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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Cocktail Ring -Victorian 18K Gold & Silver 3.60 Ct Old Mine Diamond & Burma Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
The rubies display a deeply saturated, vivid purplish-red hue with exceptional luster.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Pigeon Blood Ruby 'No Heat, Burma' and Diamond Cluster Ring, ca. 1900
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A natural Burmese ruby and single cut diamond cluster Ring, ca. 1900.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
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
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.
Pearl, Ruby, 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.
Diamond, Ruby, Spinel, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$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
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
ART & CRAFT 1890 Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Jade Rubies & Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
The outstanding ring is embellished with one superb green jadeite jade, two vivid red rubies and twenty natural gray-white seed pearls.
Jade, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
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
Antique Burmese Ruby And Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique imperial russian era 1910s 14k gold ring centered with 1 natural burmese ruby stone pigeoun blood color flanked with old mine cut diamonds estimate weight 1 carat H color whi...
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
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
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
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
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 Halo Ring natural Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 6.75 /2.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
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
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Ruby Navette Ring, Italy, 1920-1940
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Measures 23mm x 9.5mm, band 2mm wide. 46 diamonds, 5 largest approx 0,55ct in total, G-H/VS, 10 natural, strong saturated rubies, Hand fabricated in 18K white gold platinum over 18K ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Russian Ring Demantoid Ruby Sapphire 56 Gold ØUS4 / 1.76gr
Located in SE
Antique Art Nouveau period Russian Ring featuring distinctive floral design and high-quality craftsmanship and specific gemstones popular at that time : Russian Ural green Demantoid...
Ruby, Garnet, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Belle Époque Style 2.12 Carat Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Adding a vibrant touch, the ring is adorned with 15 trapezoid cut rubies, totaling approximately 0.8 carats, radiating a rich red hue.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring A ring featuring old European cut diamonds & square cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1900s Antique Toi et Moi Burma Ruby and Diamond Platinum 18K Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edwardian 1900s Antique 1/2 Ct Burma Ruby and 1/3 Ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring in Toi et Moi Style 3.3 gram 18 Karat yellow Gold Platinum topped lady's ring circa 1900s, Edward...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 1.70ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A natural, unheated ruby takes centre stage flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds in this gorgeous Edwardian trilogy ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
AGL Certified No Heat Oval Cut Burma Ruby and Round Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Centering a 5.52 Carat Unheated Burma Ruby (per AGL– American Gem Laboratory), framed by Round-Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing roughly 3.00 carats, and set in 18k white gold and plat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
French 19th Century Rubies Fine Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Silver 3 Rings
Located in Poitiers, FR
On the top, each ring is set with fine half-pearls held in place by prongs, flanked on either side by two cushion-cut rubies in bezel settings.
Ruby, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Silver, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Imperial Russian Ring solid 56 /14K Gold Diamonds Ruby ØUS5.5 / 3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Antique Imperial period Russian Ring featuring crown decorated with oval cut natural Rubies and rose cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
15.83 Carat Natural Aquamarine Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Retro Art Deco 1935 natural untreated Aqua, ruby and diamond cocktail ring. At the center of this 14k yellow gold ring is a stunning 15.83 Carat Natural emerald cut Aquamarine, frame...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Bird Ring Conversion Platinum Sz 8.75 Diamond Sapphire Ruby
Located in Torrance, CA
Two small calibre cut rubies (lab) adorn the chest. Originally a stick pin, the bird was mounted on a ring band.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Ruby And Rose Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold ring in unuswal flower designe centered with 1 natural ruby pegion blood colour with a diameter of 5mm flanked with rose cut diamonds hall marked 56 imperial russian...
Edwardian 0.62 CTW Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Scroll Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut ruby weighing approximately 0.32 carat total - transparent medium red Prong set and flanked north to south by old European cut diamonds Prong and bezel set w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18K Yellow Gold 1.06ctw Old Cut Pave Set Ruby & Diamond Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring shows some light wear. Few rubies shows some wear under magnification.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique European Ring 0.5ctw Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø 7.5 US / 1.8gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring featuring, band in 18K Yellow Gold, 4 natural pinky red rubies, made ca.1900 s -1930s.
Ruby, 18k Gold
18ct Rose Gold Edwardian Clover Crossover Ruby Diamond Sapphire Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Clover Ring 18ct Rose Gold Tested Circa 1900 Beautiful, Edwardian ‘Red, White & Blue’ Clover Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Edwardian 0.90ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This stunning trilogy ring from the Edwardian period features an oval cut, 0.90 carat, ruby at it’s centre flanked by two 0.20 carat old cut diamonds, all claw set into a platinum mo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Mine Cut Diamond & French Cut Ruby Bow Motif Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
An elegant engagement ring featuring a 0.62-carat old mine-cut diamond, with a clarity of VS2 and a color grade of I.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 2.32 CTW Ruby Diamond 18K Two-Tone Gold Antique Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut ruby weighing approximately 0.78 carat - transparent medium purplish red Bezel set in a pierced white gold navette shaped surround with fanning openwork Bead ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Framing the diamonds are calibrated natural rubies, enhancing the ring's allure with their rich colour and brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
David Webb Black Enamel Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By David Webb
Located in beverly hills, CA
This remarkable ring is sized at 8.5. CREATOR David Webb DATE OF MANUFACTURE late 1900s STONE Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond STONE CUT Cabochon and Round Brilliant INVENTORY N...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1930s French, Diamond and Ruby Cross Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This ring is a testament to the extravagance of the era, showcasing a vibrant combination of fourteen sparkling diamonds and seven rich natural rubies arranged in a striking cross pa...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Victorian .98 Ct Ruby Diamond 18 Kt Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Beautiful antique Victorian period three stone ring, 1890/1900 ca Lovely half hoop mounting exquisitely hand carved at best refined work of the time – 18 KT solid gold marked Magnifi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold 0.78tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising four round cut rubies, and eight old European cut diamonds, set in 14 karat yellow gold, to an 14 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring A radiant bright oval ruby centers this striking and sparkling Vintage Art Deco style ring expertly crafted...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian 3 Stone Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Fabulous, Edwardian Gold band. set with three gorgeous, natural rubies with little diamond accents in between.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco 0.90ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant red ruby is flanked by old cut diamonds in this Art Deco three stone ring.
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with a weight of 1.94 carats, furth...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1920s Unheated Natural Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8grams Ruby Details: .50ct, Unheated, Natural Ruby, Burmese Side Stone Details...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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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