Retro Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring, 14k Yellow and White Gold Vintage 3.37 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
The perfect birthday or anniversary gift for a special someone, this 14k yellow gold Retro ring features natural rubies and natural diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$6,000
10 Carat Tourmaline Diamonds Ring, 2000
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Over 10 Carats fine Tourmaline gemstone and Diamonds white Gold ring.
Diamond, Tourmaline
French Antique Ruby Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The centrepiece is a ruby with raspberry tints that harmonises beautifully with the rose gold of the ring band. 10 perfectly proportioned brilliant cut diamonds surround and highligh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.64 Carat Sapphire 1.28 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Item Details Materials: 18K white gold Ring Size: 6.5 Center Stone Type: GIA Sapphire Sapphire Carat Weight: 1.64 Carats Center Stone Shape: Round Sapphire Center Stone Dimensions...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique French Ruby Diamond Gold Serpent Ring
Located in New York, NY
A French Antique 18 karat gold serpent ring with diamond and ruby. The ring has a round diamond with an approximate weight of .10 carats, and a round ruby with an approximate weight ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14K Gold, Ruby & Diamond Stackable Band Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamonds, 4 stones - full cut round - 1.8 - 1.9 mm - approximately .10 total carats - I-J color, I clarity - rubies, 5 stones - round cut - 1.8-1.9 mm Ring Siz...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6 Carat Ruby, White Diamonds, Flower Shape, 18 Karat Gold Cluster/Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Heavy ring with flower shape design realized in 18K yellow gold, mounted with 6 ct of deep color ruby in the center surrounded by petals all studded with 1.20 ct of white diamonds. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,100
Victorian Lion Head Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Victorian unisex lion head gold ring with rubies and diamond circa 1890. Designed as a lion head with ruby-set eyes and an old mine-cut diamond within the grip of its fangs, the diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold
8 Carat Oval Australian Opal, Diamond, Emerald Ruby, Sapphire Ring Estate
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 8 Carat Oval Australian Opal, Diamond , Emerald Ruby , Sapphire Ring Estate Size 5.5 Dome shape ring This spectacular Ring consisting of a single Oval Shape Austra...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Sold|$2,000
14k Gold Star Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Kingston, NY
Vintage 14k gold star ruby of approx 10 carats with diamond ring size approx. 7.5 and weighing approx. 5 dwt.
Diamond, Star Ruby, 14k Gold
Sold|$3,058
1940s French Ruby Diamond Gold Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat yellow gold. This geometric ring is set with rose cut diamonds enhanced with a bow studded with antique cut diamonds and calibrated red gems. Total diamonds weight...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Invisibly Set Ruby Diamond Gold cocktail Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Italian made ruby and diamond ring set with a round diamond weighing 4.00 carats, and 106 calibrated rubies weighing approximately 10 carats. The ring is size 6, and can be sized.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Oscar Heyman Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Southampton, PA
This Oscar Heyman ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold and set with diamonds and a ruby.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Mozambique Ruby Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One GIA Mozambique Ruby Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring one GIA oval mixed cut ruby weighing approximately 3.20 carats, accompanied with GIA #1226764257 stating t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 1.06 Carat White Diamond Oval Cut Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.06 Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style 1.06 Carat White Diamond Oval Cut Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.06 Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style 1.06 Carat White Diamond Oval Cut Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.06 Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
One 18K yellow gold ruby cocktail ring. The ring is furnished with 10 round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50 carats and 6 princess cut diamonds weighing an approxim...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style 1.06 Carat White Diamond Oval Cut Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has a 1.00 Carats Oval Cut Ruby. This Ring is inspired by Art Deco.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style 1.06 Carat White Diamond Oval Cut Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has a 1.00 Carats Oval Cut Ruby. This Ring is inspired by Art Deco.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: Oval Cut Ruby Weight: Approximately .70 Carats Accent Stone: 10 Single Cut Diamonds Weight: Approximately .30 Carats Color: H Clarity: SI Metal: 18K White Gold Era: A...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$1,898
Vintage Ruby and 9K Yellow Gold Lion Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive men's vintage 1960s 0.06 carat ruby and 9 karat yellow gold lion ring; part of our diverse vintage 1960s jewelry collections.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18k rose gold ruby diamond snake ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center stone: Cushion cut ruby Weight: Approximately .20 carats Accent stone: Old mine cut diamond Weight: Approximately .10 carats Color: F Clarity: I2 Accent stone: 4 cabochon cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Gold Snake Ring set with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Litchfield, CT
SIZE: 6 3/4 WEIGHT: 2.7 grams STONES: .045 carats total weight I color SI1 clarity diamonds & .10 carats total weight ruby.
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
AGL Certified Natural Burma Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
AGL certified Burma origin and no indications of heat or other treatment. The Burma ruby weighs approximately 1.40 carats and is surrounded by 10 beautiful old European cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$1,428
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an antique ruby and diamond ring from the Edwardian era. The head of this piece has been openly crafted and showcases a centralised rub-over set pink ruby. Accentuating ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,950
Diamond and Ruby Peacock Ring, 14 Karat Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Description: Metal type: 14 Karat White Gold Weight: 3.17 grams Ring Size: 5 (resizable) Center Diamond Details: Carat: .4 Carat Color: G Clarity: VS Cut: Round Features: .08 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Stunning 2.81 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
This stunning and fiery Toi et Moi ring in 18 karat white and yellow gold is set with a 2.81 ct unheated ruby from Burma and a 2.11 ct brilliant cut diamond of I color and vvs2 clari...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$14,500
Graff Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
Producing a sight of spellbinding luxury and femininity, the fabulous 18K yellow gold is embellished with a fascinating blend of approximately 1.10 carats of diamonds and approximate...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Star Ruby Yellow Gold Ring Natural Cabochon Gem Pink Unisex engagement ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Star Ruby gemstone origin - Thailand stone measurements - 0.28 x 0.35 x 0.39 in / 7 x 9 x 10 mm ruby weight - 6.83 carats ring size - 7.25 US ring w...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
LB Exclusive 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.39 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
It boasts band thickness of 2 mm and top height of 5 mm, while top dimensions measure 10 by 10 mm. The ring is set with a 0.49 ct ruby and a total of 0.39 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
LB Exclusive 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.41 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
It boasts band thickness of 3 mm and top height of 6 mm, while top dimensions measure 10 by 10 mm. The ring is set with a 0.51 ct ruby and a total of 0.41 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Vintage Composition: 14k yellow gold Primary Stone: Approx .53 carat oval cut natural ruby Accent Stone: additional marquise Cut natural rubies Carat Weight: Approx 1 carat ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby Calibre Diamonds Square Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
The ring size is 62 – 10 – T ½ Weight: 8.10gr Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold Stones: 9 Rubies • Cut: Calibre • Total Carat Weight: 2ct approx. 52 Diamonds • Cut: Round • Total Carat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Cabochon Ruby Diamond Triple Band Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Exuding their passionate allure against a glamorous backdrop of 18K yellow gold and approximately 4.25 carats of glittering diamonds, the charming rubies weighing in total 4.00 carat...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14kt Yellow Gold 10ct Ruby .30cttw Diamond Ring, 15x11mm Oval Ruby, Red Purple
Located in San Diego, CA
This beautiful 14-karat yellow gold ring features a stunning oval ruby measuring 15mm x 11mm, approximately 10 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.40Ct Ruby & 1.10Ct Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Dress Ring - Antique Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.40 carat natural ruby and 1.10 carat diamond dress ring in 18 karat yellow gold, with 18 karat white gold settings; part of our diverse gems...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
32nd Degree Scottish Rite Diamond Ring 10 Karat Gold Shriners Masonic 1.02 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Crafted in 10k yellow and white gold, this 32nd degree Scottish Rite ring hosts a radiant diamond accompanied by two synthetic rubies and enamel work.
Diamond, 10k Gold
Antique Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: One Old Mine Cut Diamond Weight: Approximately .35 Carat Color: F Clarity: VS Accent Stone: 2 Round Brilliant Cut Rubies Weight: Approximately .10 Carats Metal: 14K Yel...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.70Ct Ruby & 0.56Ct Diamond, 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring - Vintage Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.70 carat natural ruby and 0.56 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections This impr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro 18kt yellow Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Period: 1950's Style: Retro Metal: 18Kt Gold Stone: Diamond & Ruby Ring size: 10 1/2 (resizable).
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and White Sapphire 9 Carat Gold Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This eternity band holds 10 rich pink square rubies totalling 1ct and in between these stones are white sapphires measuring 5pts each. The band is modelled in 9ct gold. Ring Size: K...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Emerald Cabochon 15 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous chunky band is modelled in 15ct gold and has glossy cabochon stones set into it. There are three bright green emeralds and three lovely red rubies. Ring Size: U 1/2 or...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold, Ruby and Diamond Cluster Statement Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A 14 karat yellow gold, ruby and diamond cluster statement ring. This ring features a pyramidal design with a cluster of round cut rubies weighing approximately 1.10 total carats and...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Towson, MD
One 18-karat yellow gold band cluster ring set with ten (10) brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.33-carat total weight with matching G/H color and VS clarity, two (2) 3.5x2.5mm ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring is made of 18K yellow gold and weighs 6.5 grams.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cat and Frog Jade Ruby Emerald Convertible Set Yellow Gold Brooch Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Brooch & ring. 3-piece set consisting of a Ruby & black enamel frog pin, an owl pin with Jade, Emerald & Ruby and a custom-made ring base in 14k yellow gold. The 2 animals can be wor...
Emerald, Jade, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Rachel Koen Ruby & Diamond Eternity Band Ring 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
The stones are beautifully circling all the way around the band and are set in fine 14k white gold. Ruby total carat weight: 1.83. Diamond total carat weight: 0.38.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$3,950
Antique Ruby Men's Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
made in Moscow between 1908 and 1917 a green 14K gold ring designed as a laurel wreath tiara centered with a cushion cut ruby (approximately 1 carat) set in a rose gold bezel s...
Ruby
SSEF Certified 0.77 Carat Pigeon Blood Burmese No Heat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K WHITE GOLD 10 ROUND DIAMOND, 0.16 CARATS 10 MARQUIS DIAMONDS, 0.81 CARATS 1 NO-HEAT PIGEON BLOOD BURMESE RUBY, 0.77 CARATS SSEF LAB CERTIFIED, PIGEON BLOOD RED Introducing our ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Uneek Ruby Diamond Stackable Wedding Band, 14K White Gold, Ring
By Uneek
Located in McLeansville, NC
Available in ring size 6.25. Stones: - rubies, 10 stones - round cut - 1.5 mm - approximately .20 total carats - diamonds, 4 stones - round brilliant cut - 2.25 mm - approximately ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.38ctw Ruby Diamond Navette Statement Ring, 14KT Bi Color Gold
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat bi color gold ruby and diamond navette statement ring. This long dinner ring features three vertical, prong set round cut rubies weighing approximately .30 total c...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.52ctw Ruby and Diamond Thick Band Ring, 18k White Gold, Ring Size 6.25
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamond - baguette cut, 10 stones - 3 x 1.5 mm - approximately .55 carats - HI color, I1 clarity - round brilliant cut, 38 stones - 1 mm - approximately .16 carats - F-G/VS...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold GIA 4.73ctw Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Amazing Rare Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline w/ Ruby & Diamond Ring --Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Paraiba Tourmaline - Oval Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - Brazilian - Fiery & Brilliant...
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby White Sapphire & Diamond Ring Studded In 18K Rose Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Its an exclusive cocktail ring studded in 18k rose gold with 10 pieces oval shaped rose cut rubies weight 2.01 carat & 9 pieces oval shaped rose cut white sapphires weight 1.39 carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
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.
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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.