Unavailable|$554 / set
18 Carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with Sea Shell Cameo Set
By Cameo Italiano - Diluca S.R.L
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 carat Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver with 14 and 10 mm Sea Shell Cameo earrings, rings and pendant with red ruby stones and fresh water pearls.
Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$28,500
Haute Victorian Gem-Set Pendant & Chain
Located in Wimberley, TX
The pendant radiates out from a central faceted natural sapphire of approximately 2.35 carats to a surround of twelve (12) old mine and cushion cut diamonds to a ring of twelve (12) ...
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage Antique Emerald Pear Drop Earring Set, Emerald Statement Earrings Set
Located in Orlando, Florida
Vintage Green Pear Drop Earrings, Emerald Teardrop Green Earrings, Unique Art Deco Bridal Jewellery Anniversary Gift For Her Item Details: Materials: 18K Gold Earring Type: Dro...
18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,670
Lovers Shield 1.5 Carat Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Available in 14K yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. This ring is handmade and designed in NYC.
Ruby, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$7,470
GIA Certified Natural Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ballerina Bridal Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Ballerina Ruby Diamond Ring with a Natural Oval Cut 1.66 Carat Ruby which is surrounded by 10 Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.81 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.4 Carat Aquamarine Ruby Cocktail Ring 10 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
The ring is 10 Karat Gold and weighs 5.2 grams.
Aquamarine, Ruby, 10k Gold
10 Carat Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 9K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.12 Carats of Diamonds. This Ring has 10.0 Carats of Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires. Size ITA: 15 USA: 7 We're a workshop so every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold
Sold|$395
10 Kt Synthetic Ruby Ring
Located in Towson, MD
10 kt yellow and white gold ring. The ring contains one-center, prong-set rectangular approximately 2.70 carats synthetic ruby.
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s 10 Carat Ruby Cabochon and Diamonds Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Circa: 1940s Weight: 9.20gr Metal: 18kt Rose Gold and Platinum Stones: 1 Ruby • Cut: Cabochon • Total Carat Weight: 10ct approximately • Comment: GCS Verbal nº79221-58 No ind...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s 10 Carat Ruby Cabochon and Diamonds Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Circa: 1940s Weight: 9.20gr Metal: 18kt Rose Gold and Platinum Stones: 1 Ruby • Cut: Cabochon • Total Carat Weight: 10ct approximately • Comment: GCS Verbal nº79221-58 No ind...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s 10 carat cabochon ruby ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
This striking 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring has a central cabochon ruby of approximately 10 carats and approximately 3 carats round cut diamonds. Made in France, it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 1915 Diamond Ruby Gold Snake Ring Size 10
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Antique 1915 gold snake ring with ruby eyes and a diamond. Coiled three times around the finger, this friendly looking snake features ruby-set eyes and an old European-cut diamond cr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
10 kt Double Stone Synthetic Ruby Ring
Located in Towson, MD
10KT white gold 1.60TCW SYNTH RUBY TOI ET MOI (you-and-me, double stone) RING, Length and Height approximately 1/2 inch Size 6
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,469
30 Carat Aquamarine Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This beautiful ring from 1970 features a large natural Aquamarine of the greatest quality with an approximate weight of 30 carats, 10 natural rubies with an approximate total weight ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.62ctw Ruby Emerald Sapphire 14k Yellow Gold Size 10 Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Rubies - Total Carats - .48cts Cut - Marquise Brilliant Color - Red - Natural Emeralds - Total Carats - .26cts Cut - Marquise Brilliant Color - Green...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$26,500
Retro 70.68 Carat Aquamarine and Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18k yellow gold ring housing an astoundingly large and most impressive aquamarine, weighing 70.68 carats.
Aquamarine, Ruby, 18k Gold
GRAFF 9.44 carat Ruby Diamond Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
GRAFF! Ruby and diamond ring. Center is oval shape ruby with weighing 9.44 carats, Within a frame of 10 round brilliant-cut diamonds and highlighted with two heart-shaped diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$18,820
SSEF Certified 3.80 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This beautiful 18k white Gold cluster ring features a 3.81 Carat oval-cut Ruby, origin Thailand, with a vibrant and rich purplish red color flanked by 10 round brilliant cut Diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Sold|$6,469
18 Carat Gold Diamond and Ruby Row Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold rowring set with an oval cut ruby (app. 0.95 ct) with on both sides two cushion cut diamonds and 10 small rose cut diamonds (app. 1.54 ct in total), England, circa 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
French 2.09 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinium and 18 carat yellow gold, eagle and dog heads hallmarks.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Sold|$18,820
Ssef Certified 3.80 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This beautiful 18k white Gold cluster ring features a 3.81 Carat oval-cut Ruby, origin Thailand, with a vibrant and rich purplish red color flanked by 10 round cut Diamonds for a tot...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Opal Ruby Ring 10 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Statement Alternative
Located in Torrance, CA
Dramatic large vintage statement cocktail ring (circa 1960s to 1970s), crafted in 10 karat yellow gold.
Opal, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$10,995 / set
GIA Certified 1.47 Carat Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Mid-Century Diamond and ruby engagement ring. GIA certified transactional cut center diamond circa 1950's, accented with 10 step cut channel set baguette rubies. GIA certified...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.80 Carat Old European Cut Diamond and 1.10 Carat Ruby White Gold Ring
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
This is a gorgeous and unique Diamond and Ruby 18 karat white gold ring. The center diamond is a .80 carat J color, VS2 clarity old European cut, prong set atop 12 round Diamonds, t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.70ctw Diamond Ruby Spinner Motion Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 10 Cocktail
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.30ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - F - G Clarity - SI1 - SI2 - Natural Rubies - Total Carats - 0.40ctw Cut - Round Brill...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.54 Carats Rubies Diamonds set in 14K White Gold Stachable Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set with 0.54 carats of deep red round brilliant Rubies, this ring will steal her heart.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.54 Carats Rubies Diamonds set in 14K White Gold Stachable Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set with 0.54 carats of deep red round brilliant Rubies, this ring will steal her heart.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1960s 5.05 Carat Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Magnificent bangle ring, it is closed set on its top with a treated cushion- cut ruby.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$5,881
Cabochon Ruby and Gold Hammared Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Centering on an east west set oval cabochon ruby, with in a sculpted gold mounting Ring size 7 1/4 Ruby:One oval cabochon weighing approximately 10 carats Marks: 750, Italian registr...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$3,000
Ruby Emerald Diamond Gold Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Wide 18k white gold ring with Ruby beads with diamond and emerald accents. 10 round faceted Rubies approx. total weight .10cts 4 round faceted Emeralds approx. total wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$3,500
Mid Century 1.01 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
The setting is 14k white gold and features a beautiful center ruby. The ruby is richly hued and measures approximately 1.01 carats.
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Triple Cluster 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A truly special Victorian triple cluster ring crafted in 1880. Centrally set with a beautiful 20 point ruby surrounded by a halo a fine white old mine cut diamonds. Beside the centra...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Old European Cut Diamond Ruby 10 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Snake Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band is designed as a coiled snake with a grooved scale texture throughout Centering an old European cut diamond bezel set in the head Weighing approximately 0.45 carat - H color wi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,528
Retro Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Retro Ring handcrafted in 18k Rose Gold. The center is set with 3 round brilliant cut diamonds .60cts Color H, Clarity VS, accented by 10 baguette cut Rubies and 4 cabochon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
LB Exclusive 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.95 Carat Diamond and 1.04 Carat Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This bold LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.95 ct Diamond 1.04 ct Ruby Ring is a truly unique statement piece made with 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.42 Ctw Ruby Diamond Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring, Small Ruby Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. This ring features a prong set, oval cut ruby weighing approximately .32 carat with three round brilliant cut diamonds on either...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.42 Ctw Ruby Diamond Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring, Small Ruby Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. This ring features a prong set, oval cut ruby weighing approximately .32 carat with three round brilliant cut diamonds on either...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 12.40 Carats Cabochon Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage 12.40 Carats Cabochon Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co 1.00 Carat Ruby 0.80 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany & Co Title: Tiffany & Co 1.00 Carat Round Brilliant Ruby 0.80 Carat Round Brilliant H SI1 Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring Style: Halo Metal: 18 Karat Y...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Peter Suchy EGL 1.18 Carat Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Gold Cocktail Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby swirl design cocktail ring. EGL certified 1.18ct Old European cut center diamond with a halo of French calibre cut emeralds, rubies and sapphires. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.42 Ctw Ruby Diamond Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring, Small Ruby Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - ruby, 1 stone - oval cut - 5 x 3 mm - approximately .32 carat - diamonds, 6 stones - full cut round - 1.4 - 2 mm - approximately .10 total carats - H-I color, SI-I clarity...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,935
Oval Ruby Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare top red Ruby 1.00ct oval. GIA certified natural corundum, simple heat with minor residue. Beautiful white gold cluster ring with nice full cut diamonds. Circa 1980. 14k White...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
LB Exclusive 18 Karat Yellow Gold 1.58 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is set with diamonds and rubies that total 1.58 and 1.40 carats respectively.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,950
Fine ruby diamond gold band ring
Located in Aspen, CO
18k white gold possessing .80 cts of diamonds (approximately G/H color and very slight included to very very slightly included). There are 10 fine natural rubies weighing approximat...
Diamond, Ruby
4.42 Carat Oval Ruby and 0.34 Carat White Diamond Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: 14k White Gold Center Stone Details: 4.42 Carat Oval Ruby - Measuring 12 x 10 mm Mounting Diamond Details: 28 Round White Diamonds Approximately 0.34 Carats - Clarity: SI...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
LB Exclusive 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.75 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is set with a 0.89 ct ruby and a total of 0.75 carats of diamonds.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Gold Ring Approximate 1.50 Carat, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold ballerina ring with a “B” Hallmark. Size 6.25. The natural baguette (20) rubies measure 3.2x2.3mm and marquise (1) ruby measures 5.5x2.7mm. The ring is set with 10 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
LB Exclusive 14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.14 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is set with a ruby and a total of 0.14 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 1 Carat Pear Cut Ruby 0.25 Carat Diamond Band Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage band ring crafted in 18K yellow gold. The piece features beautiful pear cut ruby: 1.00ct, slpR 7/4, P1. The gem is accompanied with 10 baguette cut diamonds: TW 0.2...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$3,881
Designer Ruby Diamond Gold Detachable Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
The ring features a detachable yellow Gold frame. Circa 1950 CONDITION: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 18k yellow and white Gold GEM STONE: Ruby 0.95 carats, Diamond 0.90 total carats...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
3 Carat Vivid Red Pigeons Blood Burma Ruby Ring with Diamonds in Platinum & Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
GRS certified 3 carat oval cut Ruby and Diamond halo ring in 18k white gold and platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Elegant 1.6 Carat Red Ruby and 1 Carat Diamond Swirl 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
Oval ruby measures 7.26 mm long x 6.03 mm wide x 4.6 mm deep and weighs approximately 1.6 carats. 15 baguette diamonds vary in size and weigh approximately .80 carats. 10 round bri...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$35,000
Antique Ruby Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring has an oval ruby with an approximate weight of 2.13 carats, and 10 old mine cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of 2.00 carats.
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.75 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is set with a ruby and a total of 0.75 carats of diamonds that feature grade E color and VVS clarity.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fine Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat 3.77 Carat Ladies Ring Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DETAILS DIAMONDS: 22 ROUND DIAMONDS AND 25 BAGUETTE DIAMONDS=2.25 CTS TWT, COLOR G-H, CLARITY VS-S1 CENTER STONE INFORMATION: FINE RUBY WEIGHT 1.52 CARATS MARQUISE BRILLIANT SETTING:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Created Ruby Filigree Ring, 10K White Gold, Red Ruby Ring, Vintage Engag
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 10 karat white gold created ruby filigree ring.
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Late Victorian Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds a bright blue sapphire and red ruby both measuring 30pts each. Sat either side these stones are diamonds. At the centre there is a pearl. The diamonds total ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.