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.
Early 2000s French Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Rene Boivin Paris Quatre Corps Ruby Diamond Gold Vintage Ring
By Rene Bovin
Located in Greenwich, CT
Center of attention. This Rene Boivin Paris 'Quatre Corps' ruby, diamond, and gold vintage ring is both eye-catching and collectible. Boivin hallmarks. Circa 1960. Ruby weight 5....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s 10 Carat Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
This beautiful 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring has a central cabochon ruby of approximately 10 carats and approximately 3 carats round cut diamonds.
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
Modern Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Heart Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : A ruby and diamond ring that will seal your affection.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
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
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
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
Tabbah Cabochon-Ruby and Diamond Platinum and Gold Ring
By Tabbah
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Elegant 18 kt Gold and Platinum Ring. cabochon ruby : 1.77 carat Diamonds: 1.88 carat FG VS
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
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
Sophia D. Yellow Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
This Sophia D. Art Deco style ring showcases a 1.31-carat yellow diamond at its center, complemented by 0.16 carats of accent diamonds and 1.90 total carat of rubies. Crafted in plat...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby
Art Deco ruby diamond ring in 18 karat gold and platinum, synthetic rubies
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco ruby diamond ring in 18 karat gold and platinum. This Art Deco ring is set with synthetic rubies, the central one weighing 1.78 carats. It is flanked by two pear-shaped synt...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Floral Cocktail Ring Ruby, Emerald, Sapphires
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Bring a feminine flair to your ensemble with this ultra-rare VCA cocktail ring. Circa 1950's, this cocktail ring is made from platinum and weighs 12.09 total grams. This beautiful ri...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold
18ct Gold Ring Set With A Ruby Surrounded By Brilliants
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
18ct gold ring set with a natural ruby with a heat treatment of 1.60ct surrounded by brilants for 0.45ct circa 1960/1970 free size offered
Ruby, Gold
1925 Opal Calibrated Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Sublime antique ring, it is decorated with an Australian opal cabochon set with claws, surrounded by calibrated synthesis rubies.
Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring 18K White Gold Wide Band Bow
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring 18K White Gold Wide Band Bow This high-end estate ring is finely crafted in solid 18K White gold and set with the highest quality Earth-mined French-cut Ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This second hand ring is set with an oval ruby in closed setting, surrounded by gadroons alternating on each side with 2x2 diamonds and from top to bott...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Massive second-hand ring, asymmetrically set on the front with a pear-cut ruby and a line of 10 modern brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Rubies Cultured Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Second hand gold ring, its setting forms a swirl on the front adorned with a line of seven small round rubies.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Calibré Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring, 5 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural crossover ring composed of meticulously set calibré-cut rubies, arranged in two opposing bombé forms that meet in a soft, fluid intersection. The rubies—totaling approxi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Duchess Ring 18K Gold Rose Cut Diamonds and Rubies
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This refined antique Duchess ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold (750‰) and exemplifies the elegance of late 19th to early 20th century jewelry design. The composition features ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Ellipse Yellow Gold Ring Two Crossed Heads with Rubies
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size 51 Original Box This exceptional Cartier Ellipse ring is a refined example of the Maison’s timeless elegance and masterful design. Crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, th...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$22,360Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER London 1960 Gipsy Ring In Platinum With Burmese Ruby & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A platinum ring with ruby designed by Cartier. This is a beautiful and very rare vintage ring created in London England by the French jewelry house of Cartier, between the 1955 and ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
Chanel Ruby And Yellow Sapphire Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
With 1 Yellow Sapphire totaling .10ct 6 rubies 3mm each 1 small ruby on the side Details: Ring Size: 5 Width: 10mm Weight: 16.5 grams Stamped Hallmarks: Chanel 750 9C606 1A1251 Fren...
Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$12,500
French Art Deco Temple Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
French Art Deco Temple Ring in 18k gold rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art deco natural Burmese ruby and diamond ring, circa 1935.
Located in London, GB
Art deco natural Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with an octagonal double brilliant cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby to centre with an approximate weight of 2.67 carats in an o...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Yellow gold half-eternity ring with diamonds and rubies, 18K
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
The ring weighs 6.2 g and is currently a French size 49; resizing is available on request.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diabolo Invisible Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Invisible Set Ruby Diabolo Ring by Cartier. With 12 round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity and G color approx. .50ct total weight 8 rubies total weight...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Style Ruby Solitaire Ring in Handmade Diamond-Set Platinum Mount
By Sebastien Barier
Located in New York, NY
Mount by Sebastien Barier, France. Ruby 1.84 ct. Atw diamonds 1.00 ct. Current ring size: US 6 1/2 (Please contact us with re-sizing inquiries.)
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$16,676Sale Price|20% Off
Cocktail Ring Ruby White Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
At the centre of this ring is an exceptional oval red ruby of incredible purity and an impressive weight of 4.89 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
beautiful yellow gold flower ring with rubies and diamond
Located in Berlin, BE
Behold a dreamlike creation, a 14-karat yellow gold ring that exudes unrivaled elegance and grace. This enchanting ring is a masterpiece of refinement, boasting a motif that showcase...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Rare Rouleaux 18K White Gold Onyx, Ruby And Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Size: US 5 Metal: 18K White Gold Diamonds: Approximately 1.86 Carats Total Weight Onyx: Approximately 5.00 Carats Total Weight Rubies: Approximately 1.50 Carats Total Weight Signed C...
Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Art Nouveau ring, it is formed of 2 patterns in the shape of leaf carried out in green gold which surround a central round ruby set with claws, 2 antique brilliant- cut diamonds are ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$8,081Sale Price|20% Off
Ring Certified Ruby "Pigeon Blood" White Gold 18 carats, Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
Ring Certified Ruby "Vivid Red" "Pigeon Blood" White Gold 18 carats, Diamonds This 18-carat white gold ring is set with a natural "Vivid Red" "Pigeon Blood" ruby, certified by GIL ...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18K Gold Marquise Ring with Rose-Cut Diamonds and Ruby
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This antique marquise ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with a vivid natural ruby at its center, framed by a halo of rose-cut diamonds. The elongated marquise silhouette giv...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Diamond Art Retro Style Unisex Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bold retro-style unisex ring featuring a rich arrangement of rubies set in a striking stepped geometric design.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Jumelle Grand Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Ruby by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Jumelle Grand Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Ruby by MARIANNE CANARELLI.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ruby diamond second hand ring, its shuttle-shaped setting is adorned in the center with a probably treated marquise-cut ruby, held in 4 claws and surrounded by 14 modern brilliant-cu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Shuttle Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Second- hand ring known as marquise, it is set in the center of an oval ruby surrounded by 16 diamonds brilliant- cut set with claws.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
George Gero 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 2.90 Carat Ruby Ring
By George Gero
Located in New York, NY
Designed by George Gero, this 18kt yellow gold gents ring is set with 12 square cut Rubies in a concave cloute (small gold beads) setting. The shank has 3 ribbed sections that go al...
Ruby, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Invisible Mystery Set Ruby & Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (16) Natural Genuine Ruby - Square French Cut - Invisible Mystery Set - Vivid Deep Red Color - 2.5mm each (approx.) (38) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Belle Epoque Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring w Openwork Band
Located in Baltimore, MD
Paris in the Belle Époque was a period in the history of the city between the years 1871 to 1914, until the First World War. This period realized the construction of the Eiffel Towe...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
1950s Ruby Sapphire 18 Karat Rose Gold Ball Retro Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, own hallmark. Icon of the 1950's, this ring is set with 5 round rubies and 4 round sapphires in star settings.
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This bypass style ring has been crafted by French jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels from rubies and diamonds set in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 1.50 Carat Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This second- hand ring is decorated with a treated oval ruby set with 4 claws, on a surround of brilliant- cut diamonds. On either side of the head, the...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
This one is surrounded by cushion-cut rubies then rose cut diamonds cut into pink. Height : 16.6 mm approximately, width : 9 mm approximately, thickness : 3.8 mm approximately, widt...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Large Cabochon Burmese No Heat Ruby Diamond Gold Ring GIA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Large 11ct Burmese No Heat Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 20 round brilliant cut diamonds, VVS1 Clarity, E Color. Total Diamond Weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Modern Peridot Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
In the spirit of tank rings, this second-hand gold ring features two half-moon-cut peridots on top and a line of 3 baguette-cut rubies in the center.
Diamond, Peridot, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct White Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous ruby and diamond cluster ring set in 18ct white gold is the dream vintage ruby engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Second-Hand Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lovely ruby and diamond ring, its setting is mounted on top with an oval ruby held by four prongs.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Baume Creation Rubies E.VVS Diamond Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
This timeless trilogy ring is set with a brilliant-cut diamond in the center, held in place by 4 claws, and with 2 pear-cut rubies on either side of the head at the start of the ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER ring in yellow gold with emeralds, sapphires, rubies and diamonds
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier vintage ring with a floral motif, in 18k yellow gold, featuring emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Ring with Center Stone Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
14 Karat White Gold Ring with Center Stone Ruby and Diamonds Lovely gold ring with center oval cut Ruby and band filled with diamonds. Ruby is 2.5 ct. Quality diamonds G VS2 total of...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Art Deco Platinum Diamond & Ruby Ring — Old Cut ~0.60 ct
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A commanding 1950s Art-Deco inspired ring crafted in solid platinum, where vintage geometry meets luminous sparkle. At its heart sits an old-cut diamond (estimated ~0.60 carat) bezel...
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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