18ct White Gold Ring Set With Ruby
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
18k white gold ring set with ruby paving, very translucent for approximately 1ct in total. Total weight: 4.10gr Size: 54 Proportions of the decorated part: At widest: 1cm At longest:...
Ruby, White Gold
Slim French Cut Red Ruby Art Deco Style Channel Set Eternity Band 14K White Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Discover a beautiful and dainty piece of art deco history. The natural French cut rubies run around the entire ring in an enclosed type of setting.
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Modern Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Presenting a setting in the shape of a swirl, this second- hand ring is decorated in the center of an oval faceted ruby, probably treated, retained with...
Ruby, Gold, 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.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Large Oval Cut Kunzite Ring. 24ct and French Cut Ruby Halo Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Kunzite Center Kunzite Weight: 24.00 carats Center Kunzite Cut: Oval Cut Center Kunzite Color: Excellent Pink Color Saturation Secondary Stones: Ruby,...
Ruby, Kunzite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ruby Ring Ruby 6.4 Carat in 18 Carat White Gold and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Ring 6.4 carat ruby in 18 carat white gold with diamonds 18-carat white gold ring set in its center with a large claw-set ruby weighing 6.4 carats, flanked on either side by two ba...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique French Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.25US / 12gr
Located in SE
Ca. 19th - early 20 cent. French Ruby and Diamonds ring in solid 14K Rose Gold.
Ruby, Diamond, Rose Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Victorian French 3.45 carat total weight diamond and ruby 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This stunning Victorian French ring features five sparkling old European cut diamonds and richly hued oval cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1993 Cartier Mimi Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Mimi ruby and diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold.The ring is composed of an oval cabochon ruby, bezel-set to the centre of a bombe-style band, pavé-...
Diamond, 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
1930s Ruby Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, mascaron hallmark. Geometrically shaped, this superb art deco ring is set in the center of an intense red ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ring Ruby Sapphire circa 1950 Yellow Gold 18 Carat, Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Lovely 1950s ring drawing a knot of twisted 18 Kt (750°/ooo) yellow gold wires set with lines of sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamonds and Ruby 5.01 Carat
Located in Paris, FR
Ring in 18 Carat yellow Gold setting in its center a large Ruby set with Claws weighing 5.01 Carats supported on each side by a Shuttle cut Diamond Dimension 8 x 4.5 mm or approxi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring Ruby 2.3 Carat in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Baguette Diamonds Vintage
Located in Paris, FR
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Ring and Diamonds vintage ring Gadrooned yellow gold ring holding a Ruby of 2.30 Carats set with 4 double claws supported by a Baguette Diamond on either side of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring – 0.35 ct Ruby, 26 Pavé Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Indulge in luxury with this stunning 18K white gold cocktail ring, expertly set with a vivid 0.35 ct oval ruby at its center, flanked by six additional round rubies and accented by 2...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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
Art Deco Mine Cut Diamond & French Cut Ruby Bow Motif Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
The diamond is set in a refined platinum mounting in the shape of a bow, complemented by vibrant red French-cut rubies totaling 0.48 carats. The center of the mounting is accented b...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Wedding Band. 1.30ct French Cut Natural Ruby Eternity Band 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: Approximately 1.30 carats total Center Ruby Cut: French cut Stone Setting: Channel setting Jewelry Type: Wedding band Style: ...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$5,081Sale Price|20% Off
French Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond and Ruby Ring Platinum & Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
This stunning French Art Deco ring exudes timeless sophistication and expert craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.10 ct Ruby diamond cluster ring in 18 karat
Located in PARIS, FR
2.10 ct Ruby diamond cluster ring in 18 karat. Cluster ring centered with a ruby within a surround of 12 diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Details: - 18K yellow gold - Natural ruby, heated - Ruby weight: approximately 2.00 carats - 10 diamonds - Estimated total diamond weight: approximately 0.90 carat - Total weight: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity Platinum Diamond and Ruby Band. Round and French Wedding Ring G-H VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Natural Rubies Center Ruby Weight: 1.05 Carats Total Center Ruby Cut: French Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.55 Carats Total Diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French Mid Century diamond sapphire ruby 18k rose gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vibrant celebration of 1950s French design, this Mid Century ring radiates warmth and color through its rich 18k rose gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Modern 2.95 Carat Ruby Diamond Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats yellow gold. Superb signet ring, it is set on its tray with calibrated ruby lines that continue to the start of the ring and interspersed with lines of brilliant- c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
French Art Deco 1930 Cocktail Ring In Sterling Silver With Synthetic Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring made in France by Maurice Chardeaux. Beautiful cocktail ring, created in Paris France during the art deco period, back in the 1930.
Crystal, Spinel, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Pink Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Bee Fly Ring French Antique Insect Bug Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique French Belle Epoque Bee or Fly Insect Ring set with a very fine Ruby, Pink Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Aquamarine and Ruby Halo Ring. 2.60ct Round Aquamarine Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 2.60 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Secondary Stones: Rubies, Diamonds Ruby Weight: 0.75 carats total Ru...
Diamond, Ruby, Aquamarine, Platinum
Aldebert Contemporary Ruby Diamonds Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
It is a very attractive ring to wear every day. Weight: 6.8 gr Circa: Modern Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold Stones: Diamonds • Cut: Round and Rectangular Cut • Total carat weight: 0....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco French GIA 4.95 carat diamond ruby 18k yellow gold and platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
French hallmarked in 18k yellow gold and platinum at 10.15 grams, and sized 5.5 with room to resize, this is a ring built to be the center of any room — a true showpiece from a golde...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
It is 1.25 carats and is then wonderfully surrounded by french cut rubies. Both the beautifully red rubies and the centre diamond are rub over set.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Ruby Emerald Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This rare Cartier ring features an elegant openwork wide band design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with round red rubies and green emeralds.
Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring contains 12 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.25 carats total and 36 round mixed cut rubies mounted in yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Piaget 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Ruby Possession Ring
By Piaget
Located in Geneva, CH
The hexagonal center ring is turning in between the other 2 bands. Year: 1998 Collection: Possession Material: 18 kt yellow gold and ruby Size: 53 Band width: approx. 0.9cms - 0.35"...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Diamond and French cut Ruby Art Deco Style Band Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Number: 4 Weight: 0.07 Carat (approx. total weight) Accent Gemstones Type: Ruby Shape: French Cut Number: 24 Weight: 0.59 Carat (approx. total weight) This ring will be made to yo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive French vintage ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Daisy Ring with Ruby Center and Diamond Halo
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This platinum daisy ring features an oval ruby at the center, surrounded by a halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds. The ruby presents a vivid red hue with a bright internal glow, off...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K White Gold Marguerite Ruby & Diamond Flower Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This exquisite “Marguerite” ring channels timeless floral elegance with a vibrant ruby at its heart, surrounded by a halo of sparkling white diamonds that mimic the petals of a daisy...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
24 Carat Oval Cut Pink Kunzite Ring. French Ruby Halo Cocktail 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Kunzite Center Kunzite Weight: 24 Carats Center Kunzite Cut: Oval Cut Center Kunzite Color: Excellent Pink Color Saturation Secondary Stones: Rubies, ...
Diamond, Kunzite, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Gold Flush Set Ring with Diamond and Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A beautiful, solid 18 carat yellow gold ring flush and vertically set with a table cut strong purplish-red ruby (unheated circa 1.68 carat Thailand origin) on each side is a carré cu...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Sabba Paris 2.05 ct Burmese Ruby Ring in Platinum Signed
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 2.05 ct. Color/Clarity: Burma No Heat Certifications: Gubelin Size: 6.5 Creator: Sabba Metal: Platinum Weight: 8.0 grams Period: 2014–2020 Condition: Used - Previously ...
Ruby, Platinum
Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band. French Ruby Round Diamond Eternity Band Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamonds and rubies Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.55 carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Ruby Weight: Approximately 0.95 carats Ruby Cut: Fre...
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
DE GRISOGONO 18k white gold RUBY & DIAMOND Ring 6.5
By de GRISOGONO
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic De Grisogono marquise Burmese ruby snake-motif ring crafted in 18K white gold, rising from a sculptural, serpent-like pavé hoop set entirely with black diamonds. The m...
Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mid Century Ruby and Diamond Ring by Chaumet
By Chaumet
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This hand crafted platinum, diamond and ruby ring was manufactured by one of the most esteemed French jewellers, Chaumet.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French Ruby Flower Band with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
An elegant vintage band ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. This piece features three clusters of vibrant round-cut rubies, each formed by five stones, separated by vertical channe...
Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Le Baiser Du Dragon Diamond Ruby Ring by Cartier. With 56 round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approx. 1.68ct This ring comes with Cartier...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
French Art Deco Style Ruby Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Art Deco style ring, it is decorated in the center of a radiant calibrated ruby pattern, of a cabochon sapphire in closed setting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
18K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Bombe Band Ring—21 Diamonds .70 ct, 18 Rubies .60
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
The ring can be custom-sized for your perfect fit. Technical Sheet Metal: 18 K Yellow Gold (750 ‰) Stones: 21 round brilliant diamonds, total approx. 0.70 ct (G–H color, VS–SI clar...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies Yellow gold ring with round cut diamonds and twelve marquise cut rubies around. Rich and stunning design. 8.15 ct of Rubies. 4.10 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow 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 showcases intricate craftsmanship and a beautiful design. The central stone appears to b...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum
1980s 4.70 carats Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
US Size : 8 ; Free resize, please contact us. Antique jewel - French work from the 1980s. Our opinion : The perfect vintage piece for lovers of ruby rings set with a generously sized...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 18K Gold Filigree Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
Crafted from 18K solid gold and weighing 4.10 grams, this exquisite ring showcases masterful openwork craftsmanship. The design features a stunning combination of small and large gen...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring. Centrally set with five rectangular tallow cut natural unenhanced rubies in open back channel settings with a combined approximate weight of...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$7,971Sale Price|20% Off
Engagement Ring Ruby Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Introduce a touch of timeless beauty and dazzling sparkle to your marriage proposal with this magnificent 18-carat white gold engagement ring. Showcasing a 2.06 carat oval ruby, care...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 0.73ct Diamond and Ruby 18k Rose Gold Snake Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The impressive rubies display fine colour and brilliance. The 18k rose gold snake ring is an excellent gauge of gold and is in excellent condition, with clear French hallmarks to the...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Ruby Ring 1.98 K in 18K White Gold, Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
1.98 carat ruby ring and diamonds in 18 carat white gold in a petticoat shape.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Yellow + White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow and White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2 round brilliant cut diamonds, VVS1 Clarity, E Color and 2 princess cut Rubies. This rare and authentic...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Cartier Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1975
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier ruby, sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. Set with five octagonal emerald-cut diamonds in open back claw settings with a combined approximate weight of 1.00 carats, further s...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Vintage Yellow Gold Ring Lab Grown Ruby IGI Certified
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Vintage Yellow Gold Ring with Lab Grown Ruby is a captivating piece of jewelry that combines timeless elegance with modern sophistication.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring 2.36 K in 18K White Gold, Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
2.36 carat ruby and diamond ring in 18 carat white gold in skirted shape. 18-carat white gold, ruby and diamond ring holding a 2.36-carat ruby in its center surrounded by Bague...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This stunning art deco ring features a deep red, natural ruby, surrounded by old cut diamonds. The ruby weighs 0.50 carat and has been bar set using platinum. The halo of diamonds ha...
Diamond, Ruby, 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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