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Boucheron Amethyst Diamond Flower Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Amsterdam, NL
heart of the flower, the petals are carved amethysts, signed and numbered: Boucheron, France circa 1980
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

David Yurman 9.5 Carat Amethyst Infinity Ring, Sterling Silver, Ring, Large
By David Yurman
Located in McLeansville, NC
This stunning 9.5ct amethyst infinity ring by David Yurman is a modern classic. Crafted in sterling
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Sterling Silver

Vintage 11 Carat Amethyst Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Ring hand crafted in 18k white gold set with a Natural and vivid oval Amethyst of 11.00
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Nabco 4.40 carat amethyst 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Nabco ring from the 1980’s features a 4.40 carat cabochon amethyst set in polished 14k
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Bombe Amethyst and Peridot Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Bombé Ring crafted in 18k White and Yellow Gold with Peridot and Amethyst Accents. Made in
Category

Vintage 1980s Dome Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

A fabulous amethyst, peridot and diamond cocktail ring.
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, amethyst, peridot, and diamond ring. Centering upon a large cushion
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Amethyst Scalloped Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
14k yellow gold oval amethyst scalloped ring. A beautiful ring with a 10 x 8mm oval amethyst in the
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Women s 14KT Yellow Gold, Amethyst Diamond Vine Ring, February Birthstone Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold, amethyst and diamond vine ring. In a vine bypass design set with
Category

Vintage 1980s Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Peridot Amethyst 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Peridot Amethyst 18k Yellow Gold Ring. Featuring one half moon step cut peridot
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Burle Marx Forma Livre Carved Amethyst Ring
By Burle Marx
Located in Bethesda, MD
This 18 karat ring features an intricately carved amethysts in the the “forma livre” (free form
Category

Vintage 1980s Brazilian Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Bulgari Amethyst Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a triangular cabochon cut amethyst measuring approximately 10.2 x 8.0 mm, transparent
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Modernist Amethyst Set Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 14k, American. The cool crisp contemporary style of this ring is simply stunning
Category

Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold

17 Carat Amethyst Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The deep purple amethyst weighs approximately 17 carats. Accented by two white, clean trillion cut
Category

Vintage 1980s American More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

8.5 Carat Amethyst Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold showcasing a spectacular oval Amethyst
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18.13ct Amethyst Ring With Diamonds
Located in Towson, MD
A fabulous ring with a secret message of love! Go Big or Go Home! This is a statement ring if
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Steel

Amethyst, Topazs, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
and amethysts. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Amethyst Signet Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
A vintage amethyst signet ring in 14 karat yellow gold, circa 1980. Formed as a cushion shape, and
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jade Amethyst Baguette Ring 14k Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add this rare Jade treasure to your jewelry collection! Circa 1980s, this stunning ring features a
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Jade, 14k Gold

Yellow Gold Coral and Amethyst Bead Ring with Diamonds
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Yellow Gold Coral and Amethyst Bead Ring with Diamonds. A fun, frolicking piece with true
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Peridot Twist Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Peridot Twist Ring. This vintage ring features
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Large Amethyst Diamond Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the ring features a large oval amethyst solitaire set in a gold basket
Category

Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A fabulous amethyst and peridot three stone ring.
Located in New York, NY
A 14 karat yellow gold, amethyst and peridot ring. Centering upon a large oval faceted amethyst
Category

Vintage 1980s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, 14k Gold

Bvlgari Doppio Ring Citrine Amethyst 18k Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Citrine & Amethyst WEIGHT: 14.6 Grams MEASUREMENTS: Top Width - 5/8" RING SIZE: 6
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, 18k Gold

Signed "Paloma Picasso" for Tiffany 18 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany Co.
Located in Palm Desert, CA
oval Amethyst. Ring size 7.5.
Category

Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Bulgari 1980s Ruby Diamond Amethyst Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A French made Late-20th Century polished 18 karat gold ring with ruby, diamond and amethyst by
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Cartier Paris Modernist Sugarloaf Cabochon Amethyst Diamond Enamel Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
amethyst diamond gold ring is irresistible. With an eye-catching center set sugarloaf cabochon amethyst
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Gold Hear Shaped Ring Amethyst, Citrine or Blue Topaz
Located in Amsterdam, NL
, amethyst or a blue topaz, the ring opens with a diamond set button and has a beautiful open worked honey
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Dome Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold

Bulgari Amethyst and Pink Tourmaline Yellow Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Amethyst & Pink Tourmaline Ring by Bulgari. With 1 Pear shaped Amethyst 8mm x 6mm
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Gold and Faceted Amethyst Ring with Diamonds
Located in Dallas, TX
Estate 18K Faceted Amethyst Ring with 1.2 CT TDW. Condition Consistent with Wear. Size 7 but can
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold

Gold and Faceted Amethyst Ring with Diamonds
Located in Dallas, TX
Estate 18K Faceted Amethyst Ring with 1.2 CT TDW. Condition Consistent with Wear. Size 7 but can
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

David Yurman Prasiolite Ring, 14k Yellow Gold Sterling Silver, Green Amethyst
By David Yurman
Located in McLeansville, NC
silver, and prasiolite (green amethyst). The ring features delicate sterling silver cable wrap that wraps
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage Bvlgari Doppio 18k Gold Amethyst Citrine Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Bvlgari ring from the 1990s is part of the brand’s iconic Doppio collection. Crafted in 18k
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, 18k Gold

David Webb 1980s Amethyst Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Ring
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped amethyst cabochon weighing approximately 34.40 carats Transparent medium
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Amethyst and Turquoise Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Amethyst and Turquoise Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. The ring features a marquise cut amethyst accented
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb 1980s Amethyst Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Ring
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped amethyst cabochon weighing approximately 34.40 carats Transparent medium
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Erte Yellow Gold Diamond and Amethyst "Peacock" Ring
By Erté
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980s Erte ' Peacock" collection Ring, 14K Yellow Gold. Measuring 1 inch in length X 3/8 inch
Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold

Citrine, Amethyst and Diamond Bulgari Style Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
, cabochon citrine and amethyst along with 14 brilliant cut diamonds on the shoulders. This ring is simply
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Big Central Amethyst, Diamonds, 14 Karat White and Yellow Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
amethyst and little side decorations in white gold studded with little diamonds. This ring is totally
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamonds Pearls Coral Topèazes Garnet Amethyst Rose Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
covered by the seller (customs duties included). Fantastic 9 kt rose gold and silver cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold, Silver

18 kt yellow gold ring solitaire oval purple amethyst 1 carat cushion facetted
Located in Heemstede, NL
18 kt yellow gold ring solitaire oval purple amethyst 1 carat. Look at the elegance and refinement
Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sonia B. Bitton Amethyst Tourmaline Diamond White Gold Ring
By Sonia B. Designs
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Amethyst Tourmaline Ring by Sonia B. Bitton. With 86 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Vintage 9ct Rose Gold Amethyst Diamond Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Amethyst Ring 9ct Gold Stamped Circa 1980’s Pretty, Vintage Carved Ring. Set with
Category

Late 20th Century English Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Diamonds Pearls Coral Topazes Garnet Amethyst Rose Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS AND ONGOING PROMOTIONS. Fantastic 9 kt rose gold and silver cocktail ring, length
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold

Bvlgari Roma Doppio Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Tourmaline And Amethyst
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
A gem-set doppio ring designed by Bvlgari. Beautiful piece of jewelry, created in Rome Italy by
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.35 Carats Amethyst and Diamonds on an 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Crema, Cremona
A stunning vintage 4.35 carat amethyst and 0.55 carat diamond, 18 Kt white gold cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Fantasy Cut Amethyst Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Light lavender genuine Fantasy cut Amethyst in a 18k white gold ring with full cut diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bvlgari 18 Karat Gold, Amethyst, Peridot, Tourmaline Two-Finger Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bvlgari 18k Gold, Amethyst, Peridot, Tourmaline Two Finger Ring This is a very stylish and rare
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Vintage David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Amethyst Enamel Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A vintage 18k gold and platinum cabochon amethyst, diamond, green enamel ring by David Webb. This
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

French 1980s Amethyst 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
holding a cushion-cut amethyst in a half-moon setting at the top. The ring is gadrooned on either side of
Category

Vintage 1980s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Michael Zobel, Gold, Silver and Platinum, Tourmaline, Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful wearable ring that moves beyond design becoming art. A gold body lined with silver and
Category

Vintage 1980s Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline

Tiffany Co. Amethyst Cabochon Diamond 18 Karat Gold Vintage Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a 14.0 mm round amethyst cabochon; transparent with robust purple color Surrounded by a
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1980s Amethyst Ring 14k Yellow Gold Geometric Band Estate Fine Jewelry 6
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage amethyst ring (circa 1980s), crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Fantasy cut
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Amethyst Peridot Gold Three Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and bold with a lavish display of rich intense colors, this large designed ring features a
Category

Vintage 1980s Three-Stone Rings

Cartier ‘Delice de Goa’ Ring with Amethyst, Diamonds and Coral in 18k Gold
By Cartier
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
This delightfully darling 18k Rose Gold ring comes from the "Délices de Goa" Collection of CARTIER
Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Mahie Amethyst Peridot Wide Band 22K Yellow Gold
By Jean Mahie
Located in Dallas, TX
Mahie Amethyst and Peridot Wide Band in 22K Yellow Gold. The band features a cabochon cut amethyst
Category

Vintage 1980s Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Christian Dior Vintage Oval Amethyst Crystals Halo Cocktail Statement Ring, US 7
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Oval Amethyst Purple Crystals Halo Cocktail Statement Chunky Ring, US
Category

Vintage 1980s German Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Silver Plate

Colorful Gemstone Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
emerald, blue sapphire to purple amethyst, pink tourmaline and white diamonds. Hand crafted in 18k gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Peridot, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

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Amethyst Ring 1980 For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact amethyst ring 1980 you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 445 antique edition and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect amethyst ring 1980 may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A amethyst ring 1980 from Bulgari, David Webb and Paloma Picasso for Tiffany Co. — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and cabochon alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a amethyst ring 1980, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Amethyst Ring 1980?

Prices for a amethyst ring 1980 can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $253 and can go as high as $65,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,286.

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 Amethyst in Jewelry Design

There are few gemstones in the world that are both affordable and worthy of a duchess’s attention. But then not many stones are as beautiful as amethyst. Indeed, vintage and antique amethyst jewelry has innumerable fans, and February’s birthstone has many unique attributes. For the romantics, there are several tales in Greek mythology that tell the story of Bacchus and Amethyste, a maiden that he pursues yet is rescued by Diane by turning her into a white stone. Bacchus, mourning his love, pours a glass of wine over the sculpture, dyeing her purple.

Amethyst has adorned many royal jewels. One of the most enviable jewelry collections of all time belonged to Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. In 1947, the Duke gifted her with a Cartier amethyst and turquoise bib necklace. This special order piece was made with twisted 18-carat and 20-carat gold, platinum, brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds, one heart-shaped faceted amethyst, 27 emerald-cut amethysts, one oval faceted amethyst, and turquoise cabochons. The Duchess was not the only Royal with a penchant for the purple gemstone. The tiara now owned by Queen Silvia of Sweden is set with amethysts that once belonged to the French Empress Josephine. A stunning 56-carat cushion-cut, square-shaped amethyst set in an 18-karat yellow gold necklace designed by Tiffany Co. is now in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

The Smithsonian also has in its possession an even more rare example of fine amethyst: the 96-carat Morris Amethyst Brooch. The brooch features a deep, rich purple heart-shaped amethyst. The museum states that the piece was likely made during the Edwardian period (1901–15) “when platinum and diamonds were often used, and amethyst, a favorite stone of King Edward VII’s wife, Alexandra, was often included in jewelry of the era.”

Another amethyst necklace, with an even richer story, can be found in the Natural History Museum of London. Known as the Delhi Purple Sapphire (even though the stone is an amethyst), this stone was stolen from the Temple of Indra during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Anyone in possession of this stone is bound to have terrible luck, including its owner Edward Heron-Allen, who gifted the gemstone to the museum thinking that this would save him but ended up transferring the bad luck to the museum curators overseeing the stone.

Find a wide range of vintage and antique amethyst necklaces, bracelets and other fine jewelry on 1stDibs.

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.

Questions About Amethyst Ring 1980
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Whether or not amethyst rings are durable is largely a matter of how you define the term. Amethysts have a hardness rating of 7, making them resistant to scratching. However, you can still damage an amethyst ring if you wear it while performing household chores or engaging in intense physical activity. Shop a selection of amethyst gemstone rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    How much an amethyst stone ring is worth depends on the origin, cut, color, clarity, shine, shape and certificate it carries. In general, the price of an amethyst gemstone can range from $2.74 per carat to $16.44 per carat and much more depending on the quality combination specified. Find a collection of antique and vintage amethyst rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    An amethyst ring is good for an engagement ring. Its Mohs hardness of 7 means it's good for everyday wear, but will show wear over the years. The choice in engagement ring stone is a personal choice.