Opel Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Art Deco Engagement Rings
Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s American Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
2010s British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
2010s British Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Contemporary More Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Modern Bridal Rings
Diamond, White Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century Chinese Art Deco Wedding Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Chinese Art Deco Wedding Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White 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.
Read More
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Experts Talk Engagement Ring Trends and Shopping Tips
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.
How to Buy a Vintage or Antique Engagement Ring
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.