18K Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring 12.5g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The natural pink sapphires have round brilliant cuts, 1.50 total carats. Ring size is 7 1/8 and can be sized. Excellent condition.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Vintage Citrine and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Modelled in 9 carat gold. Ring Size: Q or 8 Stone Dimensions: 16x13mm Height Off Finger: 8mm Weight: 6.1g
Citrine, 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
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
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring, Circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Round Faceted Content 0.95 carat Diamond Quality Color M Clarity P1 Cut Old European Content 1 carat Dimensions 6.20mm x 5.61mm x 3.92mm Dimensions ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s Emerald and 1.10 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Color Green Cut Square step Content 0.88 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) J Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Old European round Content (total) 1.10 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 12 Carat Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
CONDITION: Pre-Owned - Excellent 10/10 METAL: 18 kt Gold GEM STONE: Ceylon Sapphire 12,24 carats, Diamond 0,70 total carats DESIGN ERA: 1930 - Art Deco Style RING SIZE: US 8, Resiza...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Green Jade Cabochon Statement Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
Ring size: size 8 14k yellow gold Gram weight: 3.46 grams 21mmx9mm = 6.00 ct nephrite jade
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$295Sale Price|25% Off
Bent Knudsen Scandinavian Mid-Century Sterling Ring
By Bent Knudsen
Located in Toronto, ON
Ring Size: 7-8 Condition: good. Black reflections from photography only.
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamond weight of this ring is 44pts. Hallmarked Birmingham 1973. Ring Size: Q or 8 1/4 Cluster Diameter: 10mm Height off finger: 7mm Weight: 3.8g
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1940s 2.66 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color I Clarity SI2 Cut Old European round Content 0.78 carat Dimensions 5.25mm x 5.16mm x 3.90mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) F/G/H/I ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Buckle Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous chunky 18 carat gold buckle ring has a 7pt diamond set within. Ring size : Q 1/2 or 8 1/4 Band Width: 10mm Weight: 5.9g
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.03 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color H Clarity P1 Cut Transitional modern brilliant round Content 0.65 carat Dimensions 5.51mm x 3.71mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) G...
Diamond, Platinum
1940s 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.15ct Ruby
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Color Red Cut round mixed Content 0.15 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) P2 Cut Old European round Content (total) 0.30 carat Dim...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Vintage 0.30ct Ruby & 0.28ct Diamond Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Colour Red Cut Cushion Content 0.30 carat Dimensions 3.81mm x 3.40mm x 2.78mm Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) SI1 Cut Old European ro...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 0.97 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of vintage engagement rings. Diamond Quality: Feature Diamond: Color: F Clarity: VS2 Cut: R...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.46 Carat Diamond and White Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine 1.46 ct five stone diamond ring vintage. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color H Clarity VVS2 Cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century Synthetic Purple Sapphire Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
The ring is currently a size 8 and measures approximately 36mm in length across the top.
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Yellow Quartz & Tsavorite Garnet Ring 19.3g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ring size is 8 1/4 and can be sized, up or down, a half size.
Garnet, Quartz, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: Q or 8 Opal Dimensions: 9x7mm Cluster Dimensions: 13x11mm Height Off Finger: 7mm Weight: 3g
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
14K White Gold Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring 1.15ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The two side diamonds are princess cuts .45 total carats, H ,i , j color, SI clarity. The ring size is 8 1/2 and can be sized to fit. Excellent condition and great value.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18KT White Gold 5CT Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions Weight: 7.5 g Ring Size: UK Q · US 8¼ · EU 57.5 Emerald Details Natural Emerald Approx.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Vintage 2.72 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Diamond One Color H Clarity SI1 Cut Old European Content 1.05 carat Dimensions 6.27mm x 6.15mm x 3.7mm Diamond Two Color H Clarity VS2 Cut Old European Content 1.01 ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seed Opal Psi Omega Shield Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Its combination of enamel, opals, and warm gold gives it a distinctive vintage character. The ring is a size 8, measures approximately 6.7 mm in width, and weighs 9.23 grams.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1 Carat Sapphire and Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Square Faceted Content 1.00 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Transitional Modern Brilliant Round/Eight...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Gold Green Jade Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Ornate Openwork Mounting
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stone measures 7/16" x 5/8". Ring size 5.5. Weight: 11.8 grams. MATERIALS: 14k Gold GEMSTONE: Jade WEIGHT: 11.8 Grams RING SIZE: 5.5 MEASUREMENTS: Stone - 7/16" x 5/8"
Jade, 14k Gold
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
Vintage Diamond and Platinum Five Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamond total is 1.5cts Ring Size: Q or 8 Height Off Finger: 5 Weight: 3.9g
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Peridot and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Cluster Diameter: 19mm Height Off Finger: 6.5mm Weight: 3.9g
Peridot, Opal, Gold
Vintage 0.68 Carat Opal and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine gents opal ring in yellow gold. Opal Quality Cut Cabochon Content 0.68 carat Dimensions 7.19mm (leng...
Opal, Yellow Gold
1980s 1.33 Carat Emerald and Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Cut Mixed Content 1.33 carats Dimensions 7.18mm (length) x 6.20mm (width)0 x 3.93mm (depth) Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cu...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Ruby and Diamonds Cluster Flower Bouqet Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It has so much life left to live and it is ready for a new home! This ring is a size larger size 8 but can be resized.
Diamond, Ruby
Vintage 875 Silver Amber Ring Large Natural Amber Cabochon
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Marked 875 with Star mark and also has a mark of 6KD20 (most likely its for Kaliningrad Amber manufactory in USSR. ) Details: * Metal: silver (marked) * Origin: USSR * Stone: Nat...
Amber, Silver
Vintage 0.83 Carat Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of this retro gold and diamond ring for sale. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G/H Cla...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine and 2.39 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aquamarine Quality Cut Round Brilliant Content 0.63 carat Dimensions 5.75mm x 5.71mm x 3.45mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Transitional ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Niessing 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with Azurite & 1.10ct Diamonds
By Niessing
Located in The Hague, ZH
Ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57). The ring can be resized a few sizes at cost.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.73ct Ruby and 0.18ct Diamond Platinum Ring, Circa 1980
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive example of gemstone rings. Ruby Quality Cut Oval Faceted Content 2.73 carats Dimensions 8.37...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Garnet Heart Ring of 14k Gold - Circa 1940
Located in Lewisburg, PA
It is presented in great vintage condition, with light surface wear to the crown facets. Currently a size 8, the ring may be professionally resized for an additional charge.
Diamond, Rhodolite, 14k Gold
Diamond and Yellow Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Modern brilliant round Content (total) 0.39 carat Number of Diamonds 12 Dimensions Width of Setting 2.93mm...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.54Ct Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) F Clarity (average grades) VS1/VS2 Cut Transitional Modern Brilliant Round Content 1.54 carats Number of Diamonds 22 Dimensions Width of sett...
Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold 3 Stone Diamond Baguette Anniversary Band Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Diamonds: 3 Brilliant Round Diamonds + 20 Baguette Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: 0.8 Carats Band Width: 3/8" Ring Size: 7 (Resizing Available) Weight...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.69ct Emerald & 0.52ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring, 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Color Green Cut Square step Content 0.69 carat Dimensions 6.08mm x 5.81mm x 2.55mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI1 Cut Transiti...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1.01 Carat Diamond and Platinum Seven Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning vintage 7 stone baguette diamond ring. Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) F Clarity (averag...
Diamond, Platinum
Elongated 66.92ct Aquamarine Retro Cocktail Ring, 18k & 14k Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Ring size is 8 The ring measures 1.00 inch across, 1.40 inches down, and weighs 22.5 grams.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist 14K Gold Ring with Emerald Cut Mystic Topaz
Located in New York, NY
American, 20th Century Height: 24mm Width: 22mm Depth: 11mm Ring Size: 7 Weight: 8 grams
Topaz, 14k Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Ring, 0.95ct Total, Italy Circa 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat white gold ring, with a central large brilliant diamond of 0.8 carats in princess cut, and double rows of additional diamonds for a total of 0.95 carats, Italy 1940-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
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
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
Antique Circa 1920 Platinum 0.96ct Five Stone Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Colour F Clarity P1 Cut Old European Content 0.26 carat Dimensions 3.91mm (length) x 3.84mm (width) x 2.18mm (depth) Supporting Diamonds Colour (aver...
Diamond, Platinum
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.”
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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.
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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.