Dilys' Certified Natural Jadeite and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Jade, the stone that protects and nourishes the heart energy is often worn in Chinese culture to calm its wearer. As an engagement ring, it is the perfect symbol to protects one's bo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
3.44 Carat TW Antique Old Mine Brilliant One-of-a-Kind Anniversary Family Ring
Located in New York, NY
Create Your Life Story in a Bespoke Masterpiece with Abe Mor Designer Jan Rice. This exquisite piece is a completely custom, made-to-order design—a wearable canvas engineered to tel...
Ruby, Purple Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, B...
Dilys' Ginseng Motif Rutile Quartz and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The supporting gemstones used further brings this ring to life: 40 brown diamonds totaling .41 carat, 36 round diamonds totaling .40 carat, 13 fancy sapphires totaling .40 carat, 10 ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sap...
$480Sale Price / item|20% Off
Custom Engagement Ring Made-to-Order Starting at 6k, Virtual CAD Design Deposit
By Rock N Gold Creations
Located in San Diego, CA
This is not mass production, every ring is a true artisan creation, crafted to carry lasting meaning.
Rhodolite, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Spinel, Tanza...
Serpent ring in 14Kt Yellow Gold, Emeralds and Rubies. Artisanal
Located in Cattolica, IT
An open ring with a snake design made of gold14 Kt and embellished on the head side with eyes made of Rubies and four Emeralds on the outline. This ring is a jewelry classic, and its...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Eternelle ring in 18Kt Rose Gold and Rubies. Craft, Vintage Design
Located in Cattolica, IT
An eternelle wedding band, handcrafted in 18kt rose gold and Rubies. The special feature of this model is the insertion of a small polished sphere between each Ruby. This jewelry ca...
Ruby, 18k Gold
1960s Vintage Ring in White Gold, Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Cattolica, IT
A fine 1960s-era ring made of 18kt white gold and embellished with a central motif of antique-cut Diamonds and vivid, deep red, round-cut Ruby. This ring was handcrafted by goldsmith...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Handmade Contrarié ring in 18kt yellow gold with Rubies, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Prelati Gioielli
Located in Vittoria, IT
This exquisite Contrarié ring, handcrafted in 18 kt yellow gold by the traditional lost-wax technique, represents the elegance of fine jewelry. The central gems include three drop-cu...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt White Gold ring with 1.76 ct Red-Purple Ruby and 1.13 diamonds
By Prelati Gioielli
Located in Vittoria, IT
This extraordinary ring, made entirely by hand in 18K white gold, is a celebration of Italian goldsmithing elegance and craftsmanship. Its elaborate, three-dimensional design immedia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Riviera Ring in White Gold, Carré Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Cattolica, IT
A classic Riviera model band ring made of 18 kt white gold. Embellished with three rubies with a deep red color and carré cut. The central Ruby, larger than the two side Rubies, weig...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
White gold ring with 1.05 ct oval tanzanite, with rubies and diamonds
By Prelati Gioielli
Located in Vittoria, IT
Elegant and full of charm, this white gold ring is a masterpiece of style and sophistication. A stunning 1.05-carat oval tanzanite sparkles in the center, wrapped with six pear-cut r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Trilogy Ring in 18K Rose Gold, Cabochon Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Cattolica, IT
A fine trilogy ring made of 18kt rose gold and embellished with an oval cabochon-cut center stone, Natural Ruby. On either side of this are set two round brilliant-cut Diamonds weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18Kt Gold Eternity Ring Sapphire Ruby Semi Precious Stones Rainbow
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
In the search for stones, what guided me was the quality of the materials and their hue. I wanted a harmonious gradation, and I am sodisfied with this color play. This multicolored e...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Purple Sapph...
$526,577Sale Price|20% Off
Adler Genève Set 18k Gold Necklace, Ring, Earrings, Bracelet, Ruby, Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Adler Genève Set 18k Gold Necklace, Ring, Earrings, Bracelet, Vivid Red Ruby, 37 Carat Diamonds from Estate Sultan Of Oman Qaboos Bin Said . One of a kind completely made to special...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set 18 kt. Gold Necklace, Earring, Ring, Bracelet, 116Ct Rubies & 105Ct Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent Like Never Seen Before Set of 18 kt. Gold Necklace, Earring, Ring, Bracelet, With 116.11 ct. Rubies and together 104.94 ct. Diamonds This set comes in a grand customized...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Set Adler Genève Necklace, Earrings, Ring, Estate to His Majesty Qaboos Bin Said
By Adler
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set Adler Genève Necklace, Earring, Ring Ruby Heart shape, Diamonds Estate to His Majesty Qaboos Bin Said Comes with the original Adler Genève jewellery box Necklace Diamonds: Brill...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Frog 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This stunning 18kt white gold frog-shaped ring is a unique and playful piece that combines exceptional craftsmanship with luxurious detailing. Designed for those who appreciate both ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$906
Ruby Stacking Ring 22k
By Ico & the Bird Fine Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 1.79 carat oval ruby stacking ring. Perfect to wear along or stacking with other rings. A beautiful bright red color, set against the richness of 22k gold. A favorite of rulers a...
Ruby, 22k Gold
Unavailable|$5,500
18ct Gold and Ruby Ring "Ruby Reflections"
Located in AGNES WATER, AU
"Ruby Reflections" is a One-of-a-kind ladies' dress ring crafted in 18ct yellow & white gold featuring a Natural 0.55ct pink/red Ruby from Burma with no treatments. Three white diamo...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$144
Natural Rubies Classic Ring
Located in Vadgam, GJ
"Ruby Radiance Ring" Metal - Sterling silver USA ring size - 6 Product gross Weight - 3.21 Grams Gemstone - Natural Rubies Total stone weight - 1.5 Carat Stone shape - Round Stone s...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$8,899
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum Ring
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
Featuring (36) oval buff topped rubies, 12.86 cts. tw., accented by (25) full-cut diamonds, 0.45 ct., tw. VS, H-I, set in wide platinum mounting, tapering from 20 mm to8.2 mm, size 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,800
Ruby Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in new york, NY
This geometric stackable ring is crafted from 18-karat rhodium plated white gold set with 0.63 high quality ruby pave. This hexagon shaped ring is worn best when stacked with other U...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,800 / item
18KY Wave Ring with Rubies
By HCL METAL WORKS
Located in Gorham, ME
18KY Wave Ring with Rubies is part of my Wave collection of rings and cuffs. These organic flowing Wave Rings come in a variety of different colored Diamonds and Gemstones from with ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,000 / item
18KY Coin Ring with Rubies
By HCL METAL WORKS
Located in Gorham, ME
18KY Coin Ring with Rubies is part the Coin Collection. I call this collection the Coin collection because of the textured worn edges on these Coin Rings, like the edges of an old co...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$15,280
Rose gold Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Vienna, AT
Ring with round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight 3.14, topazes, carat total weight 4.72, and a ruby, 32.49 ct, set in a rose gold mounting, total weight 20.12 g
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$4,250 / item
18ct Yellow Gold & Ruby Ring "Lava"
Located in AGNES WATER, AU
Our solid 18ct yellow gold & ruby "Lava" ring is reminiscent of the earth's natural forms. It has a smooth 3-dimensional design and is a statement piece that can be paired with any o...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,216
Pippa Small Ruby Gold Precious Egg Ring
By Pippa Small
Located in London, GB
Enamoured by nature, Pippa Small draws great inspiration from organic beauty. Symbolising fertility and new beginnings, the egg collection was designed as an ode to nature's fascinat...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$350
Ruby sterling silver Wide Ring, US7
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Ring Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are th...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$239
Ruby sterling silver Wide Ring, US5.25
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Ring Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are th...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$336
Ruby sterling silver Wide Ring, US5.25
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are the per...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$336
Ruby sterling silver Wide Ring, US9
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Ring Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are th...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$336
Ruby Round sterling silver Wide Ring
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Ring Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are th...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$336
Ruby Round sterling silver Wide Ring
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Ring Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are th...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$1,500 / item
14K Rose Gold Coin Ring with Rubies
By HCL METAL WORKS
Located in Gorham, ME
14KR Rose gold Coin Ring with Rubies is a warm color combination of pink rosy gold and deep red rubies. This Coin Ring is part of my Coin collection of Coin rings, Coin earrings, and...
Ruby, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$1,550
Amedeo "Third Eye Wisdom" Cameo, Ruby Ring
By AMEDEO
Located in New York, NY
30mm sardonyx shell cameo hand-carved set on sterling silver, black rhodium with 0.018cts of ruby.
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$7,864
Burmese Pigeon Blood Double Heart Ruby Ring
Located in Bloxham, GB
A fantastic 18ct gold double heart ring set with two good well matched natural heart shaped Burma rubies surrounded by white diamonds. It would make a wonderful engagement ring. Ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,000
Diamond and Ruby Carved Wood Snake Ring
By Lotus Arts De Vivre
Located in Vail, CO
Lotus Arts De Vivre handmade artisian "Snake" ring in carved wood, 18kt gold, rose cut diamonds, and striking red ruby eyes. US size 6.5. *Ring cannot be sized
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,500
Diamond, Ruby, 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
Featuring (8) round-cut rubies, 0.15 carat total weight., accented by (56) full-cut diamonds, 0.50 carat total weight., I, J-K, set in a ying-yang bypass style 18k white gold mountin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$350
Ruby sterling silver Wide Ring, US 6.75
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Ring Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are th...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$2,149
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
Featuring two flowers, each centering (1) full-cut diamond, 0.06 ct. tw., surounded by (6) round-cut emeralds and rubies, 0.30 ct. tw., set in a textured bypass bombe form 14k yellow...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$281
Double Rubies sterling silver Wide Ring, US9.25
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Drawing A Circle exudes minimalism and precision with forming a circle. Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK desi...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$336
Ruby sterling silver Wide Ring, US 6.25
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are the per...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$336
Ruby sterling silver Wide Ring, US 6
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are the per...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$336
Ruby sterling silver Wide Ring, US 7.5
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are the per...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$336
Ruby sterling silver Wide Ring, US 7
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Time After Time Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are the per...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$4,000 / item
18ct Rose Gold and Ruby "Reflections" Ring
Located in AGNES WATER, AU
"Reflections" Inspired by reflections of the rising sun over the ocean in picturesque Agnes Water, Queensland, Australia Materials: 18ct Rose gold and deep red Ruby (0.40ct) Our ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$2,215
Ilias Lalaounis Ruby, Yellow Gold Chimera Ring
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
Designed as a chimera overlapping its tail, with round-cut ruby eyes, bezel set in an 18k yellow gold mounting, 8.7 mm to 2.3 mm, size: 7 (adjustable), marked: Lalaounis (mark) GREEC...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$128
Natural Kyanite, Blue Topaz & Pink Ruby Ring
Located in Vadgam, GJ
"Radiant Gemstone Splendor Ring: A Colorful Designer Statement Piece" Metal - Sterling Silver Indian ring size - 10 Ring weight - 2.640 Grams Gemstones - Natural Kyanite, Blue Topaz...
Kyanite, Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$2,900
18K Ruby & Diamond Versatile Ring Band 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning vintage ring is a true celebration of balance and beauty—combining vivid color with timeless sparkle in a bold, two-in-one design. Expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,400
Amedeo "Girl Power" Cameo Ring with Rubies
By AMEDEO
Located in New York, NY
7/40mm sardonyx cameo featuring "Girl Power", set on sterling silver, 18Kt Italian yellow gold with 0.033cts of rubies.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$377
Double Rubies sterling silver Wide Ring (DCG)(W)
By HSU London
Located in CLYDEBANK, GB
Wearing Memories Collection Elevate your everyday style with a touch of luxury. HSU jewellery London offers a unique collection of UK designed and made gemstone rings that are the pe...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Emerald Ruby Vintage Jewelry Gemstone Rings Gold Harem Ring Trio Trinity Band
Located in London, GB
The ruby is considered the queen of gemstones, inspiring power and love, while emeralds are thought to promote balance and harmony. The two stones are stylishly paired in this delica...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,600 / item
18K Rose Gold Ruby & Diamond Channel-Set Band Ring
Located in Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
This elegant band ring features a captivating row of square-cut rubies, channel-set in luxurious 18k rose gold, flanked by two dazzling rows of pave-set diamonds. The vibrant red of ...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$1,726 / item
Peristera Ring with Ruby, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Olivia Cummings
Located in Kew, Victoria
Peristera Ring with Ruby, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Handcrafted and individually cast in solid yellow gold.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,800
18 Karat Gold Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Warren, ME
18 Karat Gold Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring; Custom made 18 Kt. gold ring set with 6 Round brilliant cut Diamonds, 3 round Rubies and 4 round Sapphires, handcrafted in my studio in...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,749
Steven Battelle Carved Ruby, 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
Featuring (1) carved pear-shaped ruby flower cabochon, 19.5 X 18.7 X 7.00 mm, bezel set in an 18k yellow gold, 20.5 X 21.3 mm tapering to 3.1 mm, size 5.25 (with inside ball sizer), ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,374 / item
Kalimeris Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Ruby
By Olivia Cummings
Located in Kew, Victoria
Kalimeris Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Ruby Handcrafted and individually cast in 18-karat gold. Olivia carves each piece from wax, making these items unique, which we believe is w...
Ruby, 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.