Zolotas 22k Ring
1990s Band Rings
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1960s Greek Retro Cocktail Rings
Gold
Late 20th Century Greek Contemporary Cocktail Rings
22k Gold
Vintage 1980s Contemporary Dome Rings
Yellow Gold, Platinum, 22k Gold
20th Century Greek More Rings
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Greek Classical Greek Clip-on Earrings
Citrine, Sapphire, 22k Gold
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Vintage 1980s Greek Hellenistic Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Greek Greek Revival Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
2010s Greek Modern Bangles
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Brooches
Gilt Metal
Mid-20th Century Greek Modernist Clamper Bracelets
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage 1980s Greek Classical Greek Cocktail Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Greek Modern Cuff Bracelets
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s French Pocket Watches
Late 20th Century Cufflinks
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Greek Modernist Cufflinks
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Greek Modern Choker Necklaces
18k Gold, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1970s French Hellenistic Hoop Earrings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Steel
Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Signet Rings
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s French Fashion Rings
22k Gold
Vintage 1980s Greek Fashion Rings
Amethyst, Citrine, 22k Gold
Vintage 1950s Greek Renaissance Bangles
Vintage 1980s Greek More Necklaces
Onyx, 22k Gold
20th Century Greek More Rings
22k Gold
Greek Fashion Rings
20th Century Greek More Rings
22k Gold
20th Century Greek Fashion Rings
Emerald, 22k Gold
20th Century Greek More Rings
22k Gold
20th Century Greek More Rings
Sapphire, 22k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Greek Fashion Rings
22k Gold
20th Century Greek More Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold
20th Century Greek More Rings
18k Gold
Finding the Right rings for You
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.