Signet Ring Engagement
2010s American Contemporary Signet Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1960s American Retro Signet Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s European Signet Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Signet Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century European Victorian Signet Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s African Modern Signet Rings
Blue Sapphire, Zircon, Platinum, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s African Modern Signet Rings
Blue Sapphire, Zircon, Platinum, Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century European Victorian Signet Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Signet Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Engagement Rings
Sapphire, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Classical Roman Engagement Rings
9k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Emerald, Yellow Gold
1990s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Engagement Rings
Garnet, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Engagement Rings
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Modern Engagement Rings
Jade, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Engagement Rings
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Engagement Rings
Carnelian, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1760s Georgian Engagement Rings
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Purple Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Early 1900s Engagement Rings
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings
Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Engagement Rings
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Engagement Rings
10k Gold
Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Band Rings
Agate, Chalcedony, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s American Modern Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century North American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s English Contemporary Engagement Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Oceanic Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Art Deco Engagement Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Palladium
20th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings
Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Band Rings
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
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Signet Ring Engagement For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Signet Ring Engagement?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024What makes an engagement ring an engagement ring is your decision that a particular piece of jewelry represents your promise to get married. There are no rules when it comes to engagement rings. Any ring that appeals to you can serve as a symbol of your engagement. Shop a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- Do signet rings have stones?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Some signet rings feature stones and others do not. A signet ring is designed to signify that the wearer belongs to a particular group or simply to identify the individual. These rings have been worn for thousands of years and were a sign of status and importance. Shop a collection of signet rings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Signet rings originated around 3500 BC in Mesopotamia and featured a sign that was used to seal documents by pressing the ring into sealing wax. They could also be used to stamp a family crest and were considered as authentic as a signature. Shop a collection of vintage signet rings from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What wearing a signet ring means has changed over time. Today, most people wear signet rings to represent their personal prestige or to celebrate their heritage. When first designed during Victorian times, signet rings allowed men to seal their letters with a customized stamp. Find a range of signet rings on 1stDibs.
- Are engagement rings necessary?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024No, engagement rings aren't necessary. There is no rule that says that a person needs to wear an engagement ring if they intend to get married. However, many people do choose to present them during marriage proposals to mark the occasion in a special way and symbolize the promise to one day wed. Find a large collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024No, an engagement ring doesn't have to have a diamond in it. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement jewelry, so any ring that appeals to you can signify your intention to marry someone. Alternatives to diamond rings include simple band rings formed of precious metals and gemstone rings featuring rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other stones. Explore a diverse assortment of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023If it seems like most engagement rings are platinum, you’ve likely been shopping at retailers and boutiques that primarily specialize in the sale of platinum jewelry. It’s true that platinum is among the most popular metals for engagement rings. 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. However, engagement rings are in fact created with a range of many other materials, such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and titanium. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023No, most engagement rings aren't platinum. Some people do prefer platinum due to its appearance and its resistance to scratching and fading. However, makers offer engagement rings in a wide range of precious metals, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, titanium and sterling silver. Shop a large selection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A peekaboo engagement ring is one where the diamond is only visible from one angle. An example is a setting that hides the diamond so that you can only see it when viewed from the side. Shop a range of engagement rings from some of the world's top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- What is a swirl engagement ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A swirl engagement ring is typically a ring featuring a spiral or a twirling design. The design of a swirl engagement ring typically features a prong setting that sees the band is shaped in a way that lends this ring a semi-circular swirl effect as it wraps around the center gemstone. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage swirl rings.
- Can engagement rings be colored?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, engagement rings can be colored. Actually, any ring that appeals to you can function as your engagement ring. Some colored gemstones commonly used in engagement ring designs include sapphires, rubies, emeralds, amethysts and topazes. You can also find engagement rings with pink, yellow, chocolate and other colored diamonds. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of gemstone engagement rings.
- 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.
- Can engagement rings be pink?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, engagement rings can be pink. You're free to wear any type of engagement ring that best expresses your special love story. Some pink gemstones to consider include pink sapphire, morganite, tourmaline, rose quartz, pink topaz and pink diamond. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings from some of the world's top dealers.
- Can engagement rings be green?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, engagement rings can be green. In fact, engagement rings can be any color that appeals to you because there are no rules regarding what can symbolize a promise to marry. Some green gemstones to consider for your engagement ring include emeralds, green sapphires, peridots and green tourmaline. Explore a diverse assortment of green engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In the US, the average carat size of an engagement ring is usually between 1.08 and 1.2 carats, although there are other factors that go into how impressive the ring looks, including the cut of the diamond and the setting. Find a diverse variety of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024To choose an engagement ring, start by establishing a budget so that you can focus on pieces that are ideally priced for you. Next, decide whether you prefer a diamond or another type of gemstone and what precious metal you prefer. Once you've made these determinations, look for settings that align with your fiancé-to-be's tastes (or your own tastes if you're selecting your own ring). If you're shopping for diamond engagement rings, use the cut, color and clarity ratings of the available gemstones to compare their overall quality. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024No, an engagement ring does not have to be a diamond. Although diamonds are popular, rings featuring other gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds can serve as engagement rings, and it's even possible to choose a ring made entirely out of precious metals with no gemstone accents of any kind. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement rings, so feel free to select any ring that appeals to you. Find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, there are engagement rings for guys. However, men do not wear engagement rings as often as women. Those who choose to can opt for a wide range of styles from band rings to solitaires to even signet rings. There are no rules when it comes to engagement jewelry, so you can select anything that appeals to you. Shop a large collection of men's rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The rings that are best for an engagement are the ones that appeal to you and suit your budget. There are no rules when it comes to engagement rings, so really, any ring can be worn as one. The key is to find a ring that reflects your taste. You can choose from solitaires with single gemstones, halos that feature a large stone surrounded by a ring of smaller ones, trilogy rings with one large stone set between two smaller accent stones and many other styles. Engagement rings also don't have to feature gemstones. A domed or flat band ring in a precious metal like platinum or yellow gold can also represent your promise to marry that special someone. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of engagement rings.
Read More
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Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
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[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
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Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
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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.