80s Heart Ring
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Late 20th Century Hong Kong Contemporary Cluster Rings
Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
80s Heart Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 80s Heart Ring?
A Close Look at Contemporary Jewelry
Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right Cluster-rings for You
Antique and vintage cluster rings are timeless accessories. While they might have been considered more popular in certain eras than in others, they’re versatile and belong in any jewelry box.
Featuring a diamond or other central gemstone surrounded by smaller stones, the cluster rings’ distinguished look makes them a popular choice for engagement rings or, for a fancy night out, an accent piece for jewelry lovers everywhere.
The style of cluster rings has changed over time even if the defining attributes have remained intact.
Georgian-era jewelry — named for the monarchies of the four King Georges — features cluster rings that are often characterized by a grouping of central stones into rose-like shapes. (The stones are set off by the setting’s blackened metal.) Diamonds came into fashion during the late Victorian period, and late Victorian cluster rings were most often set in yellow gold. Jewelers of the Art Deco period embraced geometric shapes, and Art Deco cluster rings feature emeralds, sapphires and other colorful stones.
Cluster rings for future brides have been in and out of the spotlight, but cluster-style engagement rings have been experiencing a consistent revival of sorts since at least 2011, when Kate Middleton began wearing Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond ring, which was made by Garrard in the 1980s. For your special day, whether you prefer vintage engagement rings or contemporary pieces, a cluster ring can deliver some sparkle if a diamond solitaire is out of your budget. (See our engagement ring buying guide for insight and expert tips to help you find the perfect ring.)
On 1stDibs, find many ruby cluster rings, gold cluster rings and an extraordinary range of other antique and vintage rings today.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Fashion accessories were very popular in the '80s and some of the trendier ones included leg warmers, scrunchies, large neon earrings, plastic bangles and neon fingerless gloves.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, tracksuits were popular in the 1980s. During the decade, the world of fitness heavily influenced fashion, with everything from leg warmers and tracksuits transitioning from the gym to the runways and the street. Velour tracksuits were especially popular looks of the day. Explore a collection of 1980s apparel on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A number of bags were popular in the 1980s, including belt bags made of a variety of materials. Some designer handbags carried by celebrities of the era include the Hermès Birkin, Louis Vuitton Bucket Bag, the Chanel Gold Chain Classic Flap and various Prada nylon bags. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage handbags.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024What the ’80s design style is called varies, as multiple styles are associated with the decade. Some people refer to the designs of the period using the generic term postmodern. Pieces featuring bright colors, geometric shapes, strong patterns and abstract designs may be classified as Memphis style. Synthwave style drew inspiration from the new wave and punk music scenes, including technology-inspired motifs, such as grid lines and vibrant neon colors. Another 1980s design style is commonly referred to as ’80s Cute. Pioneered by designer Lisa Frank, it typically features whimsical imagery, such as rainbows, hearts and fast food. Find a large collection of 1980s furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Whether you wear a heart ring facing you is a matter of personal preference. Some people wear the point of the heart toward their wrists if they are engaged or married and away from them if they're single. However, not everyone follows this practice. Shop a collection of heart rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A heart-shaped ring is a symbol of love. When wearing a diamond-shaped ring, the point should point to your wrist, which lets others know you’ve given your heart to your soulmate. Shop a collection of heart-shaped jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023To tell if a Chrome Hearts ring is real, first examine the inside. On an authentic ring, you'll find hallmarks signifying the material and the year of production. The numbers should be crisp, clear and evenly spaced. Next, look at the edge of the ring. Most Chrome Hearts rings have the brand name engraved there. Check that the font matches that of the official logo and that the spelling is correct. If you're questioning the authenticity of a piece, a knowledgeable appraiser or dealer can also assist you. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Chrome Hearts jewelry.
- 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 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 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 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 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.
