9K Solid White Gold Natural Garnet Victorian Style Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZE...
Garnet, 9k Gold, White Gold
9K White Gold Naurtal Blue Topaz & Diamond Vintage Cluster Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This ring is made from 9K White Gold with Genuine Diamond (0.7ct) and Genuine Natural Blue Topaz.
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, White Gold
Effy Serpenti 14K Gold Ring with White and Black Diamonds & Emeralds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Wrap Snake Ring Metal: 14K Gold Metal Color: Yellow Stone: Round Emerald 0.63 Stone 2: Round Diamond 0.11 Stone 3: Round Black Diamond 0.02 Lengt...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
10k White Gold Natural Diamond & Peridot womens Cluster Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Diamond, Peridot, White Gold
9K White Gold Natural Marquise Colourful Opal & Amethyst Cluster Flower Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
Can be given as a gift or to treat yourself. CUSTOMIZE THIS RING This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum an...
Amethyst, Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold
Dainty 9k White Gold Heart Design Natural Garnet Solitaire Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Garnet, 9k Gold, White Gold
9k White Gold Natural Deep Blue Sapphire & Diamond Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you have specific requirements for the stones, please contact our friendly team and we'll do our best to accommodate. CUSTOMIZE THIS RING This ring can be customized to your requ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold
$3,265Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.68TCW Natural Diamond Eternity Band Ring with Oval Cut Emerald 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Genuine 2.68TCW SI/H Natural Diamond Emerald Ring 14k White Gold Jewelry Gift.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
9K White Gold Natural Aquamarine & Sapphire Womens Band Snake Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Aquamarine, Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold
$4,082Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.68 TCW SI/H Natural Diamond & Emerald Band Ring 18k White Gold Bridesmaid Gift
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Genuine 2.68TCW SI/H Natural Diamond Emerald Ring 18k White Gold Jewelry Gift.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
9k White Gold Oval Natural London Blue Topaz with Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR SIZE FROM THE DROPDOWN MENU BUT YOU CAN ALSO ADD A MESSAGE WITH YOUR USA/UK/EUROPEAN FINGER SIZE IF YOU KNOW IT. < CUSTOMIZE THIS RING > We can make this ring t...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Natural Amethyst Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZE...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold
10k White Gold Natural Amethyst Trilogy Ring - Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZE...
Amethyst, 10k Gold, White Gold
10k White Gold Pearl & Amethyst Womens Trilogy Ring - Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
CUSTOMIZATION This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination you would like.
Amethyst, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold
Solid 10k White Gold Natural Tanzanite Womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
CUSTOMISATION This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination you would like.
Tanzanite, 10k Gold, White Gold
English 9K White Gold Large Elongated Colourful Opal Trilogy Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
All the Gemstones are Genuine Natural Gemstones. CUSTOMIZE THIS RING It can also be made to order in Platinum, 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K Yellow, Rose or White Gold or 925 Sterling Silve...
Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold
Solid 18k White Gold Natural Garnet Womens Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
Solid 10k White Gold Natural Sapphire Womens Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Natural Opal & Garnet Womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
CUSTOMIZATION This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination you would like.
Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Natural Citrine & Pearl Womens Trilogy Ring - Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Citrine, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Solid 14K White Gold Natural Tanzanite & Pearl Womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Pearl, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Solid 10k White Gold Natural Blue Topaz Womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMISA...
Blue Topaz, 10k Gold, White Gold
Solid 9k White Gold Natural Peridot & Pearl womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMISA...
Pearl, Peridot, 9k Gold, White Gold
Rainbow Galaxy Confetti Cigar Band, 8.5mm Wide 14K White Gold Satin Finish
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
The details for this beautiful ring are listed below: Metal Quality: 14 karat (stamped) Gemstone Total Weight: 1.36 Carats Gemstones: Yellow and Orange and Pink and Blue Sapphires, R...
Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Ruby, Sap...
10k White Gold Natural Blue Sapphire Trilogy Ring, Modern Design Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
These are Genuine Natural Sapphires. *This 3 stones ring is made from 10K Gold prong setting with Natural Precious Sapphires.
Blue Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold
$3,933Sale Price / item|20% Off
Chic Star Ruby Diamond Yellow 14k Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings, Necklace and Bracelet Available) Diamond 1-0,03 ct Diamond 20-0,21 ct Diamond 11-0,03 ct Ruby 28-0,32ct Weight 2,66 grams With a herita...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$2,260
H 0.23 in W 0.82 in L 1.13 in
18k Rose Gold Genuine Burmese Jadeite Pendant Necklace with Diamond & Ruby
Located in Portland, OR
W;0.073 ct, Ruby,0.07 ct Diamond Color: H-G Chain Length: 16-18 In ( Adjustable ) Necklace Pendant Dimensions(LWH): 28.7mm * 20.6 mm * 5.8mm Chain Style: 18 k rose or yellow solid Ro...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$3,742Sale Price / item|20% Off
Impressive Blue Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Earrings
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 2-RND-0,01-G/VS2A Ruby 40-0,56ct Ruby 18-3,4ct Weight 3.66 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,193 / item
Explosion Ruby 4, 7 ct Yellow 18K Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 18K Ruby 39-4,7 ct Weight 7,04 grams Size 7,2 US With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery brand, which crea...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Solid 9K Rose Gold Natural Tanzanite Victorian Anniversary Band Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
All the Gemstones are Genuine Natural Gemstones. Completely made from Solid English 9K Gold Hallmarked by the London Assay Office which confirms the rings authenticity.
Tanzanite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
9K White Gold Natural Peridot Vintage Inspired Solitaire Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZE...
Peridot, 9k Gold, White Gold
Solid Sterling Silver Natural Garnet Victorian Style Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
CUSTOMISATION This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination you would like.
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Solid Sterling Silver Natural Opal Womens Cluster Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Opal, Sterling Silver
14K English White Gold Natural Marquise Amethyst & Pearl Cluster Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZE...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Solid 9K White Gold Natural Amethyst & Precious Diamond Snake Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Choose from Yellow, Rose or White Gold. The detailed carving around the face and along the complete length of the ring makes it a highly individual piece.
Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold
Solid 925 Sterling Silver Pearl & Peridot womens Cluster Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMISA...
Pearl, Peridot, Sterling Silver
925 Sterling Silver Natural Emerald Womens Solitaire Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Emerald, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Natural Aquamarine & Opal Victorian Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZE...
Aquamarine, Opal, Sterling Silver
$1,966Sale Price / item|20% Off
Classic Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Earrings
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Ring Available) Diamond 84-RND-0,25-G/VS1A Ruby 4-0,85ct Ruby 2-0,24ct Weight 2 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions,...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Solid Sterling Silver Five Stone Natural Opal Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
CUSTOMIZE THIS RING This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination you would like.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Cultured Pearl Daisy Ring - Made in UK - Fully Hallmarked
Located in Chesham, GB
This is a delightful piece to wear, comfortable and easy to wear everyday, large enough to be noticed but not too overpowering, This beautiful ring will look lovely for any occasion...
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Victorian style Sterling Silver Turquoise & Pearl Womens band Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Pearl, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
$420Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.2 in L 7 in
14K Yellow Gold Round Ruby Chain Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold Handmade jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bracelet features a 0.75 ct round-cut ruby set in a smooth bezel setting, crafted in 14K solid yellow gold.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
925 Sterling Silver Natural Vibrant Aquamarine Solitaire Style Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZE...
Aquamarine, Sterling Silver
English 9K White Gold Natural 1.3ct Emerald & 0.36ct 1/3ct Diamond Accent Engage
Located in Chesham, GB
This gorgeous ring is made from 375 9K (9ct 9Kt) White Gold with Genuine Natural Precious Emerald & Genuine Precious Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, White Gold
English Solid Sterling Silver 7 Stone Tanzanite Half Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZE...
Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
Modern Multi Sapphire Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Hoop Earrings
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K Yellow Gold Earrings (Matching Ring Available) Tsavorite 2-0,02 ct Blue Sapphire 6-0,08 ct Ruby 2-0,02 ct Pink Sapphire 6 ct Orange Sapphire 2,02 ct Yellow Sapphire 4-0,05 ct ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 925 Sterling Silver Pearl & Tanzanite womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMISA...
Pearl, Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
925 Solid Sterling Silver Natural Tanzanite Womens Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
CUSTOMIZATION This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination you would like.
Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
925 Sterling Silver Natural Tanzanite & Pearl Womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
If you know your US, UK, Australian or European Finger Size then please include this as a note attached to your order otherwise we will work to the size you have selected. CUSTOMIZA...
Pearl, Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
$5,945
W 0.61 in L 6.75 in
Vintage Solid Yellow Gold Pearl Ruby Cluster Floral Braided Rope Chain Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 41.0 Grams Type: Floral Pearl & Ruby Center w/ Braided Rope Edges Length: 7.5” (measured on ruler) can comfortably fit 6.75” wrist Closure: B...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,743Sale Price / item|20% Off
Classic Ruby Diamond Yellow 14k Gold Necklace for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Necklace Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings, Ring and Bracelet Available) Diamond 1-0,03 ct Diamond 8-0,1 ct Diamond 11-0,03 ct Ruby 28-0,32ct Size 45cm Weight 3,63 grams With ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Classic Ruby Diamond Yellow 14k Gold Necklace for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Necklace Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings, Ring and Bracelet Available) Diamond 1-0,03 ct Diamond 8-0,1 ct Diamond 11-0,03 ct Ruby 28-0,32ct Size 45cm Weight 3,63 grams With ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,590 / item
W 0.31 in L 18 in
Minimalist 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Ruby Solitaire Pendant Necklace 18 Inches
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This solitaire pendant necklace featuring a 0.86 carat emerald-cut ruby, crafted in 18K yellow gold. The ruby measures approximately 6 x 4 mm and secured in a four prong setting that...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,800 / item
W 0.23 in L 18 in
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Drop Station Necklace with Diamond Accents Layering Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This drop station necklace features a 1.42‑carat pear‑cut ruby set in 14K yellow gold. Each ruby measures approximately 4 x 3.5 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Every Day Pink Yellow Blue Sapphire Ruby Yellow 14K Gold Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Yellow Gold 14K Earrings (Matching Ring Available) Blue Sapphire 2-1,09 2/3A Blue Sapphire 6-0,34 2/3A Pink Sapphire 2-1,02 ct Yellow Sapphire 6-2,04 ct Ruby 2- 1,09 ct Weight 5,...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$840 / item
W 0.25 in L 18 in
14K Yellow Gold Heart-Shaped Natural Ruby Solitaire Pendant Necklace for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This delicate necklace features a single heart-shaped natural ruby totaling 0.8 carats, measuring approximately 5.5 x 4.5 mm, set in 14K yellow gold.
Ruby, Gold, 14k 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.