1940s Emerald Rings
Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Fashion Rings
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century European Fashion Rings
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Cluster Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Three-Stone Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Solitaire Rings
Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s American Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century European Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Signet Rings
10k Gold
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Signet Rings
10k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s French Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Signet Rings
10k Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s American Cocktail Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century English More Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Italian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Fashion Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Cluster Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century British Cluster Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Cocktail Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s British Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Retro Band Rings
Diamond, Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
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1940s Emerald Rings For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are 1940s Emerald Rings?
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.
- What is an Edwardian-style ring?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An Edwardian-style ring is an antique ring made between 1900-20. Edwardian rings were usually platinum and included intricate detailing on the band, generally of floral motifs. Find a collection of expertly vetted rings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An Edwardian style ring is a ring dating from, or made in the style of, the period from 1900-1920. Popular features of rings at the time were stacked designs and cuts like the Old Mine and Rose cuts. Shop a collection of antique and modern Edwardian style rings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022An emerald ring symbolizes new beginnings, true love and fidelity. As a result, the gemstone makes for a meaningful engagement ring. In addition, emeralds are the birthstone for the month of May. Shop a variety of emerald rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is a 1940s style dress?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Whether emerald engagement rings are unlucky is a matter of personal belief. Some people think that emeralds are bad luck for wedding rings, but not for engagement rings. Others associate emeralds with good luck, perhaps due to their color being the same as that of a four-leaf clover. Most people who choose emerald engagement rings enjoy their beauty without concern for superstition. Find a collection of emerald engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, emeralds are a popular choice for engagement rings. Emeralds are durable, rare, and beautiful, and therefore a perfect choice for an engagement ring!
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023What wearing an emerald ring means varies. 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 (this isn’t recommended). In some cases, emeralds are preferable in engagement rings because the stone is thought to represent love and luck. For those celebrating a birthday in May, an emerald ring is a fashionable way to show off your birthstone. Some people also associate emeralds with lasting loyalty and hope. Shop a variety of emerald rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a 925s ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 925s ring is a piece of jewelry worn on a finger made of a specific type of precious metal. Specifically, 925s indicated 925 sterling silver. This metal is 92.5 percent pure silver, and the remaining 7.5 percent is another metal like copper. Shop a wide range of sterling silver rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024Claire McCardell was the designer often called the Mother of American Fashion in the 1940s. An American designer, she helped introduce women's sportswear to the United States and was particularly well-known for her bias-cut, loose-fitting Monastic dress. When World War II broke out in the 1940s, she designed pieces out of readily available materials like denim, calico and wool jersey, introducing new fabrics for women's clothing that would remain popular well after the close of the war. Many people point to McCardell as one of the first successful American fashion designers. Shop a collection of Claire McCardell apparel on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, emerald cut engagement rings are popular for those hoping to be betrothed. The emerald cut comprises 58 facets and truncated corners on a rectangular step-cut stone. The flat pavilion of an emerald-cut diamond can magnify the stone's imperfections, so the gem's clarity is key. Initially a popular cut for emeralds only, it is now used on other precious stones, but the name has come to define the style. The emerald cut became popular during the Art Deco period. Find emerald cut engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What band goes best with an emerald cut ring is largely a matter of personal preference. Bands that hold brilliant-cut accent stones can add sparkle to a ring. An example is the eternity band, which shows off gemstones all the way around the band. On 1stDibs, find a selection of emerald cut rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, they did have wedding rings during the 1600s. However, exchanging rings during weddings was not common in all cultures. In Europe, many couples presented each other with rings to symbolize their marriage vows. The wedding ring tradition actually dates back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Explore a wide variety of wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023In the 1920s, engagement rings still looked like rings but were representative of a diverse range of styles and influences. Art Deco diamond ring designs took inspiration from the contemporary Cubist movement as well as from ancient Egypt – a revival sparked by the opening of King Tut’s tomb in 1922. Native American, African and Asian motifs also inspired jewelry pieces. Diamonds in square and rectangular shapes incorporating angular steps – like emerald cuts, Asscher cuts and baguettes – were set against black onyx, rubies, sapphires and emeralds to create color-blocking effects. Platinum, 18-karat gold, 14-karat white gold and sterling silver were some of the favored metals of the decade. Find a wide range of Art Deco engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023What wedding rings looked like in the 1800s was similar to other Victorian jewelry. The Victorian era spanned from 1837 to 1901, coinciding with the reign of Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom. At the beginning of this period, rings were made of gold and affordable only to the wealthy. Designs for Victorian-era rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Some featured stones secured by collets, settings similar to bezels, with prongs and a closed back. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Victorian wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023In the early 1900s, engagement rings often looked like other jewelry from the Edwardian era, which coincided with the reign of King Edward VII in the United Kingdom from 1901 to 1910. Cutters used new diamond saws and jewelry lathes to refine the old European cut. The resulting stones, designed to sparkle in the light from candles and gas lamps, are beloved by connoisseurs for their inner fire and romantic glow. The invention of the oxyacetylene torch enabled jewelers to use platinum, which had previously been too challenging to work with. This technological advancement made it possible for Edwardian rings to show off lacy filigree and milgrain work. Nature also influenced jewelry in the early 1900s. Flowing and floral garland motifs were so popular that the Edwardian age is sometimes called the "garland era." Find a selection of Edwardian engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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