Skip to main content

Belle Epoque Antique Rings

to
15
481
236
572
572
162
152
112
100
43
35
7
5
4
4
1
1
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
Sort By
French 20th Century Mabé Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This charming antique ring is set on a small
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

20th Century Fine Pearl Diamonds Yellow gold Platinum Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 Karats yellow gold and platinum. Antique marquise ring, slightly elongated in shape and
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum, Yellow Gold

20th Century Rose-Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Rosette Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and platinum. Feminine, this ring presents a round shape openwork
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

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

3 Carats Green sapphire and diamond cluster ring circa 1900 - 1910
Located in Uccle, BE
Sapphire cluster ring circa 1910. Bicolor 18 Karat white gold on top and yellow gold for the body
Category

Early 1900s European Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

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

20th Century 1, 40 Carat Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 Karat yellow gold. Charming antique ring, it is decorated on its top of a round cabochon
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Dendrite Agate Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Silver Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, and silver, owl hallmark. Rare and elegant antique rose gold ring, its
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Ring 5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Silver Ø 8.25 US/8.8gr
Located in SE
closed. This ring is European made, dates to 18th -early 19th century. It was resized in the past and
Category

Early 19th Century European Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

20th Century Star Setting Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold. Large and massive, this ring features a star-set top with 5 rose-cut
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

20th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. A delightful antique You and Me ring, set with a wave-shaped gold
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

20th Century Turquoise Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Round in Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold. A charming round-shaped antique ring set with a cabochon turquoise in a
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

FRENCH Edwardian 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with Pearl and Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
This enchanting antique French ring is crafted in 18kt yellow gold, showcasing a lustrous pearl at
Category

1910s French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

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

French, 1900s, Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Sublime antique ring, the setting of oval shape
Category

Early 1900s French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

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

20th Century Purple Sapphire Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. A feminine antique trilogy ring, it is adorned on its
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow...

1900s French Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white rhodium-plated gold, eagle's head hallmark. This sublime antique ring forms
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold...

French 20th Century Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, own and grotesque hallmarks. Antique ring from the
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

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

1900s Green Agate Rose-Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, owl hallmark and silver, swan hallmark. Pompadour ring style, this
Category

Early 1900s French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterli...

19th Century Fine Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. A delightful You and Me antique ring, set with a wave-shaped gold
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900s Fine Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Rose Gold Openwork Lozenge Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow and rose gold. This elegant antique ring is made of rose gold wire forming
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

20th Century Yellow Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. The setting of this antique snake ring is formed by 2
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...

19th Century Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, owl hallmark and silver. Of marquise form, this charming antique ring
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

20th Century Turquoise with Pyrite Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Platinum Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark and platinum, mascaron hallmark. Magnificent oval-shaped
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

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

20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Cloverleaf Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. An original and elegant antique ring in the shape of a 4
Category

Early 20th Century European Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Natural Yellow Sapphire Fine Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold. A feminine antique ring, its band is a round gold wire supporting an
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

French 20th Century Tsavorite Green Garnet Fine Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, horse head hallmark. A charming round-shaped antique ring set with a
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

20th Century Natural No Heated Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold. A charming antique ring with a very flat, oval-shaped setting featuring
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinu...

French 20th Century Red Gems 18 Karat Rose Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. A delightful antique trilogy ring, it holds 3
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

19th Century Ceylon Yellow Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. The setting of this feminine antique ring represents a
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...

20th Century Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, owl hallmark. Charming antique you and me jewel, this ring is set on
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

20th Century Pink Sapphire Fine Pearl Diamonds 18 K Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Elegant antique ring from the Belle Epoque, with
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, G...

20th Century Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark, and platinum, mascaron hallmark. Lovely antique charm
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

Suzy Levian 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This spectacular ring from the Suzy Levian collection features 14k gold. An array of white diamonds
Category

19th Century American Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ring 0.25ct. Diamond Enamels solid 18K Gold Silver Ø4.25US/1.25 gr
Located in SE
Fine Antique Ring, likely Swedish, ca. late XIX - early XX century. Solid 18K Yellow Gold band
Category

1890s Swedish Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Early 20th Century French Sapphire Diamond “Daisy” Cluster Ring – Antique 18K
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
. Ideal for collectors of antique French jewelry, vintage sapphire rings, and Belle Époque floral clusters
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian Natural Pearl .85 Ct Mine Cut Diamond Rare ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The Beautiful Era This stunning Belle Epoque/ Edwardian period ring is extremely elegant Belle
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Tiger s Eye Double Cameo Ring Neoclassical Roman Victorian Gold Hand Carved
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique Belle Epoque, Victorian gold double cameo ring with a
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Tiger s Eye, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cupid Eros God of Love Intaglio Ring Agate Gold Neoclassical Victorian 1890
By Esemco
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a superb museum quality Victorian - Belle Epoque hand carved Agate Intaglio Ring
Category

19th Century American Victorian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hermes Mercury Roman God Bloodstone Intaglio Ring Gold Victorian Hand Carved
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique Belle Epoque, Victorian ring with a beautiful hand carved
Category

19th Century Italian Victorian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Natural Sapphire Snake Ring Antique Victorian French 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A WONDERFUL ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU - VICTORIAN - BELLE EPOQUE - ENTWINED SNAKE RING WITH TWO
Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Coral Cameo Goddess Woman Ring White Yellow Gold Antique Neoclassical
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely stunning and rare antique Art Deco - Victorian - Belle Epoque Coral Cameo
Category

19th Century Italian Victorian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Coral, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold

Hermes Mercury Hardstone Cameo Ring Classic Victorian Agate Gold Deeply Carved
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a superb museum quality Victorian - Belle Epoque deeply carved hardstone Cameo Ring
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

Victorian Coral Cameo Pearl Goddess Woman Ring 14 Karat Gold Antique Neoclassic
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely stunning and rare antique Victorian - Belle Epoque Coral Cameo Ring with a
Category

19th Century Italian Victorian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Coral, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Ruby Pink Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Bee Fly Ring French Antique Insect Bug Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique French Belle Epoque Bee or Fly Insect Ring set with a very
Category

19th Century French Victorian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Russian Art Nouveau Rose Cut Diamond Ring Flower Clover 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is an extraordinary Russian Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque Rose Cut Diamond Ring in a Flower Clover
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Art Nouveau Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Russian Art Nouveau Old Mine Cut Diamond Flower Ring 14 Karat Gold Engagement
Located in New York, NY
This is an extraordinary Russian Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in a stunning
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Art Nouveau Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Three Ring Wood Brass Hanging Towel Rack
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Belle Epoque Era, a hanging Three Ring Fruit Wood and Brass Towel Rack, France, circa 1880
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
thanks to an adapted way of shipping with insurance and tracking number. When possible, the rings can be
Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Silver Pearl Locket Pendant Box Peacock Feather Flower Leaf
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A GORGEOUS VICTORIAN - BELLE EPOQUE LOCKET PENDANT OR JEWELRY, RING OR PILL BOX IN SILVER
Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Pearl, Silver

Belle Epoque Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Belle Epoque pearl, ruby and diamond navette-shaped ring, the old cushion-cut diamond estimated
Category

Early 1900s French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Belle-Époque Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A Belle-Époque ruby and diamond cluster ring, the central old brilliant-cut diamond weighing
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Belle Époque Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Belle Époque natural pearl and diamond ring, the vertically set three stone pearl, accompanied by
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond Navette-Shaped Ring
Located in London, GB
A Belle Epoque natural pearl and diamond navette-shaped ring, the pearl measuring 6.9-7.0 x 4.8mm
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
4.6 grams. This wonderful ring embodies Belle Epoque splendour. Made in around 1905, this ring comes
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Gold Sapphires and Diamonds French Belle Epoque Ring
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Antique Gold Sapphires and Diamonds French Belle Epoque Ring Beautiful antique ring, made in
Category

1910s French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Rectangular Diamond Plus Engagement Platinum Belle Époque Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
La Belle Époque 1890 the beautiful era was born all over Europe This design period was brief due
Category

Early 20th Century Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Gold and Diamonds French Antique Belle Epoque Ring
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A lovely antique ring, made in France circa 1900. Made in rose gold 18k and platinum, hallmarked
Category

Early 1900s French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

4 Carats Emerald and Diamonds French Belle Epoque Ring
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A very beautiful antique ring, made in France circa 1910. Made in platinum and set with diamonds
Category

1910s French Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Gold and 1.60 Carats Diamonds Antique Belle Epoque Ring
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very lovely antique ring, made in France circa 1900. Made in yellow gold 18k (horse head hallmark
Category

Early 1900s Belle Époque Belle Epoque Antique Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Belle Epoque Antique Rings", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Belle Epoque Antique Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of belle epoque antique rings. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Platinum. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 20th Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of belle epoque antique rings to choose from, but Edwardian and Art Nouveau belle epoque antique rings are of considerable interest. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Tiffany Co., Golconda and Koch produced popular versions that are worth a look. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 293, are particularly popular. There are many old european cut, oval cut and cabochon belle epoque antique rings for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of belle epoque antique rings for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Belle Epoque Antique Rings?

Prices for belle epoque antique rings start at $369 and top out at $285,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,895.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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.