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Art Deco Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
can be an alternate engagement ring, a promise ring and a fashion ring. The ring is pleasing for all
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rachel Koen Baguette Cut Diamond Ring Band 14k Yellow Gold 0.69Cttw Size 6.25
Located in New York, NY
promise ring. Diamond color G-H and VS-SI clarity. Metal 14K yellow gold. Total diamond weight 0.69 carat
Category

2010s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Kt Diamond Eyed Swan Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
wedding band or promise ring. Grace, beauty and trust are additional attributes of the swan. If you have
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Salvini 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Eternity Band 1.83 Carat
By Salvini
Located in New York, NY
its round-cut diamond gems. This band is perfect for a gift or as a promise ring. Width of the ring is
Category

2010s Italian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

French 19th Century 18 Karat Rose Gold Sentimental Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
rare promise ring in this condition.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Luscious Vintage Peridot Solitaire Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
engagement ring, a promise ring or a fashion ring. Perfect condition. Currently size 5 3/4 or a mite under 6
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Peridot, 14k Gold

Tiffany Co. Diamond Gold X Band Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
popular motif for many jewelry designers. The band would be a perfect anniversary or promise ring. It is
Category

1990s Unknown More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Bezel-Set Diamond Solitaire Ring Size 5 #23406
Located in Washington Depot, CT
is modern and understated, perfect of stacking or as a simple engagement or promise ring
Category

20th Century Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jabel 14 Karat Yellow and Rose Gold Eternity Wedding Band Stackable Ring
By Jabel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
gorgeous wedding ring, promise ring, or a wide stacking ring. The setting has what looks to be orange
Category

20th Century American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

14k Gold

14K Rose Gold Plated and White .925 Sterling Silver 1/5 Cttw Round Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Feminine and elegant, this beautiful diamond open heart promise ring is the perfect accessory for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Gold Plate

14K Rose Gold Plated and White .925 Sterling Silver 1/5 Cttw Round Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Feminine and elegant, this beautiful diamond open heart promise ring is the perfect accessory for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Gold Plate

Victorian Fire Opal Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
wedding ring, a promise ring, a fashion ring and a stacking ring. Perfect condition. 4.7 grams Size Size 7
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Fire Opal, 10k Gold

8.3ct Topaz Ring w Diamond Pave Halo in Solid 14K White Gold Emerald Cut 12x10mm
Located in Columbus, OH
. Perfect for all occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, promise rings, birthdays, or just because
Category

2010s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

8ct Stunning Emerald Ring w Earth Mined Diamond in Solid 14K Gold EM 15x12mm
Located in Columbus, OH
mined diamond halo. Perfect for all occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, promise rings, birthdays
Category

2010s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1 Carat 14K White Gold Fancy Yellow Pear Diamond Ring, Pear Diamond Halo Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Yellow color. The total carat weight of this diamond promise ring is 1.00 carat. This ring can be set
Category

2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Claddagh Ring Size 5.75 #22308
Located in Washington Depot, CT
diamond set in the heart. Perfect as a promise ring, friendship ring, or heritage-inspired statement
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Deco Old Mine Diamond Ring Cluster 22 Karat Yellow Gold, Engagement
Located in Torrance, CA
ring is great worn on its own as a cocktail ring, as an engagement ring or promise ring. The ring
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

2ct Rubellite Tourmaline Ring w Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14k Gold Round 8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
bride. Perfect for special occasions such as weddings/anniversaries, promise rings, birthdays and many
Category

2010s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Buckle Ring 9 Karat Gold Belt Stacking Ring circa 1979 English Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
been popular as a promise ring or love token. The clasped belt wraps around the finger, representing
Category

Late 20th Century British Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Heart Shaped Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
is an excellent choice for an engagement or promise ring. SPECIFICATIONS: CENTER DIAMOND: a heart
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Le Vian 14 Karat Rose Gold 5/8 Carat Diamond, Citrine, Smoky Quartz, Garnet Ring
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
. This fashionable ring can make an excellent engagement ring, birthday present, promise ring, or
Category

2010s Chinese Band Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Quartz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Natural Mandarin Garnet and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
18k pink/rose gold three-stone engagement/anniversary/promise ring features a unique trio of stones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold

0.50 Ct Amethyst Halo Ring 925 Sterling Silver 18K Rose Gold Plated Bridal Ring
Located in New York, NY
is perfect to wear as engagement ring, promise ring, birthstone ring, or statement ring. Center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central American Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Silver

14K Yellow Gold 1 1/4 Carat Round-Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
classic, bold modern statement ring makes a great gift for any special occasion and can serve as a promise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern 1.80ctw Australian Opal Sri Lankan Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring Sz 6.5
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary custom made engagement ring/promise ring features a unique interplay of naturally
Category

2010s German Artist Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Le Vian 14 Karat Rose Gold Red Rhodolite Garnet Omega Shaped Ring
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
, promise ring, or statement ring. Trust Birthstone to offer gorgeous designer jewelry in genuine 14K and
Category

2010s Chinese Band Rings

Materials

Garnet, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

.925 Sterling Silver 1.0 Cttw Diamond Emerald-Shaped Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
promise ring or engagement ring for the woman with a bold sense of style. Give her a gift that will
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

IGI Certified 1.0 Cttw Diamond 10K Yellow Gold Fluted Band Style Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
can serve as a promise ring, engagement ring, or anniversary band as well. Whether worn for daytime
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold 1-1/4 Cttw Diamond Floral Clusters Engagement or Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
classic, bold modern statement ring makes a great gift for any special occasion and can serve as a promise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Le Vian 14K White Gold Blue Sapphire Omega Shaped Ring - Size 6-3/4
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
, promise ring, or statement ring. Trust Birthstone to offer gorgeous designer jewelry in genuine 14K and
Category

2010s Chinese Band Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

DeBeers ‘Promise’ Solitaire Engagement Ring
By DeBeers
Located in London, GB
This second-hand designer ring is in brilliant condition. It is a DeBeers ring from their 'Promise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

LeVian 14K White Gold, Oval Blue Topaz 5/8 Cttw White/Chocolate Diamond Halo
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
will make an excellent engagement ring, birthday present, promise ring, or statement ring. Grab it
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

5.20 Ctw Tanzanite Sustainable Ring 925 Sterling Silver Bridal Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
, promise ring, birthstone ring, or statement ring. Center Stone : Natural Tanzanite Shape : Oval Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tanzanite, Sterling Silver, White Gold, Silver

3.62 Ct Aquamarine Halo Ring 925 Sterling Silver Bridal Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
is perfect to wear as engagement ring, promise ring, birthstone ring, or statement ring. Center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central American Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver

LeVian 14K White Gold, Cushion Shape Blue Topaz 5/8 Cttw White/Chocolate
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
wear. This fashionable ring will make an excellent engagement ring, birthday present, promise ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Certified 21.03 Carat Mandarin Garnet and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Ring Details : Spessartine: 21.03 carat Diamond: 0.63 carat 18K Gold Weight: 6.66 grams (Rose Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Mandarin Garnet, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Ring Garnet Opal 10 Karat Rose Gold Half Moon Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
ring or promise ring. The ring is in excellent condition. Particulars: Weight: 1.2 grams Stones
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Garnet, Opal, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

LeVian 14K White Gold Blue/White Topaz Amethyst Iolite Chocolate Diamond Ring S7
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
engagement ring, birthday present, promise ring. It’s the high profile statement piece you’ve been looking
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Iolite, Topaz, White Gold

0.86 Ct Tanzanite 925 Sterling Silver Ethical Ring For Engagement Bridal Ring
Located in New York, NY
is perfect to wear as engagement ring, promise ring, birthstone ring, or statement ring. Center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Tanzanite, Topaz, Sterling Silver, White Gold

2.25 Ct Tanzanite Cubic Zirconia Antique Ring 925 Sterling Silver Bridal Ring
Located in New York, NY
is perfect to wear as engagement ring, promise ring, birthstone ring, or statement ring. Center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Artist Band Rings

Materials

Tanzanite, Topaz, White Gold, Sterling Silver

2.12 Ct Tanzanite Ethical Ring 925 Sterling Silver Anniversary Ring For Women s
Located in New York, NY
is perfect to wear as engagement ring, promise ring, birthstone ring, or statement ring. Center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver

1.16 Ct Tanzanite Art Deco Ring 925 Sterling Silver Engagement Bridal Women Ring
Located in New York, NY
is perfect to wear as engagement ring, promise ring, birthstone ring, or statement ring. Center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Tanzanite, White Gold, Sterling Silver

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Bow Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
excellent candidate for a promise ring, an engagement ring. Perhaps it is a ring you would like to wear
Category

1990s French Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.77 Ct Amethyst Prong Ring 925 Sterling Silver 18K Rose Gold Plated Bridal Ring
Located in New York, NY
is perfect to wear as engagement ring, promise ring, birthstone ring, or statement ring. Amethyst
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central American Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Silver

Selene 14K White Gold Chrome Diopside Ring, 0.50 CT Green Gemstone, Vine Band
Located in Greeneville, TN
as a promise ring, engagement ring, or nature-lover's jewelry piece, this handcrafted design is an
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

White Gold

De Beers 0.46 Carat Diamond Promise Solitaire Ring
By De Beers
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful diamond engagement ring from the luxury jewellery designer De Beers. The ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

3.57 Ctw Natural Morganite 925 Sterling Silver Rose Gold Plated Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
statement piece. This ring is perfect to wear as engagement ring, promise ring, birthstone ring, or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Morganite, Zircon, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

3.41 Ctw Natural Morganite 925 Sterling Silver Rose Gold Plated Bridal Ring
Located in New York, NY
statement piece. This ring is perfect to wear as engagement ring, promise ring, birthstone ring, or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Morganite, Zircon, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage 0.75ct Natural Square Red Garnet and Diamond 14K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
unique alternative Wedding or Anniversary, Promise ring or Right Hand Ring that easy to stack. It's truly
Category

1990s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold

Damiani Promise 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Swirl Engagement Ring
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
This engagement ring from Damiani has a refreshingly original look that is perfect for the lady
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring - 10k Round Brilliant Cut Engagement Promise
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Down 2 sizes for $20 or Up 2 sizes for $25 Metal Content: 10k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamond Carat: .02ct Cut: Round Brilliant Colo...
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18k White Gold GIA 0.60ctw Oval Diamond Solitaire Petite Promise Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 2.17 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

De Beers The Promise Small 18 Carat Rose Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
By De Beers
Located in London, GB
This elegant ring created by British designer, De Beers is composed of two independent interlocking
Category

2010s English Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

De Beers the Promise Diamond Engagement Ring 2.05Ct I/SI2 XXX GIA Cert
By De Beers
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A spectacular platinum diamond engagement ring by De Beers from The Promise collection. Set to the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hammered Finish 18K Gold Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Suwanee, GA
Hammered Finish 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Promise Ring
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970’s 9ct Gold Heart Locket Pendant with Tiny Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
. The Words ‘My Love’ Feature on The Front. Would Make a Beautiful Alternative to a Promise Ring or
Category

Late 20th Century English Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Tourmaline Cocktail Ring, by Tagili
By Lisa Leone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
with a modern twist. Hand made, one of a kind stunner. The Tagili Promise: With every Ring sold, a
Category

2010s American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, 22k Gold

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Promise Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact promise ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 14k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 13 antique edition and 18 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect promise ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. A promise ring from De Beers, Five Star Jewelry and Graff — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Take a look at a promise ring featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and cushion cut versions for sale. Most of our promise ring for sale are for women, but there are 6 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Promise Ring?

On average, a promise ring at 1stDibs sells for $1,516, while they’re typically $144 on the low end and $127,238 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

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 Promise Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The meaning of a promise ring is a commitment to a relationship and hope for a relationship's future progression. Unlike an engagement ring, promise rings do not necessarily guarantee marriage. Instead, these rings signify a devotion of both parties to one another.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between a promise ring and an engagement ring is what each type of jewelry symbolizes. An engagement ring represents a promise to marry, usually sometime relatively soon. Promise rings ordinarily mean that a couple would like to one day marry but isn't yet ready to become formally engaged. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of engagement rings and promise rings.