GIA 18K 1.22 Ct Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 1.22 Ct Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Engagement Ring* GIA-certified Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby weighing 1.22 ct set on the 18K white gold band with natural round brilliant ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 18K 1.00 Ct Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 1.00 Ct Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Engagement Ring* GIA-certified Burma Pigeon Blood Red Ruby weighing 1.00 ct set on the 18K white gold band with natural round brilliant ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leto Lama Ruby Heart, Rubies, Diamonds 18 Ct Gol
Located in London, GB
An easy to wear glamorous everyday ring or a special cocktail ring featuring a captivating natural, untreated red with pink hues Natural 1.47 Cts Ruby Heart from Sri Lanka. An ideal ...
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
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
Antique 18ct Gold & Silver, Victorian Ruby and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Gold & Silver Circa 1880 Introducing a stunning 18ct yellow gold Victorian ring that epitomises elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
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
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
$6,278Sale Price / item|20% Off
3.13 Ct Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Pear Engagement Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
3.13 Ct Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Pear Engagement Ring in 18 Karat White Gold This design showcases a rich red ruby center stone embraced by a double halo of sparkling pear-cut diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
AIG Certified 3.60 Carat Natural Burma Ruby 1.60 Ct Diamonds 18k Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Jewerly is not just about adornment; it is tangible expression of emotion and individuality. Each piece tells a unique story that connects and captivates hearts. These ring is the ep...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Art Deco Ruby Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum French Stamped Circa 1920’s Fabulous, French made Art Deco ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
AIG Certified 3.60 Carat Natural Burma Ruby 1.60 Ct Diamonds 18k Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Jewerly is not just about adornment; it is tangible expression of emotion and individuality. Each piece tells a unique story that connects and captivates hearts. These ring is the ep...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian 3 Stone Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Fabulous, Edwardian Gold band. set with three gorgeous, natural rubies with little diamond accents in between.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring Hallmarked Birmingham 1911
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1911 A lovely ring set with alternating, natural rubies & diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian .98 Ct Ruby Diamond 18 Kt Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Beautiful antique Victorian period three stone ring, 1890/1900 ca Lovely half hoop mounting exquisitely hand carved at best refined work of the time – 18 KT solid gold marked Magnifi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Edwardian Ruby Diamond Marquise/Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwadian Marquise Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Introducing an exquisite Edwadian Marquise Ring, a stunning testament to the artistry of antique jewellery.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Gleaming 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Pave Ring w/1.09 ct - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Gleaming 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Pave Ring w/1.09 ct - IGI Certified The centerpiece of this pave ring is a captivating 0.71 carat oval cut ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Adore Ring 18ct Yellow Gold hallmarked Chester Engraved inside band 1848 Makers Mark J H Introducing this beautiful 18ct yellow gold antique ADORE ring, a true epito...
Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
1.22ct Ruby Emerald Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring In 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
1.22ct Ruby Emerald Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring In 18ct Yellow Gold This stunning engagement ring is the perfect symbol of love and commitment.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring, Hallmarked Chester 1918
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1918 Makers Mark J H & S This stunning five stone ring is a true testament to timeless elegance, crafted from luxurious 18c...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
0.90 CT Champagne Diamond Art Deco Ring 18k & Natural Ruby (#9)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brilliant Art Deco Style Ring. Large bold look. 18k White Gold approx 5.70 grams. Center natural round Diamond 0.90 carat L-SI approx (7.0 mm) has good sparkle and slightly champagn...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ruby Ring 18k White & Rose Gold Center 1.09 ct (#1)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Art Deco Style Colorful Ring - Statement and Bold Center Diamond surrounded with Red Ruby, sides have white Diamonds All stones are Natural 18k White & Rose Gold 8.60 grams Natural...
Ruby, Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This antique five-stone ring, stamped 18ct gold and dated circa 1900, features three rich rubies and two diamonds in a c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold Natural Ruby & Diamond Chequerboard Style Ring Hallmarked London 1971
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked London 1971 Makers Mark J & P This stunning vintage ring showcases a captivating design crafted from 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold and 1.8 Ct Red Rubies 3-Row Checker Ring by Nancy Phillips
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Crafted with a comfortable fit and a brushed finish, this unisex ring is versatile for any occasion. July Birthstone, Power Ring, Gender Neutral, Traditional gift for 15th and 40th...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold 1940s DEAREST Diamond Emerald Amethyst Ruby Sapphire & Tourmaline Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Dearest Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1940's This vintage acrostic ring from the 1940s is a truly unique piece.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold French Stamped, 1920s Ruby & Diamond, Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Buckle Ring 18ct Gold French Stamped Circa 1920s Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct and platinum cocktail ring, a true embodiment of the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18ct Gold Edwardian, Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1910 Introducing this stunning 18ct yellow gold antique ADORE ring, a true epitome of elegance and charm.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18ct White Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous ruby and diamond cluster ring set in 18ct white gold is the dream vintage ruby engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped 1940s Calibrated Ruby Half Eternity Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Ruby Half Eternity Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1940s This exquisite 18ct gold half-eternity ring is a true statement piece.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold Stamped, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 18ct Yellow Gold hallmarked London 1908 Engraved inside band 30.1.09 Introducing this beautiful 18ct yellow gold antique ADORE ring, a true epitome of elegan...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Ruby & Diamond Band Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1890
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gypsy Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Hallmarked Birmingham 1890 Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct yellow gold Victorian gypsy ring, a true embodiment of timeless eleg...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Boat Shaped Ring Hallmarked Birmingham 1920
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1920 Makers Mark B H J Pretty, Little Boat Shaped Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18ct Gold Fancy Ruby & Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring Birmingham Hallmarked 1913
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1913 Makers Mark C L This stunning 18ct yellow gold daisy cluster ring exudes timeless elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold French Hallmarked, Edwardian Ruby & Pearl Ring with Feather shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Rose Gold French Hallmarked Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct rose gold ring from the Edwardian era, a true testament to the artistry of that...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.87ct Ruby Burma Oval Shaped Solitaire Engagement Ring 18ct White Gold
Located in London, GB
Crafted from 18ct White Gold, this ring is the epitome of luxury and elegance.
Ruby, White Gold
Couture - 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx 0.33 Ct Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Architectural in design and as beautiful from the side as from the front, this stunning ring is made from rich 18 karat yellow gold. Central is an oval convex black onyx encrusted wi...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mozambique Oval Ruby & Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18K Solid Yellow Gold 2.83 Ct
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant three-stone ring features 1 oval-cut natural ruby weighing 2.83 carats, beautifully set in rich 18K yellow gold. The ruby measures approximately 8 × 6 mm and is securely...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,552Sale Price|20% Off
14.35 ct Carved Emerald Cocktail Ring With Ruby & Diamonds In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:1.47g,D:2.24ct,SI:7.37g EMER:14.35ct,RUBY:2ct, Size: 23x17x33MM
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian era Diamond and Ruby Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Bombe Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910s Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct gold and platinum Edwardian era ring, a true testament to the elegance of th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1890 Makers Mark B H Introducing a stunning 18ct gold Victorian five-stone ring, featuring alternating natural rubies and d...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Victorian Ruby, Pearl & Diamond Ring Hallmarked Birmingham 1877
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1877 This exquisite 18ct yellow gold Victorian ring showcases a stunning design that embodies the elegance of its era.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring, Circa 1900, Birmingham
Located in London, GB
A charming and characterful antique ring, this Edwardian-era ruby and diamond piece is crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, hallmarked for Birmingham, circa 1900.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Fancy Knot Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1916
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Knot Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1916 Makers Mark W L Behold the exquisite 18ct yellow gold fancy knot ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow & White Gold, Edwardian Fancy Rectangular Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Tested Circa 1900 Introducing a stunning 18ct gold Edwardian ring, featuring a central row of calibrated rubies set in yellow gold ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Ruby & Pearl Ring With Pretty Carved Shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Victorian Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1898 Gorgeous Victorian Ring.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Beautiful 18K White Gold Ring with 1.47 ct Natural Rubies and Diamonds NGI Cert.
Located in רמת גן, IL
A beautiful ring with a dazzling 1.15 carat marquise natural ruby. It has 0.32 carat of side diamonds which add more to its elegance. The jewelry is made of 18k white gold with a hig...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Silver, Early Victorian Moonstone, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Moonstone Ring 18ct Gold & Silver Circa 1865 Step back in time with this exquisite early Victorian ring, crafted with exceptional attention to detail.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Moonlight Heart Ring in 18ct White Gold with Diamonds, Sapphires & Rubies
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Moonlight Heart Ring in 18ct White Gold with Diamonds, Sapphires & Rubies Towards the Stars Collection The Moonlight Heart Ring from Sybarite’s Towards the Stars Collection is a brea...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18...
Diana M. Fine Jewelry 18k 2.70 Ct. Tw. Diamond & Ruby Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent ruby diamond ring with gia certified 6.27ct ruby set with 1.70ct of round diamonds all the way around in platinum halo and 2 hearts gia certified on the sides setting
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Floral Cocktail Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Natural Rubies
Located in Milano, MI
An important and charming jewel, perfect for those who love unique statement pieces and wish to wear a ring of sophisticated, everlasting style. Main Features: Type: Floral cocktai...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
5-Stone Diamond & Ruby Ring, Set With 2 Round Diamonds & 3 Rubies in 18ct Gold
Located in London, GB
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your jewellery collection with this stunning 5-stone ring, expertly crafted in 18ct gold. Featuring two brilliant round diamonds and three vibra...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Yellow Oval Diamond 0.62ct & Cushion Shape Ruby Ring in 18ct Gold
Located in London, GB
The oval Diamond is 0.62ct and 0.51ct cushion shape Ruby 2-stone ring. The ring is set in 18ct Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Scroll Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Target Ring 18ct White Gold Circa 1920’s Fabulous, Art Deco target ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Ring, Set With 0.40ct Oval Natural Fine Quality Ruby
Located in London, GB
New made by Jewellery Cave 18ct yellow gold single stone ring, set with oval 0.40ct fine quality natural ruby, The ring is a perfect complement to any ensemble and can be worn on a...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1895 Birmingham 18ct Gold Ruby and Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in London, GB
Crafted in rich 18ct yellow gold, the gently domed band is set with a central old-cut diamond framed by two deep rubies, each nestled in hand-carved star and lozenge-shaped settings ...
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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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
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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.