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Edwardian Diamond Ruby Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edwardian 0.28 carat diamond, 0.24 carat ruby cocktail ring in 18
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Edwardian Ruby & Marquise Diamond Ring
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Superb Edwardian period marquise ring. Expertly crafted from 18k gold and platinum with carved
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. The ring features a target centre with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful ruby and diamond ring dating back to the Edwardian period. This antique
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Diamond Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian diamond ruby platinum ring Old European-cut center stone diamond of 0.25 carat, rose-cut
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Weston, MA
handcrafted platinum and yellow gold ring centers on a substantial bezel-set cabochon ruby in concentric
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an antique ruby and diamond ring from the Edwardian era. The head of this piece has
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an Edwardian cluster ring. The face of this ring features a centralised red ruby with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an antique ruby and diamond ring from the early stages of the Edwardian era. The face
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian ruby pearl 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Edwardian 18k yellow gold ring from the 1910s showcases 19 brilliant rubies alongside luminous
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Pearl Ruby and Diamond Tablet Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an excellently crafted tablet ring dating back to the Edwardian period. This antique
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1900 Beautiful, Edwardian five stone gypsy ring. Set with
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Ring 15ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1902 Makers
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Edwardian 0.65 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
Tested As: 18ct Yellow Gold Period: Edwardian Box: Plain Ring Box Comments: These diamonds have not been
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Edwardian Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Three vibrant rose cut rubies are the feature of this fine Edwardian period eighteen karat 18k
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a sensational ruby and diamond cluster ring dating back to the Edwardian period. A
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an excellently crafted ruby and diamond navette ring dating back to the Edwardian era
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Edwardian Diamond and Faux Ruby Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Edwardian Diamond and Faux Ruby Ring circa 1900. A diamond shaped motif is set with knife edge
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Edwardian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an impressive Edwardian ruby and diamond ring. It features five old cut diamonds in the
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Bombe Ring - Burma No Heat
Located in Hummelstown, PA
Crowned with a crystalline magenta red ruby, this lovely Edwardian bombe style ring boasts four
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous navette cluster ring from the early 20th century. At its heart lies a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Two-Stone Crossover Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous exquisite Edwardian crossover ring. The design features a striking
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique 22ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Snake Ring 22ct Gold Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian-era
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian diamond sapphire ruby 14k white gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in the 1910s, this Edwardian ring presents a refined combination of color and antique
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Edwardian Ring 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 This beautiful 15ct gold Edwardian seed pearl
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum Gold Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
A pretty antique platinum topped gold cluster ruby and diamond ring circa 1910. This unique ring is
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Portrait Marquise Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have gorgeous navette ring taken from the Edwardian period. This refined piece is crafted
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian ring is crafted from 18ct gold and features a beautiful combination of rubies and diamonds. The
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Edwardian 18k/Platinum Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous ruby and diamond halo ring from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! This outstanding ring is
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 15ct Gold Ring 15ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1904 Beautiful, Edwardian gypsy ring
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Edwardian Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This wonderfully hand made Edwardian ring features three rub over set diamonds surrounded by a halo
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This beautiful dress ring features three central rubies, totalling 0.25 carat, haloed by a group of
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.30ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A red ruby is surrounded by sparkling old cut diamonds in this beautiful Edwardian cluster ring
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Seven Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful ruby and diamond ring dating back to the early 20th century. The ring is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring. Ca. 1910´s
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring. Ca. 1910´s The images features an exquisite ring that
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Platinum Topped Gold Ruby Diamond Checkerboard Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Edwardian platinum topped 18k yellow gold diamond ruby ring, circa 1900. This unique ring
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Three-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming antique ruby and diamond ring dating back to the Edwardian period. A trio
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18KT and Platinum Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Lynchburg, VA
This ring is a part of our estate collection. It was purchased from a jeweler in Chartes, France
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 0.55ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A stunning oval cut ruby sits centre stage in this halo cluster ring from the Edwardian era. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian diamond ruby 18k yellow gold 5 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Edwardian five-stone ring features three sparkling old European cut diamonds and two
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Reproduction Edwardian Style Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
An Edwardian style reproduction ruby and diamond scalloped cluster ring with split shoulders
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond five stone ring. The rubies are a lovely mid
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Style Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
modern ring, crafted in the timeless style of Edwardian jewelry, features a captivating 1.8-carat
Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 14 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Navette Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Edwardian navette ring crafted in 14K gold. Circa 1910. The piece features rubies and
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
rubbed Makers Mark H W Ltd Lovely, Edwardian Ring. Set with alternating, natural rubies & diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Lovely, Edwardian gold band style
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Sparkling pink rubies and white diamonds make up this five stone ring. The centre ruby weighs 0.40
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Boat Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Boat Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1902 Gorgeous, Edwardian boat shaped
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
shoulders and band are 18 carat yellow gold. The ring is Edwardian, dating to approximately 1910. Gemstone
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

French Edwardian Untreated Ruby Diamond 18 KT/Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This breathtaking Edwardian ring is 1900/09 circa Elegantly designed as a flat crown panel, hand
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow gold synthetic ruby and diamond ring from the Edwardian era. The vibrant
Category

Antique Early 1900s Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This delightful Edwardian cluster ring features a vibrant 0.40 carat old cut ruby, at it’s centre
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Edwardian French ruby diamond 18k rose gold and platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in the 1910s, this Edwardian ring pairs a richly hued round cut ruby of approximately .40
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.65 Carat Unheated Burmese Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. The ring has been crafted in a navette
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three Diamonds and two Rubies. The three diamonds total 30pts
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Four-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are four rubies totalling 80pts and six rose cut diamonds. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Edwardian Style Ruby Solitaire Ring in Handmade Diamond-Set Platinum Mount
By Sebastien Barier
Located in New York, NY
An Edwardian style ring set with an oval ruby in a handmade pavé diamond mounting in platinum
Category

2010s French Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Three Row Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold three row ring. The ring features 5 rubies, 5 diamonds and 5
Category

20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Daisy Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Makers Mark H W Ltd Exuding timeless elegance
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
Delightfully charming is this ruby and diamond daisy cluster ring dating back to the Edwardian era
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

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Edwardian Ruby Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact edwardian ruby ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Platinum — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 369 vintage editions and 18 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a edwardian ruby ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular piece, 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing edwardian ruby ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but DA Jewellery, Cartier and Concierge Diamonds Inc. each produced a popular version that is worth a look. An old european cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also round cut and oval cut versions for sale. Most of our edwardian ruby ring for sale are for women, but there are 88 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Edwardian Ruby Ring?

Prices for a edwardian ruby ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $396 and can go as high as $127,501, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,600.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.

Questions About Edwardian Ruby Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An Edwardian style ring tends to be a large and opulent piece and often worn stacked with other rings. Named after English monarch Edward VII, these rings are known for superb craftsmanship with highly intricate details. Shop a range of rings, including Edwardian style, on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An Edwardian-style ring is an antique ring made between 1900-20. Edwardian rings were usually platinum and included intricate detailing on the band, generally of floral motifs. Find a collection of expertly vetted rings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An Edwardian style ring is a ring dating from, or made in the style of, the period from 1900-1920. Popular features of rings at the time were stacked designs and cuts like the Old Mine and Rose cuts. Shop a collection of antique and modern Edwardian style rings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
    Edwardian-style engagement rings are contemporary engagement rings that reflect the visual traits common during the Edwardian era. Lasting from 1901 through 1910, the era coincided with the reign of King Edward VII in the United Kingdom. Also overlapping with the Belle Époque, which dated from the late 19th century to World War I, the era served as a bridge to the modern era. Nature was a major theme in jewelry, thanks to the influence of the Art Nouveau movement and the tastes of Queen Alexandra, King Edward’s wife. In fact, flowing and floral garland motifs were so popular that the Edwardian period is sometimes called the "garland era." The invention of the oxyacetylene torch enabled jewelers to use platinum for ring designs and to create intricate lacy filigree and exquisite milgrain work. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Edwardian-style engagement rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While some rubies can be very expensive due to their deep color, shine and durability, they are less expensive than diamonds of the same size. As a result they can be a popular alternative to diamonds for an engagement ring. Find plenty of ruby rings on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    What ruby rings symbolize is largely a matter of individual interpretation. Some people associate rubies with passion, while others believe the gemstones signify wealth or protection from evil. On 1stDibs, shop a range of ruby gemstone rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A ruby ring symbolizes love, especially passionate love. A ruby ring also tends to carry connotations such as wealth and success. Find a range of antique and vintage ruby rings on1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Yes, rubies are good for engagement rings. The stone's rarity, beauty, and durability make it a prized gem. These red gemstones represent romance, wealth, and success -- perfect for celebrating an engagement.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What a ruby engagement ring means is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Some people believe rubies represent love, passion and desire, but historically, the gemstone meant nobility and courage. The gem is also the birthstone for July. Find a selection of ruby gemstone rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    How much a red ruby ring is worth will depend on certain quality factors. High-quality ruby rings can range in price from anywhere between $12 to $1,600. The value of a ruby will increase owing to color. Find a collection of red ruby rings on 1stDibs today.