Braided Wedding Bands Oval Diamond Ring
20th Century Unknown Contemporary Wedding Rings
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
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Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Solitaire Rings
Moonstone, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1980s British More Rings
Opal, Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1980s British More Rings
Opal, Gold
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s British More Rings
Garnet, Opal, Gold
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold
2010s British Edwardian Dome Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s British Art Deco More Rings
Opal, Gold
Antique 19th Century Romantic Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
A Close Look at contemporary Jewelry
Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right fashion-rings for You
Throughout history, people have worn rings as symbols. They represented wealth and power for kings. Rings, whether fine jewelry or vintage fashion rings, have been given as gifts to mark significant occasions and accomplishments in life. They are also seen as a sign of love when worn on a certain finger.
For enthusiasts of costume jewelry, which is typically designed to accessorize with current fashions and made of inexpensive materials, there has been no shortage of coveted rings created over the years by the likes of J Dauphin, Miriam Haskell and others. A range of fashion rings created in ceramic or embellished with rhinestones — the latter a source of instant, affordable glamour — have also been designed at Chanel. The founder of the internationally revered luxury house, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, loved costume jewelry but couldn’t resist designing jewelry with diamonds.
Signet rings are one of the oldest types of rings. They often have a family crest or seal engraved on the ring that the wearer can imprint into melted wax. Although most people don’t use wax seals anymore, signet rings are an enduring style.
The type of metal chosen for a ring is an important factor in its design. Gold is a classic choice for fine jewelry, and, for costume jewels, gold offers a range of hues that includes yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Platinum is becoming a popular choice for its elegance. For fashion jewelry lovers, silver rings remain a must-have accessory, particularly those embellished with turquoise or coral.
A stone can add a pop of color or allure to a ring. Many people choose to wear rings featuring their birthstone. Diamonds are popular with those seeking the perfect engagement ring (a search that can prove intimidating), and they also make beautiful fashion rings, from solitaire rings with single stones to rings with groups of stones.
Zircon rings are similar to diamonds and come in various colors. Some rings feature a large stone surrounded by smaller stones in a halo. They can all be the same stone, or they can have different stones to include more colors.
Fashion rings are an easy way to add jewelry to any outfit. Find a collection of vintage fashion rings on 1stDibs that have glitz and glamour to match your style.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023To pair an oval engagement ring with a wedding band, first consider the shape. Both domed and flat bands can complement the shape of an oval-cut gemstone. You may also want to consider a contoured band that will hug the curves of the gem. Next, decide what type of metal will coordinate with the engagement ring. An easy choice is to have the two rings crafted out of the same metal, such as 18-karat yellow gold or platinum. Explore a large selection of wedding bands on 1stDibs.