Edwardian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
(Very Good) Weight: 4.5 grams Ring Size: N (54) Ruby: Approx. 1.60 carats Ruby Details: Origin: Burma
Vintage 1910s Engagement Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
(Very Good) Weight: 4.5 grams Ring Size: N (54) Ruby: Approx. 1.60 carats Ruby Details: Origin: Burma
Ruby, 18k 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
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Burma no heat ruby and diamond 3 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Edwardian three-stone ring is centered with vibrant untreated Burmese rubies whose vivid hue
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum 1.50 Carat Burmese Ruby and French Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous ruby and diamond ring from the Edwardian (ca1910) era! Crafted in platinum, this stylish
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Three Stone Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Three Stone Ring - GIA. This
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian GIA 1.15 carat Burma no heat ruby diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Romantic and refined, this Edwardian ring centers on a vivid, untreated Burmese ruby whose pear
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Edwardian 1.90 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Antique Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut ruby weighing 1.12 carats - transparent medium purplish red in color
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 1900s Antique Toi et Moi Burma Ruby and Diamond Platinum 18K Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edwardian 1900s Antique 1/2 Ct Burma Ruby and 1/3 Ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring in Toi et Moi
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly beautiful ruby and diamond cluster ring. At the centre of the face we find an
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Natural unenhanced Burmese Ruby Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Burmese ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Natural Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby to
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian Burmese Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
An exquisite Edwardian ring setting rosecut diamonds, with a natural Burmese ruby center oval in
Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Burma Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Everlasting Beauty! A simply stunning Edwardian era five stone ring A bright and vivacious display
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian Burma No Heat Ruby 2.10 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Eternal, not fearing time, Edwardian rare no heat Burma Ruby of the most vibrant red pigeoun blood
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Unheated Burmese Ruby Diamond Halo Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Orchard Park is a spectacular Edwardian era (circa 1910) platinum-topped 14k yellow gold ring
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Cluster Ring, Unheated Burmese Ruby 1.60 Cts, Diamond Surround
Located in PARIS, FR
Edwardian engagement cluster ring in 18Kt rose gold and platinum (hallmarks: owl and mascaron
Diamond, Ruby
Edwardian Natural Unheated Burmese Rubies and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Edwardian natural unheated burmese rubies and diamond cluster ring platinum on gold set
Diamond, Ruby
Early 20th Century Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Brisbane, AU
A handmade 18 karat yellow gold ring, with 2.22mm-1.54mm wide flat tapered shank and pinched up
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Burma Ruby & Diamond Square Cluster Ring in 18 Karat Gold, French circa 1940
Located in London, GB
square-shaped Burma rubies and a square surround of diamonds. White and yellow 18 karat gold shoulders
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Burma Ruby & 2 Row Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Carat Gold, English circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A circular shaped 1950's vintage cluster ring with central Burma ruby surrounded by two rows of
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Burma Ruby Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
A radiant Burma ruby commands attention at the center of this dazzling Edwardian ring. Set amid a
Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian Burmese Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Antique English Burmese ruby ring set in platinum and surrounded by 56 double rows of old
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 2.44 Carat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Heart Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval mixed cut Burma Ruby weighing 2.02 carats; vibrantly red in color Set low in a
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 2.44 Carat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Heart Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval mixed cut Burma Ruby weighing 2.02 carats; vibrantly red in color Set low in a
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
English Edwardian Platinum Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Antique English Burmese ruby ring set in platinum and surrounded by 56 double rows of round old
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian Unheated Burma Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1910 This Edwardian era finely crafted fancy cluster ring features an oval cabochon cut
Diamond, Ruby
Edwardian 3.37 Carat No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Halo Platinum Cluster Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set oval mixed cut Burmese ruby weighing 2.37 carats, transparent and raspberry
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 3.37 Carat No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Halo Platinum Cluster Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set oval mixed cut Burmese ruby weighing 2.37 carats, transparent and raspberry
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 1.20 Carat Natural Untreated Burma Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A truly spectacular ruby and diamond cluster ring from the Edwardian (ca1910) era! This outstanding
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Magnificent Edwardian ring featuring a GIA certified Burma no heat ruby in the center surrounded by
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 2.48 Carat Burma Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and gallery Centering an oval cut Burmese ruby, no heat, weighing approximately 1.00 carat
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Three-Stone Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
platinum- classic Edwardian! Despite its impressive look, the ring has a comfortable, low profile on the
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Burmese Ruby Sapphire Old Diamond Engagement Ring Gold, 1910s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique Edwardian Sapphire, Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Ring in Gold, c. 1915. This jewel consists of
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Burma Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Antique Cluster Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut ruby weighing approximately 1.16 carats - transparent medium purplish red
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut ruby weighing 0.62 carat total - transparent medium purplish red Natural
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Edwardian No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut ruby weighing 0.62 carat total - transparent medium purplish red Natural
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring, English, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Burmese ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut ruby weighing 0.62 carat total - transparent medium purplish red Natural
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian GIA Burma Ruby Diamond Cluster 18 Karat Gold Navette Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Burma Ruby Damond Cluster Navette Ring. The ring features a GIA certified marquise cut ruby
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian 3.39 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Cluster Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut ruby weighing 1.89 carats - transparent bright purplish red in color Prong
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Seven-Stone Burmese Red Ruby Ring Yellow Gold 18K
Located in US
An estate vibrant pinkish red oval-cut natural Burmese ruby seven-stone ring., weighing Approx
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified SSEF Burma No Heat Ruby and Platinum Diamond Ring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
We, have this elegant Edwardian style Platinum Ruby and Diamond gorgeous ring in a US size 8. This
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
AGL Certified 1.32 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
AGL Certified 1.32 Carat Natural Burmese Pinkish Red Oval No Heat Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring Size
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Natural Unenhanced Burmese Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1905
Located in London, GB
Antique Burmese ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.67 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
and features an oval faceted rich red ruby at the centre of the face. This natural Burmese stone is
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Burma Ruby Three-Stone Ring 18 Karat Gold and Platinum
Located in US
An estate vibrant pinkish red semi-oval-cut natural Burmese ruby, weighing 1.36 carats, between a
Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Burma Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring AGL
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautiful Antique Burma Ruby Diamond ring is circa Late 1800's- Early 1900's. The colorful 2.85
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Burmese Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, ca. 1920s. The central ruby weighs ca. 1
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Edwardian No-Heat Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring Over 3.25 Carats
Located in Northampton, MA
This spectacular Edwardian no-heat Burma ruby and diamond ring features a crisp central row of
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Elegant, Edwardian, Platinum, 3 Stone Diamond and Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful and unique "Three Stone Ring" was designed and created during the Edwardian period
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Burma No Heat Pigeon Blood SSEF Certified Ruby and Diamond Ring
By DA Jewellery
Located in Banbury, GB
each side. Burma Rubies are the rarest and most valuable member of the corundum family so this makes
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Unheated Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Gourgeous Edwardian ring with a beautiful GIA certified, old mine (Mogok) unheated Burma Ruby
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 'No Heat' Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
bright-white diamond halo in this classic Edwardian dream ring, handcrafted in platinum at the very
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Burma Ruby diamond Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
Edwardian 18K White/Yellow Gold ring featuring .75ct. T.W. apx. of French baguette cut Burma rubies
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Shreve & Co. Antique Ring Burma Ruby No Heat
By Shreve & Co.
Located in Tampa, FL
An exceptional quality antique engagement ring with 3.00ct. T.W. of Burma no heat rubies as
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum custom made 3 stone ring consisting of 1 cushion cut Burma ruby weighing 3.07 carats
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French 2.20 Carat Burmese 'No Heat' Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
concentric frames of teeny-tiny old mine-cut diamonds in this ravishing, original Edwardian-era ring from the
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 19th Century No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique 18 karat gold, platinum, ruby and diamond ring, set in the center with an oval ruby
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Burma Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Middleton, WI
Three pidgeon blood red rubies are the stars of this goreous Edwardian ring. This English rose is
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian Certified 5.89 Carat Burma Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A stunning Edwardian era cluster ring set with a 5.89 carat Burma ruby. The principal stone is
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Edwardian GIA 1.24 Ct. Red Unheated Burma Ruby Dinner Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Nestled in a halo of chunky old mine cut diamonds, a bezel-set Burmese ruby stands at full
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 2.35 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond Platinum Topped Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
ring featuring a bezel set 2.35 carat Natural Heated Cushion Cut Ruby with Burma origin. This piece
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
14k Black Star Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Austin, TX
A distinctive modern ring crafted of textured 14k white gold featuring a remarkable black star sapphire with diamonds. The sapphire weighs approximately 2.5 cts and the diamonds are ...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold
$19,960Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Art Deco Style Sugarloaf Emerald and Diamond Ring Engagement Ring
By Gold Adore
Located in San Francisco, CA
I am seriously in LOVE with this ring. It might just be my favorite ring yet. Crafted in Platinum, the design features an amazing gemstone center, flanked by French Cut Diamonds, and...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1925s Art Deco 2 Carat Emeralds 2.20 Carat Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum. Sublime art deco ring, its entire platinum setting is closed set on its top with a Colombian emerald- cut emerald and an antique- cut diamond. This duo of gems is s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$7,880Sale Price|20% Off
Jadeite Jade Ring with Diamonds Certified Untreated Emerald Green
Located in Northampton, MA
This classic and substantial jade saddle ring features a vivid, highly translucent cabochon of certified untreated emerald green Burmese jadeite jade that is cut into the rectangular...
Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 1.52 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:2225882394 Weight: 1.52ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: ...
Diamond, Platinum
$52,500Sale Price|50% Off
GIA Certified 3ct Asscher-Cut Diamond Men’s Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Architectural Elegance. Masculine Sophistication. Bold and refined, this one-of-a-kind men’s signet ring is a powerful expression of modern luxury and timeless design. At the center...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Platinum Diamond Toi et Moi Crossover Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Toi et Moi Ring Platinum Circa 1920’s Fabulous Diamond Toi et Moi Crossover Ring, Set with Two 0.35ct Diamonds & Pretty Diamond Shoulders. A Toi et Moi Ring is ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Ring 0.85ct Emerald solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7 / 3.7gr
Located in SE
Elegant vintage Emerald Ring, the carved band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural emerald cut Emerald stone of deep /strong Green color 6 mm x 5 mm x 3.75 mm deep / ca. 0.8...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Jade, Burma Ruby, Diamond Ring, Custom Made, 18k, Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
A rich, "Imperial" green slightly mottled old-mine natural and untreated jadeite jade cabochon is here set into a handmade 18k yellow gold mounting. A pair of old no-heat vivid red B...
Ruby, Jade, Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2.08 Carat Natural Two-Diamond Circular Toi et Moi Art Deco Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 2.08 Carat Natural Two-Diamond Toi et Moi Art Deco Ring Metal: 14k white/yellow gold Weight: 2.94 grams Diamonds: GIA certified 1.14 carat circular brilliant I SI2 & G...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Art Nouveau Unique Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are in love with this unique vintage beauty!! Ring Details Material: 18K yellow Gold & Platinum Top Era: Art Nouveau 1890 - 1910 Head Width: 11.8mm Head Height: 5.3mm Shank Width...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Oval Cabochon Green Jade Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 8.75 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 13.2 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemst...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Burmese Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Burmese ruby and diamond ring. A natural unenhanced oval old cut Burmese ruby is set horizontally to centre in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 2.80...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$1,500Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Art Deco platinum ring featuring an oval sapphire mounted with two diamonds on each side. US size 7.25; can be sized. Acid tests platinum, unmarked. The approximate weight of the sto...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Boucheron Paris Diamond Solitaire Dress Ring, French, circa 1940
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Boucheron Paris diamond solitaire dress ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 0.75 carats, to a heavy geometr...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.25 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This Art Deco, circa 1920-1930, platinum and diamond engagement ring features a gorgeous 1.25 carat center old European-cut (OEC) diamond with VS1 clarity grade and G - H color grade...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.
Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.
During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.
Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.
Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.
Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.
Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other 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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.