7/8 by 5/8 inches. Ring size is 4 1/2 and can be sized up to a maximum 7 or less, for an extra fee.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Diamond Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color G Clarity VS1 Cut Round Brilliant Content (total) 0.24 Carat Dimensions 4.04mm x 2.36mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) G Clarity (...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Diamond and Ruby Mesh Wrap Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Material: 14K White Gold - durable and elegant Stones: Brilliant Round Diamonds - total weight 1.1 carats Natural Rubies - total weight 1.3 carats Design: Mesh Wraparound Band Ring W...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Rolex Design Diamond Ring 0.75ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The diamond is a round brilliant cut, .75 carats, H to I color, Vs clarity, and good symmetry. The ring size is 8 and can be sized up to 10 for an extra fee.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 2.15 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color G Clarity VS2 Cut Round Brilliant Content 0.17 carat Dimensions 3.25mm x 2.21mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) F/G Clarity (average...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
3.93 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color M Clarity VS2 Cut Round Brilliant Content 3.93 carats Dimensions 10.25mm x 10.47mm x 6.05mm Dimensions Diameter of setting 1.09cm/0.43" Height of setting 7.14m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.51 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color H Clarity SI2 Cut Modern brilliant round Content 0.79 carat Dimensions 5.87mm x 3.74mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) G/H/I Clarity...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.45 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine gold and diamond multi-row ring. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) F/G Clarity (average grades) ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage Onyx and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1985. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Onyx Dimensions: 12x10mm Height Off Finger: 2.5mm Weight: 2.7g
Diamond, Onyx, Gold
Platinum Vintage Diamond Ring GIA Certified 1.08 Carat
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The vintage platinum setting is like new condition. The ring size is 8 and can be sized.
Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold and Diamond Ring, 1970s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold band ring with central baguette cut and Amsterdam cut diamonds for a total of 2.5 carats / Made in Italy 1960s Ring size US 8
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.80 Carat Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) F/G Clarity (average grades) VS1/VS2 Cut Transitional Modern Brilliant Round Content 1.80 carats Number of Diamonds 20 Dimensions Width of s...
Diamond, Platinum
1960s 1.00 carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine 14k white gold diamond cluster ring. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) F/G Clarity (average gra...
Diamond, White Gold
18ct White Gold Princess Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Diamond weights and grades are given as careful estimates and are not based on a laboratory certificate. Dimensions Ring size: UK Q · US 8¼ · EU 58 Weight: 9.6 grams Specifications...
White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.85tdw, 6.4g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
They can only been seen with high magnification. The ring measures 4.7mm wide at the top. Ring size is 8 1/4 and can be sized down to a 7 or up to a 9 for an extra fee.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Swirl Diamond Wedding Band Ring Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Key Features and Specs: Material: 14K White Gold Gemstones: 11 round brilliant diamonds, totaling 0.5 carats Band Width: 3/8 inch Ring Size: 7 (resizing available) Weight: 6.5 grams ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Hidalgo Enamel Silver Textured Lime Green Insert Band Ring
By Hidalgo
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Key Features & Specs: Material: Sterling Silver with Lime Green Insert Design: Textured design all around the band Ring Size: 5.75 Width: 1/8 inch Weight: 3.1 grams Fit: Designed to ...
Sterling Silver
Sculptural Domed Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
Located in Darnestown, MD
There is a partial maker's mark that is not legible. The ring is size 8 1/4. It can easily be sized up or down.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1.10 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine vintage horizontal diamond ring. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color I Clarity VVS2 Cut Round bril...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
The center diamond weighs approximately 0.38 carat and displays a near-colorless appearance with VS clarity. The ring is currently a size 8 and weighs 3.3 grams.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Marquise Ring, Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color E Clarity VVS2 Cut Emerald Content 0.55 carat Dimensions 6.04mm (length) x 3.72mm (width) x 2.58mm (depth) Supporting Diamonds Color (average g...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Gold Contessa Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Cartier CIRCA: 1990s MATERIALS: 18k Gold GEMSTONE: Diamonds WEIGHT: 4.3 Grams MEASUREMENTS: 1/8” RING SIZE: 5.75 - 6 (52) - not resizable HALLMARKS: Cartier, 750, 52, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
5.50 Ct Emerald Cut Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
At its center sits a beautifully proportioned emerald-cut aquamarine weighing approximately 5.50 carats, displaying a soft, icy blue hue with excellent transparency and a luminous, g...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 1972 Vintage Platinum Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bradenton, FL
Ring is a size 8 and weighs approximately 6.6 grams total weight.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.86ct Diamond 2.67ct Ruby Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring is size 8 1/2 but it can be resized. Inventory #83293PNSS
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 10k Gold Native American Headdress Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CIRCA: Mid-20th Century MATERIALS: 10k Gold WEIGHT: 4.2 Grams MEASUREMENTS: 3/4" x 5/8" RING SIZE: 5.25 - 5.5 HALLMARKS: 10K
10k Gold
1.75ct Emerald 1.75ct Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring is size 8 1/2 but it can be resized. Inventory #81254AOBS
Emerald, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.47ct Diamond Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring is size 8 1/2 but it can be resized. Inventory #51280NWSS
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.64ct Diamond Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring is size 8 1/4 but it can be resized. Inventory #26803NNSS
Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Ring 10.2g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The side diamonds are round brilliant cuts, .10 total carats, H color, SI clarity. Ring size is 8 and can be sized down to a 7 for an extra fee.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 4.46 Carat Tourmaline and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tourmaline Quality Color Blue Cut Baguette Content 4.46 carats Dimensions 12.60mm (length) x 6.78mm (width) x 5.91mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (averag...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Gold Ring with Diamonds approx. 1.20 ct total
Located in Berlin, BE
Each diamond weighs approx. 0.20 ct, featuring E–G color and excellent VVS1–VVS2 clarity. • Ring weight: 7.9 g • Ring size: US 8
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.80 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Cut Oval Faceted Content 4.80 carats Dimensions 11.17mm x 8.18mm x 4.94mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) F Clarity (average grades) VS1 Cut Modern brilliant...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Ruby Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Color Red Cut Pear mixed Content 0.42 carat Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Pear mixed Content 0.21 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average gra...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Pink Rose Gold Estate Iolite Tanzanite Sunflower Band Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Details: • Metal: 14K Pink Rose Gold • Gemstones: Natural Iolites – 10 Marquise; Tanzanites – 14 Round, 1.4 Carats Total • Accent Stones: Champagne Round Diamonds – 0.1 Carats Total ...
Diamond, Iolite, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1950s Cultured Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color H Clarity VVS1 Cut Transitional modern brilliant round Content 0.28 carat Dimensions 4.24mm x 2.68mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades)...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.77 Carat Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine vintage platinum eternity ring in the UK. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average ...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,064Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
The diamonds total approximately 0.37 carats and are near colorless with I clarity. The ring is currently a size 8 and weighs approximately 2.70 grams.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Carnelian and 10 Carat Rose Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The deep red carnelian is complimented perfectly by the 10ct rose gold in this signet ring. Ring Size: R or 8 1/2 Stone Dimensions: 17x12mm Height Off Finger: 4mm Weight: 5.1g
Carnelian, Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 2.88 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G/H Clarity (average grades) VVS2/VS1 Cut Modern brilliant round Content 2.88 carat Number of Diamonds 16 Dimensions Width of setting 4.08mm/...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s Diamond and Yellow Gold White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color F Clarity P1 Cut Rose Dutch Content 0.30 carat Dimensions 5.60mm x 5.58mm x 1.54mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) F/G/J Clarity (av...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.16 Carat Diamond and 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) F/G Clarity (average grades) VS1/VS2 Cut Modern Brilliant Round Content (total) 2.16 carat Number of Diamonds 18 Dimensions Length of setting...
Diamond, White Gold
Modern 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1968. Ring Size: R 1/2 or 8 3/4 Face Dimensions: 11x9mm Weight: 2.9g
Gold
Estate 22ct Aquamarine & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Dallas, TX
The ring is size 8 and weighs 11 grams.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
14K White Gold Diamond Band Ring Four Row Sparkling Band
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Details: Metal: 14K White Gold Diamonds: Brilliant Round White Diamonds (1.1 Carats Total) Top Width: 3/8" Ring Size: 7 (Sizing Available) Weight: 4.6 Grams Style: Four-Row Diamond B...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.57 Carat Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS1/VS2 Cut Transitional Modern Brilliant Round Content 2.57 carats Number of Diamonds 19 Dimensions Width of sett...
Diamond, Platinum
1960s 1.29 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Oval mixed Content 1.29 carat Dimensions 7.21mm x 5.63mm x 3.82mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Modern br...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 2.05 Carat Garnet and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Garnet Quality Color Red Cut Round Content 2.05 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS1 Cut Eight-cut Content (total) 0.08 carat Dimensions Len...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Two Tone Gold Cabochon Amber Diamond Floral Ring Band
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Key Features & Specs: Material: 14K 2-Tone Gold Gemstones: One oval cabochon amber (18 mm by 13 mm) and 8 single-cut round diamonds (1 mm each) Ring Size: 9 (sizing available) Weight...
Amber, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Mauboussin Turquoise and Diamond Ring, French, 18k
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
Ring size US 8. Stamped, French marks. The total weight of the ring is 13.75 grams.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold and Plique-à-Jour Crocodile Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine vintage gold crocodile ring. Dimensions Width of setting 1.77cm/0.7' Height of setting 9.5mm/0.37' ...
Yellow Gold
1970s Emerald and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Color Green Cut Square step Content 0.73 carat Dimensions 5.61mm x 5.59mm x 3.07mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Eight-cut...
Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s 18k White Gold Cultured Pearl & Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Baguette Content (total) 0.18 carat Dimensions Width of setting 1.51cm/0.59" Height of setting 8.83mm/0.34"...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 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.
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.