Georgian 18K Gold Table Cut Ruby Ring, Late 18th Century, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
Late-1700s (Georgian era) Italian gold ring with table cut rubies in closed setting. This beautiful example is completely original, it features a lovely flower bow shape with decorat...
Ruby, Gold
Antique Mid-18th Century Ruby !8 Karat Gold Ring Flat Cut Rubies
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This mid-eighteenth century ring is set with flat cut rubies. The ring head in the shape of a rosette is set with eight small and one large ruby. The larger center stone in a dome sh...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful Georgian 15ct gold pearl and ruby cluster ring. The central ruby is surrounded by four large natural half pearls which themselves are flanked by an additional sin...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming ruby and diamond ring dating back to the mid to late Victorian period. A rich 18ct yellow gold band plays to a trio of perfectly matched rubies possessing a f...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring 18K Solid Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring 18K Solid Gold Marquise cluster ring featuring a vivid natural ruby framed by glittering old cut diamonds. Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, this antique...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Georgian Natural Ruby Table Cut Iberian 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This antique Ruby ring is Georgian period, classy Iberian example of the era in a rosette shape – hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold, tests as 18/20 KT It has a flat large crown set wi...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
SSEF CERT PIGEON RED 2.50Ct Unheated Clean Burma Mogok Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
One of a kind! Rare! This exquisite ring features an unheated Burma Mogok Red Ruby as its stunning centerpiece, accented with sparkling diamonds set in platinum. The ruby has been c...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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
18 Carat Iberian Cluster ring with Diamonds and Cabochon Ruby
Located in Baltimore, MD
Late 18th century ruby and diamond cluster ring from the Iberian peninsula, with breathtaking cabochon ruby set to a gold octofoil mount set with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Carved Turquoise Fede Ring of 15ct Gold, Circa 1800-1837
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique Georgian Era Fede Ring – Carved Turquoise Hands with Diamond & Ruby Flowers in 15ct Gold: This exquisite Georgian-era fede ring is a rare and romantic treasure, featuring...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Flower Engagement Ring. This gorgeous engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. It features an old European ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Royal Siam 'Thai' Museum-Grade 18th Century Ayutthaya Ceremonial Ring
Located in London, GB
The two outermost tiers rotate and are connected to the main body of the ring with a bifurcated rivet visible on the closed-back underside of the bezel, typical ornamentation of 18th...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 22k Gold
Unavailable
1890s Antique Flower Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in La Jolla, CA
1890's Flower Diamond Ruby Ring. Antique 18k yellow gold flower-shaped ring set with diamonds and rubies. This estate ring is dated circa the 1890s.
Diamond, Ruby
Unavailable
Georgian Ruby Gold Opening Fede Ring
Located in London, GB
A rare 18th century ring with clasped hands that open to reveal a heart.
Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Gold Fede Gimmel Ring with Ruby and Diamond
Located in Chicago, IL
Gimmel Fede RIng with Inscription "GAGE D'AMITIE" Probably England, c. 1750 Gold, ruby and diamonds Weight 6.5 gr., US size 8.25, UK size Q ½ This gold ring is composed of three con...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
3-Stone Oval Ruby and White Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful 2.90ct Ruby fashion ring accompanied by two 0.78ct diamonds
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Georgian Ruby Diamond Gold Crowned Hearts Ring
Located in Austin, TX
18th century natural ruby and diamond ring. In the form of crowned twin hearts, the rubies are set in high carat gold while the rose cut diamonds are all set in silver.
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
Antique rose cut diamond and ruby Giardinetti Mourning ring, Europe circa 1760
Located in Magdeburg, DE
The “Giardinetti” or “Little garden” rings appeared at the very end of the 17th century but were favoured by aristocratic women during the 18th century and until the beginning of the...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Georgian Unis Par L'Amour Ruby and Emerald Twin Heart Ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exceptional twin heart betrothal ring dates to the early Georgian era. Engagement rings were not commonly given in this period, however, when they were, they typically featured ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
Georgian Regard Ring
Located in London, GB
A good example of a late Georgian 15ct gold ring set with a ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby and diamond – the first letter of each stone spelling “Regard”. Sentimental jeweller...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 15k Gold
Unavailable
Georgian Era Giardinetti Ring
Located in Austin, TX
Mid 18th century giardinetti ring. Of unusual design mounted with a central collet set diamond and variously mounted throughout with rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
18kt yellow gold ring, diamonds and Burmese ruby
By Alessandro Dari Gioielli
Located in Firenze, IT
This ring was among the first in the collection to be made by Master Dari. It plays an important role: both for its workmanship, which reproduces three spires inspired by the Church ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sculpture ring in 18kt yellow gold, enamel, rubies and diamonds.
By Alessandro Dari Gioielli
Located in Firenze, IT
A pomegranate welcomes in its fruit the city of Florence as a symbol of great transmutation of the city and its people. Made in 1992-1993, it is dedicated to the alchemical culture t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18th Century Ruby, Diamond, Opaline and Gold Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A large gold ring with set in silver three large opaline plaques with cushion cut diamonds and rubies, England, circa 1780. weight: 9.1 grams rings size: 17.5 mm. 7 ¼ US
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond and Five Ruby Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique shimmering ruby and diamond ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold, weighing 4.68 grams and in ring size 9.5 (adjustable). It is adorned with 5 rubies in a row, weighing cum...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Georgian Ruby and Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming cluster ring originally dating back to the Georgian period. A single elongated oval faceted ruby possessing a rich red colour tone sits at the centre of the f...
Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Georgian/Early 19th Century Gold Double Heart Ring — Denditri Agate and Rubies
Located in London, GB
This is a rare surviving example of a Georgian "twin hearts" or "double hearts" lover's ring — one of the most potent symbols in 18th-century sentimental jewellery.
Agate, Ruby, Gold
Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring. This beautiful Victorian ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and is made in england. There is a ros...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Georgian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Silver Cluster Ring, circa 1870
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style ring centering a cushion cut ruby weighing approximately 0.75 carat total, graver set within a polished gold surround, transparent and vividly red in color Surrounded ...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 22K Yellow Gold Old Peruzzi Cut Diamond Ruby Emerald Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 22K Yellow Gold Old Peruzzi Cut Diamond Ruby Emerald Ring. This incredible ring is crafted in 22 k yellow gold and has old chunky peruzzi cut diamonds in ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring. This beautiful ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and has hallmarks inside the band. The top of th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring. This gorgeous and timeless piece has an old european cut diamond in the center with two bu...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Wedding Band. This amazing Victorian wedding band is crafted in 18K yellow gold and has old mine cut diamonds an...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gem Set Clover Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming Victorian clover ring. The ring is set with a trio of round gemstones including a ruby, sapphire and old cut diamond collectively forming the clover motif. T...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Antique Georgian Gold Jesus Christ Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Fabulous Rare Antique Georgian Gold Jesus Christ Enamel Mourning Ring A beautiful and very unusual antique Georgian yellow gold and enamel Jesus Christ mourning ring. This lovely ...
Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Snake Ring. This beautiful ring is crafted 18k yellow gold. The head of the snake has an old mine cut oval diamond on...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Flower Engagement Ring. This gorgeous engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. It features an old European ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Ruby and Diamond ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This one of a kind ring is Georgian period, 1790circa. European origin possibly French. Hand crafted during the era of solid 18 Kt solid gold with silver portions for the Diamond ho...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Georgian Ruby and Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous cluster ring originally dating back to the Georgian period. A single round faceted ruby sits slightly risen at the centre of the face and is circulated by an ...
Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique European Golden Ring with Rubies
Located in Heemstede, NL
This is something else! This antique ring is made of 14 carat yellow gold and is truly in an excellent condition. These 5 rubies in oval shape will sparkle on your finger. These sto...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring. This gorgeous and timeless piece has an old european cut diamond in the center with two bu...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Three Stone Ring. This incredible ring features an old mine cut diamond, natural ruby, and natural sapphire surround...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Georgian Dearest Acrostic Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming multi gemstone cluster ring originally dating back to the Georgian period. All stones used at the front are rounded cabochon with an 'eight cut' diamond at th...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Late Georgian Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Enamel Ring
Located in London, GB
A late Georgian ruby, sapphire and diamond enamel ring, set to the centre ruby, sapphire and diamond set in a trefoil shape between four rose-cut diamonds in 18ct yellow gold to a wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Ruby Halo Portrait Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This stunning antique ring features a halo of rubies, around a finely painted miniature portrait of a lady (wearing a rivière necklace, no less!). Modelled in 15k gold, the shoulders...
Ruby, 15k Gold
Baroque circa 1750, Ruby and Diamond Demi Parure Set of Earrings, Pendant & Ring
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Similar jewellery was worn since the first decades of the 18th century; however the inclusion of the characteristic C-curve allows us to date the demi-parure to the years around 1750.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Royal Thai Siam Antique 18th Century Heavy 22K Gold Rare Naga Serpent Ring
Located in London, GB
A late 18th century gem-set royal gold ceremonial Naga ring made in Siam during the Rattanakosin period.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 22k Gold
2ct Moonstone and Natural PINK RUBY Cocktail Ring
By Hannaboya
Located in Lanham, MD
Introducing our exquisite 2ct Moonstone and 100% Natural Pink Ruby Platinum Silver Cocktail Ring, a true statement piece for those special occasions. This ring features a captivatin...
Moonstone, Ruby, Platinum, Silver, Sterling Silver
Scarce Baroque Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring Bow Circa 1700
Located in London, GB
A fine example of a scarce seven-stone ruby and rose cut diamond ring dating from the early 18th century, circa 1700.
Diamond, Ruby
Alexander McQueen New Silk Top with Tulle and Lace Sleeves S/S 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible grey fine silk knit top from Alexander McQueen. It is semi fitted with a crew neckline and elaborate grey net, tulle and lace layered sleeves. Unworn condition. Fits s...
$275
Size: Fits IT 40, US 4 see measurement
Dolce & Gabbana Lime Green Flared Pencil Skirt with Yellow Lace Accents
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Dolce and Gabbana lime green fit and flare pencil skirt with yellow lace godet panels at bottom. Vertical seam detail at one side. Back zip and hook and eye. 100% viscose (linen-loo...
Georgian 18k Gold Octagonal Miniature Ring, Circa 1790, France
Located in Firenze, IT
Octagonal miniature depicting a putto under a tree and near a brazer with the inscription in French "à l'amitié" that underlines the sentimental value of such gift. The frame is in ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian 18k Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and foliate decoration, closed back settings throughout, with engraved bright-cut decoratio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold Sz 5.75 Fine Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian era ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. One opal measures 7mm x 5mm, accented with 14 estimated 0.02 carat old rose cut diamonds....
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1920 Ring in 18kt gold and Platinum with Diamond and Sapphire
Located in Aventura, FL
This sophisticated Art Deco ring, dating back to the 1920s, is a true reflection of the era's timeless artistry. Expertly crafted in 18kt yellow gold with a platinum top, it features...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Victorian 1.20ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This captivating cluster ring showcases a classically Victorian design. At its centre, a 1.20 carat emerald is sat, cut in an unusual asscher cut shape and rub over set into 18 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An early 20th century diamond-set tiara by Skinner & Co
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century diamond-set tiara/necklace by Skinner & Co, the five principal old-cut diamonds estimated to weigh a combined total of 2 carats, each rub over millegrain-set to...
Diamond, Platinum
$65,200
W 1.13 in L 18.9 in
Antique French Ch. Fontana & Cie Diamond Tiara Necklace Silver Upon Gold, c 1880
Located in London, GB
An antique, French, diamond fringe tiara necklace, by Ch. Fontana & Cie, with the front section comprising a fringe of graduating pendants, linked at the top with rose-cut diamonds, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Antique Georgian Star Sapphire Diamond Guilloche Enamel 14K Gold Ring Circa 1830
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Georgian Period cabochon star sapphire, diamond, cobalt blue guilloche enamel 14K gold ring. Circa 1830 This beautiful antique ring dates from the George IV/Regency Period. ...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
$8,750
H 1.5 in W 1.5 in Dm 2.63 in
Rare Elsa Schiaparelli Documented Surrealist Lady Bug Cuff Bracelet
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Schiaparelli surrealist lady bug cuff bracelet. Of gilt plate metal the bombayed hinged cuffs inset with red, orange molded pate de verre glass lady bugs, partially painted in b...
Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Antique Georgian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
A Georgian Period cluster ring containing approximately 1.55 carats total weight old mine and rose cut diamonds and approximately 1.50 carats total weight emeralds set in 14K gold to...
$5,442 / set
W 0.95 in L 1.7 in
Pair 18th Century Spanish Rose-Cut Diamond and 18 K Gold Earring - Wearable Art
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Pair 18th Century Spanish "Salmantinos" Rose-Cut Diamond and Gold Earrings. Gold and Diamond earrings, which are a variation on the Pendeloque drop, Circa 1760 - 1780. (Wearable Art...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$26,902
Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6
Christian Dior by John Galliano Floral Silk Embellished Evening Dress, FW 2001
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2001 ▪ Fabric: Silk, Tulle ▪ Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in: France ▪ Condition: Very Good ▪ ...
Vintage 1982 18ct Yellow Gold ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Adore Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham Circa 1982 Makers Mark B A O Introducing the stunning 18ct Yellow Gold ADORE ring, a true epitome of elegance ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
The Precious - Sugarloaf Cut Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
The Precious - Deep Red Sugar-Loaf Cut Mexican Fire Opal & Australian Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 18K Yellow Gold. Design name: The Precious! The one-of-kind design for you...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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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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.