Skip to main content

Antique Ruby Flower Ring

14k Gold Tulip Flower Ring With Rubies
14k Gold Tulip Flower Ring With Rubies

14k Gold Tulip Flower Ring With Rubies

By Daizy Jewellery

Located in Istanbul, TR

14 kt solid gold tulip ring with ruby and side rubies. July birthstone. Weight: 2.5 g. depends

Category

15th Century and Earlier Turkish Modern Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

C1900 18K Ruby Gypsy Ring with Buckle Design and Carved Flower Stems
C1900 18K Ruby Gypsy Ring with Buckle Design and Carved Flower Stems

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

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

C.1860 15K REGARD Flower Ring w Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diam
C.1860 15K REGARD Flower Ring w Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diam

C.1860 15K REGARD Flower Ring w Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diam

Located in Baltimore, MD

This circa 1860 15K early Victorian Regard ring with 5 stones set in radially around the face in a

Category

19th Century European Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

18k Gold

Antique 9ct Gold Victorian Turquoise and Ruby Ring
Antique 9ct Gold Victorian Turquoise and Ruby Ring

Antique 9ct Gold Victorian Turquoise and Ruby Ring

Located in Portland, England

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Victorian Turquoise And Ruby Ring featuring a flower motif with a central

Category

Early 20th Century European Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, Gold

Art Nouveau Stylized Flower Ring of 10k Rose Gold, Circa 1890
Art Nouveau Stylized Flower Ring of 10k Rose Gold, Circa 1890

Art Nouveau Stylized Flower Ring of 10k Rose Gold, Circa 1890

Located in Lewisburg, PA

A graceful Art Nouveau ring from (circa 1890-1900), featuring a flowing, stylized flower design set

Category

1890s Art Nouveau Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Carved Turquoise Fede Ring of 15ct Gold, Circa 1800-1837
Antique Carved Turquoise Fede Ring of 15ct Gold, Circa 1800-1837

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

Category

Late 18th Century Georgian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 15k Gold

Recent Sales

1890s Antique Flower Diamond Ruby Ring
1890s Antique Flower Diamond Ruby Ring

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

Category

18th Century Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Antique Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring of 12ct Gold
Antique Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring of 12ct Gold

Antique Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring of 12ct Gold

Located in Lewisburg, PA

romantic artistry of the era. A vibrant ruby forms the center of a delicate flower, framed by glittering

Category

1830s Georgian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Aesthetic Movement Ruby Opal Flower Cluster Ring
Antique Aesthetic Movement Ruby Opal Flower Cluster Ring

Antique Aesthetic Movement Ruby Opal Flower Cluster Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Opal Flower Cluster Ring very attractive. Opals, a technicolor dream in a black and white world. This

Category

1890s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Opal, Ruby, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Late Victorian Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pansy Flower Gold Ring
Late Victorian Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pansy Flower Gold Ring

Late Victorian Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pansy Flower Gold Ring

Located in New York, NY

A sentimental and sweet gemset flower ring. This 18k gold ring is set with two bright red rubies

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Ruby Enamel 14 Karat Gold Silver Antique Flower Mourning Ring
Late Victorian Ruby Enamel 14 Karat Gold Silver Antique Flower Mourning Ring

Late Victorian Ruby Enamel 14 Karat Gold Silver Antique Flower Mourning Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering a round ruby cabochon weighing approximately 1.96 carats Transparent medium purplish red

Category

1890s Late Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

19th Century French Napoleon III Lily Flower Shape Ruby Diamond Rose Gold Ring
19th Century French Napoleon III Lily Flower Shape Ruby Diamond Rose Gold Ring

19th Century French Napoleon III Lily Flower Shape Ruby Diamond Rose Gold Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karats rose gold, horse head hallmark. Authentic Napoleon III ring, it has the shape of

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Belle Epoque Ruby and Diamond Ring of 18k Gold
Belle Epoque Ruby and Diamond Ring of 18k Gold

Belle Epoque Ruby and Diamond Ring of 18k Gold

Located in Lewisburg, PA

Belle Époque Ruby & Diamond Flower Ring in 18k Gold (c. 1890–1900) A romantic jewel from the

Category

1890s Belle Époque Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby Pearl Flower Ring Gold Antique
Victorian Ruby Pearl Flower Ring Gold Antique

Victorian Ruby Pearl Flower Ring Gold Antique

Located in New York, NY

This is a wonderful romantic antique Victorian ring with three lovely flowers with Ruby centers and

Category

19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

15K Gold Early Victorian Flower Ring with Pearl and Ruby
15K Gold Early Victorian Flower Ring with Pearl and Ruby

15K Gold Early Victorian Flower Ring with Pearl and Ruby

Located in Venice, CA

Here at Kirsten’s Corner, we have a sweet spot for these early Victorian flower rings. Circa the

Category

1840s Unknown Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique Ruby & Old Cut Diamond Flower Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, Chester, 1884
Antique Ruby & Old Cut Diamond Flower Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, Chester, 1884

Antique Ruby & Old Cut Diamond Flower Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, Chester, 1884

Located in London, GB

This delightful authentic Victorian ring, an exquisite Chester masterpiece dating back to 1884, is

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

HallMarked Birmingham 1873 "Dearest" Flower Cluster Ring with 7 Gemstones
HallMarked Birmingham 1873 "Dearest" Flower Cluster Ring with 7 Gemstones

HallMarked Birmingham 1873 "Dearest" Flower Cluster Ring with 7 Gemstones

Located in Baltimore, MD

of the Georgian era. Our ring, hallmarked for Birmingham, 1873, reveal stones set in circular order

Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Flower Ring
Edwardian Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Flower Ring

Edwardian Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Flower Ring

Located in Sale, Cheshire

This adorable antique flower ring pretty and striking at the same time, with unusual pointed

Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Flower Cluster Ring
Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Flower Cluster Ring

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Flower Cluster Ring

Located in Sale, Cheshire

A sublime antique pavé cluster ring, the platinum head modelled as a stylised flower. It's set with

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Ruby Flower Cluster Gold Ring
Art Deco Diamond Ruby Flower Cluster Gold Ring

Art Deco Diamond Ruby Flower Cluster Gold Ring

Located in Sale, Cheshire

This beautiful diamond and ruby ring dates to the early Art Deco period. The pretty flower head

Category

1920s British Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Edwardian Ruby White Diamond Flower Cluster Ring
Antique Edwardian Ruby White Diamond Flower Cluster Ring

Antique Edwardian Ruby White Diamond Flower Cluster Ring

Located in Sale, Cheshire

A sweet antique flower cluster ring, modelled in 18k gold with platinum tipped head. It's set with

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Ruby Flower Cluster Gold Ring
Art Deco Diamond Ruby Flower Cluster Gold Ring

Art Deco Diamond Ruby Flower Cluster Gold Ring

Located in Sale, Cheshire

This beautiful diamond and ruby ring dates to the early Art Deco period. The pretty flower head

Category

1920s British Art Deco Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Flower Ring
Antique 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Flower Ring

Antique 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Flower Ring

Located in Versailles, FR

made, lovely early 20th century diamond flower ring will definitely change your mind. This rare ring

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau era 9K gold diamond ruby emerald flower ring
Art Nouveau era 9K gold diamond ruby emerald flower ring

Art Nouveau era 9K gold diamond ruby emerald flower ring

Located in Versailles, FR

bouquet of flowers crafted from one faceted emerald and two enchanting faceted rubies. The delicate

Category

Late 19th Century British Art Nouveau Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 9k Gold

Antique Ruby and Pearl Flower Cluster Ring in 15 Carat Gold
Antique Ruby and Pearl Flower Cluster Ring in 15 Carat Gold

Antique Ruby and Pearl Flower Cluster Ring in 15 Carat Gold

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

This early Victorian ring has beautifully engraved foliage shoulders. Featuring a flower cluster

Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Carat Gold Ring, Flower Model, Set with Diamonds and Rubies, circa 1900
18 Carat Gold Ring, Flower Model, Set with Diamonds and Rubies, circa 1900

18 Carat Gold Ring, Flower Model, Set with Diamonds and Rubies, circa 1900

Located in VERSAILLES, FR

Ravissante bague en or 18 carats ornée au centre d’un diamant de taille ancienne pesant 0.30/0.40 carat environ, entouré d’une ligne de rubis calibrés et de 2 lignes entrelacées sert...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

A Victorian Ruby and Diamond Tudor Rose Ring

A Victorian Ruby and Diamond Tudor Rose Ring

Located in Greenwich, CT

An antique ruby and diamond flower ring, designed as a Tudor Rose, with a central cushion-shaped

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

People Also Browsed

Tourmaline & Natural Pearl Ring, Georgian
Tourmaline & Natural Pearl Ring, Georgian

Tourmaline & Natural Pearl Ring, Georgian

Located in Northampton, MA

A bright pink tourmaline weighing .60 carats is surrounded by 10 luminous natural saltwater pearls in this antique buttery 18K yellow gold ring. This gorgeous jewel dates from around...

Category

1830s Early Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Natural Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Antique 1830 Mourning Ring Gold Enamel Natural Half Pearls Flowers Garnet
Antique 1830 Mourning Ring Gold Enamel Natural Half Pearls Flowers Garnet

Antique 1830 Mourning Ring Gold Enamel Natural Half Pearls Flowers Garnet

Located in Munich, Bavaria

The gold ring is set with ten natural half pearls within a wavy black enamelled surround. Inside the pearl surround the ring is decorated with a garnet that might have replaced a loc...

Category

1830s English George IV Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Garnet, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel

1940s Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
1940s Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

1940s Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An impressive vintage 1.10 carat opal and 0.04 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections This f...

Category

20th Century Unknown Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

VICTORIAN 1880 Antique Ring In Yellow Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds
VICTORIAN 1880 Antique Ring In Yellow Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds

VICTORIAN 1880 Antique Ring In Yellow Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

Victorian classic cocktail ring with opal. Gorgeous antique ring, created during the Victorian period in England, back in the 1880. The beautiful statement cocktail ring has been de...

Category

1880s English Late Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Carved Opal & Diamond Ring
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Carved Opal & Diamond Ring

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Carved Opal & Diamond Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Victorian Carved Five Stone Opal Ring 18ct Gold Victorian Circa 1880 Beautiful Hand Carved Ring Set with Five Fabulous Opals & Old Cut Diamonds Face of The Ring Measures Appr...

Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

C1890 Victorian 18K 5 Diamond Ring marked E&B
C1890 Victorian 18K 5 Diamond Ring marked E&B

C1890 Victorian 18K 5 Diamond Ring marked E&B

Located in Baltimore, MD

C1890 Victorian 5 graduated full cushion cut Diamond Ring marked E&B set in a carved 18K gold frame with half moon shaped shoulders. Diamonds are .30 total weight, GH colorVS/SI. ...

Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1860
Antique Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1860

Antique Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1860

Located in Lewisburg, PA

Vivid and romantic, this ruby and diamond ring was created by thoughtfully upcycling antique stones from a damaged Victorian bracelet. At its center glows a 0.37ct cushion-cut ruby o...

Category

1860s Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Renaissance Cameo Pendant
Renaissance Cameo Pendant

Renaissance Cameo Pendant

$228,500

H 9 in W 5 in L 16 in

Renaissance Cameo Pendant

Located in New Orleans, LA

The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a...

Category

17th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring

Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

An exquisite five-stone ring set with a beautiful emerald and diamonds. The superb central emerald measures approximate 25 points. Either side of this stone are pairs of diamonds whi...

Category

1910s British Art Deco Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001
John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival John Galliano Evening Dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Crafted from crimson crepe-back satin, with alternating panels that highlight both the satin sheen and crepe texture ▪ D...

Category

Early 2000s French Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Victorian 36.00ct Amethyst Brooch, c.1880s
Victorian 36.00ct Amethyst Brooch, c.1880s

Victorian 36.00ct Amethyst Brooch, c.1880s

Located in London, GB

A stunning 36.00 carat amethyst is central to this Victorian brooch. Rub over set into 18 carat yellow gold, the amethyst is a beautiful purple stone, surrounded by a double row of p...

Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18th Century Georgian Rare Heart Motif Diamond 14K Gold Engagement Ring
Antique 18th Century Georgian Rare Heart Motif Diamond 14K Gold Engagement Ring

Antique 18th Century Georgian Rare Heart Motif Diamond 14K Gold Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

Enchanting and romantic, large antique 18th century Georgian period heart motif rose cut diamond 14K gold and silver topped gold engagement ring Composed of a central Rose cut diamon...

Category

18th Century Georgian Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Edwardian turquoise and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1905.
Edwardian turquoise and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1905.

Edwardian turquoise and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1905.

Located in London, GB

Edwardian turquoise and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to center with a round cabochon cut natural turquoise in an open back claw setting, with an approximate weight of 1.20 carat...

Category

Early 1900s Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Late 18th Century Gold Four Compartment Poison Ring
Late 18th Century Gold Four Compartment Poison Ring

Late 18th Century Gold Four Compartment Poison Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: Late 18th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 7 Weight: 5.9 gr This precious ring of the 18th century ring is made of gold and has the central part – in the shape of a fou...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Flower Ring in 14 Karat Gold, Sapphire, Garnet and Chrome Diopsides Ring
Flower Ring in 14 Karat Gold, Sapphire, Garnet and Chrome Diopsides Ring

Flower Ring in 14 Karat Gold, Sapphire, Garnet and Chrome Diopsides Ring

By Daizy Jewellery

Located in Istanbul, TR

Flower Ring in 14 Karat Gold, Sapphire, Garnet and Chrome Diopsides Ring. Floral design gold ring. Young girl ring. Danity flower ring. Material: 14 karat gold (you can choose colo...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Garnet, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Ring, Early 19th Century
Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Ring, Early 19th Century

Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Ring, Early 19th Century

Located in London, GB

An amethyst and diamond cluster ring, early 19th century, set with a cushion-shaped amethyst within a surround of rose cut diamonds in silver and gold in a closed back setting, size ...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Ruby Flower Ring

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Silver

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Antique Ruby Flower Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Antique Ruby Flower Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate antique ruby flower ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of gold, white gold and 9k gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 84 vintage editions and 14 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for an antique ruby flower ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing antique ruby flower ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Baume, Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection and Tutti Frutti Jewellery each produced a popular version that is worth a look. An antique ruby flower ring can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but diamond rings, from our inventory of 54, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cabochon and oval cut alternatives. When shopping for an antique ruby flower ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Antique Ruby Flower Ring?

The price for an antique ruby flower ring starts at $348 and tops out at $90,881 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,151.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Ruby in Jewelry Design

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.

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.