Exceptional rose-cut diamond and black enamel ring. Western Europe, c.1680–1700.
Located in London, GB
Exceptional rose-cut diamond and black enamel ring. Western Europe, circa 1680–1700.
Exceptional rose-cut diamond and black enamel ring. Western Europe, c.1680–1700.
Located in London, GB
Exceptional rose-cut diamond and black enamel ring. Western Europe, circa 1680–1700.
$4,900
Ring Emerald Gents
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring are a one-of-a kind execution from the Renaissance era! Featuring 260 round cut diamonds 2.90 ct VS F color and one cabochon natural emerald 8.50 carat total we...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Rose-Cut Diamond and Blue Enamel Ring. England, circa 1680–1700.
Located in London, GB
Rose-Cut Diamond and Blue Enamel Ring. England, circa 1680–1700.
Antique Georgian 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Top Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful antique engagement ring with rose cut diamonds. Item #R0577 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Weight: 5.6 Grams Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 2.50 cts Diamond Co...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Georgian 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Top Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful antique engagement ring rose cut diamonds. Item #R0575 Metal: Silver & 18K Yellow Gold Top Weight: 6.6 Grams Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 2.00 cts Diamond Color...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
1700's Georgian Dutch Antique Rosecut Half Hoop Ring Heirloom Jewelry
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
A delicate and timeless jewel from the Georgian era, this half-hoop ring is set with softly shimmering rose-cut diamonds, each catching the light with a gentle, candlelit glow. The h...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Georgian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Georgian engagement ring with Rose cut diamonds and an emerald center. Item #R0579 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Top Weight: 3.8 Grams Total Diamond Weight: Approxima...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Rare Antique Gold Spanish Nun's Ring Rose Cut Table Cut Diamonds Museum
Located in London, GB
Very little information can be found about the history and traditions of these types of rings, except for portraiture - and a small collection in the MET Museum, which houses a group...
Diamond, Gold
Scarce Baroque Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring Bow Circa 1700
Located in London, GB
A fine example of a scarce seven-stone ruby and rose cut diamond ring dating from the early 18th century, circa 1700.
Diamond, Ruby
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.
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