Old European Cut Halo Ring. 1.50ct Diamond French Ruby Halo Ring Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French 20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Authentic antique jewel - French work from the 20th century. Our opinion : Feminine and original, this antique ruby diamond ring would make a lovely engagement ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier 18K oOo Ruby Diamond Ring with Certification Papers. Stamped Cartier 750
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold French Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920’s Fabulous French Art Deco Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
French 1980s 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Revival Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant and distinctive French Art Deco Revival ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, dating to the 1980s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 14K Yellow Gold Carved Emerald, Ruby & Diamond Double Flower Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Additional round-cut diamonds and emeralds accent the petals, adding dimensional sparkle and depth to the ornate design. The ring is stamped with a French hallmark, indicating fine E...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s French 2.05 Carat Diamond and Oval Cut Ruby Color Doublet Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage French 2.05 carat diamond, ruby coloured doublet (artificial) and 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold set cluster ring; part of our vintage jewelry and esta...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1940s Ruby Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Patriotic Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
US Size : 6 ; Free resize, please contact us. Antique jewel - French work from the 1940s. Our opinion: Well in its troubled times, this antique sapphire ruby diamond ring shows its a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
IGI Certified French Cocktail Ring 18kt Yellow/White Gold with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Width: 0,8cm Top Length: 1cm Top Height: 0,5cm Band Width: 0,2cm This IGI Certified French Cocktail Ring is an elegant creation crafted in 18kt yellow and white gold, combining ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
BENJAMIN FINE JEWELRY 3.19 cts French Cut Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring
By Benjamin Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Our creations span from diamonds and emeralds to rubies and sapphires. 3.19 cts French Cut Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring 18K, Yellow Gold Ruby : 3.19 cts White Diamond : 0.05 cts Or...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Art Deco Platinum 2 Carat Old-Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring, circa 1920
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Period: Art Deco, circa 1920s Origin: France Metal: Platinum Stones: Old-cut diamond, calibré-cut rubies and small diamonds Central diamond weight: Approximately 2 carats Weight: 4.1...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier "Americana" Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier "Americana" Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Description: Designed by Oscar Heyman for Cartier, this refined band ring features three parallel rows of channel-set square-cut ge...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Pear-Shaped Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pear-Shaped Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring Description: This ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a sophisticated pear-shaped design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Border Ring
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring Description: This ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a vintage-inspired marquise design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
French 1920s Art Deco Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
In the center, an oval ruby is set in a bezel. On either side of the head, the ring is made of gold wires that meet and a shield motif set with a small rose-cut diamond.
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French 1925s Art Deco Diamonds Verneuil Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
A charming antique ring, it features a flat oval setting, with a synthetic verneuil ruby set in the center, surrounded by rose-cut diamonds and triangular synthetic verneuil rubies.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Retro 1.14 Carat GIA Old Mine Cut Diamond & Ruby Tank Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Retro 1.14 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond & Ruby Tank Ring composed of 18k yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, French, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Antique diamond and ruby target ring. Centrally set with a round transitional cut diamond, F colour, VS1 clarity with an approximate weight of 2.46 carats, in an open back rubover se...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Half Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Ring. French Ruby Halo Ring Platinum J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Asscher Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certif...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamond French Cut Ruby Halo Statement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Centered around a brilliant round diamond, this Diamond Statement Ring is enhanced by a vibrant French Cut Ruby halo and a sparkling Diamond Halo in 18K white gold.
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage French Mid-Century 18K Yellow Gold “Tank-Style” Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A striking example of mid-century French design, this solid 18K yellow gold ring (hallmarked “750”) presents a bold “tank” silhouette.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s French natural fancy yellow diamond, Old Mine cut diamond and ruby ring
Located in London, GB
This delicate 1880s ring carries the French Assay mark. It has a central fancy yellow Old Mine cut diamond of approximately 1 carat and is surrounded by approximately 1.1 carat of Ol...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Boucheron Natural Burma Ruby Diamond Ring
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Boucheron Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.96 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ruby & Diamond Navette Ring, Natural Unheated, 18K Gold French - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique French 18ct gold diamond navette ring made c.1890.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Retro French Ruby and Diamond Tie Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1950
Located in Vannes, FR
Elegant French retro ring in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring a distinctive tie (cravate) design from the style1940s–1950s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1960s Ruby Diamond Platinum Dome Ring 6.5
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage dome ring, circa 1960s, is made of solid platinum and features a bold geometric design set with a total of 1.83 carats of French-cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Burma no heat Ruby, Antique 18K Gold & Platinum Ruby Marguerite Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This antique marguerite ring is crafted in 18K gold with a platinum-topped setting and features a vibrant 1.33-carat unheated Burmese ruby at its center. The ruby’s rich color is com...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ruby Wedding Band. 1.30ct French Cut Natural Ruby Eternity Band Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Ruby Ruby Weight: 1.30 carats Ruby Type: Natural Ruby Cut: French Cut Ruby Color: Red Stone Setting: Channel Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: Eternity...
Ruby, Platinum
Vintage French 2.28 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage French ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.70 Carat Round Brilliant Ring. Diamond French Ruby Halo Engagement Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Beneath the center stone, the platinum under-gallery features graceful arch-like openwork filigree that gives the ring an airy and intricate character. Handcrafted in platinum, the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Pigeon Blood Rubies
Located in Vannes, FR
A refined antique ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, showcasing a harmonious arrangement of five bezel-set gemstones. The composition features two oval-cut diamonds of exceptional...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Eternity Ruby Band. 1.30ct French Cut Natural Ruby Eternity Band Platinum 2.40mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 1.30 Carats Total Center Ruby Cut: French Cut Center Ruby Color: Red Stone Setting: Channel-Set with Fine Milgrain Detailing ...
Ruby, Platinum
18ct White Gold, 1930s French Stamped, Two Row Diamond & Ruby Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Crafted in 18ct white gold, this exquisite ring features two rows of dazzling French white diamonds and an oval-faceted ruby, adding a touch of timeless elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 0.70ct Diamond and Ruby 18k Rose Gold Tank Ring, Circa 1940
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Retro jewelry design was born from a world at war and a longing for glamour undimmed by it, and this circa 1940 French tank ring is a study in that confident, architectural spirit.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1930s French, Diamond and Ruby Cross Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Cocktail Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum- French Hallmarked Circa 1930s Step into the elegance of the 1930s with this stunning Art Deco cocktail ring, a true masterpiece ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1940s Mauboussin Paris Platinum Burma Ruby Diamond Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Mauboussin Paris ruby and diamond ring, finely crafted in platinum and centered with an oval cabochon Burma ruby weighing approximately 2.60 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$12,860Sale Price|55% Off
Ruby ring black silver Large Statement Christmas gift idea Ruby wedding gothic
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This remarkable wide band ring celebrates the enduring symbolism of ivy - a plant long cherished for its resilience, fidelity, and timeless vitality. Crafted in patinated silver, the...
Ruby, Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby French Blue Glass Love Intaglio Cocktail Ring
By Seal & Scribe
Located in San Diego, CA
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby French Blue Glass Intaglio Cocktail Love Ring MAKER: Seal & Scribe CIRCA: c. 2023 STYLE: Contemporary METAL: 18K Yellow Gold STONES: Ruby CONDITION: Ne...
Ruby, 18k Gold
French Belle Epoque Certificated Unheated Burma Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, England
This is the one of the finest ruby rings we have ever seen. The stone, which is a natural un-heated Burma ruby , is very clear and full of fire.
18k Gold
Antique 1920s Burmese Ruby Platinum Engraved Eternity Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This antique 1920s Burmese ruby eternity ring is a beautiful piece of history. 38 French cut rubies are channel set in the platinum band which features milgrain and hand-engraved det...
Ruby, Platinum
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring — Marquise Center Ruby
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This elegant cluster ring is crafted in 18K white gold and features a vivid marquise-cut ruby at its center, framed by a halo of sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds. The deep pink-red r...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Art Deco Synthetic Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring, 18K Gold, Circa 1920's
Located in Chatham, CA
French Art Deco Synthetic Ruby and Diamond halo ring - featuring a milgrain set Emerald cut lab grown Ruby (approx. 3.79 carats - 12 x 9 x 4 mm.) - surrounded by 18 round prong set o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Mughal Style Ruby & Emerald Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Mughal Style Ruby & Emerald Cocktail Dome Ring. A dome ring featuring a center cabochon emerald surrounded by small cabochon rubies, emeralds & round cut diamonds. Circa 1...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Ruby Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The "Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Ruby Ring" is a classic and elegant piece of jewelry that combines the timeless beauty of yellow gold with the rich, vibrant color of rubies. The ring i...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring 18K Solid Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring 18K Solid Gold Marquise cluster ring featuring a vivid natural ruby framed by glittering old cut diamonds. Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, this antique...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Ruby Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-karat gold band ring with three oval-faceted rubies, each flanked by two brilliant-cut diamonds, signed and numbered: VCA for Van Cleef & Arpels, B5211G64, with hallmarks for: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French Belle Epoque Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Emerald Sz 7.5 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Charming French antique Belle Epoque ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1900s). 7 small rose cut diamonds, 6 rubies and 6 emeralds adorn the mount.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
vintage 18k gold ring with ruby
Located in Berlin, BE
Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of this exquisite 18k yellow gold ring, a true statement of charm, beauty, and elegance. The centerpiece of this ring is an opulent, clear ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 19th Century Rubies Fine Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Silver 3 Rings
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : This ruby and fine pearl ring is an elegant and sophisticated piece.
Ruby, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Silver, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
1950s Burma No Heat Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Roma, RM
Radiating the glamour and refined craftsmanship of the 1950s, this exceptional cocktail ring showcases a vivid natural Burmese ruby as its captivating centerpiece. We guarantee the r...
Diamond, Ruby
Van Cleef & Arpels French 1980's Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Buckle Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed buckle motif ring centering rows of prong set round cut rubies Weighing approximately 3.18 carats total - transparent medium purplish red in color Surrounded by b...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity 18K Gold Alternate Ruby Diamond Band. French and Round Cut Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Ruby, Diamond Ruby Weight: 0.40 carats Ruby Cut: French Cut Diamond Weight: 0.25 carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Stone Setting: Bezel Set J...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This striking marquise-shaped ring is crafted in polished 18K yellow gold and accented with white gold details, creating a refined two-tone effect. At its center sits an oval ruby of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby White Gold and Platinum Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful group of 6 rubies surrounding a center stone set in 18 kt gold
Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby and Diamond Wedding Ring. 0.50ct French 1ct Round Platinum Eternity
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Ruby, Diamond Ruby Weight: Approximately 1.00 carats Ruby Cut: French Cut Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50 carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 18k White Gold 1.80ctw GIA European Diamond French Cut Ruby Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Bezel Set - J Color - SI2 Clarity - 1.08ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Ring Ruby 6.8 Carat in 18 Carat White Gold Triangle Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
18K White Gold Ruby Ring and Diamonds 18K white gold ring set with a large composite ruby of 6.80 Carats set with 4 double claws supported on either side by a Triangle-shaped diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 19th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
On either side, two chased gold clasps mark the start of the wide ring. Total ruby weight : 0,10 carat approximately.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Gorgeous gold ring with a center stone ruby and side diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 20th Century 1, 17 Carat Certified Natural Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Certified natural unheated ruby. Height : 13,8 mm, width : 16,5 mm approximately, thickness : 4,3 mm approximately, width of the ring at the base : 2,4 mm approximately.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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