18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18K yellow gold ladies ring with oval cut ruby (1 CT) and diamonds (0.72 CT Total) Hallmarked 18K Circa.1970s Dimensions - Ring Size : 2.5 x 2 x 1.5 cm Finger Size : (UK) =...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$8,500
Etho Maria Cluster Ruby Shield Ring
By Etho Maria
Located in New York, NY
Ring comprised of Pear and Round Rubies making up a Web Shield design. 54 Stones weighing approximately 10 carats.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$904
Oval Ruby Halo Engagement Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: 14k White Gold Center Stone Details: 0.38 Carat Oval Ruby measuring 5x4 mm Mounting Diamond Details: 10 Brilliant Round White Diamonds at 0.20 Carats - Clarity: SI / Color...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
French Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats yellow gold and platinum, eagle's head and dog's head hallmarks.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Oval Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Crafted from 14 karat yellow gold, the ring features a vibrant oval ruby gemstone centerpiece weighing approximately 1.00 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Baguette and Marquise Diamonds and Ruby Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is set with a ruby that weighs 2.05 carats and with baguette and marquise diamonds that amount to 1.36 carats.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful 2.52ct Rubies and Diamonds Cluster Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Beautiful 2.52ct Rubies and Diamonds Cluster Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified Radiating elegance, this stunning cluster ring showcases the fiery beauty of 10 pear-shaped rubie...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro Ruby & 1/2 Carat Diamond Men's Pinky Ring Unisex Cocktail or Wedding Band
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very Good Era: Retro Year: 1940s Metal: 14K yellow & white gold Center Diamond: Carat Weight: 0.50 Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H Clarity: VS1 Additional Rubies: 10 ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brilliant 0.29ct Ruby Ring with Natural Diamonds in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: 18k White Gold Main stone: 1 pc Ruby Main stone carat weight: 0.29ct Shape: Oval Color: Red Clarity grade: N/A Side stone: 10 pcs Diamonds Side stone carat weight: 0.10ct Sh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marie Zimmermann Enamel, Tourmaline, Sapphire, Ruby Set of Gold Ring
By Marie Zimmermann
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920-30s, 14k, by Marie Zimmermann, American. Spectacular, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy, exceptional; just a few descriptors for this early 20th century Marie Zimmerman ring. ...
Ruby, Tourmaline, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Halo Ring 18k Yellow Gold Size 6.25 Engagement Style
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Ruby - Carats - 1ct Cut - Round Color - Red Treatment - Routinely Enhanced - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.28ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French GIA Thailand Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage French GIA Thailand Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring. Featuring one GIA certified oval brilliant cut ruby weighing approximately 1.20 carat, accompanied with certif...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Heavy 1.30ct Ruby & 0.08ct Diamond Cluster Band RIng
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Product Details: Metal: 18k Solid Gold Metal Color: White Gold Ruby: Natural, square cut, pinkish red, heat-treated, 1.30 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A truly stunning vintage ruby and diamond cluster ring set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique gold ring with rubies and diamonds, Scandinavia, mid-20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique gold ring made of yellow 14-carat gold (0.585 fineness) with a centrally embedded red, oval ruby surrounded by 10 diamonds with a total weight of approx. 0.15 ct Two additio...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Retro 14K Gold 30.6ct Large Rectangular Citrine Solitaire & Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Total Carat Weight: 30.60 (approx.) Material: Solid 14K Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 17.21 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (We can custom size this ring - please contact us prior to purchase for s...
Citrine, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris 1970 Corinth Ring in 18kt Gold with 2.83ctw in Diamonds & Rubies
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Rubies: Mount in a bezel and prongs settings, with 9 round and oval cabochon cuts of natural Burmese red rubies, with 1.03 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,200
Art Deco Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Accented by 16 French cut rubies weighing approximately 0.24 carats. Add some color and sparkle to your life with this stunning Art Deco ruby diamond ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Princess Ruby Alternating Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Featuring 18k white gold eternity wedding anniversary ring Princess cut diamond weighing 0.60 carat alternating with princess cut ruby weighing 1.00 carat Diamond quality G VS New...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Modern Rubies Diamonds Cultured Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Swirl Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold 2.25ctw Baguette Diamond & Marquise Ruby Eternity Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Total Carat Weight: 5.25 (approx.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 10 Grams Ring Size: 7.0 (We CANNOT custom size this ring.)
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Morganite Ruby Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A gorgeous gemmy emerald cut morganite, weighing around 3.15 carats, is the charming centerpiece of this classic Art Deco style ring, superbly hand crafted in 14k rose gold.
Diamond, Morganite, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Freeform Corundum Ruby & Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Gemstone: Corundum Ruby & Diamond Diamond Carat Weight: Approximately .75CTW Diamond Cut: Round Cut Color: Average G-I Clarity: Average SI Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 10 Grams Rin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French, 1940s, Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Geometric Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark and platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage French GIA Burma Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage French GIA Burma Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring one GIA oval mixed cut ruby weighing approximately 0.85 carat accompanied with GIA #5222591975 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.35ct Antique Yellow Gold Original 1890's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original 1890's Victorian Davidson & Sons Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.35ct Antique Yellow Gold Features a Genuine Natural .75ct Oval Ruby Center Gemstone 2 Old Mine Cush...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Sixteen Stone Ring 18k Gold Ruby Diamond Estate
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Tiffany & Co. by Schlumberger band ring is made of 18 karat yellow gold and set with eight round faceted rubies (total weight approximately 0.70 carat) and eight round brilliant...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Sixteen Stone Ring 18k Gold Ruby Diamond Estate
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Tiffany & Co. by Schlumberger band ring is made of 18 karat yellow gold and set with eight round faceted rubies (total weight approximately 0.70 carat) and eight round brilliant...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Vintage 1960's Oscar Heyman Burmese Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Estate Collection Metal- 18K Yellow Gold, .750, 90% Platinum 10 % Iridium. Stones- 19 Round Diamonds F-H Color VS1 Clarity, Approximately 1.10 Carats, 14 Baguette Bu...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, England, 1880s
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian 18kt gold ring with ruby and diamonds. Made in England Circa 1880.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1960s Cabochon Emerald & Ruby Double Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The vintage double stone ring is circa 1960. It is styled in 18 karat yellow gold.
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris 1970 Corinth Ring in 18kt Gold with 2.11 Ctw in Diamonds & Rubies
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Rubies: Mount in a bezel and prongs settings, with 9 round and oval cabochon cuts of natural Burmese red rubies, with 1.03 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Solid Gold 6.8cts Star Ruby Ring with Earth Mined Diamond Accents
Located in Columbus, OH
This vintage-style ring showcases a mesmerizing 6.78 carat oval star ruby in a sleek bezel setting, framed by sparkling earth-mined diamond accents.
Diamond, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby & Old European Cut Natural Diamond Toit Moi Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique Ruby & Old European Cut Natural Diamond Toit Moi Gold Platinum Ring Metal: 14k yellow gold & platinum Weight: 2.63 grams Size: 3.5 (US) Diamond: Approx. .50 carat H VS old Eu...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum
Oscar Heyman 18K Gold & Platinum Alternating Ruby & Diamond Multi Row Wide Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful ring was designed by Oscar Heyman and crafted from solid 18k yellow gold featuring a wide 3 row design that alternates with fine rubies and diamonds throughout.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. This Multicolour Byzantine style ring features 10 Brilliant cut Diamonds in a total weight of 0.32 Carat, center Pear...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sa...
LB Exclusive 18k Yellow Gold 0.65 Ct Diamond and 2.85 Ct Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This stunning LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.65 ct Diamond 2.85 ct Ruby Ring was made with 18K yellow gold and set with a swirl of 2.85 carats of baguette-cut rubies and 0.65 carats ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
19th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, owl hallmark. Called you and me ring, this lovely antique engagement ring is set with an antique brilliant- cut diamond, accompanied by a round ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Elegant 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Ring with 0.42 Natural Ruby and Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Three-style stone ring made from 18k yellow gold with 0.42 total carat of pear shape ruby and round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus Blue Sapphire Emerald Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bubble style ring bezel set throughout with round brilliant cut diamonds, cabochon rubies, emeralds and sapphires weighing approximately 0.65 carat total With negative space motif a...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.48ctw Pear Ruby Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring 18k Yellow Gold Size 7.5 GIA
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Ruby - Carats - 2ct (7.2 x 10 mm) Cut - Pear Color - Red Treatment - Routinely Enhanced GIA # - 2235008241 - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 1.48...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Retro Ruby Diamond Belt Buckle Ring Adjustable Vintage 14 Karat Rose Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
The buckle opens to allow the belt to move seamlessly. The ring is in very good condition. Particulars: Weight: 9.8 grams Stones: The white gold buckle is set with mixed cu...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Dazzling 1.22 ct Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, & Diamond Band Rings in 14k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Lastly, 10 round rubies, totaling 0.32-carat, add a burst sparkle to the ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Morganite Pink Ruby Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Art Deco inspired unique setting design features a 14k rose gold with a gorgeous 3.15 carat (approx) emerald cut peach morganite center stone accented by glittering diamonds fla...
Diamond, Morganite, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Carrera y Carrera Mi Musa Hechizo Maxi Yellow/White Gold Diamond, Ruby Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is embellished with rubies, emeralds, and a total of 1.48 carats of diamonds.
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$13,950
David Webb Tiger Ring Diamond Ruby head
By David Webb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This ring is a size 6.5 weights 30.7 grams and has 10 Diamonds around Ruby of 1.50 carats set in Platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
14 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Round Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring is crafted from 14K white gold and set with rubies and with diamonds that amount to 0.33 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Round Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring is made of 14K white gold and set with rubies and a total of 0.11 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold
Exquisite 0.55ct Ruby and Natural Diamonds Double Halo Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Sized at 52 EU / 13.5 HK, it’s the perfect piece to elevate any ensemble with an air of refined luxury. Metal: 18K Rose Gold Main stone: 1 stone Ruby Main stone carat weight: 0.2...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Retro 14 Karat Rose Gold and Palladium Red Rubies with Round Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
14k Rose Gold And Platinum Round Diamond Ring Size 7 7.6 Grams 1 Round European Cut Diamond 0.15 Carats 10 Round Single Cut Diamonds 0.35 Carats Total Weight 6 Round Red Rubi...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Palladium
Certified Rare 4.67 Emerald, Ruby And Diamond Ring Set In 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Features : 18K White Gold : 8.01 Grams Diamonds : 0.29 Carats ( 44 Pieces ) Natural Emerald Zambia Oval : 11.8 X 9.8mm ( 4.64 Carats ) Ruby : 4.46 Carats The ring is currently...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Gold
Natural Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Band Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Band Ring featuring 0.30 Carats of Natural Ruby, 0.20 Carats of Natural Sapphire and 0.50 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
TIFFANY & CO. Classic Gipsy Ring in 18Kt Yellow Gold With Vivid Red Ruby
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
The elegant ring has been crafted with classic sm0oth patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish and is embellished on top with one earth mined natural vivi...
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
MIKIMOTO Navette Cocktail Ring In 14Kt Gold With 22.25 Ctw Moonstone And Rubies
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
This cocktail ring has been crafted in solid white gold of 14 karats with high polished finish.
Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring. Featuring one old European cut diamond of approximately 0.30 carat, graded I color, SI clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
6.26cts Star Ruby Diamond Ring w Diamond Accents in 14K Gold Oval 12x10mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A beautiful 14K white gold design with a striking 6.26-carat star ruby as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold Mounting Ruby Accents
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This beautiful diamond engagement ring features an 18 karat white gold Art Deco style mounting with ruby accents.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories 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.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.