Skip to main content

Jewelry & Watches

82
11,050
550
to
805
5,602
5,382
105
7
6
1,438
10,163
93,560
238,747
2,718
1,899
4,711
3,616
3,309
5,343
6,410
6,893
10,495
8,335
623
57
42
36
25
24
6,445
4,933
222
9,123
3,886
3,292
2,600
1,986
4,425
1,702
866
665
491
1181
1037
874
772
653
to
5,535
823
347
343
264
105
92
88
82
78
70
59
58
53
48
27
5
4
Jewelry & Watches For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: 18th Century
Vintage Victorian Gold and Seed Pearl Antique Locket Pendant Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Victorian Antique Gold and Seed Pearl Locket. Beautifully Hand crafted with Scroll work in 14K Yellow Gold Locket. Hand set with Seed Pearls. Suspended from a 16" G...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Mughal Empire Indian Elephant Bangle Bracelet in 22k Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite antique bangle set, dating back to the mid-late 1800s, showcases the intricate craftsmanship of the Mughal period. Crafted from 22 karat yellow gold, the bangles featu...
Category

19th Century South Asian Etruscan Revival Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Owl & Athena - Ancient Greek Coin from set in 18k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
To appreciate its size, the relief of the coin and the shape of the bail, see the picture showing the coin next to a US quarter. The coin was first set in a gold bezel, which was the...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Large Indian Gold Coin Jammu and Kashmir - 6Th Century AD Set in 18k GOld
Located in Chicago, IL
Excellent gold coin - see picture with US Quarter for scale (also shows smaller gold Indian coins I have for sale). Comes with certificate which guarantees authenticity and provide...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Victorian 1840s 18K Gold Diamond, Pearl and Black Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique yellow gold, pearl, black enamel and diamond ring, comprising of one sparkling old mine cut diamond set in centre of a black enamelled panel, four larger pearls, two small...
Category

1840s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Emerald and Aquamarine Fringe Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous fringe necklace dating back to the Victorian period. This elegant piece is formed from a classically crafted 15ct yellow gold belcher style chain which freely...
Category

19th Century European Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Aquamarine, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Antique Victorian 9K Gold Pearl and Blue Enamel Star Engraved Oval Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique, seed pearl, blue enamel, and yellow gold locket, comprising nine seed pearls, within a blue enamel star, in 9 karat yellow gold. The locket is a large, statement size. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

French Antique 18K Yellow Gold Ornate Floral Engraved Travel Comb
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique tortoiseshell, and gold travel comb, comprising a comb of tortoiseshell, mounted in 18 karat yellow gold, with an 18 karat yellow gold hinged handle. This unique comb is...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond and Pearl Heart Pendant
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite pendant that dates back to the late Victorian era. The pendant is formed in a heart shape that is set with 25 old cut diamonds and a further 3 on the bale. Insid...
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, Silver

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classic navette ring dating back to the Victorian period. This antique piece showcases a single rectangular cushion cut emerald at the centre of the face surrounded by...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Georgian 18k/Sterling Silver Emerald and Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A breathtaking ring from the Georgian (ca1750) era! This lovely ring is crafted in 18kt gold and topped in sterling silver. A beautiful, striking emerald rests at the center, held wi...
Category

1750s Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver

19th Century Fine Pearls Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Badge Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. This authentic 19th-century ring features a crest-like motif adorned with 6 pearly white oriental half-pearls and a small rose-cut diamond...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Diamond Enamel Brooch Depicting a Classical Lady
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian yellow gold, diamond, and enamel brooch, comprising three rose cut diamonds, and hand painted enamel, in 18 karat yellow gold, with silver pin. This exquisite Victorian...
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian 1850s 18K Gold Black Enamel “In Memory Of” Engraved Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian black enamel and yellow gold ring, comprising black enamelled panels, reading “In Memory Of”, with engraving and carved floral edges, in 18 karat yellow gold. This mean...
Category

1850s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Turquoise Lovers Knot Memorial Locket Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A yellow gold and turquoise brooch, comprising fourteen turquoise cabochons, set in 15 karat yellow gold, with three swagged lengths of chain and a locket compartment, and fittings i...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Turquoise, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautifully assembled diamond cluster ring dating back to the Victorian period. A single table-cut diamond sits proud at the centre of the face and is encapsulated by ...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Gold

Victorian Gold Diamond Sapphire Snake Brooch 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold brooch set with sapphire and old mine cut diamond up to 0.10ct detailed description: The size of the brooch is 2.6 cm by 2.5 cm wide Weight 7.7 grams Occupied wit...
Category

1880s Dutch Early Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old Mine Cushion Peach Kunzite and Enamel Gold Antique Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Victorian Old Mine Cushion Peach Kunzite and Enamel Gold Drop Vintage Brooch Pendant. Hand set with Old Mine Cushion Peach Kunzite., weighing approx. 2.5tcw. Hand c...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Georgian 18K Gold Seed Pearl & Cobalt Blue Enamel Interlocked Rings Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Georgian yellow gold, blue enamel, and pearl brooch, comprising two discs of blue guilloche enamel, set with 46 seed pearls in total, set in 18 karat yellow gold, with 18 karat yel...
Category

1830s Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian 1850s 18K Yellow Gold 0.53ct Diamond & Bloodstone Target Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A diamond and bloodstone ring in yellow gold, comprising one old cut diamond and a ring of bloodstone, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat gold band. The chunky old cut dia...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.61ct Old Cut Diamond Belcher Solitaire Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising one large old mine cut diamond, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a band of 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is set to the centre wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a lovely example of a Victorian double heart ring. In this case, a vivd green pear shaped emerald and a gleaming old pear cut diamond sit side by side at the centre of t...
Category

19th Century European Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold and Silver 0.8ctw Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian yellow gold, silver, diamond, and ruby ring, comprising sixteen round cut rubies, five old mine cut diamonds, and twenty-eight rose cut diamonds, set in silver, to an 18 ...
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian French 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Black Enamel Oval Belt Buckle
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian black enamel, yellow gold, and silver belt buckle, comprising one yellow gold oval panel, adorned with black enamel, with silver buckle mechanism. This striking Victori...
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique Rose Gold and Diamond Nun Earrings
Located in Cattolica, IT
A pair of antique, Bourbon-style earrings in 9Kt rose gold. These button-shaped earrings are 13 mm in diameter. They are embellished with two central, rosette-cut Diamonds, measuring...
Category

1870s Italian Baroque Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold

Victorian 1.05 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous emerald and diamond cluster ring dating back to the Victorian era. A square shaped intense vivid green emerald sits enchantingly at the centre of the face and...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold

Coral Enamel Pearl Goddess Cameo Pendant Brooch Necklace Gold Antique Victorian
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely stunning and very rare antique Victorian - Belle Epoque Pink and Angel Skin Coral Cameo Pendant or Brooch Pin with a hand ...
Category

19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Coral, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Diamond and Pearl Clover Necklace
Located in London, GB
This is a lovely 15ct yellow gold diamond and pearl pendant necklace. The pendant is in a clover motif and has been set with a central natural pearl along with three old cut diamonds...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Amethyst and Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
This is a gorgeous antique amethyst and pearl necklace from the Victorian era. Crafted in 15ct yellow gold, this pendant’s ornate structure focally showcases a duo of large Siberian ...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Boucheron Paul Legrand lingerie pin brooch in 18kt Yellow Gold
Located in Braintree, GB
Boucheron Paul Legrand lingerie pin brooch in 18kt Yellow Gold, Enamel and Diamonds. Designed by Paul Legrand. Made in the 19th century, France, Paris. This stunning lingerie pin...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Victorian Era Marquise Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Era Marquise Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Adorned with 0.36ct-tw Round cut blue sapphires and 0.38ct-tw old mine cut diamonds, set in 10kt yellow gold, this ring is a ...
Category

1890s Late Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold

Large 22kt Gold Earrings from India
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Himachal Pradesh Solid 22 Karat Gold Late 19th / early 20th Century 3.125 x 1.625 in. / 8 x 4 cm (each) Weight .625oz / 17gm
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

22k Gold, Gold

Victorian 18K Gold Etruscan Revival Pearl & Blue Enamel Brooch & Earrings Set
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian suite of jewellery, comprising a brooch and a pair of earrings, each set with a seed pearl, with enamel detailing, in 18 karat yellow gold, with 9 karat yellow gold fitti...
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.83ctw 5 Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond and yellow gold ring, set with five old European cut diamonds, and eight rose cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band. This s...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian star burst diamond brooch in silver and 9kt gold
Located in Braintree, GB
This Victorian star brooch is crafted in silver and 9k gold, featuring old-cut and rose-cut diamonds set within a starburst gallery. The brooch includes a safety pin chain. Dimensi...
Category

1870s European Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond

Antique Georgian 18K Gold & Silver Diamond and Blue Enamel Floral Drop Earrings
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A pair of diamond, enamel, silver and yellow gold earrings, each comprising twenty-nine rose cut diamonds, a panel of blue enamel, set in silver, backed in 18 karat yellow gold, with...
Category

1820s Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Exceptionally Long Antique 18K Gold Mano Sautoir Slide Chain Necklace Circa 1840
Located in New York, NY
Mano or Hand motif jewelry has a rich history. The origin dates back to ancient Rome where Fede rings incorporating the design of two clasped hands were worn to symbolize faith, fide...
Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Turquoise Enamel 14K Gold Day and Night Drop Earrings
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique pair of 14 karat gold drop earrings set with turquoise turquoise enamel and gold granulation. Transport yourself to a bygone era with these exquisite antique 19th century...
Category

Late 19th Century European Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Enamel

Medusa, Gorgon and Bull - 4th Century BC Set in 18k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This is truly a gem - with excellent details all around. Here is a video of the coin before I set it and here how I set this coin! To appreciate its size, the relief of the coin an...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.73ctw Diamond Daisy Cluster Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, and yellow gold brooch, comprising one large old European cut diamond, and fourteen smaller old cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, with 18 karat yellow go...
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 9K Yellow Gold & Silver Diamond and Pearl Salamander Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, pearl, silver, and yellow gold brooch, comprising fifteen rose cut diamonds, and two pearls, set in silver, with 9 karat yellow gold brooch pin and fittings. T...
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18K Gold 0.54ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Belcher Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising one cushion-shaped old mine cut diamond, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band. This arresting ring is ...
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous antique ruby and diamond navette ring dating back to the Victorian period. A mid section consisting of five old cut diamonds in a variety of cuts and sizes ha...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.58tgw Sapphire, Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A yellow gold, sapphire, diamond and ruby ring, comprising five cushion shaped sapphires, five old mine cut diamonds and five cushion shaped rubies, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a...
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large 22kt Gold Star Earrings from India
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Himachal Pradesh Solid 22 Karat Gold Late 19th / early 20th century 3.125 x 1.625 in. / 8 x 4 cm (each)
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Gold, 22k Gold

Late 19th century 2.05 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, Italy
Antique 18Kt rose Gold and silver Ruby and Diamond ring. The cluster style ring is centered with an approximately 2.05 carats stunning oval ruby, Thailand origin, accented by an halo...
Category

Late 19th Century European Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Ring Napoleon III Coin Yellow Gold Solid 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Ring Napoleon III Coin Yellow gold Solid 18 Karat This magnificent ring is a true testament to the 1970s, combining the elegance of history with the craftsmanship of jewellery. The 10 franc Napoleon III coin dating from 1864 that surmounts the ring is a tangible testimony to the history of France. The 18-carat yellow gold setting is finely crafted and decorated with arabesques, adding a touch of sophistication to the ensemble. The 18 carat yellow gold of the setting adds warmth and luminosity to this unique piece. This ring is the perfect gift for collectors of historical pieces or for anyone who appreciates the timeless elegance of high quality jewellery. - Gold Coin 23 K - Ring Mount 18...
Category

1880s French Napoleon III Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Greek Levant - Owl & Athena - Ancient Greek Coin from set in 18k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a drachm in the style of the Athenian tetradrachm showing the owl and Athena. Athenian owls were very famous throughout the region, with many localities imitating the coinage...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a superb 18ct gold pearl and diamond cluster ring. Set upon a platinum head, the central natural pearl possesses a wonderful lustre whilst the encompassing stones which circu...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold, Gold

Antique Victorian 1870s 18K Gold 1.35ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising three old mine cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a band of 18 karat yellow gold. This beautiful ring is set with 3 b...
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1866 Antique Earrings Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold / 7gr
Located in SE
A pair of antique earrings with delicate three tiers bodies decorated with natural seed pearls and engraved ornamentations. Freely suspended drop shaped dangles make this design com...
Category

1860s Swedish Empire Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

GIA Platinum Diamond Ring Antique VS Mine Vintage Victorian Engagement 2.72 CTS
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents...VINTAGE LUXURY... GIA CERTIFIED HUGE PLATINUM 2.72 CARAT ANTIQUE DIAMOND RING AND BOX. This Gorgeous Vintage Diamond Ring is Crowned With 2.72 C...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

EGYPTIAN REVIVAL 1860 Enameled Ring In 14Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An Egyptian revival ring. Magnificent antique 19th century ring, created in Europe in the Egyptian revival style, back in the 1860's. The outstanding ring has been crafted with clas...
Category

1860s French Egyptian Revival Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Early portrait miniature memorial ring, circa 1793.
Located in London, GB
Early portrait miniature memorial ring. Vertically set with an oval portrait miniature of a lady in late eighteenth century period dress wearing a floral hat on a blue ground, covere...
Category

1790s Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Lady Stick Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Lady Stick Pin. This gorgeous Art Nouveau stick pin is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The pin features a lady that has an en...
Category

1890s Art Nouveau Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Seleukid Empire - Zeus Seated, struck 80 BC Set in Sterling Silver
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful coin showing Ancient Greek inscription around seated Zeus (appears as dots). Notice this size of these mesmerizing silver coin compared to a US Quarter. Comes with certi...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Yellow Gold Pearl Victorian Convert Watch Pin/Tassel Pendant 10k Antique Brooch
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Victorian Date: 1870s - 1880s Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Pearls Color: Cream Material Information Enamel Color: Black Style: Convertible Watch ...
Category

1870s Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Amphora and Boeotian Shield - Thebes coin from 370 BC IN Gorgeous 18k Gold Setti
Located in Chicago, IL
The thick gold bail, bezel setting and gold accent make it a truly unique pendant with amazing imagery. The last few images depict the coin before I set it. Comes with certificate ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Jewelry & Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Diamond Rings, Luxury Watches and Other Antique and Vintage Fine Jewelry and Estate Jewelry on 1stDibs

Our love for diamond rings, luxury watches and other antique and vintage fine jewelry and estate jewelry goes back thousands of years.

Jewelry has long been a symbol of spiritual strength, wealth or power and, of course, a means of personal expression. While materials and processes employed by the world’s most popular jewelry housesTiffany & Co., Cartier, BVLGARI and others — have evolved over time, humans still gravitate toward many of the same accessories that our ancestors wore.

Ancient Egyptians were often hard at work designing jewelry and adorning themselves with an array of necklaces, rings and other items, and nearly every Egyptian, rich or poor, was buried with some kind of jewelry. When King Tut’s burial chamber was excavated, it revealed a sense of style that inspired Art Deco jewelry designs.

Brooches and pins remain essentials in our jewelry boxes, although we no longer require them to fasten our garments, as was once their primary use. Rings, which have always been signifiers of eternity, still serve as romantic gifts and tokens of affection. Engagement rings are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment — and as it can be difficult to choose the right one, explore our buying guides for a close look at antique engagement ringsArt Deco engagement rings and vintage engagement rings. [Fun fact: It wasn’t until the 14th century that we learned how to effectively cut diamonds, a critical step in revealing the stone’s brilliance.]

Hoop earrings are imbued with symbolism and cultural significance for many, and on view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near Eastern Art Gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to between 2600 and 2500 B.C. We’ve even created our own new, sacred symbols — the Cartier Love bracelet, for example, with its distinctive locking mechanism, is an understated and modernist symbol of love’s promise (with its own captivating history to boot). And, crafted by French jeweler Jacques Arpels of Van Cleef & Arpels, the Magic Alhambra necklace channels luck for the wearer with its universally adored design, which is informed by four-leaf clovers, a plant synonymous with good fortune.

Whether it’s our sentimental charm jewelry, costume jewelry, chunky retro bracelets or minimalist earrings created by the likes of contemporary designers WHITE/SPACE and Agmes, luxurious jewels can elevate any outfit, regardless of your personal style.

Find a wide-ranging collection of authentic antique, new and vintage jewelry today on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All