Antique Victorian 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Boat Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring Beautiful Boat Shaped Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1894 UK Size Q & US Size 8 1/2 Can be resized for a small additional fee All of our items are e...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold Victorian Style Ruby & Diamond Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Carved Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1980’s Gorgeous, Victorian style carved ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
0.30 Ct Fine Natural Ruby & 2 Ct Finest Diamond 18 Kt White Gold Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite 18 Karat Gold Ring, which showcases a stunning 0.30 Carat natural Ruby alongside 2 Carats of brilliant cut and Pear shape diamonds set in lustrous white gol...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.46 Ct Ruby Ring With Diamonds In Center Made In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Set in lustrous 18k gold, this ring seamlessly blends classic sophistication with modern design. 18KT:3.59g, Diamond:0.37ct Ruby:2.46ct"
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18ct White Gold "J" Initial Ring Natural Diamonds & Ruby Accents
Located in London, GB
This bespoke 18ct white gold ring features a stylized "J" initial, meticulously pavé-set with brilliant natural diamonds and accented by vibrant red rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
1.16 Carat Sapphire, 0.18 Ct Ruby, and 0.22 Ct Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Warszawa, PL
Sapphire, ruby, and diamond ring, 1.16 carats sapphire, 0.18 carats rubies, 0.22 carats diamonds, 18K yellow gold. This exquisite ring, crafted from 18-karat yellow gold (750 finenes...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$1,744Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.7 ct Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Band 18K White Gold Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid White Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 2.7 ct Gemstone pcs - 7 Gemstone shape - Oval Gemstone size - 5 x 3 mm Diamond weight - 0.19 ct...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct Gold Tutti Frutti Interchangeable Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby & Emerald Ring
Located in London, England
An ingenious and glamorous jewel, this retro interchangeable ring is set in 18ct yellow gold and stamped with the French eagle’s head hallmark for 18ct gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Square Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1920’s Fabulous, Art Deco ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
AIG Certified 4.10 Carats Burma Ruby 2.30 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Introducing an exquisite ring , crafted to perfection. Each gems showcases the vibrant allure of the brilliant red Burma Ruby , enhanced by the radiant sparkly of diamonds. Immerse y...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
AIG Certified 2.50 Ct Untreated Mozambique Ruby 3.40 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This ring is an embodiment of elegance and allure. Magnificent ring come in 18k gold with a Untreated Mozambique Ruby of 2,50 ct , spectacular Pigeon Blood Red, in perfect pear cut, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
AIG Certified 8.50 Carat Burma Ruby 1.60 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Introducing an exquisite ring of jewelry featuring striking red ruby and dazzling diamonds. This captivating ring , crafted to perfection. Each piece, showcases the vibrant allure of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
AIG Certified 2.50 Ct Untreated Mozambique Ruby 3.40 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
This ring is an embodiment of elegance and allure. Magnificent ring come in 18k gold with a Untreated Mozambique Ruby of 2,50 ct , spectacular Pigeon Blood Red, in perfect pear cut, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.83 Ct Natural Ruby Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Certified 1.83 Ct Natural Ruby Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring A simple and beautiful ring with a 1.08 Carat Asscher Cut Natural Ruby as its center and natural Round...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
$3,960Sale Price / item|20% Off
5.1 Ct Ruby Statement Flower Ring with Diamonds 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Floral Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 18K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$21,873Sale Price|35% Off
AIG Certified 18.60 Carats Burma Ruby 4.60 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An magnificent ring in contemporary design, so essential and glamours very adorable style by Italian designer. Ring come in 18k gold with a natural Burma Ruby in oval cabochon cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
12 Ct Natural Marquis Ruby & 0.75 Ct Diamond 18 Kt White Gold Ball Ring Size 6
Located in New York, NY
12 Ct Natural Marquis Ruby & 0.75 Ct Diamond 18 Kt White Gold Ball Ring Size 6 Introducing our exquisite 18 Karat Gold Ring, featuring a stunning 12 carat natural Marquise Ruby and a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
AIG Certified 8.50 Carat Burma Ruby 1.60 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Introducing an exquisite ring of jewelry featuring striking red ruby and dazzling diamonds. This captivating ring , crafted to perfection. Each piece, showcases the vibrant allure of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 19.83 ct Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
19.83 carats Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring features a 19.83 carat Oval shaped Natural Ruby Cabochon with Purplish Red color surrounded by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.5 Ct Natural Marquis Ruby & 1 Ct Dancing Diamond 18 Kt White Gold Ring Size 6
Located in New York, NY
2.5 Ct Natural Marquis Ruby & 1 Ct Dancing Diamond 18 Kt White Gold Ring Size 6 Introducing our exquisite 18 Karat Gold Ring, featuring a stunning 1 carat natural Marquise Ruby with ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1 ct Burma Ruby Ballerina Ring, 2ct Diamonds, 18k Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This ballerina ring is an old Hollywood glamour! GIA certified with a Burma ruby at center. The halo of fourteen round brilliant and fourteen tapered baguette cut diamonds are set in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.35ct Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring, Set in 18ct White Gold
Located in London, GB
1.10ct ruby & 0.84ct diamond cluster ring set in luxurious 18ct white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.02 Ct. Natural Unheated Certified Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a one-of-a-kind Ruby and Diamond Split-Shank Ring! The center stone is an Oval cut 2.02 Carat Natural Unheated Ruby from Mozambique displaying an intense red "pigeon blood" c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
3ct Pink Tourmaline and Ruby Ring Solitaire Ring 18ct Rose Gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
Custom made to your size please contact our customer service team with your custom size. 3ct Round Brilliant Cut Pink Tourmaline 18ct rose gold Forget Me Knot band Set with Burmes...
Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Afghanistan 0.59 Ct 18K Rose Gold Vivid Purplish Red Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA Afghanistan 0.59 Ct 18K Rose Gold Vivid Purplish Red Ruby Engagement Ring* GIA-certified natural Afghanistan vivid purplish red Ruby as the center stone weighing 0.59 ct set on...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
AIG Certified 1.51 Carat Burmese Ruby 1.52 Ct Diamonds 18k Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite contemporary design , so modern and original design, a very exclusive style. Adorn you hands and adds a touch of grace and class. Magnificent come in 18k gold with a Nat...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold Ring with Natural Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Main Features: Type: Vintage ring Material: 18ct white gold (hallmarked 750) Center Stone: Heated natural ruby (≈ 2 ct) Diamonds: Marquise- and brilliant-cut (≈ 0.50 ct total) Dimen...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Marquise/Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1880 Step into the elegance of the Victorian era with this stunning marquise-shaped ring, beautifully crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
0.45ct Ruby Burma Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
Antique style Ruby And Diamonds Engagement Ring 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
AIG Certified 2.50 Carat Burma Ruby 1.20 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning Art Decô design ring, so chic and refined, in 18k gold with a cabochon cut Burma ruby of 2,50 carats , and diamonds in baguettes and round brilliant cut of 1,20 carats,F/VS...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18ct Gold Ring Set With A Ruby Surrounded By Brilliants
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
18ct gold ring set with a natural ruby with a heat treatment of 1.60ct surrounded by brilants for 0.45ct circa 1960/1970 free size offered
Ruby, Gold
18 kt. Gold Ring With 3.78 ct. Minor Emerald Cabochon, Diamonds, Sapphire, Ruby
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Very special, Beautiful 18 kt. Yellow Gold Ring With 3.78 ct. Minor Emerald Cabochon, Diamonds, Sapphire, Ruby Emerald: Intense Green Minor Cabochon 3.78 ct. with Carat Gem Lab cer...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
18ct Yellow Gold 3-Band Diamond Ring, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby
Located in London, GB
A vibrant and elegant 3-band ring crafted in luxurious 18ct yellow gold, featuring three iconic gemstones emerald, sapphire, and ruby, each set on its own band.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Band Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring Stamped 18ct Gold Circa 1910 Five-stone ring set with three round-cut rubies and two diamonds in alternating sequence.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,747Sale Price|20% Off
Gianni Lazzaro Ruby 9, 58 Ct Diamond White 18K Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 18 K Gianni Lazzaro (Matching Earrings Available) Diamonds 28-1,09 ct HSI Ruby 1-9,58ct.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1920 Anna's Ring natural 0.5 ct Ruby solid 18K Gold US6.25 / 1.35gr
Located in SE
A Ring from distant Art- Deco period, engraved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with bezel set oval cut natural Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm / ca. 0.5 ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold
18 kt. White Gold Trilogy Ring 2.2 ct. Vivid Red Siam Ruby & 1.73 ct. Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificant 18 kt. White Gold Trilogy Ring with 2.2 ct. Vivid Red Ruby & 1.73 ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Trilogy Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Introducing an exquisite Victorian ring, crafted in 18ct gold, showcasing a stunning triple daisy cluster ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920s A striking Art Deco ring set with six French-cut rubies and seven single-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
4.45 Ct Ruby Band Ring With Center Diamond Made In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18KT:5.46g, Diamond:0.27ct Ruby:4.45ct"
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold 1940s Citrine & Cabochon Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Citrine Cocktail Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Tested Circa 1940s This stunning 18ct yellow gold cocktail ring is sure to turn heads.
Citrine, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco circular 0.33 ct diamond ruby ring in 18k gold and platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
Circular diamond ruby ring in 18 karat white gold and platinum. Art Deco period target ring, centered with a 0.33 carat old-cut diamond in a setting of 18 calibrated natural rubies, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
$6,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ruby and Pink Sapphire Flower Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
18ct yellow gold Custom made to order please contact our designer with your finger size to start the design process Combination of Burmese red rubies and pink sapphires set in 18ct...
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Marquise Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 This Victorian marquise-shaped ring is a true beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Exquisite in design, this 18ct yellow gold Edwardian ring showcases a stunning marquise-shaped centrepiece featuring a natural ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fine GCI-Certified 3.17 ct Natural Unheated Ruby and Diamond Ring – 18K Gold
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
An exceptional natural unheated ruby of 3.17 carats, displaying a vivid, fiery red hue, the most coveted shade among connoisseurs. Its color glows from within, revealing the depth an...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$117,029Sale Price|20% Off
18 Kt Gold No Heat 6.15 Ct Burmese Ruby Cabochon & Intense Fancy Diamonds Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificant 18 Kt. Gold No Heat Burmese Ruby Cabochon & Intense Fancy Diamonds Ring Ruby: Red, Cabochon cut, natural corundum, No heat Burmese Ruby 6.15 ct , Looks like Pigeon Blood !
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold Burma Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, England
It comes with a certificate stating the ruby is of Burma origin. Additional information: Material: 18ct Gold Origin: England Date of Manufacture: 2000s Era: Late 20th Century (1970s...
18k Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold Triple Row, Ruby & Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Target Ring 18ct White Gold Tested Circa 1980’s Gorgeous, preloved target ring.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
$4,000Sale Price / item|38% Off
South Sea Pearl and Ruby Ring in 18ct Rose Gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
Custom made 18ct rose gold ring Featuring an Australian South Sea pearl set with over 100 rubies all over the knots and band Made to order in your size* please contact our custom...
South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1940’s 18ct Gold Aquamarine, Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cocktail Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1940’s Fabulous 1940’s, aquamarine cocktail ring.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
ILIANA 18ct Yellow Gold Ring Set with Ruby and Natural Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Crafted in warm 18ct yellow gold, this charming vintage-style ring features a vibrant oval-cut ruby at its center, accented by delicate natural diamonds arranged in a halo design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cocktail Ring -Victorian 18K Gold & Silver 3.60 Ct Old Mine Diamond & Burma Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
This is a spectacular, museum-quality antique Victorian dome ring masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold with an authentic oxidized silver-topped setting. Weighing a substantial 13.6...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
AIG Certified 9.50 Carats Natural Burma Ruby 3.40 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
The Ruby in this mesmerizing ring , is a intense hot color, exuding captivating vibrancy. Its striking color is truly allure , drawing instant attention and leaving a lasting impress...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold French Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920’s Fabulous French Art Deco Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18 kt. Yellow Gold Ring 7.81 ct. Burmese No Heat Ruby Gübelin &GRS Certified
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificant 18 kt. Yellow Gold Ring With a 7.81 ct. Burmese No Heat Ruby The Ruby comes Certified by Gübelin & GRS Ruby: Pink - Red, Cushion - Oval shape, Burma Ruby 7.81 ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.20 ct Heated Burmese Ruby Ring with Diamonds in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A timeless expression of elegance and passion, this exquisite ring features a natural heated Burmese ruby, celebrated for its intensely saturated red hue and historical prestige. Car...
Diamond, 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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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.