Hercules Knot Ring
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Wedding Rings
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Italian Artisan Engagement Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Modernist Band Rings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Link Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Byzantine Rope Necklaces
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Diamond, 18k Gold
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Mid-20th Century American Modern Cuff Bracelets
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century French Modern Wedding Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Band Rings
Gold
Vintage 1960s Swedish Retro Signet Rings
Onyx, 18k Gold
Antique 18th Century Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings
Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 16th Century British Renaissance More Rings
Rock Crystal, 22k Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modern Band Rings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Renaissance Band Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Fashion Rings
Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Band Rings
Carnelian, 22k Gold
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s Greek Signet Rings
18k Gold
Vintage 1980s French Modernist Band Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 1970s French Band Rings
18k Gold
Mid-20th Century French Modern Band Rings
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Band Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Antique 15th Century and Earlier More Rings
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold, Stainless Steel
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Hercules knot symbolizes everlasting love and lifelong commitment. You will also see it called the love knot, marriage knot or square knot. Its association with the God Hercules comes from the fact that ancient myths describe him as being very fertile. Shop a selection of Hercules knot jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What does the knot ring mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What a knot ring means depends on the piece. Promise rings with a knot indicates that a person intends to marry someone but they are not formally engaged. Celtic knot rings generally represent undying friendship and love. Shop a collection of knot rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Knot rings are rings that are made from a single strand of metal and feature an open knot in the middle. Usually, knot rings are featured as a part of weddings, engagements or even for celebrating friendships. Find an elegant knot ring for a loved one on 1stDibs today.
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