Georgian Regard Ring
Antique 1820s Georgian Cluster Rings
Ruby, Garnet, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Brooches
Cut Steel
Late 20th Century French Modernist Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Swiss Belle Époque Pocket Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1940s Italian More Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century English Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1850s Hong Kong Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold,...
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Choker Necklaces
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18th Century Cluster Rings
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Renaissance Revival Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
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Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Cluster Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique 1820s British Georgian More Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Wedding Rings
Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold
2010s American Band Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 1810s British Georgian Cluster Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 22k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Band Rings
Garnet, Ruby, Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold
Antique 1820s English Georgian Cluster Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 15k Gold
Antique 1880s British Georgian Cluster Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 1870s English Victorian Cluster Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold
2010s American Artisan Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1830s British Georgian Band Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 1790s Unknown Georgian More Rings
Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Cluster Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian More Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Early 1800s British Georgian Engagement Rings
Amethyst, Chrysophrase, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Cluster Rings
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, 15k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Cluster Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Mid-18th Century British Georgian Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Finding the Right Rings for You
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.