Modern Fire Opal Diamond 18k Yellow Gold “Ace” Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sweet and stylish ring featuring a 6.37 carat smooth freeform Mexican fire opal.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Exquisite 5-Stone Opal Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This elegant 5-stone opal ring showcases the mesmerizing play-of-color of natural oval opals, each glowing with a rainbow sheen that shifts beautifully with the light.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 2.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.04 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite antique 18K yellow gold daisy-style ring is a timeless masterpiece, embodying elegance and vintage charm.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. The faceted fire opal is exceptionally rare and stunning!
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Opal Cluster Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Australian Opal Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .04ct Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 4 grams **Due to the uniqueness of the opal stone, ther...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10k Victorian Opal and Garnet Cluster ring. 10k Yellow Gold with Claw set opal
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1910s Size: 3 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Opal Gem color: White Band color: Gold Style: Victorian About this item Stunning antique opal and garnet cluster ring....
Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Tanzanite and Opal Ring #13769
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Tanzanite and Opal Ring Size 7.25-7.5 JAGi Certified- This lovely ring features one pear shaped tanzanite (9 mm x 6 mm) and two cabochon pear shaped whi...
Opal, Tanzanite, Yellow Gold
Victorian Oval Cabochon Opal 14k Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
Victorian estate opal solitaire ring in 14K yellow gold, centering a luminous oval cabochon opal measuring approximately 10.42mm by 8.24mm in a four-prong claw setting with decorativ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a cluster of prong-set opals totaling approximately .60ctw.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 3.15 carats approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mosaic Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mosaic Opal and Diamond Ring Size 7.25- This lovely ring features one mosaic opal gemstone (8 mm x 8 mm) and three round single cut diamonds set in clas...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Whimsical Opal & Ruby Frog Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Whimsical Opal & Ruby Frog Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a charming frog motif with a luminous jelly opal set at the cente...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.12 Carat Opal and Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique opal solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Engagement Ring, 14k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones opal, 1 pear cab 5.6 x 3.9 mm diamond, 2 round brilliant cut 1.9 mm approximately .04 total carats GH color/ SI2-I1 clarity Ring Size 6.5 Rise Off Of Finger: 5 mm Length: 7...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
12K Yellow Gold 4.82 carat Australian Opal Ring size 5.75
Located in Big Bend, WI
12K yellow gold ring featuring a large oval cabochon cut Australian opal.
Opal, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous round opal cluster takes center stage in this vintage-style ring, blossoming like a tiny, radiant flower.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Opal Ring featuring a dramatic and elegant design with luminous opals set across the top and bottom, separated by a brilliant center of thirty-two round...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tatiana 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Pink Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$490Sale Price|30% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone: 1 pear shape opal 1.005pts. other stones: 2 round diamonds .03pts. color:GH clarity:SI1 brand:- metal:14K GOLD type: ring ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Poison Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace mystery and vintage charm with this Opal Vintage-Style Cocktail Poison Ring. Featuring a bezel-set opal that opens to reveal a hidden compartment, it's both captivating and f...
Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring Diamonds 4.1 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural Ethiopian Opal = 3.95 Carats 32 Diamonds = 0.15 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Jelly Opal, Fire Opal, and Diamonds by Paula Crevoshay
By Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Indulge in the ethereal beauty of this exquisite 18K yellow gold ring by Paula Crevoshay, featuring a mesmerizing 6.88-carat jelly opal, 2.32 carats of fire opals, and 1.21 carats of...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 13.50 Carat Opal and 20k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine, and impressive vintage 13.50 carat opal and 20 karat yellow gold ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage jewelry and estate jewelry.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 9.75 cts approx Diamonds 0.45 ct approx Ring size US 7, can be sized One of a kind About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing i...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 7 cts approx Diamonds 1.25 cts approx Ring size US 7, can be sized One of a kind About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing ins...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage opal diamond 14k yellow gold silver cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in a combination of 14k yellow gold and silver during the 1970s, the ring reflects a bold yet elegant design with a substantial presence.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
9K Yellow Gold Opal Vintage Style Cluster Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fall in love with the delicate beauty of this Opal and Diamond Vintage-Style Cluster Floral Ring.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Natural Opal Carved Ring 10KT yellow gold size 6.5
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Unusual opal ring handmade and handcarved in 10Kt yellow gold with natural Australian opals.
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold Opal Band Ring Size 4.5 #16932
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10K Yellow Gold Opal Band Ring Size 4.5 This gorgeous 10K gold band ring features 13 sparkling opal stones for a breathtaking look!
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Ring Size 6.5 #14626
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6.5 This gorgeous 14K gold ring is decorated with 29 beautiful opal stones!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
18K Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Ring, featuring one prong set oval cabochon opal weighing approx. 14.00 carats, surrounded by 26 prong set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 0.57 carat Round Cut Fire Opal in the center of the ring and is surrounded by a halo of 14 Multi- Col...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
Munsteiner 11.17 CT Fire Opal 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Atelier Munsteiner
Located in Westport, CT
An original 18K yellow gold hand-forged Munsteiner fire opal ring, accompanied by an appraisal by Independent Laboratories.
Opal, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring Diamonds 4.1 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural Ethiopian Opal = 3.95 Carats 32 Diamonds = 0.15 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Australian Opal Pearl Yellow Gold Estate Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous and timeless, this 14kt Yellow Gold Natural Australian Opal Estate Ring is a captivating accessory.
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Flower” Ring 9 Carat Yellow Gold Opals And Diamonds
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Romantic flower ring in 9 carat yellow gold, set with 4 cabochon-cut pear-shaped opals.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.71 Carat Opal Solitaire Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.71 Carat Opal Solitaire Ring This statement Opal Ring draws its inspiration from the Moon.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal & Black Coral Inlay Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Ring Size: 5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing requests) Width: 17.97 mm Weight: 4.02 grams
Coral, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Flat Hart Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing ring with a 2,95 carat bezel-set flat hart shape Australian opal .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald & Opal Vintage Style Floral Halo Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Total weight: 2.13 g.
Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring Diamonds 4.1 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural Ethiopian Opal = 3.95 Carats 32 Diamonds = 0.15 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Opal & Ruby Ladies Cocktail Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This Vintage Estate ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. It features prong set oval shaped Opal and round cut Rubies.
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Amethyst Cabochon and Opal Poison Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning Amethyst Cabochon and Opal Poison Ring features a beautifully smooth amethyst cabochon set in a secure bezel.
Amethyst, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold 4.42ct Opal & 1.70ctw Diamond Enamel Accented Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is exquisitely crafted in 13k yellow gold and centered by a captivating 4.42 carat oval opal displaying vivid flashes of fiery red, green, blue, and golden play-of-...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6.5 #15380
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold and Opal Ring Size 6.5 JAGi Certified- This stunning ring features one oval opal (8.7 mm x 6.5 mm) set in beautifully detailed 18K yellow gold.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing ring with a 7,4 carat bezel-set oval shape magnificent Queensland mine Australian boulder opal .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Blue Lightning Ridge Australian Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing ring with a 9,65 carat bezel-set oval shape magnificent Lightning Ridge Australian crystal opal .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Yellow Gold Ring and Australian Coober Pedy Opal
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt yellow gold ring with a magnificent oval cabochon solid Australian Crystal Opal weight 9,94 carats from Coober Pedy mines area .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,044Sale Price / item|23% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon. Starburst Opal Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Starburst Opal Ring. Vintage style opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with oval opal cabochon.
Topaz, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal & Red Garnet Cocktail Ring Ca. 1950s
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful opal and red garnet ring is a 1950's design. The ring is 14 karat yellow gold with a white opal centerpiece (12.75x9.55mm opal).
Garnet, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Oval Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Discover enchanting elegance with this Oval Opal Vintage-Style Cocktail Ring. The luminous oval opal captivates with its shifting colors and soft glow, embodying a dreamy, ethereal b...
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Boulder Opal 22 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Australian Boulder Opal and solid 22k hand forged yellow gold solitaire cocktail ring with a split shank design.
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold White Opal Ring '3 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This colorful opal and diamond ring features an oval opal framed by Micro prong round brilliant diamonds in 18k yellow gold.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Natural 10Cts Black Australian Opal Cocktail Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
Approximately 10 Ct Oval Shape Black Australian Opal Cocktail Ring 14 Kt Yellow Gold, SIZE 6.5 Introducing our captivating 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring featuring a breathtaking...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Opal & Moonstone Foliage Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 9k Yellow Gold Weight: 1.7 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Moonstone, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,999Sale Price|20% Off
Ethiopian Opal Ring Diamonds 4.1 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural Ethiopian Opal = 3.95 Carats 32 Diamonds = 0.15 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k 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.
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.