Dainty Art Deco 9k Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring Size 6.5
Located in Webster, SD
This stunning ruby and diamond ring is in phenomenal condition.
Ruby, Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Oval Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Oval Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring. This incredible Edwardian Old Mine Diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby And Enamel Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby And Enamel Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 10.5 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Yellow Gold 1.25ctw Oval Ruby & Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 3.40 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1904 18k Yellow Gold English Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
The combination of diamond and ruby creates a refined contrast of brilliance and color, with the rubies adding richness and the diamonds lending a delicate sparkle that enhances the ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18ct Gold Double Snake Ring Set with Diamonds and Ruby Eyes
Located in London, England
A richly symbolic and romantic ring, this bold Victorian double snake design is cast in glowing 18ct yellow gold and set with glittering old cut diamonds and tiny rubies for eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring Hallmarked Birmingham 1911
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1911 A lovely ring set with alternating, natural rubies & diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : Feminine and original, this antique ruby diamond ring would make a lovely engagement ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19K Yellow Gold and Silver Opal and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 6.8 grams Stone: Opal 0.35ct, Ruby 0.36TCW, Diamonds. Measurements: 18.7 X 16.4 X 7.9 mm Ring Size: 7.25 Hallmark: 19k Metal: 19k yellow gold/ Silver top (87%) Internal ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby
C1780 18K Multi- Stone Giardinetti Ring w/ Rubies Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Baltimore, MD
Gemological details of our giardinetti ring: 3 rose cut diamonds 1 Old cut diamond total .20 carats of diamonds Natural burma ruby, approx. ½ carat Columbian emeralds, cushion cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three rubies totalling 50pts and four diamonds totalling 8pts.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Edwardian Burmese ruby and diamond cross over ring, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Burmese ruby and diamond cross over ring. Set with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.70 c...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,702Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby and Mine Cut Diamond Scroll Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Ruby and Mine Cut Diamond Scroll Ring in 18k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a five-stone design with round rubies and mine cut diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby & Diamond Navette Ring, Natural Unheated, 18K Gold French - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique French 18ct gold diamond navette ring made c.1890. Striking, rich and enchanting, this navette ring presents an unapologetic antiq...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold French Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920’s Fabulous French Art Deco Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Toi et Moi ring, natural diamonds and ruby - you & I engagement ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
It is an incredibly romantic meaning of the joining of two souls in love. This ring is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. This stunning 'toi et moi' -ring is set with an antique old mi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
15ct Yellow Gold, Birmingham Hallmarked 1890, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1890 Makers Mark J R & S This 15ct gold ring is a true beauty and features rows of alternating natural rubies and diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 4.30 Carat Natural Diamond, Ruby and Amethyst Bird Motif Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.30 Carat Natural Diamond, Ruby and Amethyst Bird Motif Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a graceful bird motif surrounded by natural diamond...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Victorian 0.90ct Ruby & Old European Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This ruby and diamond cluster ring is an incredible example.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gold GIA Buttercup Ruby Solitaire w/ Enamel Detailed Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Cushion Cut - Buttercup Prong Set - Fine Rich Red Color - 100% Natural - No Heat - 4.25 x 4.02 x 1.74mm (exact) ** See Certification Details ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.80 Carat Sapphire 0.80 Carat Ruby 2.15 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.80 carat sapphire, 0.80 carat ruby and 2.15 carat diamond ring in platinum; part of our platinum gemstone ring collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Hallmarked Birmingham 1886. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 6.5mm Weight: 3g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring, Hallmarked Chester 1918
Located in Brighton, GB
Hallmarked in Chester in 1918, it carries a rich history and charm that only vintage pieces possess. The ring features a captivating design, set with alternating natural rubies and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.35ct Sapphire and Ruby Double Heart Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This enchanting Victorian double heart crowned ring features a romantic design of two entwined hearts with two beautiful gemstones at their centres, a 0.35 carat ruby and a 0.35 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Nouveau 18k Gold Ruby & Diamond 5-Stone Crossover Ring, Circa, 1890
Located in Altrincham, GB
A charming bezel set Art Nouveau 5-stone ring, set with old cut diamonds and juicy red rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum Art Deco Certified 1.50 Carat No Heat Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum cocktail ring, set with center C. Dunaigre of Switzerland certified 1.50ct no heat Thailand ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
19th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and silver. Delightful antique ring, it is decorated on its top with 5 oval rubies in fall surmounted on both sides of a line of 2x7 rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Athenas Ring in 18k Gold with Centered Sapphire, Rubies & Diamonds
By NIBIRU Collection
Located in Miami, FL
The Athenas ring is a absolute byzantine design, that weight 14 grams of solid gold 18k, with a center sapphire of 0,25 carat, two rubies of 0,10 carat and two diamonds of 1 point.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Ruby, Diamond And 18 Karat Gold Navette Cluster Ring, Chester 1901
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond and gold navette shaped cluster ring, with a cushion shaped faceted ruby, in the centre of two oval rubies, surrounded by fourteen old-cut diamonds, in a cl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Unheated Burmese 2.07ct Ruby and 0.65ct Diamond Platinum Ring, AGL, Cir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vivid oval ruby anchors this ring, its rich red catching light with the kind of saturated, even color that natural, unheated material is prized for; no artificial enhancement softe...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18ct Gold, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This Victorian acrostic ring features Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, and Emerald gemstones, each claw set and mounted on a yellow gold setting.
Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
NEW Natural Precious Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Warren, NJ
This breathtaking ring from LaFrancee features a beautiful natural oval-shaped emerald as the main stone, surrounded by precious rubies and sapphires in a stunning Byzantium style se...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Scroll Design Hallmarked Birmingham 1921
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmark Birmingham 1921 Introducing a stunning 18ct gold 5 stone gypsy ring, adorned with alternating natural rubies and diamonds in a scroll desig...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This antique five-stone ring, stamped 18ct gold and dated circa 1900, features three rich rubies and two diamonds in a c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 3.47 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Antique Fanning Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round cut ruby weighing 1.97 carats total - transparent medium purplish red Natural Burmese (Myanmar) in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Prong set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian old European cut diamond ruby 18k yellow gold platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The interplay of shimmering white diamonds and vivid red rubies gives the ring a regal yet intimate presence on the hand.
Blue Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$11,952Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 2.47 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Onyx Ruby Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This cocktail ring, an Art Deco design, centers on a 2.47-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Natural Diamond Ruby & Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Natural Diamond Ruby & Sapphire Navette Cocktail Ring Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 5.27 grams Diamonds: Approx. 1.75 CTW old mine cut natural ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Ruby Navette Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 4.4 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Circa 1900s Edwardian Natural Ruby and Old European Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 4.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Top [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.5 grams Ruby Details: .35ct, Natural, Red, Unheated...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 15ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Ring, Stamped 15ct, Circa 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring 15ct yellow gold A timeless treasure from the Edwardian era, this antique ring features three vibrant rubies set in a warm 15ct yellow gold band.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS8/ 2.5gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with a row of natural Rubies, Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 1.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
The contrast between the rich red of the ruby and the bright white of the diamonds creates a captivating visual harmony before the ring is made complete by a slim smooth band.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 18K Yellow Gold 0.94tgw Ruby and Diamond 7 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
The ring is finished with a pair of round cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold French Stamped, 1920s Ruby & Diamond, Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Buckle Ring 18ct Gold French Stamped Circa 1920s Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct and platinum cocktail ring, a true embodiment of the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.99tgw Ruby and Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
My favourite thing about this Victorian Ruby and Diamond Ring is the luxurious red of the ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Natural Red Ruby and 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This delicate antique Victorian band is designed around a natural round red ruby in a buttercup setting with hand engraved details. Set in 14K yellow gold.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This charming Edwardian twist ring features a 0.40 carat, oval cut ruby at it’s centre, highlighted by two flanking diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Art Deco Ruby Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum French Stamped Circa 1920’s Fabulous, French made Art Deco ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Gold & Silver GIA Old Mine Burma Ruby & Diamond Target Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Silver Top Weight: 6.86 Grams Ring Size: 3.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring.)
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold
Burmese Ruby and diamond cluster ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Burmese Ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with one cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back rubover and grain setting with an approximate weig...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Boat Shaped Ring Hallmarked Birmingham 1920
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1920 Makers Mark B H J Pretty, Little Boat Shaped Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 2.1tgw Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A ruby and diamond ring in gold, comprising one oval cut ruby and twenty-four old cut diamonds, to an 18 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14K Gold Snake Ring with Ruby, Art Nouveau, Circa 1890s
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
An 1890s 14K gold snake ring adorned with a 3,4 x3,8 mm faceted oval ruby.
Ruby, 14k Gold
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 14K Gold Ruby Diamond Crescent Ring, Enamel Sphinx, Circa 1900
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This ring is set with Rubies and rose cut Diamonds, with a bit of enamel on the sphinx itself.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Art Deco Old Mine Cut & Ruby Cocktail Ring 18K Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
We love everything about this unique vintage beauty! Ring Details Material: 18K Rose Gold Lower; White Gold Top Era: Art Deco 1910 - 1930 Length:22.2mm Width:13.9mm Height: 2.3mm Sh...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18ct Gold Edwardian, Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald
Located in Brighton, GB
This fabulous Edwardian acrostic ring features enchanting amethyst, dazzling diamond, opulent opal, ravishing ruby, and exquisite emerald gemstones, each meticulously set and mounted...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
19th-Century Yellow Gold Duchess Ring Burma Ruby, Ceylon Sapphire, diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Period & Style: Early Victorian (circa 1850–1880), “Duchess” navette silhouette with openwork scroll gallery Hallmarks & Certification: French assay marks; accompanied by a Carat Ge...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 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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