Art Deco 1930s 18K White and Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Geometric Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
My favourite thing about this Art Deco 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, is the striking cut of the ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
French Belle Epoque Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Emerald Sz 7.5 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Charming French antique Belle Epoque ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1900s). 7 small rose cut diamonds, 6 rubies and 6 emeralds adorn the mount.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut and Ruby Floral Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut and Ruby Floral Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and silver top.
White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond and Ruby Lozenge Shaped Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, ruby, platinum and yellow gold ring, comprising two old cut diamonds, two rose cut diamonds and two round cut rubies, set in platinum, to a band of 18 karat yell...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA 1.45 Carat Pear Shaped Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Crown Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Victorian sapphire, ruby and diamond crown ring. circa 1870. GIA certified pear shaped Burman natural no heat ruby and cornflower sapphire set an 18k yellow gold crown setting with a...
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Art Deco Calibrated Ruby and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Target Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Step into the elegance of the Art Deco era with this stunning original target ring, crafted from 18ct yellow gold and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
9.00Ct Natural African Ruby & Old Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
9.00Ct Natural African Ruby and European Diamond 18K Solid Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring Suggested Replacement Value: $12,000.00 Total Natural Cut Ruby Weight is: Approx. 3.00...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
A fine and rare Georgian hair and ruby memorial ring, English, circa 1760
Located in London, GB
Georgian hair and ruby memorial ring. Set with a border of thirty two cushion shape French cut natural enhanced rubies in closed back grain settings with a combined approximate weigh...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
A Platinum Art Deco Ring Set with Diamonds and An Oval Facetted Burma Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum ring set with an oval untreated Burma ruby (app. 0.8 carat) and old cut diamonds, France, circa 1920.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian Sapphire Ruby Old Cut Diamond Toi Et Moi Cluster 18k yellow gold ring
Located in London, GB
An original Edwardian Natural Ruby, sapphire and old cut diamond cluster toi et moi ring set into 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian (c. 1880–1900) Ruby & Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 K Yello
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This exquisite Late Victorian cluster ring showcases the vivid interplay of ruby, sapphire, and diamond in a richly detailed graduated halo design.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Ruby Wedding Band. Carre Cut Ruby Eternity Band Platinum Art Deco 1920
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Ruby Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2.80 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Care Cut Jewelry Type: Ring / Wedding Band Jewelry Style: Eternity Band, Art Deco Band Metal: Platin...
Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 14 Karat Gold 0.30 Carat Ruby 0.35 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Art Deco cocktail ring crafted in 14K gold. Circa 1930. The piece features: - 1 ruby, round cut, 0.30ct, slpR 5/2, SI - 16 diamonds, rose cut, TW 0.35ct, RW+/W, VS-P1 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 14k TT Gold 1.70ctw Channel Ruby & Pave Diamond 5 Band Harem Stack Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Rose & White Gold Weight: 3.8 Grams Size: 4.0 (We CANNOT custom size this ring) Ring Width: 13.0mm (0.51") (top of ring - north to south) - 6.75mm (bottom of shan...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Antique Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine Cushion DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring A distinctively stunning 1900s delight measuring 3/4 inch long and exotically lovely...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Half Hoop Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This breathtaking antique Ruby and Diamond ring is Victorian, Circa 1880. The ring is adorned with five wonderful rubies with lovely rose cut diamond points.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Byzantine Ruby and Blue Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents an elegant 18 Karat Yellow Gold ring featuring a stunning 0,58 brilliant cut Blue Diamond accompanied on the two sides by two Pear cut Rubies with a tota...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1912 Alliance Ring natural 0.32ctw Ruby Pearl solid 18K Gold Ø US 7 / 1.9 gr
Located in SE
Antique Alliance Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with four claw set natural Rubies of old Diamond cut and a half -pearl in the middle.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian English sapphire ruby diamond 18k yellow gold five stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Victorian English sapphire ruby diamond 18k yellow gold five stone ring is a beautifully balanced antique design showcasing the rich color and timeless elegance characteristic of fin...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This edwardain ring is set with two diamonds and three rubies. The diamonds measure approximately 4 points each.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$8,012Sale Price|20% Off
5.12 Carat Ruby with Diamond Art Deco Style Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Art Deco style ring with a strong red ruby and diamonds. 5.12ct center oval ruby heat complimented with 0.99ct of round brilliant cut diamonds. 6.11ct total diamond weight. 18k whit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Art Deco Synthetic Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring, 18K Gold, Circa 1920's
Located in Chatham, CA
French Art Deco Synthetic Ruby and Diamond halo ring - featuring a milgrain set Emerald cut lab grown Ruby (approx. 3.79 carats - 12 x 9 x 4 mm.) - surrounded by 18 round prong set o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 19th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
On either side, two chased gold clasps mark the start of the wide ring. Total ruby weight : 0,10 carat approximately.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
Located in SE
Marks of the year on this ring V7 = made in 1923. Claw set Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 5 mm x 1.8 mm deep / ca. 0.65 ct , color is medium Rose Red , demonstrates in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ruby And Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k russian gold ring in leaf artnnoveu designe centeted with natural oval ruby flanked with 6 old mine cut diamonds estimate weight of 1.50 carats ring head lenght 3cm
Antique 1920s 18K Yellow Gold 0.25tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, ruby, and yellow gold ring, comprising one old European cut diamond, two rose cut diamonds, and two round cut rubies, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Synthetic Ruby Art Deco Men's Ring - 14k Rect Step Vintage Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $35 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Synthetic Ruby Cut: Rectangular ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
French 20th Century 1, 17 Carat Certified Natural Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Certified natural unheated ruby. Height : 13,8 mm, width : 16,5 mm approximately, thickness : 4,3 mm approximately, width of the ring at the base : 2,4 mm approximately.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Jadeite Jade Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dragon Antique Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring size: 2 3/4 and inquire for sizing. Measures: North to South 17.5 mm and sits 8.0 mm high.
Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.30ct Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring, C.1880s
Located in London, GB
Two old pear shaped rubies sit to either side of an old cut oval diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Star Ruby and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 6 Stunning and unique star ruby and diamond cocktail ring.
Diamond, Star Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.03tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 7 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique ruby, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising one cushion shaped ruby, two round cut rubies, and four old cut diamonds, in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1905 Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 8.7.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with openwork crown arranged with 19 care cut Rubies and 5 natural Diamonds in Platinum clusters.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1925 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 0.3ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.5gr
Located in SE
Marks of the year on this ring Y7 = made in 1925. Used fine condition. Ruby with very minor wear to facets.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.60ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A bright ruby sits between two contrasting old cut diamonds in this Edwardian engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A natural, unheated ruby sits central in this beautiful Art Deco trilogy ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920s is this trilogy ring featuring a natural ruby to the centre set between a matching pair of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring. This gorgeous Edwardian three stone ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Triple Snake Ring with Ruby, Diamond, and Sapphire in 15ct Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A captivating antique ring dating to 1890–1900, designed as three intertwined snakes crafted in 15 karat gold, each adorned with a natural and untreated ruby, diamond, and sapphire s...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 15k Gold
Antique French Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.25US / 12gr
Located in SE
Ca. 19th - early 20 cent. French Ruby and Diamonds ring in solid 14K Rose Gold. Hallmarked with French hallmarks on the back side of the shank.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Ruby And Rose Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique russian ring centered with oval cut ruby stone with estimate weight of 1 carat flanked with rose cut diamonds and detailed work on ring sides with total 14k gold weight of 7 ...
Ruby and Rose Cut Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Vintage Dome Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
Ring has been left in its antique condition. The oval cut Ruby measures approximately mm 8x6 ( 0.31x0.23 in ) and it is embellished by 24 rose-cut diamonds from different sizes. face...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Russian Ring Diamonds Ruby solid 56 /14K Gold Ø 8US / 2.5 gr
Located in SE
Russian Imperial period Ring with openwork shoulders featuring one claw set old oval cut Ruby and two bezel set old cushion cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Three Stone Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Three Stone Ring - GIA. This incredible Edwardian old mine diamond and Burma ruby three stone ring is crafted in plat...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Snake Serpent Ring 0.45ct Natural Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US 8.5 /5.7gr
Located in SE
Antique Serpent Ring in solid 18K Orange Gold. Coiled body, head decorated with natural Ruby stone of fine quality measuring 5 mm x 4 mm x 2.9 mm deep / ca. 0.5ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 18ct Yellow And White Gold Ruby And Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Art Deco Target Ring Circa 1920’s 18ct Yellow & White Gold Set with a Beautiful, Old Brilliant Cut Centre Stone- Approx 0.75cts Surrounded in a Target Design of Calibrated Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Red, White and Blue Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold, circa 1940s
Located in Wailea, HI
Red, White and Blue Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold Circa 1940's This Classic Crossover Design Features: One Oval Ruby Weighing 1.53 Carats [bright with no imperfectio...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Victorian 2.02 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Gold Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of alternating pattern of prong set cushion cut rubies and old mine cut diamonds Rubies weigh approximately 1.13 carats total - transparent medium purplish red Natural Burm...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, French, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Antique diamond and ruby target ring. Centrally set with a round transitional cut diamond, F colour, VS1 clarity with an approximate weight of 2.46 carats, in an open back rubover se...
Diamond, Platinum
1929 Nordic Clover Ring solid 18K Gold 1ctw Ruby 0.5ct Diamond Ø 6US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period Ring with twisted solid 18K Gold band and Clover leaf crown decorated with natural Diamonds and Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 0.6 ct. Ruby 0.5 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold ØUS 5.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Art Nouveau period Ruby and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold / or Silver.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Belle Époque 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A luscious ruby is flanked by two glittering old cut diamonds in this French trilogy ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1924 Art Deco Nordic Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.5/1.5gr
Located in SE
Ring created in 1924, the band in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three rows of 12 natural Rubies, Diamonds, and Sapphires.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Imperial Russian Ruby And Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
antique imperial Russian era 1900s made in Kazan city 14k gold ring centered with old mine diamonds estimate weight 0.60 ct flanked with ruby and rose cut diamonds hall marked 56 im...
Victorian 0.65 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
All three stones have been claw set within an 18ct yellow gold band with a beautifully decorated gallery with handmade carvings. This lovely ring dates back to the Victorian era, c.1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco 2ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A truly remarkable three stone ring, dating back to the 1920s. In the centre is a 2.00 carat oval cut Ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring, Circa 1920's
Located in New Orleans, LA
Classic Art Deco Ruby and Diamond cocktail ring in 14K gold and 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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.