$4,800 / item
Snake Opal 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This snake ring has been meticulously crafted from 18 Karat yellow gold.
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Brown-Yellow GIA Diamond and Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Fancy Brown-Yellow GIA Diamond and Burma Ruby Ring A dazzling combination of a large Fancy Brown-Yellow Diamond of 3.33 cts, a stone of excellent brilliance and clarity and fire, b...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
HRD Antwerp Certified Ruby Sapphire and Diamond 18K White Gold Sculptural Ring
Located in Sharjah, AE
Crafted in 18 karat white gold, the ring has a substantial total weight of 15.17 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 18K 750 Solid White Gold Natural Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
GIA 18K 750 Solid White Gold Natural Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring Metal Type: 18k Solid White Gold Total Item Weight: 3.2 Grams Ring Size: 7 (Resizable) 1: Primary Stone: Natura...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,696Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring – 1.63ct GRS-Certified
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At its heart is a 1.63 carat GRS-certified ruby, secured by yellow gold prongs to draw attention to its deep red hue.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$14,640Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Ruby and Diamond Starburst Ring – 2.02ct GRS-Certifie
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted in a harmonious blend of 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, the ring’s design radiates like a starburst, with twelve pear-shaped diamonds (1.98 carats total) forming luminous...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Syna Yellow Gold London Blue Topaz, Emeralds, Rubies and Diamond Ring
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold London Blue Topaz 2.40 carats approx.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby, Diamond and Yellow Gold Double Row Target Cluster Ring, Circa 1850
Located in London, GB
The old-cut diamonds, in both rows, are in claw settings and are spaced, on the outer edges, with rose-cut diamonds, in cut down settings, with air gaps between each row, with a spli...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.48 Carat Oval Cut Natural Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This exquisite 3.48 carat oval-cut natural ruby is GIA certified and elegantly set in lustrous 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
AGL Certified Burma Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in an openwork design with exceptional detail, this ring is perfect for any collection. Ring size: 8 1/2 Metal: 18 Karat yellow gold Stamp: (maker's mark) 18K Gross weight: 8.5...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Oval Thai Ruby and 1.56ct Diamond 18k White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.13 carat Thai ruby and 1.56 carat diamond, 18k white gold cluster ring; part of our ruby jewellery collection.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$1,367Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style 0.40 Carat White Modern Round Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has a 0.25 Carats Modern Round Cut Ruby. This Ring is available also in 14 or 18K Yellow or White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
18K White Gold Ruby Diamond Ring, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a central octagonal diamond of 1.10 carats, two rubies on the side for a total of 1.60 carats, and brilliant diamonds on the shank for a total of 2.00 c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring in 18k Gold, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
A bold statement of vintage glamour, this 1970s cocktail ring is masterfully crafted in luxurious 18k gold and showcases a dazzling .12ct center diamond. Radiating brilliance and fi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Blue Topaz Cushion Ring with Rubies
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents a cushion shape 2.73 Carats Blue Topaz Ring with two triangle Rubies with a total weight of 0.67 Carats.
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k...
$2,876Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond, Sapphire & Ruby 18 Karat Art Deco Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond, Sapphire & Ruby Art Deco Ring Explore our in-stock 18-karat yellow gold diamond, sapphire and ruby ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Synthetic Ruby 0.12 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring 1913
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique synthetic ruby and 0.12 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Unisex Designer Ruby and Diamonds Wedding Band Ring in 18k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Unisex Designer Ruby and Diamonds Wedding Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 1.13 carats and diamonds of 0.56 carats.
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
White Round Brilliant Diamond and Enamel Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous and one of a kind white round brilliant diamond and enamel ring is a symbol of love. Two swans together making a heart in the center. The swans are beautifully pave set...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2.00 Carat Natural Type A Jade and Diamond Ring Made in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring featuring a 2.00 Carat, Natural, Non-dyed Jadeite and 0.59 Carats of Diamond Accents set in 18 Karat Gold.
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.88 carats with Diamond 0.10 Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.38 grams Ruby Width: 0.9 cm Length: 0.9 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine antique 0.25 carat ruby and 0.08 carat diamond cocktail ring in 18 karat yellow gold; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.06ct Unheated Mozambique Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold, GRS Certifie
Located in Roma, IT
This elegant ring features a certified 2.06-carat natural ruby of Mozambican origin, boasting an intense, vivid red hue and exceptional brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Natural Diamond & Ruby Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby gemstone set with a diamond.
Diamond, Ruby
Natural 18K Gold Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring, 1.06ct, New
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a gemstone set within a halo of sparkling RUBY AND DIAMONDS.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Stunning 18K Gold Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring, 4.04ct, New
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a gemstone set within a halo of sparkling RUBY AND DIAMONDS.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Colombian Emerald and Ruby Bypass "Toi Et Moi" Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
1 Pear shape 7.50x5.60mm Natural Unheated Ruby Pinkish -Red 1 Pear shape Natural AAA Colombian Emerald 8.42x5.80mm 18 Round brilliant cut diamonds Total gemstone weight 2.50 carats
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...
Blue Topaz 3.13 Carat Oval 0.24 Carat Round Diamond 18 KT White Gold Halo Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Vintage classic bespoke design 18 Karat white gold ring with 3.13 Carat blue topaz centrepiece and a cluster of 0.24 Carat white colour G-H and eye clean clarity VS-SI natural diamon...
White Diamond, Topaz, Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 18K Gold Ruby Halo Ring with 0.47ct Diamonds
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a gemstone set within a halo of sparkling diamonds and RUBY.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 18K Gold Ruby Halo Ring with 0.39ct Diamonds
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a gemstone set within a halo of sparkling diamonds and RUBY.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Stunning 18K Gold Ruby 3.15ct & Diamond 1.79ct Ring, Designer
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
0.25 CT Diamond Multi Stone 18 KT Yellow Gold Sapphire Emerald Ruby Signet Ring
Located in London, GB
The shank has 4 bar step design which gives the ring its influential and solid look. Men's Signet Style ring is set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire,...
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Cocktail Band, 0.80ct, Size 7.5
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Rich and refined, this 18 karat yellow gold ring highlights a captivating round ruby, bezel-set at the center with an approximate weight of 0.80 carats.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,500
Ruby & Diamond Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Diamond Men's Ring An 18 karat yellow gold ring set with a cushion cut ruby, 10 baguette cut diamonds, and 18 round cut diamonds Accompanied by an AGL report stating that th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond 0.40 carats 18 Karat White Gold Natural Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Immerse yourself in the unparalleled elegance of this exquisite 18 KT White Gold statement ring, where the allure of radiant Rubies meets the timeless beauty of diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Designer 18K Gold Ruby 5.54ct & Diamond 0.73ct Halo Ring
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a gemstone set within a halo of sparkling RUBY & DIAMOND.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring 20K Gold Vintage Estate Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ruby Ring 20K Gold Vintage Estate Vintage This amazing vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 20K Yellow Gold (carefully tested and guaranteed) and set with natural Earth m...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Mid Century Ruby and Diamond Ring by Chaumet
By Chaumet
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The handmade platinum mount has been mounted with three natural rubies, each an oval cut, totalling 1.42 carat with each of them being set with 18 karat yellow gold claws.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
Each stone has been claw set into a platinum head, whilst the basket and band are made from 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Transitional Cut Carat Weight: 0.2...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ring with emerald, ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold 8.7 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold ring set with ruby, sapphire, emerald, and brilliant-cut diamond (total approx. 0.40 ct – F/G – VS/SI) – ring size US 6.5 / EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of the...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
All the stones are claw set within heighten basket work, typical of the 1970s era. The dress ring is crafted from 18 carat white gold. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Round Brilliant C...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco 0.50 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
The gems are claw set in platinum, while the band is made of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 193...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Reversible Band Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Art Deco period, this unusual cocktail ring is crafted in 18 carat gold and features an ingenious hinged design that allows the appearance of the ring to be changed.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 6.95Ct Burmese Ruby and 4.80Ct Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 6.95 carat Cabochon Burmese ruby and 4.80 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, platinum set cluster ring; part of our diverse collection of Burmese rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.00 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
The gems are claw set in platinum, while the band is made of 18 carat white gold. This entire ring would've been made by hand, from the cutting of the stones, to the formation of the...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 1.00 Ct Natural Ruby 1.60 Ct Diamond 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Statement A Charming rectangular shaped classy Victorian period ring, 1890 ca Hand crafted as unique during the time of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped The lovely rectangular hea...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.84 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster, circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
The whole piece is made from 18 carat white gold, allowing the diamonds to sparkle and work in perfect harmony with the centre ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
4.29 Carat Natural 'AAA' Tanzanite and Diamond Ring Made in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 4.29 Carat Natural Tanzanite and 0.22 Carat Diamonds Made in Platinum. Tanzanite's name was given by Tiffany and Co after its only known source: Tanzania...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
The double halo design is classically vintage, with the rubies adding a unique twist. The setting and band is made of 18 carat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Mid Century Modern 18 Carat Lavender Jade Diamond Multi Gem Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Vintage Mid Century Modern Lavender Jade, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Gold Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Awesome Oval 18 Carat Lavender...
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Le Vian Multi Row Pavé Diamond Band Ring with Ruby Flower in 18 Karat White Gold
By Le Vian
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.75 Enhance your fine jewelry collection with the allure of this gorgeous Le Vian multi row diamond ring featuring a captivating ruby and diamond flower motif at its he...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Alex Jona Burmese Ruby Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring two drop cut rubies weighing in total 1.11 carats.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring GIA Certified 2.19 Carat Burma No Heat in 18K
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crafted in 18-karat white gold, the ring weighs 7.57 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Ruby Diamond Baguette Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage ruby and diamond cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.37 Carat Antique Style Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band in 18K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
An antique-style wedding band featuring round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.37 carats total; set in a marquise-shaped basket. Spacing the diamonds are vibrant round red rubies weighi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chrysoprase with Ruby, Diamond and Tsavorite Lobster Ring Set in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Chrysoprase 9.72 carats with Ruby 5.75 carats, Diamond 1.42 carats and Tsavorite 0.14 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 4.0 cm Ring Size: 56 To...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
The shoulders are engraved with a bark design and the ring is all hand made. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Carat Weight: 0.35 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1900s Size: R
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1990 Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in BILBAO, ES
Its wide, sculptural profile reflects the strong geometric aesthetic of 1990s fine jewelry, making it a refined yet powerful statement piece. - Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold - Weight:...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Roman Malakov 0.78 Carat Alternating Ruby and Diamond Eternity Wedding Band
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
This wedding band features 18 natural rubies of 0.44 carats, alternating with 18 round brilliant diamonds of 0.34 carats. The stones weigh 0.78 carats total. Set in 18K white gold. S...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.80ct Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Crafted in 18 carat white gold, this beautiful ring features a wire basket holding each gem with a uniquely designed band framing it, then elegantly tapering around the finger.
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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