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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 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.
- Can engagement rings be gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Engagement rings can be gold. However, because gold is a softer metal than other metals, such as platinum, making it less popular.
- Are all Cartier rings gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023No, not all Cartier rings are gold. Although the luxury jewelry maker produces many white, rose and yellow gold pieces, some rings are platinum. The French jewelry house, founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier rings.
- What is a gold signet ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021The gold signet ring is traditionally a symbol of heritage. It is often handed down through the generations of a family. It is also known as the “gentleman's ring” or “seal rings.” The name comes from the Latin 'Signum' which means “sign.” On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage gold signet rings.
- Can wedding rings be gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, wedding rings can be gold. Your options also aren't limited to the traditional warm-glowing yellow, as many makers offer wedding rings in white gold and rose gold as well. Most wedding rings feature 14-karat or 18-karat gold rather than pure 24-karat gold because alloys are stronger and more resistant to breakage and scratching. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of gold wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023No, most gold wedding rings aren't pure gold. Pure or 24-karat gold is a malleable material and generally isn't a good choice for making jewelry intended to be worn every day. As a result, most wedding rings are made of a gold alloy, such as 18-karat or 14-karat gold. Find a large selection of gold wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, engagement rings can be rose gold. In fact, many people love the warm pinkish glow of the precious metal and choose it for their engagement rings. In addition, rose gold doesn't tarnish and is highly resistant to scratches. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of rose gold engagement rings.
- Can wedding rings be white gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, white gold can be used in wedding rings. In fact, the precious metal offers distinctive benefits because it doesn't tarnish and resists corrosion. The metal is also relatively malleable, allowing it to be adorned with intricate details and engravings. Shop a range of white gold wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Since 24k gold is too soft, jewelry made with this kind of gold tends to bend easily. It is preferable to use 10k, 14k or 18k gold for rings. Find a collection of vintage and antique gold rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Gold nugget rings became popular during the time of the California gold rush during the mid 19th century. At the time, people associated the rings with wealth, power and good fortune. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of gold nugget rings.
- Is a Cartier ring solid gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, a Cartier ring is not usually solid gold. Typically, the French luxury jewelry maker uses 18-karat gold to craft jewelry. An 18-karat gold ring is 75 percent gold and 25 percent metal alloy. Shop a collection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024Your silver ring is likely turning gold due to a chemical process known as tarnishing. It occurs when sulfuric compounds and other substances in the air react with silver, causing it to change color. You can reduce the risk of tarnishing by following the storage, cleaning and care instructions provided by the jewelry maker. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of silver rings.
- How much does a gold ring weigh?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024How much a gold ring weighs varies. Generally, most gold rings weigh 3.5 to 5.3 grams. The diameter measurement and thickness of the ring will largely determine how much it weighs. Gemstones and other embellishments will increase the weight. Find a diverse assortment of gold rings from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023No, gold wedding rings are not out of style. While the circle shape has always symbolized an unending pledge of love to one's partner, preferred materials in the production of wedding bands have changed over time. Metals such as iron in early Rome replaced the wedding rings of bone and ivory that came before them. These days, white gold and yellow gold are still among the most popular metals for engagement rings and wedding rings. Find antique and vintage wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Whether or not gold engagement rings are outdated is a matter of opinion. Yellow gold has been used to produce rings for centuries. However, white gold and rose gold can be appealing for those who want something different for an engagement ring. Because you'll likely wear your engagement ring for years to come, it's a good idea to choose pieces that appeal to you rather than following trends that change from season to season. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of engagement rings.
- Are Swarovski rings real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Swarovski rings are made from palladium and gold-plated metals, rather than 18 carat gold. As a result they are more suited to handling wear and tear.
- Is a Cartier ring real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023Whether a Cartier ring is real gold depends on the piece. Cartier only uses genuine 18-karat white gold, yellow gold and rose gold for rings labeled as "gold rings." However, Cartier also offers rings crafted out of materials like platinum, so not all pieces produced by the French luxury jewelry maker are gold. Shop a large selection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The best gold ring to buy is really a matter of preference. Shop from a selection of antique, vintage and contemporary gold rings of 1stDibs.
- What does a gold lion ring mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A gold lion ring can be a symbol of strength and leadership as well as a piece meant to bring protection to the wearer. Wearing it on the right hand can accentuate the meaning of the leadership qualities, while wearing it on the left hand emphasizes its protection qualities. Shop a range of authentic gold lion rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023No, rose gold engagement rings don't tarnish the way that sterling silver ones do. However, rose gold may take on a richer, darker color over time. This aged appearance is known as a patina, and many wearers find it to be a significant part of the appeal of the metal. On 1stDibs, find a collection of rose gold engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024Yes, Versace rings are often made of real gold. However, the type of gold varies. For pieces from its fashion jewelry collection, Versace typically uses gold plating, which consists of a base metal and a thin layer of genuine gold. Fine jewelry produced by the luxury Italian fashion house is more likely to be solid 14-karat or 18-karat gold. Explore a selection of Versace rings on 1stDibs.
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