Victorian Ruby and 15 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This victorian Ruby ring is adorned with five wonderful rubies set in smooth settings.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The antique ruby ring is an excellent gauge of gold and is in excellent condition.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ring with Diamond 0.65ct and Ruby 0.35ct
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Weight 8.5g Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Ring This ring is an Art Deco Chevalier piece crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Natural Pearl Diamond and Ruby Crescent Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct rose gold diamond, pearl and ruby ring. The ring consists of two crescent moons, one of which is set with diamonds and the other with rubies.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Old Mine-Cut Diamond and Ruby Navette Shaped Ring in Silver-Topped Gold
Located in New York, NY
An antique late Victorian period diamond and ruby ring of navette-shaped design, comprising old mine-cut diamonds and a central maltese cross of rubies, with engraved scrollwork on t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian 1.10 Carat Ruby and 0.48 Carat Diamond, Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby cluster ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and 2.13 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.75ct Burmese ruby and 2.13 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry colle...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1900s Antique Ruby Belcher Ring – High Carat Gold Edwardian Solitaire – Vintage
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1900s Antique High Carat Gold Ruby Belcher Ring This early 1900s ruby ring is crafted in rich high-carat gold, set in a classic Belcher mount where the prongs are carved directly fr...
Ruby, 18k Gold
1.15 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bold, luminous, and effortlessly elegant—this 1.15 Carat Ruby Ring is a true celebration of captivating crimson.
Ruby, 14k Gold
0.85 Carat Burmese Ruby and 0.40 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1905
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.85 carat Burmese ruby and 0.40 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cluster ring; part of our ruby jewelry collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.30 carat ruby and 1.55 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique Victorian jewellery collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
NEW SSEF* 4.542CT Pigeon Red Unheated Burma Mogok Ruby Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Warren, NJ
Rare Gorgeous Unheated Intense Vivid Pure Red Color Burmese Ruby Ring. Clean and Brilliant 4.542 CT. Ruby Ring in Platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Georgian Natural Ruby Table Cut Iberian 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This antique Ruby ring is Georgian period, classy Iberian example of the era in a rosette shape – hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold, tests as 18/20 KT It has a flat large crown set wi...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 0.39ct Ruby and 0.63ct Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 0.70 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond, Platinum Ring Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.70 carat Burmese ruby and 0.06 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our antique ruby jewelry collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
IGI Certified 7.41 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 7.41 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases a luxurious combination of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 8.28 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 8.28 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases a luxurious combination of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Art Deco style 1.75 carat diamond ruby platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Art Deco style diamond and ruby ring brings together antique-inspired romance, vibrant color, and refined contemporary craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
New SSEF Cert 5.641 CT Unheated Burma Mogok Clean Pigeon Red Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
One of a Kind, Gorgeous and Rare Intense Red and Brilliant Unheated Burmese Oval Ruby Diamond Ring. It is a perfectly clean 5.641 ct. ruby ring in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 0.82 Carat Diamond and Synthetic Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.82 carat diamond and synthetic ruby, 18 karat yellow gold dress ring; part of our antique gemstone jewelry collections.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 4.00 Carat Natural Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gol
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.00 Carat Natural Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural emeralds, vivid rubies...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
Vintage Art Deco Ruby Eternity Ring Sz 5.5 Anniversary Band Stacking Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant vintage Art Deco era ruby ring (circa 1920s to 1930s), crafted in 900 platinum.
Ruby, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Ruby Cluster Ring. This gorgeous Victorian old mine diamond and ruby ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and si...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Edwardian Ring 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 This beautiful 15ct gold Edwardian seed pearl and ruby Ring is a stunning piece of jewellery that exudes elegance and sophistica...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
GIA Certified 1.08 Carat Cabochon Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Men's Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Classic men's fish ruby ring. Set with one oval 1.08ct cabochon ruby and accented with 4 round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Ruby and Pearl Ring Hallmarked Birmingham Circa 1870
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Victorian Pearl & Ruby Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1870 Hallmarked Birmingham Crafted in solid 18ct gold, this ring features three pearls spaced evenly across the band, ...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Pearl 0.12 Carat Ruby 0.59 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$147,500Sale Price|50% Off
SSEF CERT PIGEON RED 2.50Ct Unheated Clean Burma Mogok Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
RUBY RING in Platinum. SSEF 42721 . THE RUBY IS DIRECTLY FROM MOGOK, Myanmar.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18K Gold and Silver 0.8ctw Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian yellow gold, silver, diamond, and ruby ring, comprising sixteen round cut rubies, five old mine cut diamonds, and twenty-eight rose cut diamonds, set in silver, to an 18 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1.10 Carat Diamond and Synthetic Ruby 14k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.10 carat diamond and synthetic ruby, 14 karat yellow gold three-stone/trilogy ring; part of our diverse gemstone ring collection.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1920 Art Deco Platinum Ring with 3.00 Cts in Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
The exceptional quality of the baguette diamonds, with their premium F-G color and VVS-VS clarity grades, ensures maximum brilliance and fire that beautifully complements the rich re...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Pearl Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.26 carat diamond, 0.18 carat ruby and pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our antique jewellery and estate jewelry col...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1920s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold with platinum settings.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine antique ruby and gold band ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920 Art Deco 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 2.50 CTW in Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
• Period: Art Deco Style • Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold and Platinum • Stones: Natural Diamond & Natural Rubies • Ring Size: 7 (sizable) • Ring Width: 0.40 inches • Stamped: No, 18...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Synthetic Ruby and 0.78 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1907
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The synthetic ruby ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.28ct Diamond & 0.24ct Ruby Cocktail Ring, 18k Gold, 1905
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive Edwardian ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The ring features a central Old European round cut diamond flanked by six further Old European round cut dia...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 1.18Ct Ruby and 0.66Ct Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Edwardian 1.18 carat ruby and 0.66 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse Edwardian rings col...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French 2.01 Carat Ruby 1.35 Carat Diamond 18k Rose Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique French 2.01 carat ruby and 1.35 carat diamond and 18 karat rose gold cluster ring; part of our ruby jewelry collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Antique 0.26 Carat Ruby and 0.65 Carat Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920s 0.26 carat ruby and 0.65 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse ruby jewelry collection...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.75 Carat Ruby and 0.83 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Twist Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.75 carat ruby and 0.83 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set twist ring; part of our diverse antique ruby jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.60 Carat Burmese Ruby and 0.66 Carat Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby and diamond trilogy ring has been crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Synthetic Ruby and 0.78 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique synthetic ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ruby and Pearl Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
This late 19th century ring features a fabulous .50 carat ruby paired with natural pearls.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Weston, MA
This handcrafted platinum and yellow gold ring centers on a substantial bezel-set cabochon ruby in concentric circles of old mine cut diamonds bisected by lines of square cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. The ring features a target centre with a single old cut diamond surrounded by 14 calibrated rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful ruby and diamond ring dating back to the Edwardian period.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Denver, CO
An unheated red ruby, weighing approximately 0.70 carats of Sri Lankan origin (Ceylon), centers this exquisite Art Deco ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian diamond ruby platinum ring Old European-cut center stone diamond of 0.25 carat, rose-cut diamonds, and square-cut rubies; 14 karat yellow gold and platinum Size: 5.75 US;...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.7 grams Ring Size: J (49) - Resizable Face Dimensions: 24mm x 12.5mm Total Ruby Weight: 0.45ct Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 1.00ct Diamond Deta...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Denver, CO
A natural red ruby weighing approximately 1.50 carats centers this antique cluster ring, encircled by ten Old European-cut diamonds, K color and SI clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming ruby and diamond ring dating back to the mid to late Victorian period.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful Georgian 15ct gold pearl and ruby cluster ring. The central ruby is surrounded by four large natural half pearls which themselves are flanked by an additional sin...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Burma no heat Ruby, Antique 18K Gold & Platinum Ruby Marguerite Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This antique marguerite ring is crafted in 18K gold with a platinum-topped setting and features a vibrant 1.33-carat unheated Burmese ruby at its center.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ruby Diamond Gold Palladium Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's Retro diamond and ruby 14k rose gold and palladium band ring. 16 square cut rubies with a row of 5 diamonds in the center and 2 accent diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, Palladium
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring A platinum ruby and diamond ring set with an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 2.63 carats Approximate Weights: Old Mine Cut Diamond: 2.63...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$54,500
Ruby Diamond Emerald Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite three-stone ring presents a vibrant trio of round gemstones: a fiery ruby totaling 1.87 carats, an Old European cut diamond totaling 1.61 carats and a rich emerald tot...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous ruby and diamond cluster ring. At the centre of the face we find a round faceted bright pinky red synthetic ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,970Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 1920's Diamond & Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique 1920's Shield Ring .90ct Brilliant Round Diamond White & Sparkly 8 Bright Red Rubies The Top is 18mm x 6mm 4.2 grams Platinum Size 5.5 We are Happy to Include an Ins...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring A platinum ring with fine detailing set with an oval-cut ruby and an antique cut diamond Ring Size: 5.75 Complimentary resizing Signed: Hartdegen M...
Diamond, Ruby, 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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