Skip to main content

Shell Cameo Rings

to
9
61
40
37
37
26
17
13
10
9
7
5
5
5
5
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
9
6
4
2
1
Sort By
Designer Shell Cameo Ring with Diamonds 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Designer Swan Shell Cameo Ring with Diamonds 18k Gold covering your 2 fingers is one of our
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Estate 14K Yellow Gold Carved Lady Shell Cameo Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This Estate vintage split shank gold and shell cameo ring features a lovely lady in profile
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Carved Cherub Shell Cameo Ring, Oval Statement Setting
Located in Miami, FL
A charming vintage carved shell cameo ring crafted in solid 14K gold and featuring a finely modeled
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold

Antique 800 Silver and Shell Cameo Ring with Coral Bead Surround
Located in London, GB
Beautiful 800 silver and shell cameo ring, with rope twist detail and a coral bead surround. Ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Fashion Rings

Materials

Silver

Vintage Art Deco 10 Karat Yellow Gold Carved Shell Cameo Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This intricately carved shell cameo ring is as stunning as it is unique in 10 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Carved Shell Cameo Ring with Diamond Accent, Sculptural Setting
Located in Miami, FL
A bold and expressive vintage carved shell cameo ring in solid 14K gold, featuring a finely modeled
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 18K Gold and Shell Cameo Ring Made 1954
Located in Stockholm, SE
This vintage ring in 18 karat gold features a rectangular bezel setting holding a shell cameo. The
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage 18K Gold Italian Shell Cameo Ring, Hand-Carved Portrait
Located in Miami, FL
the softness that collectors value in authentic shell cameos. The ring is fully crafted in 18K gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Hand Carved Italian Shell Cameo Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pretty cameo ring features a shell cameo that was hand carved in Italy and set in a beautiful
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Late Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Ring/Greek Goddess
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstone: Shell Cameo Weight: 5.7 grams Size: 6 Dimensions: 22.6 x 12.1
Category

Antique 1890s Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Shell Cameo Ring in 9K Gold. Split Shoulders. Maker s Mark.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
condition featuring a Shell Cameo, depicting a profile of a young lady, wearing a necklace, standing out
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Retro Signet Rings

Materials

9k Gold

Vintage Italian 14K Gold Pink Conch Shell Cameo Ring, Floral Classical Profile
Located in Miami, FL
A romantic vintage Italian cameo ring, hand-carved in soft blush conch shell and bezel-set in solid
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold

Victorian Cameo carved shell 10k signet ring. Antique 10k Rose gold Signet ring
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Style: Victorian Precious petite Shell cameo ring. Set in European 10k (unmarked) rose gold. Antique
Category

Early 2000s Signet Rings

Materials

Rose Gold

Cupid and Angel Cameo Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds Around
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This lovely hand carved shell cameo ring with diamond and emerald scalloped design can be worn day
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

White Gold Carved Shell Cameo Art Deco Three Graces Cameo Ring - 14k Filligree
Located in Greensboro, NC
Carved Shell Cameo Style: Cameo Theme: Three Graces Features: Rope Textured Detailing, Filligree
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Shell Cameo 18K Yellow Gold 0.10 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring showcases a finely carved shell cameo, portraying a classical
Category

Late 20th Century American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Shell Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 14k Carved Cameo Silhouette
Located in Greensboro, NC
Information Natural Shell Cut: Carved Cameo Size: 20mm x 10mm Style: Cocktail Solitaire Theme: Silhouette
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Shell Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 14k Carved Cameo Silhouette
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information Natural Shell Cut: Carved Cameo Size: 24.7mm x 17.7mm Style: Cocktail
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Shell Cameo and Seed Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pretty ring features a lovely shell cameo that was beautifully hand carved in Italy. The cameo
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 15 Karat Gold Warrior Profile Shell Cameo Round Signet Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian signet ring crafted in 15K gold. Circa 1890. The piece features a shell cameo
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 15k Gold

Vintage 9 Karat Gold Lady Profile Shell Cameo Round Signet Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage signet ring crafted in 9K gold. Circa 1960. The piece features a shell cameo
Category

Mid-20th Century Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold

Vintage Yellow Gold Carved Shell Cameo Large High Profile Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Shell - Oval Shaped w/ Carving - Multi Prong Set - White Carving
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique and Vintage Carved Shell and 18k Yellow Gold Cameo Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive carved shell and 18 karat yellow gold cameo cocktail ring; part of
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Hand Carved Italian Shell Cameo 14k Yellow Gold Filigree Seed Pearl Ring
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lovely cocktail ring features a large, elongated shell cameo that was beautifully hand carved
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Shell Seed Pearl Vintage Halo Cameo Ring - 14k Carved Silhouette
Located in Greensboro, NC
Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Shell Cut: Carved Cameo Size: (approx.) 19.6mm x 14.4mm Natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hand Carved Italian Shell Cameo Filigree Seed Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pretty cocktail ring features a lovely shell cameo that was beautifully hand carved in Italy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Hand Carved Shell Cameo with Female Silhouette
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage (ca. 1950s / 1960s) 14 karat solid yellow gold ring with a shell cameo featuring a female
Category

Mid-20th Century European Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Carved Shell Cameo Lady Portrait Twisted Wire Frame Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Shell - Custom Carved - Peach Base Color w/ White Carving
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Hand Carved Shell Cameo with Female Silhouette
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage (ca. 1950s / 1960s) 14 karat solid yellow gold ring with a shell cameo featuring a female
Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Shell Diamond Art Deco Ring 10k 14k Carved Cameo .20ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 10k White Gold (top) with 14k Yellow Gold (shank) Stone Information Natural Shell Cut: Carved Cameo
Category

Vintage 1920s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Victorian Carved Shell Lady Cameo Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size 7
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous pink carved lady in yellow gold vintage cameo ring featuring a shell carved Victorian
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Carved Bovine Shaped Shell Cameo Round Ring with Pave Diamonds Made in 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18KT:5.450g, Diamond:0.40ct, SHELL CAMEOS:8.55ct, Size: US-7"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Shell Cameo Cocktail Ring with Carved Face Pave Diamonds Made in 18k Rose Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18KT:8.709g, Diamond:0.67ct, SHELL CAMEOS:6.73ct, Size: US-7"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Carved Cameo Shell Ring with Pave Diamond on the Edge Made in 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT Gold:5.450g, Diamond:0.40ct, Shell Cameo:8.55ct,. US-7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Carved Shell Cameo Diamond Art Deco Ring 10k En Habille SZ 4 3/4
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 3/4 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Carved Shell
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Cameo Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Cameo Habille Filigree Antique
Located in New York, NY
INDULGE IN A SUPERB ART DECO - VICTORIAN - BELLE EPOQUE CARVED SHELL CAMEO DIAMOND HABILLE RING
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Cameo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s yellow gold 18 karat ring with shell cameo. Cameo size: 22 x 12 millimeters / 0.866 x 0.472
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French 1960s Shell Cameo 18 Karat Rose Gold Earrings Ring Set
Located in Poitiers, FR
and a ring. The antique ring is composed of a cameo on shell set with 4 claws and surrounded by 2
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rhodium-Plated 925 Sterling Silver Sea Shell Cameos Ring Necklace Set
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
Rhodium Plated 925 Sterling Silver Sea Shell 25/23mm cameos Ring Necklace set. Fully handcarved
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver

Rhodium-Plated 925 Sterling Silver Sea Shell Cameos Ring Bracelet Set
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
Rhodium Plated 925 Sterling Silver Sea Shell 12/16/18mm cameos Ring Bracelet set. Fully handcarved
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Cultured Pearl, Peridot, Topaz, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

18 Carat Gold-Plated 925 Sterling Silver Sea Shell Cameos Ring Bracelet Set
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
18kt Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver Sea Shell 25/26mm cameos Ring Bracelet set. Fully handcarved
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Vintage 18 Karat Gold and Cameo Ring, 1950s
Located in Bologna, IT
This stunning vintage ring, dating from the 1950s, is set with a central cameo, carved on a shell
Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Carat Gold-Plated 925 Sterling Silver with Sea Shell Cameo Adjustable Ring
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with 38mm Sea Shell Cameo adjustable ring. Fully
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold Plate

18 Carat Rose Gold-Plated 925 Sterling Silver Sea Shell with Sea Shell Cameo Adj
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 carat Rose Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with 38mm Sea Shell Cameo adjustable ring. Fully
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold Plate, Rose Gold

Gold Ring with Shell Cameo and Diamonds, Late 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Gold ring with shell cameo and diamonds, late 19th century. 14 carat gold Europe, end of the 19th
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Belle Époque Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique 9ct Gold Huge Cameo Signet Ring 375 Purity Heavy Shell 6.7g Size O 7.25
Located in Camelford, GB
HUGE GOLD ANTIQUE CARVED SHELL CAMEO SIGNET RING DETAILS Material: 9ct 375/000 Yellow Gold This ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 9ct Gold Huge Cameo Signet Ring 375 Purity Heavy Shell 6.7g Size O 7.25
Located in Camelford, GB
HUGE GOLD ANTIQUE CARVED SHELL CAMEO SIGNET RING DETAILS Material: 9ct 375/000 Yellow Gold This ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Art Nouveau Gold, Silver, Diamond and Cameo Ring
Located in Bologna, IT
external ring of rose cut diamonds, surrounding the shell cameo. The ring is modelled both in 18K gold and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

18 Carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver Sea Shell Cameo Earrings, Pendant, Ring
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with 16 mm Sea Shell Cameo earrings, rings and pendant
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Zircon, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

18 Carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with Sea Shell Cameo Bracelet and Ring
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with 14 and 18 mm Sea Shell Cameo bracelet and ring with
Category

2010s Italian Artisan More Bracelets

Materials

Zircon, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

18 Carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with Sea Shell Cameo Set
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with 18 mm Sea Shell Cameo earrings, ring, pendant with
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Zircon, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

18 Carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with Sea Shell Cameo Set
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with 14 and 10 mm Sea Shell Cameo earrings, rings and
Category

2010s Italian Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Baby Hand-Carved Cameo Ring in Sardonyx Shell 18-Karat Gold by Cindy Sherman
By Cindy Sherman, Liz Swig
Located in New York, NY
"Baby" hand carved sardonyx shell and set in 18-karat light pink gold cameo ring by Cindy Sherman
Category

2010s Italian Natural Specimens

Materials

Gold

Halo Cornelian Cameo Ring in 18k Pink Gold and Yellow Diamonds by Cindy Sherman
By Cindy Sherman, Liz Swig
Located in New York, NY
"Halo" cornelian shell Cameo, in pink gold and yellow diamonds by Cindy Sherman, brings the
Category

2010s Italian Natural Specimens

Materials

Gold

Antique Carved Shell Cameo Ring
Located in London, GB
This shell cameo ring is carved superbly and executed with high relief workmanship, depicting a
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold

10K Gold Hand Carved Victorian Revival Carved Shell Cameo Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Vintage 10K Gold Hand Carved Victorian Revival Carved Shell Cameo Ring. The ring is in excellent
Category

Vintage 1930s American Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

10k Gold

Estate Victorian Style 10 Karat Yellow Gold Shell Cameo Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Estate Victorian style 10K yellow gold shell cameo ring. Showcasing one carved shell cameo with a
Category

Antique 19th Century More Rings

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Shell Cameo Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of shell cameo rings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Yellow Gold and 18k Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 26 vintage editions and 12 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 18th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of shell cameo rings includes designs that are universally popular, but Artisan and Georgian styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L, Artisan NYC and Pomellato produced popular versions that are worth a look. Browse our collection of 4 Diamond versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. There are many bead, mixed cut and round cut shell cameo rings for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of shell cameo 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 Shell Cameo Rings?

Prices for shell cameo rings start at $240 and top out at $12,851 with these rings, on average, selling for $1,195.

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 Shell Cameo Rings
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What a cameo ring represents depends on the piece. The figures shown on some cameo jewelry depict an actual person, such as Queen Elizabeth II. Most jewelry does not symbolize a particular person but rather simply shows an image of a woman or man in silhouette or a three-quarter view. On 1stDibs, find a collection of cameo rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    A cameo is a hard or precious gemstone carved in relief so that the figures project from a supporting background. A cameo ring is one with such a carved stone. The most common motif of antique cameo rings is a depiction of a profile of a face or mythical creature. Shop a range of antique and vintage cameo rings and other cameo jewelry on 1stDibs.