Unusual Tricolor Gold Rolling Ring
Located in New York, NY
Tricolor Rolling Ring in 14k gold from the 1940's. Tiny size with 3 bands in white, pink and green gold.
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Band Rings
14k Gold, Gold
Unusual Tricolor Gold Rolling Ring
Located in New York, NY
Tricolor Rolling Ring in 14k gold from the 1940's. Tiny size with 3 bands in white, pink and green gold.
14k Gold, Gold
White Gold Cavansite Gold Ring Alternative Engagement Jewelry unusual ring
Located in Berlin, DE
An amazing 14K white gold ring with natural Cavansite Cavansite origin - India weight of the cavansite - 7 ct ring weight - 7.74 gr ring size - 6 US stone measurements - 0.39 x 0.4...
14k Gold, White Gold
Unusual Coral Scarab Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Unusual Coral Scarab Ring from the 1920's. Beautifully carved antique 19th Century Italian coral carving set in the early part of the 20th Century referencing the Egyptian Revival st...
Coral, 14k Gold
1.00 Carats Diamond Unusual Flat Sided Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Fun Flat Sided Ring. The ring is 18K White Gold. With 1.00Ct in Diamonds F/G VS/SI The ring is a size 7.75, not sizable due to the design. The ring weighs 7.7 grams.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Unusual Lapis Lazuli Diamond Ball Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold cocktail ring, with 7.5mm lapis lazuli and gold balls, each set with a diamond in the center, total approx. 0.14ctw. Ring size - 7, ring top - 32mm x 25mm. Marked: 75...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Unusual Tumbled Turquoise Claw Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cool Tumbled Turquoise Claw Ring in 14k from the 1960's. A viscious claw in stippled gold holds a tumbled turquoise nugget with high polished claws, very unusual and a great stackabl...
Turquoise, 14k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Unusual Left Facing Oval Opal Cameo Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This beautiful, unusual vintage oval cameo ring is a white opal, with green plays of color, which features a lovely draped profile bust, facing to the left with...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ring 18K Gold Cocktail Open Design Statement Huge & Unusual 7.15 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ring 18K Gold Cocktail Open Design Statement Huge & Unusual 7.15 TDW This show stopper cocktail ring is finely crafted in solid 18K White and Rose Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$4,788Sale Price|20% Off
NARDI Venice Unusual Turban Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With Color Gemstones
By Nardi
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring designed by Nardi. This is a very rare vintage ring created in Venice Italy by the iconic and exclusive Venetian jewelry house of Nardi. This unique and one-of-a-kin...
Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Unusual Coral and Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
The shank expands to a widened squared base which allows ring to actually stand upright. Super unusual custom design, heavy quality construction.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,504Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Rococo Baroque Style White Gold 14 Karat Statement Ring Unusual Shape
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Available in Yellow and Rose Gold) Gold Size 18.2 Zirconia 35-0,48 ct Weight 5.57 gram With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a G...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$1,504Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Rococo Baroque Style Rose Gold 14 Karat Statement Ring Unusual Shape
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Rose Gold 14K Ring (Available in Yellow and White Gold) Gold Size 18.2 Zirconia 35-0,48 ct Weight 5.67 gram With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a G...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Unusual Large Trillion Smoky Quartz App, 19.36 CTS Foliate Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This contemporary ring features a striking large trillion faceted, pale brown smoky quartz ring, approximately 19.36 CTS, set into a free form style mounting wi...
Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Attractive and Unusual 18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very unusual and attractive 18 yellow Gold ring set with nice diamonds weighing approximately 1.06 ct and vivid green emealds weighing approximately 1.01 ct.
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
Salavetti Blue and Yellow Natural Sapphire Unusual 18K Ring
By Salavetti
Located in Aspen, CO
Yellow and blue sapphires set in 18K yellow gold in a very inventive ring by the jewelry designer Salavetti - known for their use of fine materials. The pave set natural golden (yell...
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Diamond and Ruby 18K Unusual Geometric Modern Designed Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
18K well made ring possessing 60 fine white brilliant cut diamonds estimated to weigh .60 cts, all approximately H, near colorless, and very slightly included, VS. There are 20 calib...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unusual Art Deco Yellow Sapphire with Calibre Amythests
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Elegant French Art Deco Ring with Calibre Cut Amythests and Cushion Cut Yellow Sapphire Ring circa 1930 France.
Amethyst, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unusual 0.44ct Oval Diamond Solitaire with Set Shoulders
Located in London, GB
This sculptural statement ring centres an 0.44 carat bezel set oval cut diamond between diamond-set shoulders in 18 carat yellow gold. The centre stone weighs 0.44 carat and is certi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,950
Modernist Gold Ring
Located in Darnestown, MD
Unusual Modernist 14 karat gold ring made of a series of circles of different sizes and heights.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Star Sapphire Gold Claw Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A very unusual unisex yellow gold ring, designed around a natural star sapphire (ca. 6 ct), which is being clawed by the gold ring.
Star Sapphire, 10k Gold
Sculptural Domed Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
Located in Darnestown, MD
Unusual domed 18 karat gold cocktail ring comprised of textured half circles and diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This unusual 18 carat yellow gold ring features a wonderful cluster in the center made of 9 round brilliant cut diamonds, with a total approximate weight of 1.40ct, all claw set in o...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold GIA Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
An unusual 18K white gold solitaire diamond ring that was in the 190s classic style.
Diamond, White Gold
1950s Italian 1.12 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine, impressive and unusual vintage diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with 18k white gold settings.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Square Blue Sapphire & Diamond Hexagon 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
An unusual and very pretty white gold ring that bezel set with a beautiful royal blue square cut sapphire.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian 9K Yellow Gold Hairwork Mourning Buckle Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique hairwork and gold ring, comprising plaited brunette hairwork, set in a 9 karat yellow gold band.
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Vibrant Cabochon Fire Opal 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful vibrant orange oval cabochon fire opal 14K yellow gold ring. The unusual gold swirl design of this ring complements the natural fiery swirl inclusions of the opal gemstone.
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ring Motion Spinning 18K White Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Ring Motion Spinning 18K White Gold Vintage This unusual vintage ring is crafted in solid 18K White Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Amethyst Set Contemporary Horizontal Elongated Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This unusual ring has a square, half-faceted, and half cabochon cut, medium to dark purple color amethyst, offset into a wide, elongated contemporary split, dec...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring with Pearls
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Unusual 18 K yellow Gold Eternity Ring feautruing white cultured Pearls in a channel setting.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold and Plique-à-Jour Crocodile Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The body and tail of the crocodile are accented with textured decoration, emulating a crocodile's skin and anatomical features. This impressive and unusual vintage gold ring is furt...
Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond Chased Gold Men’s Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 This highly unusual antique 14K gold ring is chased with two profile busts of an Egyptian pharaoh and stylized floral designs.
Diamond
Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Hairwork Floral Chased Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique hairwork and gold ring, comprising brunette hairwork, set in a 15 karat yellow gold band.
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Over Sterling Silver Aquamarine & Diamond Ring, Size 7.5
Located in Nantucket, MA
An unusual combination ring of 18K gold (weighted, not plated) over an oxidized sterling silver.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
18k White Gold Caged Rectangular Checkerboard Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k white gold ring. This unusual ring features a horizontal, rectangular checkerboard cushion, light purple color amethyst, set in a caged, swirled border and shank, set with round ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K White Gold Moonstone Black White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very unusual 18 K white Gold Cocktail Ring featuring 3 lovely Moonstones Cabochons weighing 6.63 ct surrounded by black Diamonds weighing 0.65 ct in a black rhodium setting.
White Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
Charles Green & Sons Antique 1900s Yellow Gold Locket Signet Ring with Enamel
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This unusual 18k yellow gold signet ring with initials is fine quality with an impressive enamel panel.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Large Coral and Diamond 18 Carat Rose and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
This unusual 18 carat rose gold cocktail ring features an impressive perfectly round natural coral measuring 16.5mm.
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Jade, Diamond, Black Enamel Statement Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luxurious gold, this unusual ring features a large natural jade with a unique geometrical cut, exuding elegance and mystique.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Invisible Set Yellow Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
An unusual white gold ring created by one of the most revolutionary developments in jewelry workmanship occurred in the 1930’s called ‘invisible setting technique’.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Extravagant 18 Karat Rose Gold Cocktail Ring with Moonstones and Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Unusual 18 K Rose Gold Ring set with 14 brownish labardorescent Moonstones weighing 13.02 ct and further decorated with 52 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.94 ct.
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Gold Pink Sapphire Heart Cut and Diamond Coil Band Ring, Unisex
Located in Nantucket, MA
An unusual 14K gold overlapping coil ring with a heart-shaped, faceted pink sapphire and a row on top of the band of round, brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Signet Ring Intaglio Bull Taurus Carnelian 18K Yellow Gold ØUS7/12.3gr
Located in SE
Unusual antique Gold and Carnelian Signet Ring with fine hand-carved intaglio of Taurus or Bull / Baal ?
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Dress Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from solid 18 karat yellow gold, this rather unusual dress ring has been set with diamonds and two Ceylon sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1st Decade 19th century Sentimental Hair Ring 9ct gold Glass
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This unusual shaped gold ring wast created out of 9 karat gold in the 1st decade of the nineteenth century, over 22o years ago..
Vintage 1.66 Carat Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Unusual 18K Yellow gold Cluster Ring centered with a Sparkling Old Mine cut Diamond weighing 1.66 carat, graded K color with SI clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Free Form Rectangular Ruby Set Ring With Melted Patterning, Size 7.75
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This unusual yellow gold ring is a free form rectangle profile, decorated with a melted style patterning and open shoulders, and set with three vertical round f...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.85 Carats Princess Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Unusual Gold Eternity Band The ring is 18K Yellow Gold There is 1.85 Carats F VS Princess Cut Diamonds There are 31 stones in the ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 32 Carat Natural Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Unusual handmade 18k rose gold cocktail ring. It is set with one large Natural Sapphire cabochon shaped in the center, weight 32 carat, and surrounded by brown and white round Brilli...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique 8 BallCutMoonstones French BelleEpoque GiltFiligree Earrings & Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Shifting with light as if floating like large beads of water under glass, the spherical bright sheen has an unusual outer ring of gold, which may be due to reflection of the obscured...
Crystal, Moonstone, Brass, Gold, Gilt Metal
Unavailable
Renaissance Gemstone Ring
Located in New York, NY
The use of a pearl is unusual. Gold ring, rounded hoop set with a seed pearl, now iridescent, in a floral bezel, the petals chased, plain thin collet.
Unavailable
Unusual Verso-Set Amethyst and Gold Ring
Located in Prairie Village, KS
hammered domed gold mount centering an upside-down faceted amethyst
Unavailable
Stunning and Unusual Citrine Bypass Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in TRYON, NC
This magnificent bypass ring has an 8 ct marquise citrine and a 3 ct scapolite marquise. The main stones are surrounded by .75 ct white diamonds and .50 ct red-orange African sapphir...
Citrine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage and Unusual Old Cut Diamond Two Stone Ring in 18ct Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
An unusual diamond two stone ring set with a pair of Old European cut diamonds in white claw settings.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
An Unusual Retro Citrine and Diamond Ring.
Located in London, GB
Designed as a horizontal line of brilliant-cut diamonds, to a radiating fan of graduated calibré-cut citrines accented with brilliant-cut diamonds, 1940s.
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unusual Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Navette Ring, circa 1880
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
An unusual 18 karat gold Victorian onyx and diamond, diamond shaped ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Samuel Getz Unusual Color Change Garnet and Diamond Ring in 18Kt.
Located in Miami Beach, FL
A "Samuel Getz" 18 Karat White Gold Ring Featuring a Rare and Unusual Square Brilliant Step Cut Natural Color-Changing [From Olive Green in Daylight to Orangey-Red in Inca...
Garnet, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Sapphire & Gold Ring
Located in Fuengirola, Malaga
Unusual 18 karat white gold ring set with blue sapphires.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire and Ruby 18 Karat Gold Bridal Band Ring
By AB Jewelry NYC
Located in New York, NY
Cylinder Ring. An unusual 18K gold bezel bridal band ring is set on all three sides.
Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Elongated Rectangle Two-Tone Gold Pearl Ring with Diamonds
Located in Dubai, DU
A classic and unusual extra-elongated gold pearl ring that celebrates the striking elegance of geometric lines.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Gold Ring 18 Karat Curb Chain Link Stacking Band Chunky Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
This unusual 18 carat gold chain ring makes a stylish statement with its masculine elegance.
18k Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold Diamond Heavy Eternity Band Ring 750 Purity
Located in Camelford, GB
A very special item: 18CT GOLD WHITE DIAMOND TWIST ETERNITY BAND RING DETAILS Material: Solid 18ct (750/000) thick white gold Style: Unusual eternity style ring with gemstoned in a ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
ETTORE SOTTSASS Lapis Lazuli, Coral and Gold Ring
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in London, GB
An unusual gold, lapis lazuli and coral ring, designed by Ettore Sottsass, executed by Cleto Munari.
Antique Gold Cameo Ring Greek Theatre Mask Silenus Hardstone Intaglio Signet
Located in London, GB
A very unusual antique gold ring set with a carved brown and white hardstone cameo depicting the theatrical comic mask of Silenus, the Greek mythological old rustic god of wine-makin...
Agate, 18k Gold
Ia Jewels 14 Carat Gold Cameo Cornelian Ring with Green Tourmaline and Sapphire
By Ia Jewels
Located in Tbilisi, GE
14- carat gold contemporary rectangular unusual cocktail ring with a relief, cameo on the semi-transclusent dark cornelian.
Green Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Ring by Hans Mautner in 18 Carat Gold with Cabochon Burma Ruby, London 1954.
Located in London, GB
An unusual 18 carat yellow gold ring of wirework design, with a cabochon cut Burma ruby centre stone protected by its petalled surround, hallmarked London 1954 and signed HM for Hans...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Unavailable
Victorian 18k Crest Signet Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
Its purpose would have been to seal the wax of a letter or note. An incredible and unusual gold signet ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era!
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ia Jewels 14 Carat Gold Asymmetric Emerald Tourmaline Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Ia Jewels
Located in Tbilisi, GE
14-carat gold contemporary geometrical unusual asymmetric ring with 2 color emeralds, the same color tourmaline and on the other side dark round diamond and small diamonds.
Unavailable
Victorian Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in Middleton, WI
This unusual antique Victorian diamond gold cluster ring was handcrafted in England around 1890.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Pearl Diamond Bakelite "Rainbow Bubble" Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Lined in 18k yellow gold. This very unusual ring is an original design and creation by Michael Kneebone.
more unusual yellow 1, 42 ct diamond-heart ring 18k gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
- Description of the - 750 white gold - hallmarked with the fineness - 1 fancy yellow heart-cut diamond, 1.42 ct, - 54 white and yellow diamonds, faceted, total 1.5 ct - Ring size: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unusual Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
Three bezel set stones, one a fine diamond weighing .49 cts., near colorless and very slightly included, H/VS, and two bright red natural rubies, weighing totally .38 cts. This rin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unusual French Gold Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique French made 18 karat yellow gold "Dome" cocktail ring with free form 3 dimensional wavy design from the 1970's. Composed of solid 18 karat gold weighing 21.5 Grams. Stamped wi...
18k Gold
Meteorite Ring Gold Gemstone Unisex Engagement ring unusual
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural iron Meteorite stone measurements - 0.12 x 0.47 x 0.75 in / 3 x 12 x 19 mm meteorite weight - 15.20 carats ring size - 7.5 US ring weight - 6.68 gra...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unusual Faceted Pink Tourmaline and 18K Gold Ring
Located in Nantucket, MA
A very unusually-shaped ring with intricate 18K gold work and a faceted oval pink tourmaline. The design allows for some size flexibility and looks great as a thumb ring as well. S...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Unusual Emerald Bead Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A peculiar cocktail ring in 18kt yellow gold, highlighted with baguette cut diamonds (apprx 3cts total), showcasing a fine Old Mine Colombian emerald bead weighing 9.03 carats. Circa...
Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold
H Stern Unusual Smoky Quartz Ring
By H. Stern
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, smoky quartz and diamond ring by H.Stern. The ring centers a rectangular cut smoky topaz set atop a matte gold ring set with a diamond on the bottom of the ...
Topaz, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unusual Diamond Set Gold Band
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, Swiss. This sparkly diamond ring features larger round brilliant cut diamonds interspersed by rows of smaller diamonds. The look is organo-chic for everyday wear. S...
White 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.
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.
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