Late 19th Century 18kt Gold Diamond And Oval Opal Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Gold 750 and platinum 850 thousandths ring set with a claw-set opal cabochon surrounded and shouldered by crowned roses.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Opal Heart Ring of 18k and 14k Gold, Circa 1910
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming antique ring centered with an opal heart, crowned by a green gemstone accent (possibly green zoisite), creating a romantic and softly luminous composition.
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian Emerald Diamond Opal Ring 14K Gold Antique, c.1820s
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Georgian Emerald Diamond Opal Ring 14K Gold Antique, c.1820s This rare and highly collectible antique ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold (carefully tested and guarantee...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14ct Yellow Gold, 1920s Opal & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 14ct Gold Circa 1920s This exquisite antique ring, crafted in the 1920s, showcases a captivating arrangement of five oval-shaped fiery opals, elegantly interspe...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Garnet and Opal 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glittering garnets in this ring are gorgeous and colourful opals. The garnets total 30pts and the opals total approx 45pts.
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Art Deco Opal Black Onyx Ring 14 Karat Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a stunning Antique Art Deco - Hollywood Regency Opal and Black Onyx Ring with a gorgeous central Opal set in Black Onyx in a 14 Karat Rose Gold raised open work setting of...
Opal, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 14ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Opal & Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 14ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Step back in time with this exquisite Victorian Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, a stunning testament to the craftsmanship of the era.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Opal and Diamond Halo Ring of 14k Gold, Size 7
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This elegant ring centers on a luminous white opal framed by a halo of glittering rose cut diamonds, all set in warm 14k gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set flush in this 9ct yellow gold band. The glossy and colourful stone is set in a square setting and the rose cut diamonds are set either side. The diam...
Opal, Diamond, Gold
Antique Victorian Old Mine Diamond and Opal 14k Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Orlando, FL
Antique Victorian Opal & Diamond Navette Ring in 14k Gold A beautifully elongated Victorian navette ring, centered with a glowing row of opals that display lively flashes of gre...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Opal and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1880
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This luminous ring centers on a glowing opal, its shifting play of color enhanced by the sparkle of four old single cut diamonds delicately set in palladium.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Palladium
Opal Snake Winged Phoenix Bird Ring Egyptian Revival Antique Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a museum quality antique Egyptian Revival Opal Snake Phoenix Bird Ring. The antique ring has a central hexagonal Opal cabochon of great beauty.
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold
Art Deco Opal and 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are gorgeous and throw some great colours.
Opal, Gold
Antique Victorian Opal Old Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1890s, 18ct Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring dating to the circa 1890s, crafted in 18 carat yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Opal Triplet and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is a show stopper! The colours of this opal triplet are beautiful.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Rose Gold Edwardian Opal & Diamond Boat Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Rose Gold Tested Circa 1900 This stunning Edwardian opal ring is crafted from 18ct rose gold and boasts a unique boat shape that is sure to turn heads.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Opal, Emerald, and Ruby Ring of 15k Gold, Circa 1850
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An enchanting Victorian era ring (circa 1850), set with a unique arrangement of opals, emeralds, and rubies, all mounted in 15 karat gold.
Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Edwardian 9K Yellow Gold Opal and Garnet Halo Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Step into the allure of history with this antique Edwardian 9 karat yellow gold halo ring, hailing from England. Adorned with the mesmerizing hues of opal and the deep richness of ga...
Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Antique English 18 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Five-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique five stone opal ring with English hallmarks accented by rose cut diamonds set in 18k gold.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18K Gold - c.1880
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian 18ct gold opal and diamond cluster ring made c.1880.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The stones are set in platinum and the ring is modelled in 18carat gold. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Opal Dimensions: 9x7.5mm Cluster Dimensions: 13x11mm Height Off Finger: 7mm Weight: ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Antique 2.0 Ct Fire Opal Diamond Ring 18 KT Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
This more than exquisite antique ring is in transition between the Edwardian and Art Deco period 1910/1920 circa Elegantly designed for a timeless style getting more beautiful and ra...
Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
1920s White Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. This elegant Art Deco opal ring is set with rose-cut diamonds in a rectangular shape with rounded corners.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Five Stone Opal Ring, Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
The graduated oval cabochon opals claw set. Ring size : 7 1/4 Weight: 3.23gr.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Scroll Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring three oval-shaped opal cabochons prong set east to west Graduated and ranging in size from 4.5 x 5.5 mm to 7.0 x 10.0 mm Translucent white in body color with spectral play...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 12K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring Size 7.75 #24899
Located in Washington Depot, CT
12K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Halo Ring Size 7.75 This stunning ring features a luminous oval opal stone surrounded by 16 rose cut diamonds set in classic 12K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1912 Edwardian Opal Old Mine Diamond 14K Gold Navette Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very good Era: Edwardian Year: 1912 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstone: Opal Carat Weight: 0.75 Cut: Cabochon Color:Blue-green Clarity: Opaque Diamonds: 18 Carat Weight: 1....
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Antique 14ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Opal & Diamond Oval Shaped Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal & Diamond Oval Cluster Ring 14ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning Edwardian 14ct gold cluster ring, featuring one oval opal at its centre surrounded by...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Opal Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Opal Filigree Ring. This gorgeous antique art deco opal ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Oval Cut Opal Ring. 0.30ct Diamond Cluster Engagement 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
**Other Details:** Primary Stone: Opal Opal Cut: Cabochon Oval Cut Accent Stones: Diamond Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.36 Carats Jewelry Type: Antique Opal Engagement Ring S...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 10ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Opal & Diamond Oval Shaped Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Cluster Ring 10ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Introducing a stunning Victorian 10ct gold cluster ring, featuring a magnificent oval opal at its centre surrounded by a cl...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18K Gold Opal and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold Edwardian ring features three oval Australian opals prong set with four small diamonds encrusted between them.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
18ct Gold, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This Victorian acrostic ring features Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, and Emerald gemstones, each claw set and mounted on a yellow gold setting.
Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian Opal Solitaire Ring Sz 6.75 14k Yellow Gold Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Sweet antique Victorian era ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Solid Gold Opal and Old Mine Cut Diamond Large Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 12k Yellow Gold Shank with 18k Gold Top - Stamped 18k Weight: 13 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 (Fitted on a finger, please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquires.)
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Opal, Ruby, and Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Opal, Ruby, and Old Mine Diamond Ring Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Opal...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Carved Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct gold Edwardian era opal ring, a true testament to the artistry of its period.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Antique Garland Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped opal cabochon measuring 5.0 x 7.0 mm Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color Bezel set in platinum with a diamond halo surround Old Europ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian Yellow Gold Round Opal w/ 0.20ctw Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 10k Yellow Gold Top w/ 14k Yellow Gold Shank Weight: 2.9 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 (We can custom size this ring - please let us know prior to purchase for inquiries) Ring...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 10k Yellow Gold GIA 3.40ct Australian Black Opal Bezel Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Black Color w/Strong Play of Blue & Slightly Green - 3.40ct (approx. based on the certification measurements)...
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Gold & Platinum GIA Black Opal Diamond Halo Low Profile Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Milgrain Bezel Set - Harlequin Pattern - Black Color w/ Amazing Play of Orange, Green & Blue Color - 15.93 x 10.64 x ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a navette shaped opal cabochon measuring 5.0 x 15.0 mm White with spectral play-of-color - bead set with halo surround Platinum-topped and prong set with old European cut d...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18ct Gold Edwardian, Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald
Located in Brighton, GB
This fabulous Edwardian acrostic ring features enchanting amethyst, dazzling diamond, opulent opal, ravishing ruby, and exquisite emerald gemstones, each meticulously set and mounted...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A stunning vintage ring set with three fine opals with fantastic colour.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Gold
Victorian 0.90ct Opal and 0.90ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
- Victorian antique opal & diamond engagement ring - 0.90ct vibrant opal centre - Six Old Mine-cut diamonds totalling approx. 0.90ct - Antique (Victorian) circa 1837-1901 - 18K...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Opal w/ Cornflower Sapphire Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 5.74 Grams Ring Size: 4.0 ( fitted on finger, please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Ring Width: 18.8mm (0.74") (top of th...
Opal, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold Stamped, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This Victorian acrostic ring features Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, and Emerald gemstones, each claw set and mounted on a yellow gold setting.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Opal Five Stone Ring, UK Circa 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
The graduated oval cabochon opals claw set. Ring size : 7 1/4 Weight: 2.55gr.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Antique 3.57ctw Opal Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Dinner Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This AUTHENTIC Victorian OPAL and DIAMOND Ring will certainly pick your Imagination.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Scrolling Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five graduated opal cabochons prong set east to west Oval shaped and ranging in size from 2.5 x 3.0 to 4.0 x 6.0 mm Translucent white body color with spectral play-of-color...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Victorian Opal, Diamond & Demantoid Garnet Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Cluster Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Introducing a stunning Victorian 18ct gold cluster ring, featuring a magnificent opal at its centre surrounded by a cluster ...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal & Diamond 18K Prong Set Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Please ask all necessary questions prior to placing an order. This ring comes with an appraisal. From Appraisal: VINTAGE EIGHTEEN KARAT YELLOW GOLD OPAL AND DIAMOND RING: Set in the...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 20th Century Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The ring is a flat gold wire. Total weight of the opal : 6.80 carats approximately.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Wedding Band Ring.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Other Important Details: The ring is a Size 9. The band is not stamped, but has been tested to be 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Antique Solid Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Fiery Opal & Rose Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Opals - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Strong Play Of Colors - 4.2x2.9mm to 5.4x3.2mm(approx.) (8) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Rose Cu...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique diamond and cushion cabochon opal cluster ring
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian gold ring comprised of an opal cushion cabochon in a European-cut and old-mine-cut diamond surround, in 14k.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Belle Epoque opal diamond cluster ring in 18k gold and platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
Opal diamond cluster ring in 18 karat gold and platinum.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, 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.
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.