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David Webb Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Ring
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Impressive large 18k hammered gold ring by David Webb, decorated with ruby, sapphire and emerald
Category

20th Century American More Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Platinum Emerald Art Nouveau Ring
Located in Sydney, AU
An 18ct yellow gold and platinum emerald Art Nouveau ring, the round cabochon mid green natural
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Alex Sepkus ​Emerald Diamond Gold Dress Ring
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Vail, CO
Dress ring, centering a circular cabochon-cut emerald measuring approximately 6mm in diameter in a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Veschetti 18 Kt Yellow Gold, Malachite, Emerald, Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Veschetti
Located in Brescia, IT
"Bon Bon" : 18 kt Yellow Gold Ring featuring Malachite, 1,40 cts Cabochon cut Emerald and 0,97 cts
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Impressive Emerald Ruby DIamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Impressive 18k gold ring, decorated with 10.9mm x 9.4mm emerald cabochon in the center, surrounded
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Sapphire and Emerald Cocktail Ring
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Duesseldorf, DE
Beautiful 18 Karat white gold cocktail ring with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds .This ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Illario Enamel Emerald Diamond Gold Ladybug Ring
By Illario
Located in New York, NY
Illario 18k gold ring of ladybug motif designed with diamond and cabochon emerald hinged wings
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Pearl Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Large Gold Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large 18k yellow gold ring, decorated with three pearls, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1970s Italian Coral Emerald Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
The central Coral Heart of good colour and on either shoulder, a Cabochon Emerald with a Gold loop
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Romantic Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Coral, Emerald, 18k Gold

David Webb Large Carved Lapis Emerald Gold Ring
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 18k yellow gold ring set with a carved lapis and emerald cabochons. Crafted by David Webb, the
Category

Late 20th Century American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

1950s 18 Karat Gold Diamond Emerald Cabachon Cocktail Ring
Located in Shaker Heights, OH
This beautiful 1950's estate ring is comprised of an 18k gold floral leaf setting with 0.70 carats
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Saint Louis, MO
featuring a 5.78ct cabochon cut emerald with 5.5cts of gemstones and 2.28cts of F-H diamonds surrounding the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

BULGARI Emerald Sapphire Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and very fine quality cabochon emerald and sapphire 18k gold ring from Bulgari
Category

Italian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Emerald

Emerald and Black Diamond King s Ring
By LFrank
Located in Venice, CA
4.16 diamond ctw, 24.60 grams 18k gold, emerald cabochon
Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Ruby Sapphire Emerald Ring
Located in London, GB
A pave diamond set three tier ring composed of 18K gold, each tier holding a central cabochon gem
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

GRS and GIA Certified Sapphire and Emerald Sugarloaf White Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
GRS and GIA Certified Sapphire and Emerald Sugarloaf White Diamond Gold Ring: A lively piece of
Category

2010s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Georgian Cabochon Regard Locket Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1800
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
cabochon cut gemstones spell out the word Regard with each first letter of the stone – Ruby, Emerald
Category

Antique Early 1800s British Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Chrysophrase, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold

David Webb Turquoise Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Turban Ring
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large 18k gold and platinum cocktail ring, crafted by David Webb, set with 35.81ctw in turquoise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum

David Webb Gold Platinum Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Ring
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold and platinum ring, crafted by David Webb, decorated with ruby, sapphire and emerald
Category

20th Century American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

BUCCELLATI Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Atlanta, GA
This BUCCELLATI ring features a twisted two-tone design all the way around with an oval cabochon
Category

20th Century Italian Dome Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

Dana Bronfman X Muzo Emerald Fairmined Gold Agra Crown Ring
By Dana Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
. • Materials: 18K Fairmined Yellow Gold, Hammered & Matte finish. Shield Cabochon Muzo Emerald (2.96ct). VS
Category

2010s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Sapphire Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This amazing cocktail ring is a cluster of individually set cabochon sapphires and emeralds along
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Boucheron Emerald Diamond Dome Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Greenwich, CT
Emerald and diamond dome ring, centering on a natural cabochon-cut emerald weighing 2.00 carats
Category

20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Rock Crystal Emerald White Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Frankfurt, DE
The Emerald Cabochon is surrounded by a mattered Rock Crystal, 8 Rubys and 28 Diamonds, approx
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Sapphire Emerald Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
textured 18K yellow gold ring shank with a wild zig-zag gallery. A party ring if there ever was one! Ring
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Superb Large Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Superb large emerald cabochon set with aprocimately 3cts or diamonds in and elegant 18K white gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Burmese Sapphire, Emerald Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
Cocktail ring, centering on a bezel-set 23.50 carat, cabochon-cut sapphire (AGL-certified: natural
Category

20th Century American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Repossi Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Repossi
Located in Paris, IDF
A 750/000 rhodiumed yellow gold Repossi ring, set in the middle with a cabochon-cut sapphire
Category

20th Century Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Daria de Koning Cabochon Pink Tourmaline Ring
By Daria de Koning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An impressive cocktail ring by Daria de Koning features a 14mm round cabochon pink tourmaline
Category

2010s American Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Iolite, 18k Gold

Amy Y Inlay Diamond, Cabochon Sapphire and 18 Karat Gold Architect Ring
By Amy Y
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amy Y’s diamond, sapphire and 18K-yellow gold contemporary designed 'Architect Ring' embodies a
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Emerald Diamond Ring Cluster Ring 18 Carat Engagement Ring
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous Antique Victorian ring is Circa 1900. The lovely cabochon Emerald has a lovely rich
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Mid-Victorian Opal Emerald Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A particularly lovely antique cluster ring, set with four vibrant opal cabochons and five natural
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold

Natural Untreated Australian 7.65ct Boulder Opal Ring in 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
thickness: 3.88mm Metal: 18K white gold Ring size: N (resizable) US: 6 3/4 This ring arrives in a gun
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in Houston, TX
Pear Shaped Cabochon Emerald and Sapphire and Diamond Pave Ring Emerald Approx 15.0 carats
Category

American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

DAVID WEBB Carved Emerald Ruby Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb 18k hammered gold ring centering a triangular shaped carved emerald with four cabochon
Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Natural Australian 1.40ct Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
18K white gold, this Australian black opal ring is the perfect way to express your love and would make
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

October Birthstone Australian 2.88ct Black Opal Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
: 2.88ct Opal length: 10.84mm Opal width: 7.97mm Opal thickness: 5.03mm Metal: 18K yellow gold Ring size
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k Yellow gold ring with a center 2 carat cabochon emerald and two side old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Andreoli Black Onyx Emerald Tsavorite Garnet Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli Black Onyx Emerald Tsavorite Garnet Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring. This statement
Category

2010s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Onyx, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold...

Natural 1.80 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
origin. Style: Estate Period: ca. 1980 Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond(s): Eight baguette (long
Category

Vintage 1980s Belgian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Untreated Australian 1.02ct Black Opal Ring in 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
emerald and azure colours. The precious gemstone is encapsulated in a wonderful 18K white gold setting and
Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

DAVID WEBB Carved Emerald, Diamond and Enamel Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A statement David Webb ring in 18k gold centering a triangular shaped carved emerald surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Bulgari Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Ring - final reduction!!!
By Bulgari
Located in Inverness, GB
diamonds studded into the setting adding a lovely sparkle to the 18 ct yellow gold. This ring is a petite
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Coral Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
The colorful cocktail ring set to the center with a long oval orange coral cabochon, within a
Category

Vintage 1960s American Dome Rings

Materials

Coral, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

Art Deco circa 1925 Emerald Ruby "Picture Frame" Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
modelled in 18k gold throughout, with openworked spaces between the oval emerald and the rectangular frame
Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Blue and Green Sapphire, Diamond and Emerald Set 18 Carat Gold Cat Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Cabochon Blue Sapphire staring with its beady green Emerald eyes. This ring is a showstopper and for
Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Stunning 1980s Sugarloaf Emerald and Heart Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mint Julep is a stunning modern Circa 1980 ring made from platinum and 18k yellow gold, featuring a
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Warty Toad Ring with Emerald Eyes by Boris Lebeau
By Boris Lebeau
Located in London, GB
Lebeau in the 1970's in 18k Gold and signed Boris, he has glowing Cabochon Emerald eyes and a pleasant
Category

Vintage 1970s American More Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire, Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
emeralds and diamond accents, in textured 18k yellow gold, numbered 'NY 43926' and signed 'Van Cleef &
Category

Late 20th Century American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yell...

22.61 Carat GRS Certified Emerald Sugarloaf and White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
us with. The ring is crafted in 18K white gold.
Category

2010s Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

4.95 Carat GRS Certified Emerald Sugarloaf and White Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
so kindly provided us with. The ring is crafted in 18K white gold.
Category

2010s Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Gold Lion Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels, an 18K Gold Ring, sculpted in the shape of a lion's head, with cabochon emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s French More Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Daria de Koning Emerald, Sapphire, Moonstone, Iolite and Apatite Ring
By Daria de Koning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
moonstone, apatite, and iolite. Set in 18k yellow gold; size 6 (ring can be sized). Daria de Koning’s one
Category

2010s American Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Iolite, Moonstone, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold

Boris LeBeau Enamel Gold Frog Ring
By Boris Lebeau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A quirky and whimsical Boris LeBeau green enameled frog ring with cabochon emerald eyes in 18 karat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

1960s Cartier Gold Tourbillon Ring
By Cartier
Located in Paris, IDF
A 750/000 yellow gold Cartier ring "Tourbillon" collection set in the middle with an
Category

Vintage 1960s French Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Boucheron, Paris 1960s Ruby, Sapphire Emerald with Diamonds Gold Band Style Band
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
,One Emerald,Two Rubies And One Sapphire All Pear Shaped Cabochon Cut. This Ring Is Further Embellished
Category

Vintage 1960s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

TIFFANY Co. Jean Schlumberger Gold and Sapphire Thistle Ring
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany Co.
Located in Lakewood, NJ
TIFFANY & Co. Jean Schlumberger Gold and Sapphire Thistle Ring. Cabochon center emerald.
Category

Vintage 1950s Fashion Rings

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold

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18k Gold Cabochon Emerald Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 18k gold cabochon emerald ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 231 vintage or 284 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect 18k gold cabochon emerald ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 18k gold cabochon emerald ring over the years, but those made by Royaal Stones Ltd, David Webb and OGI Ltd are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a cabochon version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and sugarloaf cabochon alternatives. When shopping for a 18k gold cabochon emerald ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 18k Gold Cabochon Emerald Ring?

On average, a 18k gold cabochon emerald ring at 1stDibs sells for $6,900, while they’re typically $759 on the low end and $300,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Emerald in Jewelry Design

No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”

There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!

There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.

On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.

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 ringsvintage 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.