Skip to main content

Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

to
337
4,111
2,735
7,110
2,854
2,624
744
681
648
608
518
505
39
2
130
120
113
71
49
Sort By
Vintage Men s White Gold 11.70ctw Star Sapphire Diamond Florentine Finish Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- Sharp Star - 100% Natural - 11.2x10.1x9.4mm - 11.30ct (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Baguette
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1960s French 1.23ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.23 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold trilogy ring
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Mid-Century 2.06 CTW Fancy Diamond Platinum Three Stone Vintage Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 7 1/2 sizable Measures north to south 6.0 and sits 5.0
Category

1950s Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Jean Després 1950 Paris Artistic Geometric Ring in 18kt Gold with Round Diamond
By Jean Despres
Located in Miami, FL
old European round cut diamond, 0.20 carats, F color, VS-2 clarity. Birthstone: Diamond for the month
Category

1950s French Post-War Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

1.4 CT Royal Blue Sapphire 1.4 CT Diamond Snake Crossover Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
ring is currently a size 5 US (J 1/2 UK) with an inner guard inside. The inner guard can be removed if
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

2.26ct Old Miner Cut Diamond 2.16ct Emerald Three-Stone 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
: 18 Karat Two Tone Gold/Plat Gemstone 1: 1.2 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: J Clarity: SI2
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Men s 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Ring, Size 10 - 9.7g
Located in Providence, RI
carats (9.00 x 7.40 x 5.02) (per the personal property appraisal) - 2 Round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century 4.04 CTW Pear Diamond Platinum Vintage Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
as platinum Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 5 1/2 and sizable Measures north to south 13.0 mm and sits 6.5 mm
Category

1950s Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage White Gold 1.49ctw Pear Emerald Baguette Diamond Sides Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 9x6mm - 1.25ct (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Baguette Cut - Channel Set - G/H Color - VS1/VS2
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold

Vintage Platinum 1.24ct GIA Round Step Sapphire w/ Baguette Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Carat Weight: 1.24 (approx.) Material: Solid Platinum Weight: 3.35 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 (Fitted on a
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1957 Mid-Century 1.10 CTW Diamond Platinum Three Stone Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat - H color with VS clarity
Category

1950s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Platinum

18k Yellow Gold Men s 1.6cttw Diamond Ring, Size 10 - 16.1g
Located in Providence, RI
center diamond, VVS1 Clarity, H Color, 0.50 carat (per personal property appraisal) - 2 Round brilliant
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 3.30Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Trilogy Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.30 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold trilogy ring
Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Trilogy Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
. There is then a halo of shining diamonds. They each weigh 0.05 carat and there is a total of 18 stones
Category

1950s Unknown Retro Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Spectacular Vietnamese Ruby Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, American. This stunning ruby and diamond ring features a spectacular 3.38-carat
Category

1990s American Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Platinum 3.04ctw GIA Round Brilliant Green Emerald Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a magnificent vintage emerald and diamond ring that is crafted in solid platinum. The
Category

1950s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Emerald, Platinum

5.59ct Fancy Light Yellow Old European Cut Diamond Three-Stone 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Gemstone 2: 1.8 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: FCLY Clarity: SI1 Shape: Old European Cut GIA
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian Gold Platinum GIA 2.11ct Fancy Yellow Old Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Prong Set - Fancy Brown Yellow Color
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

18 Karat Gold Ladies Ring with Natural Burma Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
. Ring made in 1960's Dimensions - Weight : 5 grams Finger Size (UK) = Q (US) = 8 1/2 (EU) = 57 1/2
Category

1960s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

1960 s Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
mark Circa: 1960s Ring Size: 4 1/2 and sizable Measures north to south 6.0 mm and sits 5.0 mm high
Category

1960s Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Diamond Band 1.00ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
. Ring size is 4 1/2 and can be sized up to 5 1/2 or less for an extra fee. Like new condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum GIA 1.26ctw Gray Opal w/ Diamond Sides Low Profile Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Below For More Info** (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Burnish Set - G Color - VS2
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Cartier Diamond and Sapphire Three Stone Ring, French, circa 1950
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier diamond and sapphire three stone ring. Centrally set with a square step cut diamond, H-I
Category

1950s French Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

4.12ct Old European Cut M–J Diamond 14K Rose Gold Vintage Five-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 14 Karat Rose Gold Gemstone 1: 1.28 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: M Clarity: SI1 Shape
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

18kt Gold and Platinum 3.85 ct. Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
touch of sophistication. Dimensions - Ring Size (UK) = M 1/2 (EU) = 54.5 (US) = 6.75 Weight: 5.00 grams
Category

1990s European Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

3.51ct Old European Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring in 18K Gold Platinum GIA Cert
Located in New York, NY
Karat Two Tone Gold/Plat Gemstone 1: 1.23 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: Q Clarity: VS2 Shape
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 2.05Ct Tourmaline and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Setting 6.77mm/0.27" Ring Size UK Size P 1/2 USA Size 7 3/4 The ring size may be professionally adjusted
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ring with Gubelin certified 3.25 ct Colombian Emerald Diamonds in White Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
gold 1 emerald, octagonal cut, 3.25 ct., Colombia, minor, GGL 24110036 2 diamonds, F-G colour, vs
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Vintage Platinum Gold AGCL 2.28ct Cushion Yellow Sapphire w/ Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- Ceylon - 2.10ct (exact - certified) **See Certification Details Below** (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

GIA Certified Natural Emerald &Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Cluster Platinum Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
carats, GIA certified as no fissures present, F1 (minor oiled) and Colombian origin; 2 Old cut Diamonds
Category

1950s Spanish Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

WEMPE 18k gold ring with sapphire 1.10ct and triangle cut diamond up to 0.80ct
By Wempe
Located in The Hague, ZH
triangle cut diamond up to. 0.85 carats color F/G clarity VS/SI (one of the diamonds is chipped) the ring
Category

1990s Dutch Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960 s Multi-Gem 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage En Tremblant Daisy Flower Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Completed by split wire shoulders and grooved shank Stamped for 18 karat gold Circa: 1960s Ring Size: 5 1/2
Category

1960s Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k ...

Ring with emerald up to 1.00ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.16ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with an emerald totaling approximately 1.00 ct and a brilliant-cut diamond
Category

1990s Dutch Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Ring with ruby verneuille and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with ruby ​​and old mine cut diamond up to 0.30 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring
Category

1950s Dutch Retro Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Tank model 18k gold ring with old European cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 16.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
diamond, approximately 0.25 carats in total Color: G/H Purity: VS/SI - 2 x 3.2 mm old European cut
Category

1950s Dutch Retro Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Solid Gold GIA 1.91ctw Burma Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
of ring, north to south), 15mm (0.59")(east to west, diamond to diamond) - 1.9mm (bottom of shank
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Hand Carved 18K Yellow Gold Horse Head Ring
By Incogem
Located in Palm Desert, CA
rich 19-karat gold, the ring is a size 9 1/2 and has a substantial gold weight of 23.7 grams, making it
Category

1990s American Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oscar Heyman Sapphire Peridot Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Vintage Toi-Et-Moi Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring size: 6 1/2 and sizable Measures north to south 15.0 mm and sits 10.0 mm high Total weight: 9.8
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Platinum Diamond Wedding Band 2.50ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
diamonds go all around the circumference. The center row of diamonds are baguette cuts, 1.00 total carats
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1980 s 2.71 CTW Ceylon Sapphire Diamond 14K Gold Vintage Three Stone Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
gold Circa: 1980s Ring size: 4 1/2 and sizable Measures north to south 8.0 mm and sits 6.5 mm high
Category

1980s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Turquoise and Diamond18K Gold Dome Ring
Located in Houston, TX
diamonds that total 11 carats, F-G color and VS1-2 clarity. Presentation area is 1 inch by 1 inch and it
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Brothers Pansy Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
2014. UK finger size L 1/2. Please note shipping to the United States of America requires the
Category

1940s American Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Aldo Bertozzi Spectacular Hyper Modern Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
way of life." SIZE: approximately 8 1/2 to 8 3/4 WEIGHT: 17.4 grams STONES: 2.42-carat
Category

1990s Swiss Modernist Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

NEW GAL Cert Natural 2.28Ct Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Warren, NJ
Carat Weight: 11.85 ct Total Ounce Weight: .083 oz Ring size: 5 1/2 Ring can be resized for $50. We
Category

Late 20th Century American Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Paul Binder Hyper-Modern Sixties Cocktail Ring
By Paul Binder
Located in Litchfield, CT
5 1/2, it can be sized minimally. WEIGHT: 13.2 grams STONES: 3.07-carat tourmaline and 2.80
Category

1960s Swiss Modernist Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

1980 16.58 CTW No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Garnet Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
: 1980's Ring Size: 6 1/2 - inquire for sizing Measures north to south 14.5 mm and sits 9.0 mm high Total
Category

1980s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Platinum Diamond Band .50tdw, 7g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Platinum Diamond Band .50tdw, 7g Ladies platinum and diamond ring. Stamped Pt 900 and weighs 7
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Ring 18k Gold Steel Flex Sz 9 Estate Snake Jewelry
By Bulgari
Located in Torrance, CA
has some flexibility and can flex up in size approx. 1-2 sizes. The ring does not come with Bulgari
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Vintage Moonstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A vintage moonstone and diamond 18 karat yellow gold cluster ring. The centre cabochon cut
Category

1950s Unknown Retro Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Moonstone, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band 0.75ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
ring size is 9 1/2. Overall, looks almost new.
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1.20ct Diamond Full Eternity Band, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
diamonds, each weighing 0.05 carats, totalling 1.20 carats. The diamonds are of high quality, matching in
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Gemstone Cocktail Ring 6g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
carats. Tiny diamonds on the sides. The top of the ring measures 11.5mm wide. Ring size is 5 1/2 and can
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Vintage Opal Ring 3.5g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
-cut diamonds, .07 total carats, set in platinum. Ring size is 5 and can be sized down to 4 1/2 or up
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sonia B Diamond Gold Band
By Sonia B. Designs
Located in Darnestown, MD
1/2" at widest; excellent condition. The diamonds are SI1 quality and are about 3 carats in total
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage diamond 14k white gold half eternity band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
sparkle across the band. Hallmarked with purity and maker’s marks, this 2.64 gram, size 6 1/2 ring is a
Category

1990s Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 0.40ct Diamond and Emerald Cluster, c.1980s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Vintage target ring is a true beauty. At the centre, a 0.40 carat round brilliant
Category

1980s British Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band 0.50ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
top. The ring size is 12 and can be sized down to a maximum of 10 1/2 for an extra fee. Looks like new.
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage 1 2 carat diamond 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, Platinum and 18k Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. You’re likely to find the perfect vintage 1 2 carat diamond ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic vintage 1 2 carat diamond ring over the years, but those made by Tiffany Co., Luigi Ferrara and Cartier are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and old european cut alternatives. Finding a vintage 1 2 carat diamond ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 4833 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring?

The price for a vintage 1 2 carat diamond ring starts at $1 and tops out at $6,500,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,810.

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.