Bvlgari Elysia 18K White Gold 0.65ct Diamond and Onyx Ring BV13-040726
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari Elysia ring will always make a subtle statement.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Bicolor Gold Ring by Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, CH
Sleek and minimalist 18 karat bicolor gold ring by renowned Italian jewelry house Bvlgari.
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 18K White Gold Ring. Half Moon Round Cut Diamond Dome Ring 1965 Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Signed: Bulgari Color: G Color Overall Clarity: VS1 Overall Metal: Gold, 18K White Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Half Moon Design Style: Retro This exquisite B...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Bvlgari 18K White Gold Mother of Pearl Illusion Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Matching ring to the pair of earrings from our stock. This is a ring from Bvlgari, encrusted with diamonds, mounted with grey mother of pearl makes a perfect gift for a mother, anniv...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Astrale Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Crafted from 18ct white gold this ring features a concave oval shaped face split into three open layers.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Ring, 18K White Gold, Art Deco, Italy, Circa 1990s
By Bulgari
Located in istanbul, TR
BVLGARI B.ZERO1 RING Drawing its inspiration from the most renowned amphitheater of the world, the Colosseum, the B.zero1 ring is a true statement of Bvlgari’s creative vision, chal...
18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari White Gold Diamond B.Zero1 Ring Size 53 0.30ct F/VVS2
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold diamond Bvlgari ring from the B.Zero1 collection.
Diamond, White Gold
BVLGARI Milano Signature Cocktail Ring In 18Kt White Gold With Round Onyx
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
The ring is part of the Bvlgari-Signature collection crafted in solid white gold of 18 karats with high polished finish.
Onyx, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Bvlgari 18ct White Gold B.Zero1 4-Band Diamond Ring .8ct 17.38g
By Bulgari
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A bold and iconic design from the house of Bvlgari, this B.Zero1 4-band ring is crafted in luxurious 18ct white gold, weighing 17.38 grams.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Vintage Tricolor Gold Cocktail Ring Size 5
By Bulgari
Located in Feasterville, PA
The ring showcases an intricate interplay of 18k yellow, white, and rose gold, creating a striking geometric pattern that is both contemporary and classic.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Fiorever Diamond Ring 18K White Gold 1.01Cttw Size 55 US 7
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Fall in love with this beautiful Blvgari Fiorever diamond ring. Crafted in lustrous 18K white gold. It features a center prong set round brilliant cut diamond embraced with Bvlgari’s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Monologo Pave Diamond Wide Band Ring 18K White Gold Italian
By Bulgari
Located in Lisbon, PT
Bulgari Monologo Pave Diamond Band Ring in 18K White Gold, Italy, Early 21st Century.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari B.zero1 18K Rose Gold White Ceramic Ring BV22-031326
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Add style and sophistication to any ensemble with this Bvlgari B.Zero1 ring. Inspired by the aesthetics of Roman architecture, this piece pairs lustrous 18K Rose Gold with a white ce...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring Mother-of-Pearl Diamonds 18K White Gold Size 48
By Bulgari
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Key Characteristics Collection: Serpenti Viper, which draws inspiration from the sinuous movement of a snake and symbolizes transformation and rebirth. Materials: 18 kt white gold ....
White Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 18k White Gold Three Band Wedding Band Ring Original Receipt
By Bulgari
Located in San Diego, CA
BVLGARI Style: B. ZERO1 Three Band Ring Metal: 18K White Gold 12 Grams Width: 7.8mm Size: 11.5 / 66 Hallmark: BVLGARI F6WRT6 66 MADE IN ITALY Includes: -Elegant Ring Box ...
White Gold
Bvlgari Topaz Pyramid Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an iconic piece from the world renowned Italian jewellery house of Bvlgari. This ring forms part of their 'Pyramid' collection, has been crafted from 18ct white gold and...
Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
BVLGARI Modernist Cocktail Ring In 18Kt White Gold With 4.16 Ctw VS Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
The gorgeous ring has been crafted with modernist patterns in solid white gold of 18 karats with high polished and embellished with sixty-one natural earth mined white colorless diam...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
BVLGARI Bulgari Serpenti Diamond 18k White Gold Eternity Band Ring Size 6 52
By Bulgari
Located in Simpsonville, SC
A captivating embodiment of timeless elegance and serpentine seduction, the BVLGARI Serpenti Eternity Band Ring in 18k white gold reimagines the iconic serpent motif with exquisite c...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Bvlgari Serpenti Bypass Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
An iconic vintage Bvlgari Serpenti Bypass ring set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Bulgari Ring. Half Moon Round Cut Diamond Dome Ring 18K White Gold 1965 Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Signed: Bulgari Color: G Color Overall Clarity: VS1 Overall Metal: Gold, 18K White Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Style: Retro Total Weight: 9.99 Grams This ex...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
BVLGARI Milano Spiner Op-Art Cocktail Ring In 18Kt White Gold With Onyx
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
The ring is part of the Bvlgari Signature collection and is masterfully crafted in solid 18-karat white gold with a high-polish finish, reflecting the maison’s iconic bold and archit...
Onyx, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Parentesi Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Open Work Wide Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Finished with smooth, high polish white gold edges, this is a statement ring that feels solid, luxurious, and unmistakably Bvlgari.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari 18 Karat White Gold B.Zero 1 Ring Size 8.5 (58) #18749
By Bulgari
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Bvlgari 18K White Gold B.Zero1 Ring Size 8.5 (58) This iconic band by Bvlgari is crafted in beautifully detailed 18K white gold.
18k Gold, White Gold
RARE Vintage Bvlgari Astrea Vivid Red Ruby & Diamond 18k White Gold Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Astrea Oval Cut Vivid Red Ruby 18k White Gold Bypass Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$14,800Sale Price|20% Off
BVLGARI Amethyst and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking expression of Italian luxury, this authentic BVLGARI statement ring is masterfully crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and showcases the brand’s bold yet timeless design langu...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Diamond One Band Ring 18K White Gold Size 52 US 6
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in lustrous 18K white gold. It features a one band ring studded with channel set round brilliant cut diamonds with a Bvlgari logo engraved on both sides.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Pave Diamond Four Band Ring 18K White Gold 54 US 6.5
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The B.Zero1 ring is a signature piece from the legendary jewelry design house Bvlgari.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Divas' Dream En Tremblant Pave Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold 1.85 CTW
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari Divas' Dream En Tremblant Pave Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold 1.85 CTW PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 113666 Listing Title: Bvlgari Divas' Dream En Tremblant Pave Diamond Ring in 18K ...
White Gold
Bvlgari Roma Modern Eternity Ring In 18Kt White Gold With VVs Round Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
This eternity ring is from the new collection, crafted in Rome in solid white gold of 18 karats with high polished finish.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari White Gold Pave Diamond and Black Onyx Flip in 18kt Engagement Ring
By Bulgari
Located in San Diego, CA
Bvlgari Pave Diamond & Black Onyx Flip Ring Style: Flip - Rotating Metal: 18kt White Gold Size: 7.5 Coin: 11 MM Stones: One side of Coin have 7 Round Brilliant Diamonds Pave Se...
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
$1,893Sale Price|25% Off
Bulgari Bvlgari B.zero1 18K White Gold 4-Row Band Ring Size 53 (6.5)
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This Bvlgari B.zero1 ring is crafted in solid 18K white gold and features the iconic four-row B.zero1 design.
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18k White Gold Full Pavé Diamond Two-Coil Wrap Ring SizeM
By Bulgari
Located in Guangzhou, CN
A mesmerizing fusion of audacity and elegance, this Bvlgari Serpenti Viper ring is a modern reinterpretation of the Maison’s legendary icon. Crafted with masterful precision, the "tw...
White Gold
Bulgari (BVLGARI) B.Zero1 18K White Gold Wide Band / Ring, size 56 + Bulgari Box
By Bulgari
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
From an iconic & instantly recognisable, BVLGARI B-Zero 1 Collection, this band ring is finely crafted in 18K white gold, featuring bright finish In excellent condition, the piec...
18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari B. Zero 1 Ring 3 Bands, Set In 18ct White Gold, Size 65
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
The Bvlgari B.Zero1 3-Band Ring is a symbol of contemporary sophistication, crafted in 18ct white gold.
White Gold
Bvlgari 18K White Gold B.zero1 Pave Diamond Multi-Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Guangzhou, CN
An iconic and bold creation from the legendary Italian jewelry house, this Bvlgari B.zero1 ring masterfully blends architectural inspiration with contemporary luxury.
Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Parentesi Amethyst and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bvlgari 18k Yellow Gold Parentesi Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring Style: Bvlgari Parentesi 18k Yellow Gold Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring Brand: Bvlgari Material: 18k Yellow...
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Diamond Band Ring 18K Rose Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
This Bvlgari B.Zero1 diamond band ring is crafted in 18K rose gold and set with two sparkling rows of natural round brilliant-cut diamonds with approximately 1.27 carats total weight...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari 18k Rose Gold B.zero1 0.28ctw Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Bvlgari 18k Rose Gold 0.28ctw Diamond Ring is in excellent condition and ready to ship! Material: 18k Rose gold Diamond Details: Approximately 0.28 carats total weight of natur...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Diamond Four Band Ring 18K White Gold Size 56 US 7.5
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
From the Bvlgari B.zero1 collection, this beautiful four-band ring is crafted in a lustrous 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Diamond Four Band Ring 18K White Gold Size 55 US 7
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
From the Bvlgari B.zero1 collection, this beautiful four-band ring is crafted in a lustrous 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Diamond Four Band Ring 18K White Gold Size 54 US 6.75
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
From the Bvlgari B.zero1 collection, this beautiful four-band ring is crafted in a lustrous 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti 18K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Ring BV04-122225
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari Serpenti ring is instantly alluring. Set in 18K White Gold, sparkling Diamonds and dazzling Sapphire eyes add elegance to the timeless snake motif.
Sapphire, Diamond
Bvlgari Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
A stunning Bvlgari pyramid ring featuring a captivating blue topaz gemstone, measuring 12x15 mm. This exquisite cocktail ring, with its unique pyramid design, is a testament to Bvlga...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari B.Zero1 One Band Pave Diamond Ring 18K White Gold 0.60Ctw US 11.25
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in fine 18K white gold. It features a clean modern one band ring with pave set round cut diamonds weighing 0.60 carat.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Diamond Contraire Crossover Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
This is a spectacular diamond ring from the luxury jewellery designer Bvlgari. The ring features two diamond clusters that are set in a crossover style. The three largest pear cut di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,833Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Parentesi, Contemporary Design in 18K White Gold, Size 6
By Bulgari
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted in solid 18 karat white gold, this statement ring features the signature interlocking geometric motif inspired by ancient Roman paving stones—an enduring design synonymous wi...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Passo Doppio 9mm White Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Ring EU49
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Passo Doppio White Cultured Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari b.zero1 Collection 18K Rose Gold White Ceramic Two Tone 4 Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Bvlgari Gender: Unisex Metal Type: 18K Rose Gold Ring Size: 7.5 Width: 12.00 mm Weight: 10.97 grams Unisex BVLGARI 18K rose gold wedding anniversary rolling band with a...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$9,500 / set
Bvlgari Set of Two Tubogas Rings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
From the Tubogas collection, this set of two Bvlgari rings is made out of three 18 karat gold: yellow, white, and rose.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,500 / set
Bvlgari Set of Two Tubogas Rings
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
From the Tubogas collection, this set of two Bvlgari rings is made out of three 18 karat gold: yellow, white, and rose.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18K Gold Diamond & White Mother of Pearl Ring #5086
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
The open-ended silhouette suggests movement, transforming the symbolic serpent into a contemporary jewel.In estate condition, this Bvlgari Serpenti Viper 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and ...
Diamond
BVLGARI Serpenti Viper L 18kt yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Aventura, FL
This stunning expression of Bvlgari's iconic Serpenti collection captures the eternal allure of the serpent—a symbol of wisdom, vitality, and seduction—through the legendary Italian ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Ring. Bulgari FEDI Platinum plain Band Pt950 Comfort Fit Genuine Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Authentic Bulgari FEDI Platinum Band. Bvlgari Comfort Fit Size 5 2.75mm wide 4.0 grams
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari B.ZERO1 Logo Etched Three-Band Wide Modern Band Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 11.25 (65 EU) Introducing the luxurious and modern Bulgari B.ZERO1 Logo Etched Three-Band Ring. This exquisite piece draws inspiration from the iconic Colosseum, represen...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Parentesi Diamond Ring Size T (61)
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Colour: G-H, Clarity: VS Marked: 18ct Gold 1975 Maker's Mark: 'BVLGARI' '750' '61' 'made in italy' Box: Bvlgari Ring Box
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari “Dedicata a Venezia” Platinum Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Bvlgari “Dedicata a Venezia” Platinum Diamond Ring GIA Certified 2.08ct Center Diamond Platinum Size 7.5 Indulge in timeless elegance with this exceptional Bvlgari Dedicata a Ve...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,400Sale Price|50% Off
Bvlgari B.Zero1 Diamond Engagement Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Tampa, FL
Bulgari B.Zero1 Diamond Engagement Ring
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Greek silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris arrived in Rome in 1881 and set up his own shop there in 1884, calling it Bulgari, an Italianization of his last name (in the brand's logo, it's styled BVLGARI, using the classical Latin alphabet in a nod to ancient Roman culture). In 1905, he opened the company’s flagship boutique on Rome’s Via dei Condotti. Since then, Bulgari has looked to Rome as a source of reference for its fanciful and decidedly romantic designs for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories.
Although the iconic jewelry house found success with its silverwork and Art Deco designs, popular through the 1920s, Bulgari’s signature style — bold, often using yellow gold embellished with big colorful gemstones — began to emerge when Sotirios’s sons inherited the business, in 1932.
The brand truly hit its stride in the dolce vita era of the 1950s and ’60s, when the founder’s grandsons Paolo, Gianni and Nicola Bulgari decisively departed from demure traditional styles to develop the house’s exuberant multi-gem looks, attracting celebrity collectors like Elizabeth Taylor.
In the 1940s, Bulgari debuted perhaps its most famous design, the Serpenti bracelet watch. The piece’s snakelike coils were made possible by the tubogas jewelry technique, which links a flexible series of thin horizontal bands. Both the sleek, modern tubogas construction and the sinuous snake motif continue to be synonymous with the Bulgari brand.
On 1stDibs, the collection of vintage Bulgari jewelry includes rings, pendant necklaces, watches and other accessories.
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.