Victorian Circa 1880s Cabochon Natural Ruby Diamond Ring 14K Antique Yellow Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Victorian Circa 1880s Cabochon Natural Ruby Diamond Ring 14K Antique Yellow Gold 5.1 gram 9.0 mm by 7.3 mm by 5.8 mm deep, Cabochon Cut natural Ruby, approximately 4.5 Carat 26 pie...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby & Diamond Five-Stone Ring in 14ct Rose Gold, Victorian Style
Located in London, GB
This exquisite antique ruby and diamond five-stone ring in 14ct rose gold is a true treasure for lovers of historical jewellery.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco Burmese 2.08 carat ruby diamond ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with a cushion shape step cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 2.08 carats, flan...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian 3.62 CTW Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 14K Gold Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of alternating old mine cut diamonds and cushion cut rubies Old mine cut diamonds weigh approximately 2.12 carats total O/P color with VS2 to SI1 clarity - set with talon p...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Rose White Gold Arrow Design Cocktail Ring circa 1930s
Located in Stamford, CT
1930s Retro arrow design rose gold ring with genuine square bright red Rubies and singe cut Diamonds in white gold. 5 round cut diamonds accented by 12 square shape red rubies. 5 r...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Antique Silver Topped 10k Yellow Gold 1.75tcw Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring is crafted in silver topped 10k yellow gold and features vibrant rubies totaling approximately 1.75 carats accented by rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Double Headed 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring Diamond and Ruby Unisex
Located in Wallkill, NY
Double Headed Snake Wedding 14K Ring with 4 bezel set diamonds in each head. Rubies make up the eyes of both snakes.
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Estate Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stones: Three Old European Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: Approximately 1 Carat Color/Clarity: I-J / VS1-2 Accent Stones:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ART DECO Ring with ruby and rose cut diamonds up to 0.10ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold ring set with ruby and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.10 ct total – G/H - SI - ring size US 4 - EU 15 (47) Detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-shaped, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring GIA. This incredible engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Platinum Dome Cluster Cocktail Ring, Circa 1920's
Located in London, GB
This intricate ruby and diamond cluster ring features an oval shaped ruby in a rub-over, open back setting weighing approximately 1.50 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Cloverleaf Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The ring is numbered 7797 on the inside. Weight of the rubies : 1.46 carat approximately.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum GIA Burma No Heat Square Ruby Stack Eternity Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring Width: 2.4mm (0.09") Ring Height: 2.2mm rise off the finger Condition: Antique Art Deco.
Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Reversible Band Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
Located in London, GB
Turning the ring on the finger brings either the rich red rubies or deep blue sapphires to the front.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
$1,264Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s 18k Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby And Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Totally is diamond 0.06 carat. Totally is ruby 1.13 carat. Ring size is US 7. We can make any size.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 24.88 Carat Star Ruby Diamond White Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco Cabochon Star Ruby and diamond cocktail ring. GIA certified natural star Ruby accented with round and baguette diamonds in a 14k white setting.
Ruby, Diamond, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late Georgian 14 Karat Gold Ruby and Emerald Cross Motif Ring, circa 1800-1830
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique 14-karat gold ruby and emerald ring, dating from the late Georgian period, circa 1800-1830.
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ruby Square Ring Sz 7.25 Platinum Jewelry 1920s
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & ruby square ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.66 Carat Art Deco Ruby White Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's Art Deco cushion cut Ruby and white diamond engagement ring. Cushion cut bezel set 1.66ct ruby mounted in a platinum setting with two baguette cut side diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 14K White Gold 1.33ctw Old Cut Diamond Ruby Three Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 14K White Gold Ring Size: 7.25 Weight: 5.24 grams Ladies handmade 14K white gold antique, diamond and ruby three-stone, cocktail, halo, dress, dinner ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Gold & Platinum AGL Burma No Heat Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ Platinum Top Weight: 3.58 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring - Please contact us priory to purchase for sizing ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Plaque Ring 14k Rose Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
Crafted in rich rose gold, the ring features a shield-shaped plaque with intricate millgrain detailing and openwork, showcasing a stunning combination of rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 1.04 Carat Oval Ruby Diamond Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Ruby and diamond Art Deco halo engagement ring. From the early 1900's exquisite piece features a vibrant 1.04ct oval ruby mounted in a three tiered platinum mounting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Retro 1940s 18K Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.85 Carats
Located in Wailea, HI
Retro Ruby and Diamond Ring Circa 1940's in 18k Rose Gold 3 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Weighing .50 Carats Approximately 12 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Weighing .35 Carats Approxi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Navette Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This early Art Deco two-tone ring features a round transitional-cut diamond center stone weighing approximately 0.44 carats, F color and I1 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Jadeite Jade Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dragon Antique Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval jadeite jade cabochon measuring 13.0 x 15.0 mm - translucent medium green with light mottling Natural in color with no indications of dye or impregnation - Type A J...
Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous three-stone ring taken from the Victorian period. At the centre of the face we find an oval faceted ruby of Burmese origin.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s 6.00 Carat Star Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Star Ruby weighing approximately 6.00 carats, accented by a halo of Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.00 carats...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Coiled Snake Ring, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Striking, large antique Edwardian diamond, ruby and 18K yellow gold coiled snake ring Early 20th Century The sinuous snake coiled in five circles creating an impactful design, the he...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.23 Carat Ruby and 0.97 Carat Diamond 18k Rose Gold Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique ruby and diamond ring has a fine and delicate shank, which is often the case with original antique rings.
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The rubies are beautifully secured in warm yellow gold, while the base of the ring features a smooth 18ct yellow gold band, ensuring comfort and style.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
French 1920s Art Deco Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
In the center, an oval ruby is set in a bezel. On either side of the head, the ring is made of gold wires that meet and a shield motif set with a small rose-cut diamond.
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Star Setting Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
18 carat gold band set with rubies and diamonds. Hallmarked Birmingham. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 8mm Weight: 3.3g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
NEW Natural Precious Ruby and Emerald Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold New
Located in Warren, NJ
Natural Ruby and Emerald Diamond Ring in 14k Solid Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880s, this stunning trilogy ring features a central ruby flanked by old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Platinum Ring with Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire Charm, 1920s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This lovely Art Deco Charm is from the 1920's and it is beautiful. I placed this on a Platinum band which is size 6.25 but it can be sized up or down. This charm is a lady with a f...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$1,123Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby There Stone Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
The diamond is has I color and Pique clarity. Ruby totally 0.25 carat. Ring size is US 7.5 We can make any size.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Victorian 1.55 Ct Natural Ruby .40 Ct Old Diamond 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian period half hoop 18 KT solid gold ring Beautiful example, finely hand carved with rich fine details details the rarest A trio of old cut natural Rubies most probably Burma...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold, Silver and 1.15Cts, Diamonds and Rubies Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Old European Cut Diamonds And Natural Rubies Trefoil Navette Ring C.1880S Additional Information: Period: Victorian Year: c.1880s Material: 18k Yellow Gold, Silver, 1.15cts.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
French 1925s Art Deco Diamonds Verneuil Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
A charming antique ring, it features a flat oval setting, with a synthetic verneuil ruby set in the center, surrounded by rose-cut diamonds and triangular synthetic verneuil rubies.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mosaic Ring Diamonds Ruby solid 14K Gold Silver US6.75/ 5gr
Located in SE
Antique early 1900's fanciest European cluster Ring featuring Silver on solid 14K Rose Gold with Diamonds and Rubies.
Spinel, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian French 3.45 carat total weight diamond and ruby 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This stunning Victorian French ring features five sparkling old European cut diamonds and richly hued oval cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl and Ruby Cluster Locket Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Georgian pearl, ruby and yellow gold ring, comprising one cushion shaped ruby, and four baroque pearls, in 18 karat yellow gold.
Ruby, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 16ct natural Ruby solid 14K Gold Ø 5.5US / 8.1 gr
Located in SE
Antique cluster / cocktail Ring, German of Danish made with nine clusters boasting natural Ceylon Rubies cut cabochon.
Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Giardinetti Ring 1ct Emerald Diamond Ruby 14K Gold SilverØ 2.5US/4gr
Located in SE
Array of foiled back natural Emerald, natural Rubies, and Diamonds. No hallmarks, band tested solid 14K Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
1920 Estonian Ring 0.8 ct Ruby Diamonds 56/14K Gold ØUS7.75 / 4.3gr
Located in SE
Old Estonian cluster natural Ruby and Diamonds Ring made between 1919 -1924.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
J.E. Caldwell Ruby Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Foliate Dinner Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Circa: 1910 Ring Size: 10 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 18.0 mm and sits 4.0 mm high Total Weight: 5.9 grams GIA Ruby Origin Report: 2235798476 Stock Number We-15905
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.71tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
My favourite thing about this Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, is the luxurious red of the rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Old Mine & Old European Diamond and Ruby Band Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This extraordinary natural ruby and antique diamond ring is a captivating marriage of vintage diamond character and vivid gemstone color that makes it a genuinely exceptional and col...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold 1.44ct Five Row Diamond Ruby Band Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 14K White Gold Ring Size: 6 Width: 2.70 mm Head Measures: 14.90 mm x 18.65 mm Weight: 6.81 grams Ladies handmade filigreed 14K white gold five-across...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Ruby Diamond Emerald solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.25 / 1.15 gr
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period European Ring made ca. early 1900s with twisted band in 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three bezel set gems.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby 18 Carat Gold Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Face Width: 6.5mm Height Off Finger: 1.5mm Weight: 3g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Story Size 5.75 Platinum Ring with .24 ct Natural Oval Ruby Size 5.75
Located in Greeneville, TN
Handcrafted in solid platinum, this refined ring features a vivid .24 carat natural oval ruby — a gemstone long associated with passion, love, and courage.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified .3 Carat Natural Red Ruby Diamond Gold Victorian Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare and beautiful late 1800’s 18k yellow gold engagement ring with top gem natural rubies- GIA certified natural and no heat.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. A delightful antique You and Me ring, set with a wave-shaped gold wire framing a brilliant-cut diamond and a claw-set ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920 Anna's Ring natural 0.5 ct Ruby solid 18K Gold US6.25 / 1.35gr
Located in SE
A Ring from distant Art- Deco period, engraved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with bezel set oval cut natural Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm / ca. 0.5 ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.47 CTW Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five cushion cut rubies bead set east to west and weighing approximately 0.99 carat total Transparent medium purplish red in color with a diamond halo surround Single cut a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Gold and Platinum English Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#999
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 18K Gold and Platinum English Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#999 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 5.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Gold and Platinum [Hallmarked, and T...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Art Deco Calibrated Ruby and Diamond Daisy Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Target Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1920s Step back into the elegance of the 1920s with this stunning 18ct yellow gold Art Deco cocktail ring, an original piece that perfe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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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