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Antique Amethyst 15 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Amethyst set in this ring has a wonderful sparkle to it and in the light shows beautiful hues
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 15k Gold

Antique Amethyst Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
14K yellow gold makes a smooth, convex ascent into a dazzling plateau of amethyst and pearl. The
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Amethyst Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely Georgian ring of amethysts set in 15K gold with the center holding a lock of hair. The ring
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 15k Gold

Antique Amethyst Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 14k, Swiss or German. This design of this antique signet ring features a vibrant
Category

Antique 1880s Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

Antique Georgian 1763 Amethyst Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1763 Yellow Gold Memorial Ring, centrally set with an Amethyst and having Black Enamel
Category

Antique 1760s American More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

1820s Antique Georgian Amethyst Gold Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Bold and dashing Georgian ring set with a beautiful amethyst in an elaborately carved setting. The
Category

Antique 1820s English Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 15k Gold

Antique Amethyst and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The colour of this amethyst is simply stunning and such a bright shade of purple. The stone is set
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Antique Amethyst 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The amethyst set up high upon this ring is a gorgeous pale purple colour held in double claws
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold

Antique Amethyst and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The striking purple of the amethyst in this simple cocktail ring is stunning. The stone is set in
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Antique Amethyst and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The oval stone set simply in this ring using a simple claw setting. The Amethyst is a deep purple
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Victorian Amethyst Gold Flower Ring, circa 1880
Located in Aspen, CO
Victorian gold ring possessing a natural fine amethyst which has been engraved with a flower and
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Amethyst Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Tested Circa 1900 Fabulous, antique cluster
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Amethyst and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This glossy and bright purple amethyst stone is surrounded by a delicate frame of gold. Modelled in
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Antique Amethyst and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The bright amethyst stone in this ring is large and gorgeous. The stone is set in simple claws and
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Antique Amethyst and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The oval amethyst stone is gorgeous and bright, the stone is set in a simple claw setting and the
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Amethyst and Pink 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Vannes, FR
This amethyst and rose gold ring is both elegant and captivating. Showcasing a magnificent amethyst
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Amethyst Ring 9 Carats
Located in Northampton, MA
This spectacular original antique Victorian ring features a 17 x 13mm natural amethyst that weighs
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 15k Gold, Silver

Very Beautiful Antique Diamond, Amethyst, Gold and Silver Ring
Located in New York, NY
Very beautiful Antique Diamond Amethyst Ring mounted in silver and gold, surrounded by old cushion
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique 1.13 Carat Amethyst and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Murrle Bennett Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive oval cut amethyst ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The iconic
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold, Amethyst, Diamond and Peridot Suffragette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1910 Immerse yourself in history with this exquisite
Category

Early 20th Century English Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco Amethyst Filigree Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant Art Deco era ring (circa 1920s to 1930s), crafted in 14 karat white gold. Faceted
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

Antique Amethyst and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The amethyst set up high upon this ring is a gorgeous bright purple colour held in double claws
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold

Antique Amethyst and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
stones are set in platinum and the rest of the ring is modelled in 18ct gold. The ring has split
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold

Victorian Pearl and Amethyst 15 Karat Gold Antique Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
This beautiful Victorian English ring features two amethysts accented with seed pearls set in 15KT
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 15k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Tiffany Co Amethyst Sparkler Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 2000s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Shield Shaped Amethyst 18 Karat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This solid 18 karat gold ring is set with a shield cut amethyst. The ring is marked with full
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Antique Amethyst and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The amethyst set up high upon this ring is a gorgeous pale purple colour and is complimented by
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold

Antique Amethyst and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The amethyst set up high upon this ring is a gorgeous bright purple colour and is complimented by
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold

Antique Amethyst and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The amethyst set up high upon this ring is a gorgeous pale purple colour and is complimented by
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold

Antique Cabochon Amethyst Cocktail Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Wonderfully shaped cabochon amethyst cocktail ring. -Weight: 2.73g -Measurements: Size UK R, Face
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Amethyst and Diamond 14 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 4.5 carat amethyst stone is bright purple and reflects the light in a beautiful way
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Gold

Antique Amethyst "Rose de France" Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
sapphire. This antique Victorian ring is so superbly designed with its Tudor prongs and hand-engraved
Category

Antique 1850s American Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian 10k Gold and Oval Cut Amethyst Gemstone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Victorian ring. In 10 karat yellow gold. With a prong set oval cut amethyst
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 10k Gold

Victorian 10K Rose Gold Antique Purple Amethyst Fashion/Statement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
perfect for any occasion, or added to any antique collection. (Metal has been tested in shop with Kee Gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Stunning Antique Victorian 19th Century 14k Gold and Amethyst Ring
Located in London, GB
) import hallmarks for 14K gold. The ring is set with a gorgeous open-backed 2.5ct ‘Rose de France’ hued
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Late Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond Oval Amethyst Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Edwardian platinum diamond oval amethyst ring, circa 1910. This gorgeous ring is
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian 14K Gold 8.75ctw Round Purple Amethyst Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
piece which gives this ring its beautiful rosy yellow gold appearance. An outstanding antique ring that
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Amethyst Ring 14k Rose Gold Cocktail Statement Jewelry 7.25
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian amethyst ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 14 karat rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Amethyst Pearl Ring Vintage 10k Rose Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian amethyst & seed pearl ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 10
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Amethyst Intaglio and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
, with bow and arrow drawn, mounted in silver and gold, ring size 7 length 1.9cm, width 1.6cm
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

New Amethyst Platinum Green Antique 14k Gold Plated Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
The stone in this ring breathe taking. The color is rare and dazzling. It is high quality and free
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, Yello...

Antique 18k Gold Carved Oval Amethyst Solitaire Pearl Halo Enamel Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 1.8mm each (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 9.67 Grams Ring Size: 8.5 (Fitted on a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Early Victorian Gold, Amethyst and Seed Pearl Ring, circa 1850
Located in Baltimore, MD
15k amethyst and seed pearl cluster ring with thirteen seed pearls bordering a beautiful amethyst
Category

Antique 1850s British George IV Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold

Amethyst Stork Bird Intaglio Ring Antique Victorian 14 Karat Gold Newborn Baby
Located in New York, NY
A stunning and rare antique Victorian inlaid intaglio Amethyst Ring with an image of a Stork or
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Amethyst and Topaz 9 Carat Gold Harlequin Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
modelled in 9ct gold. Ring Size: O or 7 1/4 Band Width: 5mm Height Off Finger: 3mm Weight: 2.29g
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Topaz, Gold

Victorian Amethyst Ring of 8ct Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An antique, Victorian era ring featuring a rectangular cut amethyst set into an 8ct gold mounting
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst

Antique Deco Amethyst Ring Vintage 10 Karat Gold Filigree Cocktail Jewelry 4.5
Located in Torrance, CA
white gold. Centrally mounted amethyst measures 15.75mm x 8mm (estimated at 5.50 carats). The amethyst
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 10k Gold, White Gold

Antique Deco Amethyst Ring Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Filigree Cocktail Square
Located in Torrance, CA
white gold. Centrally mounted amethyst measures 9mm x 7mm (estimated at 2 carats). The amethyst is in
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Deco Amethyst Ring Vintage 18 Karat Gold Egyptian Pharaohs Lotus Flower
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era ring (circa 1920s to 1930s), crafted in 18 karat white gold
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring. This
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Rare Josef Seiss Antique Amethyst Intaglio 14K Yellow Gold Lions Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional museum quality signed Josef Seiss oval amethyst intaglio 14K yellow gold signet ring
Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Georgian 15 Karat Gold Pinkie Ring Opal Natural Oriental Pearls Amethyst
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This delightful little Georgian 15 karat gold ring dates from 1825 ca. It is set with cabochon
Category

Antique 1820s English George IV Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Opal, Oriental Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold

Victorian Amethyst Ring with Pearls 2ct Vintage Antique 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Victorian Amethyst Ring with Pearls 2ct Vintage Antique 14K Featuring Two 1ct Genuine Natural
Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Amethyst Cocktail Ring French Cut 6.5ct Antique Yellow Gold Original 19
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1930's Art Deco Amethyst Cocktail Ring French Cut 6.5ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Amethyst Cameo and Diamond ring, c. 1880
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique cameo and diamond ring, circa 1880. Large, bold and unusual, the natural amethyst, held
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Early Victorian 14 Karat Gold Yellow and Amethyst Oval Ring 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Romantic, delicate Old European cut amethyst ring in a lovely crown design 14K yellow gold setting
Category

Antique 19th Century British Romantic Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond and Unusual Fancy Cut Amethysts Ring, circa 1880
Located in Aspen, CO
Heart shaped antique ring in gold and silver (which was the classic metals used in the 19th century
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

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Antique Gold Amethyst Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the antique gold amethyst ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and 14k Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 150 vintage or 13 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect antique gold amethyst 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. An antique gold amethyst ring from Natkina, Polya Medvedeva Jewellery and Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for an antique cushion cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and emerald cut alternatives. When shopping for an antique gold amethyst ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Antique Gold Amethyst Ring?

The price for an antique gold amethyst ring starts at $295 and tops out at $28,500 with these rings, on average, selling for $1,910.

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.