$8,256Sale Price|20% Off
Engagement Ring Ruby Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Introduce a touch of timeless beauty and dazzling sparkle to your marriage proposal with this magnificent 18-carat white gold engagement ring. Showcasing a 2.06 carat oval ruby, care...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Eternity Ring with Rubies in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
The rubies are set in 18k yellow gold, in the blossom collection’s flower collect.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby 1.08 Carat & Diamond Ring in 18 kt Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Beautiful 18K Yellow Gold Ruby 1.08 , Diamond 0.34 Ring. This incredible ring is crafted in 18kt yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Contemporary Half Eternity Ruby Channel Ring in Yellow Gold
By Susannah Lovis
Located in London, England
A beautiful contemporary half-eternity ruby channel ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is composed of 9 round brillant-cut rubies, which perfectly match its colour and vibrancy.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Round Lab Ruby Engraved Signet Ring circa 1970s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning 18k Gold Round Lab Ruby Engraved Signet Ring from the circa 1970s exudes vintage charm and timeless elegance.
Vintage Star Pattern Custom Calibre Ruby Striking Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Hand-crafted 18K White Gold mounting. Ring size 4.5, we offer ring re-sizing.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rubies, Enamel, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a frame of diamonds,enamel and little rubies. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master ...
Ruby, Diamond, Enamel, White Gold, 18k Gold
C1900 18K Ruby Gypsy Ring with Buckle Design and Carved Flower Stems
Located in Baltimore, MD
What makes this gypsy ring unique? So many things! We could start with the wonderful burma rubies. Or we could mention the clever way the goldsmith incised (hand-carved) lines in...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Engagement Ring. Oval Cut Ruby Three Stone Diamond Accent Ring Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
The shoulders are accented with round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.15 carats, adding a subtle touch of sparkle while keeping the rubies as the focal point. Handcra...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 kt White Gold Diamonds Rubies Fashion Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE TO ITEMS WITH FIX PRICE, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS ,ONGOING PROMOTIONS AND ITEMS ON SALES. Fashion ring in 18k white gold with diamonds and rubies.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Synthetic Ruby 0.12 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring 1913
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive diamond and ruby cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Gia Certified 1.51ct Rare Asscher Cut Vivid Red Ruby 2.00ct Diamonds Ring 18k*
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified 1.51Ct Natural Ruby Ring Report: 5171034909 Octagonal cut (asscher cut) Excellent color stability Pigeon Blood Red. Excellent cut Clean Clarity Thailand Origin ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spinel Diamond Ruby Platinum & Gold Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The ring is made in both platinum and 18k white gold and is ready to be worn!
Diamond, Ruby, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
0.87 Carat Burmese Ruby 0.94 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring (2019)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive ruby trilogy ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with 18k white gold settings.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s 4.70 carats Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This understated yellow gold ring features a double domed band that ends at the top with a gold link. A treated oval ruby is set wi...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.01 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Ruby and Diamond Fashion Ring in 18K Mix Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This ring features 1.03 carat of round brilliant diamonds surrounding lush red round cut Ruby weighing 2.01 carat. The ring is made in 18Kmix gold yellow and white. Ring size is 6.5 US
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
RUCHI Ruby & Pavé Diamond White Gold Twist Shank Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Ring: US size 6.5. Rubies: 2.27ct total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Detailed Frog Diamond and Ruby Eyes Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Ring size 5.75, we offer ring resizing. Beautifully Hand crafted in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$16,406Sale Price|52% Off
Princess Diana Ruby Ring – 1.54ct Untreated Ruby (Swiss-Certified)
Located in London, GB
Swiss certified ruby. Masterfully and intricately crafted by hand. 18k rose gold and VVS1 diamonds.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BENJAMIN FINE JEWELRY 3.19 cts French Cut Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring
By Benjamin Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Our creations span from diamonds and emeralds to rubies and sapphires. 3.19 cts French Cut Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring 18K, Yellow Gold Ruby : 3.19 cts White Diamond : 0.05 cts Or...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century 18K Yellow Gold Natural Burmese Red Ruby & Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Denver, CO
A natural Burmese red ruby weighing approximately 1.73 carats and measuring 7.61 x 7.1 mm sits at the center of this vintage trilogy band crafted in the 1950s flanked by two Old Euro...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
1ct Natural Rubies Enamel Estate 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Estate vintage enamel bone deco 1 carat natural round ruby ring. Ruby plate is interchangeable to optional necklace wear. Gorgeous enamel detail throughout. Ring is 22 mm wide ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold 4.48 Carat Ruby Eternity Cocktail Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Crafted with sophistication and opulence, the 18 Karat Gold 4.48 Carat Ruby Eternity Cocktail Ring unveils an unspoken narrative of grace and allure. A harmonious symphony of eleganc...
Ruby, 18k Gold
1990s 18k Gold Plated Crystal Cluster Synthetic Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning 1990s 18k gold-plated crystal cluster cocktail ring is a statement piece that exudes vintage charm and elegance.
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 75pts. The ruby held in this ring is a deep pink colour and the sparkle of the diamonds compliment the stone beautifully. The di...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 0.8ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.25/ 3.8gr
Located in SE
Band in solid 18 k Yellow Gold, crown lined with Platinum. Oval cut natural Ruby of vibrant pinkish Red color 6.25 x 4.5 mm x 2.65 mm deep / ca. 0.8 ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Diamonds Ruby Sapphires 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite ring is a timeless piece of fine jewelry, crafted in 18kt white gold and designed for those who appreciate elegance, character, and refined craftsmanship. At the hear...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Channel Set 8 Row Ruby Flower-Cut Cocktail Ring with Marquise Diamonds, 18K
Located in New York, NY
An Invisibly Set 8 Row Ruby Flower-Cut Cocktail Ring with Marquise Diamonds made in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Masumi Kasahara Ruby Cluster K18 White Gold Designer Fashion Ring
Located in 台東区, JP
A contemporary designer ring by renowned Japanese jewelry designer Masumi Kasahara, beautifully crafted in 18 karat white gold. The ring features a vibrant 1.00-carat ruby cluster, a...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co., AGL 2.00 Ct Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring, Platinum and 18K
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautifully classic ring by Tiffany & Co. boasts a beautiful 2 carat cushion cut Unheated Burma Ruby flanked by two pear shaped brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
From $6,825Sale Price / item|30% Off
Burmese Emerald Cut Ruby 4.20ct Eternity Band in 18K Yellow Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
This rare eternity band is handcrafted by Simon Ardem and features 13 perfectly matched emerald-cut Burma "pigeon-blood" rubies. The total weight of the rubies is 4.20 carats set in ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Sapphire Ruby Old Cut Diamond Toi Et Moi Cluster 18k yellow gold ring
Located in London, GB
An original Edwardian Natural Ruby, sapphire and old cut diamond cluster toi et moi ring set into 18ct yellow gold. A pretty 18carat gold Edwardian double heart ring that has been ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.85 Carat Ruby Eternity Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Embrace a symbol of eternal love with our 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.85 Carat Ruby Eternity Ring—a meticulously crafted masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of timeless beauty. Each...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 8.35 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.3 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 15.94 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then si...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Men's AGL Certified Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Men's Solitaire Ruby Ring, set in 18K matte White Gold With AGL Certificate Ruby approximately 2 carats Ring Size: 7.5 Resizable free of charge
Ruby, 18k Gold
Set of Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire Bands Made in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Webster, NY
Gemstone: Sapphire, Emerald, & Ruby Gemstone Carat Weight: Approximately 1ctw each Gemstone Cut: Square Baguette Cut Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Marked/Tested: Stamped “750" "QUAD" We...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Invisible Setting Ruby and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Invisible setting Square Natural Ruby's and center Oval Diamond 18k Yellow Gold 8.0 grams. Total Ruby 5.25 carat AAA very nice red. Center oval Diamond approx 0.50 carat H-I ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Star Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Complementing the gemstone are 1.12 carats of baguette cut diamonds, which have been precisely cut to match perfectly. Set in platinum and 18K yellow gold prongs for the ruby. Siz...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.28 Carat Ruby and Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Ruby & Diamond Band The ring is 18K White Gold There are 0.43 Carats in Diamonds F/G VS/SI There are 0.85 Carats in Rubies The band is 0.25" wide.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Gemstone Cocktail Ring 6.4g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
18k yellow gold and gemstone cocktail ring. Stamped 750 and weighs 6.4 grams.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nazarelle 18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Nazarelle
Located in Houston, TX
This ring is made in 18k white gold and features 10 round cut, prong set rubies weighing 0.35ct and 14 round cut, prong set diamonds weighing 0.38ct with a color grade (G) and clarit...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby with Diamond Cocktail Ring
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
A very nice Ruby ring use the top quality Ruby which make in invisible setting. We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years. The ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond GIA Certified 6.69 Carat Ruby Engagement Ring
By DeKaraDesign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Latest handmade ring of expertly crafted in 18K yellow gold. This exceptional ring showcases a GIA certified 6.69 carat natural red ruby as its centerpiece.
Vintage 18K Ruby Pave Diamond Bypass Large Cocktail Ring 4.53cttw Sz 7.75
Located in Winter Springs, FL
It is crafted in 18K yellow gold and pave set with approximately 2.20cttw in H-I color Vs2-Si1 clarity rounds diamonds and channel set with approximately 2.53cttw in bright, natural ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Swirl Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18k yellow gold Diamond: 16 round cut= 0.72cttw Color: G/H Clarity: SI1 Ruby: round cut = 1.36cttw Ring Size: 6.25 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare GIA Certified 7.91 No Heat Afghanistan Ruby 18K Pave Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Report Number 2231362473 Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Cushion Extremely Rare Afghani No Heat Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 6.0 grams Band Width: 3mm Size: K (50) - Resizable Face Dimensions: 23mm x 13mm Total Ruby Weight: Approx. 1.00ct Diamond Dimensions: 18 (1mm) Tes...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BENJAMIN FINE JEWELRY 12.38 cts Burmese Octagon Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring
By Benjamin Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Our creations span from diamonds and emeralds to rubies and sapphires. 12.38 cts Burmese Octagon Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring 18K, Yellow Gold Ruby : 12.38 cts Origin : Burma Produc...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BENJAMIN FINE JEWELRY 7.44 cts Burmese Octagon Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring
By Benjamin Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Our creations span from diamonds and emeralds to rubies and sapphires. 7.44 cts Octagon Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring 18K, Yellow Gold Ruby : 7.44 cts Origin : Burma Product Reference...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BENJAMIN FINE JEWELRY 4.70 cts Burmese Octagon Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring
By Benjamin Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Our creations span from diamonds and emeralds to rubies and sapphires. 4.70 cts Burmese Octagon Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring 18K, Rose Gold Ruby : 4.70 cts Origin : Burma Product R...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Meghna Jewels Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This exquisite ring is handcrafted in 18-karat gold. It is set in 1.33 carats ruby and .77 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collectio...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose 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
Emerald Cut Ruby Bypass Ring
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Cut Ruby Bypass Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Cut East West set Rubies totaling 2.67ct - 0.26ct each Size:6
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.58 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new 2.58 carat ruby and diamond ring in 18 karat gold. The ruby weigh 2.58 carat and diamond weigh 1.61 carat. The total ring weight is 7.14 grams. The ring size US = 6.25 an...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate 2.50 Carat European Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
There are 2.00 carats of full-cut diamonds and 1.00 carat of deep red rubies set around the center diamond in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.15 Carat Oval Cut Ruby & Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Showcases an Oval cut, Vibrant color lush red Ruby weighing 1.15 carats, flanked by two brilliant oval cut diamonds weighing 0.48 carats. Elegantly set in 18k White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.05ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
1.05ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold This 1.05ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Engagement Ring is a stunning piece of fine jewellery made with 18ct Yellow Gold. The ca...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Baguette Spiral Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made in 18K gold (11.07gsm), this gorgeous ring instantly captivates anyone with its craftsmanship, brilliance, and unique design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 2 Carat Diamonds and Ruby Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
The ring is a size 6.5 and weights 7.6 grams solid 18k gold.
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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