Rings
2010s American Modern Rings
Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1980s Swiss Vintage Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1910s Edwardian Vintage Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1980s Vintage Rings
Diamond
1940s Retro Vintage Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Indian Modern Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Rings
Diamond
1980s Contemporary Vintage Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Modern Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rings
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s British Modern Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary British Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s British Modern Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Modern Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Contemporary Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s British Modern Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Rings
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Modern Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Rings
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Modern Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s Rings
Diamond
Early 2000s Rings
Diamond
1910s Edwardian Vintage Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s British Modern Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s European Modern Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rings
Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Rings
Amethyst, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Rings
Amethyst, Silver
2010s American Contemporary Rings
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
20th Century American Modern Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s North American Artisan Rings
Diamond, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rings
Sapphire, Platinum
2010s Japanese Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Modern Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1910s Edwardian Vintage Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1950s American Art Deco Vintage Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rings
Diamond, White Gold
20th Century Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Contemporary Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Rings
14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Rings
Diamond, Ruby
Antique and Vintage Rings, Cocktail Rings and Art Deco Rings for Sale on 1stDibs
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 rings, vintage 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.
Read More
This Absinthe-Hued Peridot Cocktail Ring Is Positively Intoxicating
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.