1.26 Carat, Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring Set in 18K White Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Halo Ring featuring a 1.26 Carat, Natural, Blue Sapphire and 1.23 Carats of Diamond Accents set in 18 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$1,650
Antique Diamond Set Gold Snake Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, 18k, American. Mixing ancient aesthetics with Victorian verve, this chic ring is visually arresting and smartly au courant. Featuring meticulous construction, hand-eng...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1925 Carved Agate Ring With Pigeon In Platinum With Diamonds And Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
Rubies: Mounted in a millegrain channel setting, with 8 French calibre cut of natural vivid red rubies with a weight of about 0.24 carats.
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$2,100
Ruby Eternity Band XL, circa 1940s
Located in Northampton, MA
The .36 carats of rubies (approximate weight, measured in setting) are quite securely mounted within a band of 18K rose gold.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Klebanoff & Grossman 1940's Antique GIA Natural Blood Red Ruby Diamond Ring Plat
Located in Dearborn, MI
New York 19 NY 100% Natural Ruby and Mined Diamonds 1.50 Carat Ruby and Diamond Weight 90% Platinum and 10% Iridium.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Style, 0.65 Carat Polki Diamonds Full Eternity Ring Set in Silver&Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning Victorian Style Full Eternity ring featuring a total of 0.65 Carats of Polki Diamonds as well as 0.45 Carats of Accent Diamonds set in Silver and Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Sold|$1,950
Wonderful Victorian Double Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful Victorian Double Snake Ring set in 15 Carat slightly rose gold with natural rubies set into heads and diamond eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
AJD Pink Tourmaline and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Tourmaline estimated 2.0 carats. Sizable 5. Watch the video to get the full effect of this ring!
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$6,200
Ilias Lalaounis Renaissance Revival Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Litchfield, CT
WEIGHT: 18.3 grams STONES: .77 carats total weight of sapphires, 1.01 carats total weight of rubies, and .10 carats total weight of emeralds HALLMARKS: 750 for 18k, GREECE, mak...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
American 1895 Art Nouveau Ring In 14Kt Yellow Gold With 3.42 Cts Black Opal
Located in Miami, FL
This beautiful ring has been crafted with intricate organic motifs of leaves and grapes in yellow gold of 14 karats and finished with high polished, Gemstones: Mount in a bezel sett...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Multi Gem Cocktail Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Multi Gem Cocktail Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Purple Natural Amethyst, round center stone, 10 Carat Blue Natural Sapphires from Sri Lanka - 1 Carat Green Natur...
Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Opal & Multi Color Sapphire Ring Set 18K In Yellow Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Opal, Ruby & Sapphire Ring, Set 18K In Yellow Gold & Silver Natural Fire Opal - 10 carats Natural Multi Sapphire and Tourmaline - 5 carat 22.3 gram This Ring i...
Opal, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Go...
Coiled Mr. Snake Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamond Eyes and Snack
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The original ring was 9k and had ruby eyes. Our updated version is 18 karat gold and features diamond eyes plus a bright white diamond for Mr.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coiled "Mr. Snake II" Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamond Eyes and Snack
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Snake was cast by Eytan Brandes using a mold made from a Victorian-era ring. The original ring was 9k and had ruby eyes.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera y Carrera Spotted Leopard Diamond Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Carrera y Carrera, thier 18 karat gold leopard ring, complete with a pave diamond collar and ruby eyes. ♦ Designer: Carrera y Carrera ♦ Metal: 18 karat ♦ 10 Diamonds = .15 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,650
Roberto Coin Diamond Ring in 18 Karat
By Roberto Coin
Located in Wailea, HI
Roberto Coin Diamond Ring in 18k One Round Rubys Weighing .10 Carats Approximately Forty Four Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Weighing .85 Carats Approximately [GH VVS-VS1] Currently ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roberto Coin Mauresque Domed Diamond Cluster Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Roberto Coin's Mauresque collection his open dome and diamond statement ring with mixed geometric silhouettes. ♦ Designer: Roberto Coin ♦ Metal: 18 karat ♦ 10 grams ♦ Petite pav...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Egyptian Revival Turquoise and Diamond Scarab Ring, c1870s
Located in Litchfield, CT
SIZE: Ring size 5, it can be sized. WEIGHT: 12.2 grams STONES: .10 carats of mine-cut Diamonds, Turquoise, and a .15 carat Ruby HALLMARKS: None, tested 18k/20k and ste...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Rubellite Tourmaline and Diamond Ring Classic Elegance by Amsterdam Sauer
Located in Northampton, MA
Created by the iconic Brazilian jeweler, Amsterdam Sauer, known for their use of extraordinary Brazilian gemstones, this magnificent ring features a nearly 10-carat oval-cut Brazilia...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold
Men's Georgian Garnet Ring from France with Deeply Carved and Engraved Shoulders
Located in Northampton, MA
This rare and stunning original Georgian-era men's ring features a 10.5 mm x 9 mm approximately 4-carat pyrope garnet cabochon bezel-set and closed-backed into an elaborately hand-en...
Garnet, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,650
Rubellite Ring for Men from Victorian Era
Located in Northampton, MA
Currently a size 10, this ring could be resized by your local jeweler.
Rubelite, 10k Gold
4.60 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Men's Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.60 Carats Impressive Red Ruby and Natural Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Men's Ring Suggested Replacement Value: $6,500.00 Total Red Ruby Weight is: Approx. 4.00 Carats Ruby Mea...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
New 2.63 Carat Heart Ruby & Diamond Cut Ruby 14k Y Gold PL Sterling Necklace
Located in Eagan, MN
It has a Heart-Shaped Ruby Cabochon Centerstone that measures 10 x 9 x 4 mm and it totals 2.63 carats.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
18 Karat Gold Diamond Burma Ruby Baguette Pendant Necklace Earring Ring Set
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Earrings: -Gold 5.45 g (Made with best alloys) -Diamond VVS, G/H 46/ 0.52 Carats -Burma Ruby 10/2.81 Carats -Easy to wear push back Ring: -Gold 5.09 g (Made with best alloys) ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Flexible Coiled Snake Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Retro Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Flexible Coiled Snake Bracelet.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Sapphire Heart Necklace, 1.20 Carat Open Heart Love Pendant Necklace
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
The details for this beautiful 1.20 carat total weight ruby and sapphire necklace are listed below: Metal Quality: 14k Yellow Gold Pendant Style: Open Heart Gemstone: Ruby Ruby Shap...
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Ruby Oval Cut and Diamond 10K White Gold Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The Bracelet is crafted of shining 10-karat White Gold and is completed by a highly polished finish.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold
KURT WAYNE Articulated Crab Brooch In 14Kt Gold With Onyxes, Rubies & Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Traditionally, the jeweler used 18K gold and precious stones – emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, etc.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
"Baby Boom" Necklace with Eleven Gold Antique American Baby Rings on Black Chain
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Here is a summary: Ring weights: 0.45 grams to 1 gram Total weight of all rings: 7.7 grams Chain weight: 6.4 grams Necklace weight: 14.1 grams Ring sizes: less than 1.5 to 3.75 Ri...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Lapis Lazuli, Garnet, Emerald, Blue Diamond,...
2.20 Carat Natural Diamonds Earrings Made in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pair of earrings featuring a total of 2.20 Carats Natural VS Quality Diamonds made in 18 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.00 Carat Natural Diamonds Tennis Bracelet Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Tennis Bracelet featuring a total 2.00 Carat Natural Round Cut Diamonds set in 18 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Spanish Colonial 1785 Dangle Earrings 17kt Gold Silver with Diamonds and Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds: Mounted in custom prongs settings, with 4 old lasque-cut diamonds, 0.42 carats. Emeralds: Mount in boxes, with 10 natural Colombian Green emeralds of different shapes and ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Bangle Set 22k Gold & Silver with Vintage Jade & Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
We made a this special ring for traveling collection called “Orient” The collection is set in 22 Gold & Silver - And has Natural Gem stones, like Ruby, Emerald, Fancy color Sapphires...
Jade, Sapphire, 22k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Jade & Sapphire Dragon Bangle Set In 18K Gold & Silver
Located in New York, NY
We made a this special ring for traveling collection called “Orient” The collection is set in 18 Gold & Silver - And has Natural Gem stones, like Ruby, Emerald, Fancy color Sapph...
Jade, Sapphire, Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapp...
Cartier 1926 Tom Pouce Ladies Lighter 18kt Gold Bronze Champlevé Emerald & Lapis
By Cartier, Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Following tax rates were used: 2 French francs for common pocket lighters, 5 Fr for pocket lighters made of silver, 20 Fr for luxury pocket lighters (e.g. made of gold), 5 Fr for com...
Multi-gemstone, Gold, Bronze, Enamel
Sold|$5,800
2.41 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
18K Ring with 1 AGL certified vivid red Thai Ruby Weighing 2.41 Carats measuring 9.52 x 7.21 x 3.98mm and 10 Old Mine Diamonds Weighing Approximately 1.00 Carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2.06 Carat Natural Ruby 10 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in LA, CA
10K Yellow Gold 2.06 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond 0.38 Carat
White Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
AIGL Certified 10 Carat Cabochon Ruby Ring With 1.25 Carats Of Diamonds 14K Gold
Located in Las Vegas, NV
AIGL Certified - "American International Gemological Laboratories" Natural Red Cabochon Ruby = 10.00 Carat 56 Natural Diamonds = 1.25 Carats ( Color: G - H; Clarity: SI ) Metal: 14K ...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Ruby Ring in 14k Yellow Gold, Total Approx, Weight: over 10 Carats.
Located in Surfside, FL
Cabochon star ruby ring in 14k yellow gold, total approx. weight: over 10 carats.
Yellow Gold
Vintage circa 1980s Sapphire & Deep Pear Cut Red Ruby 10 Carat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Hamilton, AU
Crafted in 10 carat yellow gold, this darling 1980s vintage ring features a pear-shaped dark red ruby in a rubover setting cradled between overlapping curved rows of deep blue sapphi...
Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
18 carat yellow gold alliance designed with 10 round rubies weighing 0.20 carat
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18 carat yellow gold alliance designed with 10 round rubies weighing 0.20 carat. Weight : 3.40 gr. Size: EU : 54 - ESP/IT : 14 - US : 7 Dimensions Width : 0.44 cm Jewel delive...
Ruby, 18k Gold
18 carat yellow gold alliance designed with 10 round rubies weighing 0.20 carat
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18 carat yellow gold alliance designed with 10 round rubies weighing 0.20 carat. Weight : 3.40 gr. Size: EU : 54 - ESP/IT : 14 - US : 7 Dimensions Width : 0.44 cm Jewel delive...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Star Ruby Ring in 14k Yellow Gold, Total Approx. Weight: over 10 Carats
Located in Surfside, FL
Cabochon star ruby ring in 14k yellow gold, total approx. weight: over 10 carats.
Yellow Gold
Art Deco 3.05 Carat Ruby Old Cut Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
A classic oval cluster ring, set with a deep – almost burgundy – red ruby of 3.05 carat, which is encircled by 10 well proportioned old mine cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This ring features an oval Ruby weighing approx 0.50ct held in place with a four claw setting, surrounded by 10 round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approx 0.30ct in total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.04 Carat Ruby and 0.80 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring, 18 Carat Gold, London, 2009
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
The design looks most feminine on the hand and with the cluster set raised slightly it can sit neatly next to most wedding rings. The ruby measures 7.1mm x 5.2mm x 2.81mm deep and i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2.60 Carat Burma Unheated Ruby Diamond Gold Oval Cluster Ring
Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB
A fine, bright and impressive ruby and diamond oval cluster ring. The central Burma ruby mounted in claws, surrounded by 10 brilliant-cut diamonds of approximately 0.15 of a carat ea...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Estate 18 Carat Citrine and Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Daytona Beach, FL
Estate 18 carat Citrine & Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Ring Main Stone: Citrine 18 carat Square cut Secondary Stone: Ruby Metal: Yellow Gold Purity: 14K Total Gram Weight: 14.40 Size: 7 Up ...
Citrine, Ruby, 14k Gold
GIA 18 Karat White Gold Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
18k White Gold Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring GIA certed 4.65 carats of Rubies 0.90 carats of Diamonds Cushion Cut 18k white gold
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GRS Certified 3.80 Carat Oval Burma Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
By Butani
Located in Hong Kong, Kowloon
Centered with a magnificent 3.80 carat GRS certified oval-cut Burma ruby, Butani's 18-karat white gold cocktail ring is encrusted with 3.81 carats of glistening white diamonds in a f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
10.73 Carat Ruby and Halo Set Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
One Electronically tested 18k white gold ladies custom cast ruby & diamond ring with a bright finish.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cropp and Farr VS 0.90 Carat Diamond and Ruby 18 Carat Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
Modelled in a solid 18 carat yellow gold shank. Set with alternating princess cut natural rubies and diamonds. 20mm spread of stones, 4.2mm wide band. 0.90 carats of diamond approx.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 1.15 Carat Ruby Diamond Ring, Cluster Style
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Modern, pre-owned ruby and diamond ring in a traditional style. The ring is set to the centre with an oval mixed cut ruby, measuring approx. 6.74mm x 5.04mm x 3.45mm deep, and held ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Paolo Costagli 18 Karat Gold Amethyst 6.00 Carat and Ruby 1.36 Carat Ring
By Paolo Costagli
Located in Miami beach, FL
The signature Paolo Costagli three-stone Florentine ring set in 18kt yellow and white gold with an emerald-cut amethyst, 6.00 carats flanked by emerald-cut rubies, 1.36 carats and di...
Amethyst, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$9,442
Boucheron Oval Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Paris, IDF
Yellow gold Boucheron ring set with a 1,70 carat oval ruby in the center of a pavé brilliant setting.
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,552
Ring Yellow Gold Ruby
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful gold ring yellow 750 mils (18 carats). set with 10 square ruby to about 0.10 ct in total and 24 diamonds to about 0.24 ct total ring size: 55. width on top: 1 cm. total w...
Yellow Gold
1940s Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Ruby Details: Carat: 1.00ct Diamond Details: Cut: Round Cut Carat: 0.20ct total Clarity: VS Colour: H-I Ring Size: UK K 1/2 or US 5.5 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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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