Mid Century Platinum Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century platinum cocktail ring, with center ruby cabochon, side rubies and approx. 1.00ctw in diamonds.
Mid-20th Century Retro More Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Mid Century Platinum Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century platinum cocktail ring, with center ruby cabochon, side rubies and approx. 1.00ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$7,500 / item
Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold. This beautiful ring is hand set in 7.41 carats Ruby & .84 carats diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request. FOLL...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$957Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal, Ruby and Diamonds, Turtle Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal, ruby and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Weight: 1.10 ct appr...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Queens, NY
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, featuring one bezel set oval cabochon ruby weighing approx. 3.40 carats, further adorned with 36 pave set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Ruby Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Vintage jewelry often showcases exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. The ring is set with 9 cabochon-cut rubys, for 0,70ct total.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1962 Georges Braque Gold and Ruby "Leda" Ring
By Georges Braque
Located in Paris, FR
Rare 18K gold and Ruby ring called Leda by Georges Braque (1882-1963), inventor of cubism. It is Signed 'B DE B' For Bijoux de Braque and 'H DE L' for Heger de Loewenfeld, jeweler of...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,741 / item
Vintage inspired oval ruby, pearl 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold ring with genuine ruby and pearls. Vintage style ruby ring.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
$957Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, Vintage Inspired Ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Round ruby ring Metal: 14k solid gold Total weight 2.60 g depends from size Gemstones: Round cabochon cut ruby, 0.45 ct., transparent with inclusions, red color Diamonds 10x0.01-0...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Mid-Century Marchak France aquamarine and ruby statement ring
By Marchak
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century aquamarine, ruby, and gold cocktail ring, centered by a step cut aquamarine in a surround of cabochon rubies, the shoulders further set with cabochon rubies, and with a...
Aquamarine, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Star Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Vintage star ruby and diamond ring by Tiffany & Co. Set centrally with an oval cabochon natural unenhanced Burmese star ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight o...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Retro ruby diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking Retro ruby and diamond cocktail ring is a bold 1940’s jewel, designed with vivid color, refined sparkle, and sculptural vintage presence.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Giant Natural Star Ruby & Diamond Ballerina Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum 24.33 Carat Untreated Star Ruby 9.40 Carats Diamonds GIA Certified Center Stone: Type: Natural Star Ruby Weight: 24.33 carats Measurements: Approx. 21.18 x 18.27 x 11...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Attractive Ruby Fruit Salad and Crysophrase Ring
Located in New York, NY
Attractive cabochon crysophrase (green onyx) ring with carved ruby "fruits" set on the shoulders.
Ruby, Chrysophrase, 14k Gold
White Gold Star Ruby and Baguette Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Star Ruby and Baguette Diamond Gypsy Ring Description: This architectural gypsy-style ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a central 2.00-carat oval caboc...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yin and Yang Ruby Ring Gold Natural Bicolor Red Ruby July Birthstone
Located in Berlin, DE
14K white gold ring with natural Star Ruby ruby origin - Thailand stone measurements - 0.16 x 0.28 x 0.28 in / 4 x 7 mm ruby weight - 2.10 carats ring size - 7 US ring weight - 3.22...
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$957Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 k gold ring with ruby and diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold ring with genuine ruby and diamonds. 14 karat gold Total weight: 4.45 g. depends from size Gemstones (all are tested by professional gemmologist): Genuine ruby: 1.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
$957Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Rubies, Diamonds and Opals
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural rubies, diamonds and opals. October birthstone ring.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Verney Paris Gold 14 Carat Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold ring by Verney Paris, set with approx. 4.50ctw in diamonds and center approx. 14ct ruby ( stone measures 12.5 x 11.9 x 8.8mm). Ring size 6m width is 18mm. Marked V...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Ruby & Diamond 18K White Gold Men's Ring
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
The ring is made of 18K white gold and features a bold ruby cabochon surrounded by a cluster of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Synthetic Star Ruby and Diamond Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold Synthetic Star Ruby and Diamond Men's Ring Description: This retro-style men's band is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and features a central 2.00-carat oval cabochon s...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
17.71 Carat Certified Untreated Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Beautiful Estate Platinum Natural Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring! Showcasing one oval shape red ruby cabochon gemstone weighing 17.61 carats 100% natural no heat - unt...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Cluster Ring Sterling Silver and 18k Vintage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ruby Ring Cluster of Natural Brilliant Ruby Stones Black Rhodium to compliment the red ruby Approx ruby area size 17 x 13 mm Mostly Sterling Silver 925 and the bezel is Real ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$957Sale Price / item|44% Off
Orchid flower 14k Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby ring. Ruby gold ring. Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$5,500 / item
Master Piece Ruby Ring in 18k Solid Gold
By NIBIRU Collection
Located in Miami, FL
This highlight piece is one of a kind, its design is from royal persian antique legacy, its have a 1 carat ruby in the center that is suspended and attach to its estructure that is 1...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 2.70 carat ruby sapphire 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The design has a bold presence on the hand, capturing the confident, artistic spirit of the era while remaining elegant and wearable. At the center of the ring is a cabochon cut ruby...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Opal Ruby Flower Ring Antique Wedding Engagement Cocktail Ring Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful Antique Retro Opal Ruby Flower Ring with a central round opal cabochon gem surrounded by a halo of six gorgeous round faceted Rubies of incredible color and stunn...
Ruby, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Lucea New York Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
Life in color collection Bright Passion Cabochon Ruby and diamonds cocktail ring set in sterling silver and yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cartier Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, French, 1913.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with an oval cabochon natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.80 carats, further set w...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unheated 19.91ct Burma Star Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
19.91 ct Burma Unheated Star Ruby and Diamond Ring in Platinum Ruby Ring features an oval Cabochon Star Ruby weighing 19.91 carats originating from Myanmar (Burma) surrounded by a ...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 9carat gold ring holds a glossy ruby cabochon stone with sparkling diamonds surrounding it.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Bulgari No-Heat Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary 1980s Bulgari cocktail ring centers on a certified, no-heat Burmese cabochon ruby weighing 17.98 carats—an unenhanced stone of vivid saturation and velvety depth, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Sophia D. Rock Crystal Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A Sophia D Art Deco style ring that features a striking rock crystal center, enhanced by a .66 CT rubies and .30 CT of round diamonds. Set in platinum. Sophia D has been known world...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby
Platinum and Gold Ruby Flower Power Ring by Zoltan David
By Zoltan David
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Inspired by nature’s timeless beauty, this extraordinary Flower Power ring is a wearable work of art. Delicately sculpted platinum petals surround a captivating 3.88-carat cabochon r...
Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Rossella Ugolini Platinum Rubies Cocktail Ring Made in Italy
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Drawing inspiration from the majestic towers of the castle, two round cabochon red Rubies adorn the sides of the ring, adding a touch of regal charm and symmetry.
Agate, Ruby, Platinum
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Red Ruby Cabochon Statement Chunky US 6 Silver Ring
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Red Ruby Cabochon Stone Statement Chunky Modernist Ring, Size 6, Silver Black Tone Very good condition.
Silver Plate
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Star Ruby (Approx. 3.00ct, Size 7)
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Star Ruby (Approx. 3.00ct, Size 7) A captivating example of natural beauty and fine craftsmanship. This elegant ring features a natural star ruby weighing ...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Lapis Oval Cabochon Multi-Color Stone Halo Cocktail Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Weight: 15.2 grams Ring size: 6.75 (sizable) Ring Length: 26.65mm (east to west) Ring Width: 31.25mm (top of the ring - north to south) Ring Height: 13.15mm (rise off finger) Botto...
Turquoise, Ruby, Lapis Lazuli, Coral, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Platinum Star Ruby Ring, 17.29ct GIA, 3.0ct Diamond Accents
Located in Aspen, CO
This large Star Ruby displays a 6 sharp and distinctive rays as light passes through it, called an asterism.
White Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
$696Sale Price / item|25% Off
14k Gold Ring with Ruby, Rose Sapphires, Tourmaline and Diamonds Cherry Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
July birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size Gemstones: Central stone: Natural ruby Weight - 0.55 ct. approx, color - red, round cabochon cut Clarity: Tran...
Tourmaline, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
$10,380Sale Price|40% Off
AIG Certified 10 Carat Natural Burma Ruby 18K Gold Ring
By Njka fine Jewels
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite contemporary design, so beautiful and elegant. Ring come in 18k gold with a big natural Burma ruby in cabochon cut. 10 carat. excellent quality, and natural rubies in ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Retro synthetic ruby diamond 14k rose gold tank ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The ring features 7 square and cabochon cut synthetic rubies weighing approximately 0.40 carat total.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique diamond & ruby ring, Poland, early 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Hallmarking: hallmark for gold 0.585, additional silver hallmark and the letter W (Polish hallmarks used in 1920-1931) stamped on the central outer part of the ring rail Central sto...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage18k White Gold No Heat Ruby & Diamond Ring (9.0+CT Ruby)
Located in Lexington, KY
This ring is appraised at $8,500 3 = 9.0+ct. Oval cabochon natural corundum rubies 32 = .64cttw, I-J color, VS/SI clarity, round cut diamonds Ring size: size 7.5 18k white gold Gr...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 7.75ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1970
Located in London, GB
This awe inspiring vintage ring features at its center a mesmerizing star ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$789Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century 0.40 ct Ruby 18k Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Elegant contemporary solitaire ring from the 20th century, featuring a vibrant cabochon-cut ruby set in a classic claw setting.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Star Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This Vintage ruby dates back to the early 1940's. The center stunning gem is a round cabochon cut star ruby weighing ??
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$59,500Sale Price|31% Off
GIA Certified 16.52 Carat Unheated Star Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary, untreated star ruby is a true marvel of nature, weighing a monumental 16.52 carats — an exceptionally rare size for a gemstone of this caliber. Certified by GIA a...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Whimsical Opal & Ruby Frog Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Whimsical Opal & Ruby Frog Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a charming frog motif with a luminous jelly opal set at the cente...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$27,322Sale Price|20% Off
Ring in 950/ Platinum with Sugarloaf Ruby and Diamonds
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
1 Ring in 950/ Platinum (14.45 gram), set with 1x Ruby (Sugarloaf cut, Burma GRS H(b), 3.11 carat) and 179x Diamonds (round, 1.1 - 2.0mm, 4.09 cts). Ringsize is 54 (6 3/4) and is r...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Alex Jona Moonstone Ruby 18k White Gold Rings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold ring centering a beautiful moonstone weighing 4.50 carats, the shoulders and the setting are set with 1.16 ca...
Moonstone, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 1.40ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful cabochon cut ruby features at the centre of this Victorian ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
6.93 Ct. Cat's Eye Alexandrite Ruby Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in Brunswick, ME
Classic and finely detailed oval cabochon Alexandrite Cat's Eye ring accented with rubies, crafted in platinum.
Alexandrite, Ruby, Platinum
3.08 Carat Natural Star Ruby and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a 3.08 Carat Natural Star Ruby and 0.97 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of Gems. Early c...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
18KT White Gold Sugarloaf Ruby Ring with Baguette Diamonds, 1980s
Located in Braintree, GB
An elegant and refined ruby and diamond ring crafted in solid 18KT white gold, centred with a striking natural sugarloaf cabochon ruby weighing approximately 2.00 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
22K Yellow Gold With platinum Top Cabachon Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
At the center is a glowing cabochon ruby, prized for its deep, romantic hue and smooth, polished dome.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Green Peridot Red Rubies Rose Gold Ring Botta Gioielli
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant handmade ring in 9k rose gold crafted in our Milan jewelry workshop, featuring 8 square-cut rubies set in solid gold cubes that encircle an oval cabochon-cut peridot, forming...
Peridot, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Oval Ruby and Diamond Double Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: Platinum & 14KT Yellow Gold Gemstone: Cabochon Ruby 2.53CT 1.42CT Diamonds Measurement: Ring Size 8.50
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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.