Cartier White Platinum Engagement Ring with 1.02 Carat Round Diamonds G VS2 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Elevate your style with this vintage Cartier engagement ring, crafted from luxurious white platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1 Carat Round Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond Half Eternity Platinum G VVS1
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Manufacturer: Cartier Certification: GIA Certificate Country of Origin: France Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 1-Carat Primary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Prim...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine GIA Cert .45 F VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Size 4.75
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Discover the refined elegance of the Cartier Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring. This exquisite piece embodies the artistry and luxury synonymous with Cartier, showcasing a harmonious ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1 Carat Round Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond Half Eternity Platinum F VS1
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Manufacturer: Cartier Certification: GIA Certificate Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 1.10-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Primary Stone Color: F Col...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Cartier Destinee Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Pt950 Size 52
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Up for sale is a breathtaking and 100% authentic Cartier Destinée Solitaire Engagement Ring. This iconic piece features a mesmerizing cushion-cut central diamond, beautifully cradled...
Cartier 1895 Round Diamond 0.88 tcw Engagement Ring in Platinum GIA COA Box
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier 1895 Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire with Diamond Accents Ref. number: QF**** Metal: Platinum PT950 GIA: 2106981161 Size: 6.25 TCW: 0.88 tcw Main Diamond: Rou...
Diamond, Platinum
$304,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 4.99 Carats No-Heat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous engagement ring, featuring a very rare 4.99 carats cushion cut blue sapphire certified by both AGL and Gubelin as Sri Lankan origin (Ceylon), set on a four prong setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Cartier Love 1.15ct Round Brilliant Diamond 18K White Gold Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
An absolute icon of romance and modern luxury, this Cartier "Love" Solitaire Engagement Ring effortlessly blends the maison's legendary industrial elegance with breathtaking brilliance.
Cartier 0.50ct Diamond ‘C de Cartier’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the designer Cartier, comes this wonderful Diamond solitaire ring from their ‘C de Cartier’ collection. At it’s centre sits a single 0.50 carat round brilliant diamond. The diam...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 18k Diamond Ring Engagement Solid White Gold Signed US Size 6
By Cartier
Located in Greer, SC
Vintage 18k solid white gold Cartier ring featuring dazzling diamonds, signed on the interior of the band. Best measures for a US size 6 finger, measures .2 inch at its tallest point...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Rectangular Diamond Ring, 18k
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Cartier Diamond Ring with Service Papers. Total Weight: 4.69 grams. Ring Size US 5. Signed and numbered.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Pavé Diamond Set Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a timeless diamond ring from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier. This wonderful piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold and displays five glistening rows ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 0.90ct Diamond ‘Ballerine’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the designer Cartier comes this stunning solitaire from their Ballerine collection. At its centre sits a 0.90 carat round brilliant diamond graded H in colour and VS in clarity....
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.09 Carat Diamond Ballerine Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite diamond engagement ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier ‘1895’ 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A sparkling round brilliant diamond takes centre stage in this timeless solitaire engagement ring from Cartier’s ‘1895’ collection.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.62ct Diamond ‘1895’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A sparkling round brilliant cut diamond takes centre stage in this classic Cartier ‘1895’ solitaire ring. The diamond is of F colour and VS1 clarity, with a weight of 0.62 carat. Fou...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Monture Cartier Marquise Diamond Cluster Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Excellent) - Professionally polished to appear brand new Weight: 7.3 grams Ring Size: M (52) - Resizable Face Dimensions: 14mm x 14mm Marquise Diamond: Approx. 2.0 C...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Magnificent Gold Diamond Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt White Gold Cartier Diamond Dome Ring Size : 54 EU / 7 1/4 US Was completely Re polished like new by Cartier .
Diamond, White Gold, Gold
Cartier 3.47ct Solitaire ‘1895’ Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A phenomenal diamond solitaire ring from Cartier’s ‘1895’ collection. Proudly set within a platinum mount is an exceptional 3.47 carat round brilliant cut diamond. It has been graded...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.70ct Diamond ‘1895’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A breath-taking 1.70 carat diamond sits central to this ring from Cartier’s ‘1895’ collection. The diamond is of excellent quality, as expected from the masters at Cartier, with a gr...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.85ct Diamond ‘1895’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From Cartier’s iconic 1895 collection, comes this stunning solitaire. The timeless design features a stunning a single 0.85 carat round brilliant diamond of exceptional quality. The ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier diamond flanked solitaire ring, French.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier diamond flanked solitaire ring. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald cut diamond, H colour, VVS2 clarity, with a weight of 2.13 carats, in an open back claw setting, flank...
Diamond, Gold
Cartier platinum, pearl and diamond spinner ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century geometric spinner ring comprised of two pearls flanking a diamond rondelle, in platinum. Cartier, #88760 * Free shipping * Includes letter of authenticity for insuranc...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Cartier Destinee Cushion 1.15 cts H VS1 Halo Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier Destinee Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Halo with Diamond Halfway on Shank Ref. number: N4746100 Certification: GIA 2215029799 Metal: Pt 950 Platinum Size: 6.25 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Ellipse Ring, 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier ring from the Ellipse Collection features a rounded band measuring 4 mm wide centering around a sparkling round brilliant cut diamond weighing 0.25 carat. Crafte...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Déclaration d'Amour Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful engagement ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier 5.36 Carats Total Square Emerald Cut 3-Stone Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.5 This stunning Art Deco-era Cartier engagement ring features a striking 4.64 carat square emerald cut diamond at its center, set in a crisp, high-polish platinum sett...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Crossover Ring, French, circa 1990
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier diamond crossover ring. Set with two drop shape brilliant cut diamonds, one D colour, VVS2 clarity, with a weight of 1.17 carats, the other D colour, VVS1 clarity, with a wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Panthere Pave Diamond Ring 18K rose gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Cartier ring, meticulously crafted in 18K rose gold. This sophisticated piece features a striking design accented with vibrant emeralds, s...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Double Panthere Lakarda 18k Gold Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Double Panthere Lakarda 18k Gold and Diamond Ring. Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds. Approximate Diamond Weight 8 CTS, E Color, VVS1 Clarity. 2 emerald eyes. 2 black onyx noses. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K Ridged Gold Pave Diamond Foliage Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
Cartier 18K Ridged Gold Pave Diamond Foliage Ring Marked: Cartier 1994 750 53 Approximate Dimensions: 6 - 6.25 (Ring Size) 1 cm (Width) Approximately 1.42 (+ / -) carats (Diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier 'Toi Et Moi' Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pave By-Pass 'You and Me' Ring Containing One Pear-Shaped Diamond and One Pear-Shaped Emerald. Size - 5 French Assay Marks Signed - Cartier
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 0.70ct Diamond 1895 Destinée Halo Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the designer Cartier and their 1895 Destinée collection comes this haloed solitaire ring. The central diamond is 0.70 carat and is of the highest quality, certified by GIA as ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 4.68 carat emerald-cut diamond ring, circa 1988.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier 4.68 carat emerald-cut diamond ring. Set with an impressive octagonal emerald-cut diamond, I colour, VVS2 clarity, with a weight of 4.68 carats in an open back claw setting, ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Galanterie collection Diamond White Gold 18K Ring
By Cartier
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier Galanterie collection. Diamond White Gold 18K Ring. Central diamond round cut, 0.57 carat, H color, Vs1 clarity, Ex, Ex, Ex, Faint fluorescence. Signed Cartier, numbered. C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Ruban Diamond White Gold Ring Size 7
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier ring with Diamonds Material 18K White Gold Diamonds .80ctw Diamond VVS-VS Clarity Color Grade E-F Ring Size 7 Weight 11.4gr total Condition Excellent Cartier Ring Box Inc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 0.29ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum 1895 Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier 0.29ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum 1895 Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: COMJ802 Brand: Cartier Model: 0.29ct Diamond 1895 Ring Type: Ring Age: 2020 Accompanied By: Cartie...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 2.01 ct. Color/Clarity: Zambian Minor Certifications: SSEF Size: 7.0 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18K White gold Weight: 9.90 grams Period:20th Century Condition: Used - Pre...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, 1952, French.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set to center with an octagonal step-cut natural Colombian emerald with minor oil in an open back claw setting with an approximate...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, French, 1913.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with an oval cabochon natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.80 carats, further set w...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier Love Ring Small 1 Diamond 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The LOVE collection began with the iconic bracelet created in New York in 1969. An expression of Cartier's design vision, this oval bracelet can be identified by its radical, innova...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.31ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum 1895 Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.31ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum 1895 Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J553 Brand: Cartier Model: 0.31ct Diamond 1895 Ring Type: Ring Serial Number: R***** Age...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.30ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum 1895 Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.30ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum 1895 Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J528 Brand: Cartier Model: 0.30ct Diamond 1895 Ring Type: Ring Age: 2016 Accompanied By:...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.32ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum Ballerine Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.32ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum Ballerine Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J993 Brand: Cartier Model: 0.32ct Diamond Ballerine Ring Type: Ring Serial Number: ...
Diamond, Platinum
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Platinum Asscher-Cut Diamond Halo Ring, 1.94 Carats Total
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and substantial Cartier diamond ring, crafted in solid platinum and showcasing the refined geometry of an Asscher-cut diamond as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Platinum
39.0 ct. Ceylon No-Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring Signed Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 39.0 ct. & approx. 2.80 cts diamonds total Color/Clarity: Ceylon No Heat; E–F color, VVS–VS clarity Certifications: AGL Size: 6 Creator: Cartier Metal: Pla...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$31,500
Cartier Paris, Evil Eye ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A gold ring with a navette-shaped pavé diamond panel, in 18k. Atw 1.20 cts. Cartier, Paris. #34729 This ring draws upon one of humanity’s oldest protective symbols: the eye, long as...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier 2.11 Carat GIA Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier diamond cluster ring. Set with an impressive square step cut diamond, H colour, VVS2 clarity, with a weight of 2.11 carats in an open back claw setting, framed by four rectan...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Contessa Ring 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds - Signed & Numbered
By Cartier
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
Cartier Contessa ring. Crafted in 18k solid gold, this contemporary masterpiece features a stunning alignment of 9 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.9 carats. This pi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18 Karat White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier White Gold, Ruby and Diamond ring centers one oval ruby approximately 3.34cts., and is flanked by 2 fancy-shaped diamonds approximately .40ct. and is a size 6 . This rin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier 5.50 Carat Diamond Nigeria Ring Size L (51)
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful pave diamond ring from the luxury jewellery designer Cartier. The design is recognisable as Cartiers Nigeria collection and has been pave set with 122 high qualit...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Set Honeycomb Ring by Cartier, Paris, circa 1944
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Diamond set honeycomb ring by Cartier, Paris. Set with twenty one cushion shape old mine diamonds graduating from centre in open back rubover settings with an approximate combined we...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier GIA Certified 3 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond 1895 Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Cartier 1895 Solitaire ring is a masterpiece of fine jewelry, showcasing a magnificent 3 carat Asscher-cut diamond of exceptional D color and VVS1 clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
$136,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier GIA Certified 3.40 Carat Radiant-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless Cartier three-stone diamond engagement ring crafted in platinum, showcasing a stunning GIA-certified radiant-cut center diamond weighing 3.40 carats, graded H color and VV...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Oval Cut Diamond Camelia Ring 1.50ct F/VS2
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A magnificent platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier from the Camelia collection.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Engagement Ring. GIA 1.10ct Round Cut Diamond Accent Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Manufacturer: Cartier Certification: GIA Certificate Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 1.10-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Primary Stone Color: F Col...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, Classic Model — 18K Yellow Gold & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
A striking and bold ring featuring a distinctive nail motif, embodying a provocative elegance. The ring is adorned with twenty-two brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 0.13 carats, thei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories 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.