Love Knot Ring
Late 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Band Rings
Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1930s Italian Fashion Rings
Antique Early 17th Century Stuart Dome Rings
Rock Crystal, Crystal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s North American Modern Fashion Rings
14k Gold, Gold-filled
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Artisan Fashion Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Dome Rings
14k Gold
2010s Australian Artist Solitaire Rings
Mandarin Garnet, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Fashion Rings
Diamond
Early 2000s Fashion Rings
Antique 1840s Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Bridal Rings
14k Gold
2010s Fashion Rings
20th Century Modernist Band Rings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Black Diamond, Blue Diamond, Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
2010s Italian Artisan Engagement Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Modern Band Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Artisan Solitaire Rings
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Artisan Solitaire Rings
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Australian Artist Engagement Rings
Kunzite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Solitaire Rings
Kunzite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Solitaire Rings
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Modern Engagement Rings
Emerald, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Solitaire Rings
Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Artist Engagement Rings
Kunzite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Artisan Solitaire Rings
Topaz, Blue Topaz, White Gold
2010s Australian Artist Solitaire Rings
Zircon, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Fashion Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s French Retro Fashion Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Engagement Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s British Modernist Band Rings
9k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Fashion Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Fashion Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Fashion Rings
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1970s British Retro Dome Rings
Gold
2010s American Modern Solitaire Rings
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1870s French High Victorian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings
Yellow Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century North American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
White Diamond, White Gold
Mid-20th Century French Modern Band Rings
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
- 1
Love Knot Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Love Knot Ring?
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 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.
- What does a love knot mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The love knot has been used as a sign of love for a long time. It symbolizes two lovers' unbreakable link and lifelong connection. Since ancient times, knots have been associated with love in various cultures — Ancient Greek jewelry, Egyptian sculptures, and Celtic knots are among them. Additionally, in ancient Arabia, couples utilized love knots to communicate with one another. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage love knot jewelry.
- What does the knot ring mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What a knot ring means depends on the piece. Promise rings with a knot indicates that a person intends to marry someone but they are not formally engaged. Celtic knot rings generally represent undying friendship and love. Shop a collection of knot rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Knot rings are rings that are made from a single strand of metal and feature an open knot in the middle. Usually, knot rings are featured as a part of weddings, engagements or even for celebrating friendships. Find an elegant knot ring for a loved one on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023What the Cartier Love ring symbolizes is a matter of personal interpretation. The ring is part of Cartier’s Love collection, which started with the Love bracelet in 1969, a piece inspired by the lore of medieval chastity belts. As a result, many people associate the Love ring and other pieces in Cartier's Love collection with protecting or “locking in” love. Others see the ring as a symbol of everlasting love in a relationship. Find a selection of vintage Cartier Love rings on 1sDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, the Cartier Love ring is timeless. Following the immense success of the Love bracelet, a radical and provocative accessory designed for Cartier by Italian-born jeweler Aldo Cipullo in 1969, the French luxury house went on to produce earrings, necklaces and rings. (The Cartier Love ring was originally dotted with miniature faux screwheads that mirrored those of the groundbreaking modernist cuff before it.) It’s long been reported that the Love collection is the brand’s most popular and largest series, as Cartier has since augmented the line with cufflinks and watches, too. Shop a selection of vintage Cartier Love rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The meaning of the Cartier Love ring is widely understood to be rooted in love and romance. The ring was originally dotted with miniature faux screwheads that mirrored those of the groundbreaking modernist Love bracelet before it, which not only referenced the Love series’ playful signature characteristic but also prominently underscoring the theme of permanence that designer Aldo Cipullo had in mind when he conceived of the design. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Cartier love rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023What finger you wear a Cartier Love ring on is largely a matter of personal preference. However, many people wear it on the ring fingers of their right hands. Following the immense success of the Love bracelet, which was designed by Italian jeweler Aldo Cipullo in 1969, Cartier went on to produce earrings, necklaces and rings. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Cartier Love rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Yes, the Cartier Love ring is real gold. The French luxury jewelry maker produces its iconic ring out of 18-karat yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Platinum versions are also available. Shop a wide range of Cartier Love rings from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, you can sometimes add diamonds to a Cartier Love ring by enlisting the services of a professional jeweler. However, the Love ring is also available for purchase with one or three diamonds. The best-known piece in the Love collection, which was designed for Cartier in 1969 by Italian jeweler Aldo Cipullo, is the Love bracelet. Find a range of Cartier Love rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023Whether a Cartier Love ring will hold its value depends on a variety of factors, including how you care for and store it. Following the immense success of the Love bracelet, which was designed by Aldo Cipullo for the brand, Cartier went on to produce earrings, necklaces and rings. It’s long been reported that the Love collection is the brand’s most popular and largest series, as Cartier has since augmented the line with cufflinks and watches, too. Cartier Love rings are known to hold their value and some can even appreciate over time. However, because it can be difficult to predict how much something will be worth in the future, choose jewelry that appeals to you. Experts recommend that you work with a professional jeweler if you are trying to determine the value of a given accessory. Shop a collection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023How many diamonds a Cartier Love ring has can vary. The French luxury jewelry house has offered different versions of the iconic ring over the years, with some featuring one diamond while some may have three diamonds or no gemstones at all. Shop a collection of Cartier rings from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024No, the Cartier Love ring is not pure gold. Pure 24-karat gold is incredibly malleable and is vulnerable to scratching and breakage. Because of this, luxury jewelers tend not to use 24-karat gold. Instead, Cartier uses 18-karat yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. The alloy has an attractive appearance and is better able to hold up to the effects of daily wear. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Cartier Love rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, you can wear your Cartier Love ring every day. The simplicity of the band and the unique screw motif allow the ring to work well for both casual and dressy occasions. However, you should always remove your ring before applying skincare products, showering or engaging in activities that could result in damage to the metal, like household chores and sports. Find a collection of Cartier rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023To tell if a Cartier Love diamond ring is real, look for the hallmarks on the inside. A genuine ring will have the Cartier name spelled correctly in the brand's iconic cursive script. You should also see a stamp representing the metal, and it should match what the ring is. For example, Au750 or 750 will appear on a gold ring, while Pt950 or 950 will be present on a platinum one. In addition, the hallmarks should include the size in millimeters and a serial number. When in doubt about authenticity, seek the opinion of a licensed appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. Explore a selection of Cartier Love jewelry on 1stDibs.
Read More
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.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.