14K Yellow Gold Boulder Opal & Diamond Ring 9.9g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies free form style opal and diamond ring in 14k yellow gold setting.
Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Boulder Opal & Diamond Ring 9.9g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies free form style opal and diamond ring in 14k yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$962Sale Price / item|44% Off
Opal Spiral Ring, Oval Cabochon Opal Ring, Opal Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal spiral ring. Oval cabochon Opal ring. Opal gold ring. 14k gold ring with Opal.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Opal Diamond Sapphire Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.7 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: Opal Gemstone Measurements: ~22 mm x 15 mm Diamo...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring 14k Yellow Gold with Round Faceted Opals
Located in Heemstede, NL
Discover the charm of this 14k gold ring with 8 beautiful opals. Look at the color of these stones!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Retro Opal Ruby Cocktail Ring, 1.30ctw Opals, USA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant cocktail ring is crafted in 14K yellow gold and showcases a vibrant combination of opals and rubies in a striking multi-stone design.
Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage opal diamond 14k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in warm 14k yellow gold and hallmarked with purity marks, the ring has a romantic and elegant presence on the hand.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold Opal Diamond Halo Ring, 2.95ct Opal, 0.70ctw Diamonds
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This captivating ring is crafted in 14 karat rose gold and centers on a natural, untreated opal that radiates with vibrant flashes of green and pink.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Ring 5g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' 14k yellow gold, opal, and diamond ring. Tests 59% gold using an XRF metals analyzer and weighs 5 grams.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.15 carat.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$559Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon: Crescent Moon Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ethiopian opal ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 g depends from size Gemstone: opal, color - multicolor (colors are visible under bright light). round cabochon cut, weight - ...
Opal, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
14k Yellow Gold Tanzanite, Inlay Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This colorful 14k yellow gold ring is brought to life using a combination of gorgeous inlay opal, sparely diamond and violet tanzanite.
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unbranded Opal Ring with diamonds in 14K Gold
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Its minimalist style complements and outfit, ensuring it becomes a versatile addition to your jewelry collection. Opal Ring with Diamonds Material 14K yellow Gold Opal: 2.5ct Opal ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rosalyn 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aurelia 14K Yellow Gold Cushion-Cut Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal & Ruby Chevron Ring – 14k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
A true one-of-a-kind piece, perfect for collectors or as a meaningful gift. Features: Genuine opal with vibrant ruby accents (~0.60 ct total ruby weight) Solid 14k yellow gold (4 ...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Vibrant Cabochon Fire Opal 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful vibrant orange oval cabochon fire opal 14K yellow gold ring. The unusual gold swirl design of this ring complements the natural fiery swirl inclusions of the opal gemstone.
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Minimalist Green Emerald Ring 14K Yellow Gold Band
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Green Emerald Ring 14K Yellow Gold Band. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Opal Diamond Cluster 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Black Opal Diamond Cluster 14k Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1990s.
Diamond, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$962Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Rubies, Diamonds and Opals
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural rubies, diamonds and opals.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Chromia 6.61ct Ethiopian Opal 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Chromia NYC
Located in New York, NY
Set in radiant 14K yellow gold, the ring exudes warmth and sophistication.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$618Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and peridots
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring.
Peridot, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Australian Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Northampton, MA
The rest of the mounting is in gleaming 14K white gold, forming a striking bicolor contrast that amplifies the opal’s chromatic fire.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond Opal Ballerina Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond Opal Ballerina Ring Approximate Dimensions: 4 (Ring Size) 16.08 mm x 11.62 mm (Opal) Approx. 3.5 cartas (Diamond) 8.7 grams in weight. ** All dimen...
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$618Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and pearl
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring.
Cultured Pearl, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
Luminous Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Luminous Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a prong-set opal at the center, framed by a sparkling halo of round dia...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ornate Opal Dome Ring #17677
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal Ring- This gorgeous ring is crafted in meticulously detailed 14k yellow gold.
Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond Black Opal Cabochon Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
14K White Gold Diamond Black Opal Cabochon Ring Approximate Dimensions: 5.25 (Ring Size) 21.65 mm x 18.66 mm x (Opal) Approx. 0.96 carats (Diamond) 13.6 grams in weights. ** All di...
White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$962Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal, Ruby and Diamonds, Turtle Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal, ruby and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Weight: 1.10 ct appr...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Oval Opal Cluster Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Australian Opal Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .04ct Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 4 grams **Due to the uniqueness of the opal stone, ther...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Tanzanite, Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a tanzanite and opal gemstone set with a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Vintage Opal & Diamond Ring, 8.7g, .35tdw
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K White Gold Vintage Opal & Diamond Ring, 8.7g, .35tdw Ladies Australian opal and diamond vintage ring in 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Oval Cabochon Opal 14k Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
Victorian estate opal solitaire ring in 14K yellow gold, centering a luminous oval cabochon opal measuring approximately 10.42mm by 8.24mm in a four-prong claw setting with decorativ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century opal diamond 14k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in polished 14k white gold and hallmarked with purity marks, the setting provides a cool, refined backdrop that beautifully enhances both the opal and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural 0.23cts Diamond & 1.60cts Opal Ring in 14K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
Specifications Dimensions: Length: 1.2 cm, Width: 1 cm Gross Weight: 3.440 gms Gold Weight: 3.074 gms Gold Purity: 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Weight: 0.23 cts Opal Weight: 1.60 cts t...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
White Opal and Diamond Two-Color 14k Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Opal and Diamond Two-Color 14k Gold Ring Details: 14 kt. yellow and white gold, one oval opal ap. 13.85 cts., 32 round diamonds ap. 3.95 cts.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Luminous Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Luminous Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold Crafted in 14k white gold, this Effy halo ring centers on a striking 3.50 carat opal with vivid flashes of green, yellow, and...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Ring Size 6.5 #14626
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6.5 This gorgeous 14K gold ring is decorated with 29 beautiful opal stones!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a cluster of prong-set opals totaling approximately .60ctw.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$962Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Elephant Ring with Opal, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k solid gold Elephant ring with natural opal, sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Brutalist Opal & Diamond Ring 9.96g Size 6.5 10×7mm Opal
Located in Media, PA
A striking mid-century Brutalist-design 14K yellow gold ring, featuring a vivid natural opal at its center, framed by ten sparkling accent diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. The faceted fire opal is exceptionally rare and stunning!
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Whimsical Opal & Ruby Frog Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Whimsical Opal & Ruby Frog Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a charming frog motif with a luminous jelly opal set at the cente...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Oval-Cab Australian Opal with Fire Opal 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Ring is weight 2.88 grams. Crafted with 14K Yellow Gold, this delicate Ring is polished to a high finish shine.
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold Ring Cocktail Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Opal Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold Ring Cocktail Vintage Natural Opal Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold Ring Cocktail Vintage This beautiful large vintage ring is finely crafted in s...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Open Ring Opal Designer in 14k Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Diamond Open Ring 14k Solid Gold Opal Designer Ring Bridal Wedding Ring Gift.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,752Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Opal Tsavorite Ring 14k Gold 5.66 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Quality Opal Tsavorite Ring Size 7 14k Gold 5.66 TCW Certified $5,950 300686 This is a one of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!
Opal, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring Diamonds 4.1 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural Ethiopian Opal = 3.95 Carats 32 Diamonds = 0.15 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage opal diamond 14k yellow gold silver cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in a combination of 14k yellow gold and silver during the 1970s, the ring reflects a bold yet elegant design with a substantial presence.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
14k Solid Gold Statement Diamond and Opal Wedding Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Total Carat Weight: 0.24 & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Statement Base Metal: Yellow Gold, 14k Clarity: VS-Si Type: Ring Secondary Stone: Diamond, White/Precious...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Pave Diamond Ethiopian Opal Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Pave Diamond Ethiopian Opal GeRing 14k Gold Handmade Ring special Personalize: d order special buyer at special price Light weight can be worn everyday Additional informati...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1.46 ctw Diamond Opal Ring Vintage 14K White Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
1.46 ctw Diamond Opal Ring Vintage 14K White Gold This estate ring is made in solid 14K White Gold and set with genuine Opal and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.94 carat.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring Diamonds 4.1 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural Ethiopian Opal = 3.95 Carats 32 Diamonds = 0.15 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tatiana 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Pink Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring Diamonds 4.1 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural Ethiopian Opal = 3.95 Carats 32 Diamonds = 0.15 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Garnet Ring 14K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is an Antique Victorian - Edwardian 14K Gold Ring with five gorgeous natural round Opals of stunning beauty.
Opal, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Engagement Ring, 14k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones opal, 1 pear cab 5.6 x 3.9 mm diamond, 2 round brilliant cut 1.9 mm approximately .04 total carats GH color/ SI2-I1 clarity Ring Size 6.5 Rise Off Of Finger: 5 mm Length: 7...
Diamond, Opal, 14k 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.
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.