$768Sale Price|20% Off
Marquese Side Stone Ring Moissanite Ring 14k Yellow Gold Wedding Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Marquese Side Stone Ring Moissanite Ring 14k Yellow Gold Wedding Gift.
Yellow Gold
Vintage 14kt yellow Gold Carved Hard Stone Ring
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
The Vintage Hard Stone Cameo Dinner Ring is an elegant piece crafted in 14kt gold, featuring a beautifully deeply carved hard stone Female Bust cameo set on a nice organic leaf desi...
Yellow Gold
1920s Diamond Yellow Gold Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive five stone diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamonds And Black Stone Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 14K white gold, diamonds and black stone cocktail ring. It depicts a black stone sphere supported by a yellow gold ribbed concave trough arc enhanced by four round tiny dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Two-Stone Ring - 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $30 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Color: White Size: 5.3mm & 5.4mm Style: Two-...
Cultured Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bellari 18k Yellow Gold Multi-Stone and Diamond Ring
By Bellarri
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the setting adds warmth and depth that beautifully enhance the varied gemstone palette and reinforce the ring’s refined designer character.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blue Stone and Diamond Ring 0.15ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14k yellow gold ring with diamonds and blue accent gemstones.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring 0.30ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This is a 14k yellow gold three-stone natural Diamond ring with accent diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Five-Stone Tourmaline & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Five-Stone Tourmaline & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a five-stone design with a bezel-set round pink tourmaline at the ce...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold and Diamonds Ring with Center Stone
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
It is set with diamonds totaling approximately 0.35 carats. Ring size is EU 57. Details: * Metal: 18k yellow gold * Diamonds: Approximately 0.35 carats total *Diamond: Center Stone...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Orange Stone Bowtie Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Orange Stone Bowtie Ring This stunning Orange Diamond Bowtie Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.81ct Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Three-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A truly exceptional creation, this three-stone diamond engagement ring showcases timeless sophistication and rare beauty.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sapphire three stone ring 18KT yellow gold sapphire engagement ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Different engagement ring made with three sapphires in the center in 18Kt yellow gold, sapphires are totalling 4 carats and are slightly included with a beautiful royal blue color. ...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 2-Stone Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Modern 2-Stone Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this modern ring features a clean cathedral-style silhouette accented by two round diamonds set vertically...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Stone Blue Topaz 10K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Bradenton, FL
10k yellow gold three stone blue topaz ring, 3.59 Grams TW.
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9-Stone Opal Ring in 10k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage 9-Stone Opal Ring in 10k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 10k yellow gold and features a prong-set oval crystal opal at the center, surrounded by eight smaller cr...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Twin-Stone Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring
Located in Weston, MA
A 0.67 fancy intense yellow pear modified brilliant-cut diamond and a 0.62 carat pear brilliant-cut diamond with round accent diamonds, mounted in 18k yellow gold and platinum Size...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$3,497 / item
Marquise Diamond Three-Stone Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A breathtaking blend of contemporary elegance and timeless luxury, this Marquise Diamond Three-Stone Ring showcases a brilliant marquise-cut center diamond accented by two pear-shape...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian emerald diamond 14k yellow gold 5 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This charming Victorian emerald and diamond five-stone ring is a beautiful jewel from the 1890’s, combining rich color, antique sparkle, and timeless symmetry.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold five stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Edwardian sapphire and diamond five stone ring from the 1910s is a charming antique jewel with timeless elegance and rich color.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14ct Yellow Gold Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Diamond Ring 14ct Yellow Gold Stamped 585 Circa 1940s This beautiful ring will add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 1.1tcw Marquise Diamond 6 Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 14k yellow gold ring features six marquise-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.10 carats, arranged in a graceful, elongated silhouette.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,909Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Seven-Stone Prong Set Diamond Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Material : 14KT Yellow Gold Gold Weight : 3.3 Gram Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamond Stone : 7 Natural Diamonds Diamond Carat : 1.29 Total Carat W...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 20.38 Carat Natural Yellow Zircon and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
*ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE PREPAID TARRIFS & CUSTOMS DUTIES FOR USA CLIENTS.* A cocktail ring with a very unique colored stone, 20.38 carat natural Yellow Zircon and Diamonds set in so...
Diamond, Zircon, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum, Yellow Diamond and Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Platinum, Yellow Diamond and Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring Platinum, Yellow Diamond and Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring Centering a round-cut diamond, flanked by 2 round-c...
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Sterling Silver and Yellow Citrine Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
A substantial sterling silver ring with oval yellow citrine center stone, in the Art Deco design style, circa late-20th century.
Citrine, Sterling Silver
Vintage Diamond Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive vintage five stone diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
20th Century Yellow Jade Stone Archers Ring
Located in London, GB
Mottled Yellow Jade Stone 20th Century Archers Ring Dated 1970s Thick heavy piece - worn on the thumb or as a decorative interior addition The design originates from Ancient China w...
Jade
14K Yellow Gold Morganite Ring – 15mm Round Faceted Stone
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant 14K yellow gold ring showcases a striking 15.0mm round morganite in a beautiful medium pink hue.
Morganite, Yellow Gold
Vintage 3 Multicolor Stone 14k Yellow Gold Ring Band
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage 3 Multicolor Stone 14k Yellow Gold Ring Band This stunning Vintage 3 Multicolor Stone Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20.02ct Radiant Cut Three Stone Fancy Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
By Rick Shatz
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and museum-worthy engagement ring, this remarkable three-stone design is centered by a magnificent 20.02-carat Radiant Cut Fancy Yellow diamond, certified by GI...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
Vintage 1950s Diamond and Yellow Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.43 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set three stone ring; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Three-Stone Bypass Ring - 10k Single
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Cut: Single Stone Note: (3) sm...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D Marquise Diamond Three Stone Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural take on a three stone ring, this piece features three marquise cut natural diamonds totaling approximately 3.57 carats, set in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1910s Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.36 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of our collection of antique diamond rings.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Iridescent Glass Stone Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Glass Stone Ring Size 8- This lovely ring features one iridescent glass stone set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$35,640Sale Price|20% Off
3.02ct Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and timeless three-stone engagement ring centered around a vibrant 3.02 carat radiant cut fancy yellow diamond, certified by GIA (report no. 2155274477).
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
9K Yellow Gold Amethyst Vintage Style Five Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Soft, elegant, and full of vintage charm, this Cabochon Amethyst Vintage Style Five Stone Ring features five smooth round cabochon-cut amethysts set gracefully across the band.
Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Tiffany & Company Yellow Gold 3 Stone Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 Tiffany & Company 3 stone Diamond Ring, a Solid and Heavy 14k Yellow Gold Ring measuring 3/8 inch wide 3 M.M thick and weighing 12 Grams, set with 3 Old Mine cut Diamonds,...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$56,000Sale Price|20% Off
4.25ct Cushion Cut Three Stone Fancy Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully balanced three-stone engagement ring centered around a 4.25 carat fancy yellow cushion-cut diamond, certified by GIA and graded VS2 clarity.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14k Yellow Gold Oval Cut Peridot Center Stone Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k Yellow Gold Oval Cut Peridot Center Stone Ring This stunning 14k Yellow Gold Peridot Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Gold Stone Ring Size 5.5 #15196
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14IK Yellow Gold Goldstone Ring Size 5.5 This gorgeous ring is crafted from 14K yellow gold and features a beautiful goldstone glass cabachon stone in the center!
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$168,000Sale Price|20% Off
10.06ct Radiant Cut Three Stone Fancy Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking three-stone engagement ring centered around a magnificent 10.06 carat fancy yellow radiant-cut diamond, certified by GIA and graded SI1 clarity.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1920s Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.42 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 14 karat white gold set five stone ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Diamond and Yellow Gold Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine contemporary Art Nouveau style three stone ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1870s Diamond and Yellow Gold Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.36 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold five stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 KT Yellow Gold 7-Stone Yellow/Orange Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat yellow gold, weighing 15.63 grams, are 7 Oval Sapphires - 6 Yellow and One Orangey Brown - weighing a total of 8.75 carats accented with 100 Round Brilliant Cut diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$144,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 6.51 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and highly elegant three-stone ring centered by a magnificent GIA-certified natural Fancy Yellow diamond weighing 6.51 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910 Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Opal 3 Stone Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
The fine craftsmanship and quality materials of this ring ensure it will continue to be a treasured heirloom for many years to come. 1910 Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Opal Ring - 19...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Twin-Stone Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring
Located in Weston, MA
A 0.67 fancy intense yellow pear modified brilliant-cut diamond and a 0.62 carat pear brilliant-cut diamond with round accent diamonds, mounted in 18k yellow gold and platinum Size...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,584Sale Price / item|20% Off
VR Jewels Fancy Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This three-stone engagement ring features 0.67 carats of diamonds, 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique five stone diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian diamond ruby 18k yellow gold 5 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Edwardian five-stone ring features three sparkling old European cut diamonds and two richly colored cushion cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Three-Stone Ring 14k Single
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .03ctw...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Two-Stone Yellow Diamond & Baguette Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Two-Stone Yellow Diamond & Baguette Diamond Bypass Ring Description: This platinum ring features a striking two-stone arrangement of vibrant yellow diamonds totaling 2....
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...
11.96 Carats Kunzite Yellow Gold Dual-Stone Cocktail Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring showcases two stunning kunzite gemstones, with different cuts that add an asymmetrical yet balanced design, all set in yellow gold. 2 Kunzite Gemstones: 11.96 Cara...
Kunzite, Gold, 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 diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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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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.