18k Yellow Gold, 0.81CT Natural Ruby, Diamond Ring, Laurenti
By Laurenti
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, timeless, and effortlessly wearable, this 0.81-carat natural ruby and diamond ring celebrates the enduring beauty of one of the world's most coveted gemstones.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1.70 Ct Impressive Natural Untreated Ruby & Natural Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.70 Carats Impressive Natural Untreated Ruby and Natural Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Total Red Ruby Weight is Approx. 1.50 Carats Ruby Treatment: Untreated Center Ruby Measures: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Ruby 0.36ct & Diamond Ring in 14K Gold, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby and a di...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Ruby Diamond Ring 18 Karat Natural Baguette Ruby and Natural Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Statement Impressive bold and Royal. 18k Yellow Gold approx 12.50 grams Finger size 8 (can be resized) Taper Baguettes Natural Ruby Approx 2.10 carat AA Natural Round Diamonds appr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Gold, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat white gold and features a ruby ge...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 0.30cts Ruby & 0.15cts Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made, radiant-shaped Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a Ruby gemstone set within a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Natural 0.36cts Ruby & 0.50cts Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat yellow gold and features a RUBY gemstone set within a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond 0.40 carats 18 Karat Rose Gold Natural Rubies Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Immerse yourself in the unparalleled elegance of this exquisite 18 KT Rose Gold statement ring, where the allure of radiant Rubies meets the timeless beauty of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
9.50Ct Natural Ruby 14K Solid Yellow Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
9.50 Carats Natural Ruby 14K Solid Yellow Gold Eternity Ring Natural Round Ruby Weight is: Approx. 9.50 Carats Ruby Measures: Approx. 6 x 4mm Ruby Treatment: Fracture Filing Rin...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crafted with delicate detailing, this ring beautifully blends vintage style with the fiery allure of natural ruby.
Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 2.25cts Ruby & 0.66cts Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning floral-inspired ring showcases vivid pear-shaped rubies, artfully arranged as ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$6,993Sale Price|40% Off
Yin and Yang Ruby Ring Gold Natural Bicolor Red Ruby July Birthstone
Located in Berlin, DE
14K white gold ring with natural Star Ruby ruby origin - Thailand stone measurements - 0.16 x 0.28 x 0.28 in / 4 x 7 mm ruby weight - 2.10 carats ring size - 7 US ring weight - 3.22...
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Natural Pink Ruby Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Pink Ruby Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Cocktail This gorgeous estate ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White gold and set with natural Earth mined Pink Ruby and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Size This stunning ring features one oval ruby (9 mm x 7 mm) surrounded by eight round brilliant diamonds set in classic 14...
Ruby, White Gold
Ruby Band 14kt Yellow Gold Stunning Natural Rubies Wedding Band Stacking Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elegant and simple wedding band with natural rubies in 14KT yellow gold. GOLD: 14KT gold NATURAL RUBIES (S) Clarity/Color: Slightly Included/Red Carat:0.50ct Grams:3.37 size: 6.25 It...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Chevron Ruby Band Ring 0.50 Carat Natural Mozambique Ruby Band
Located in Jaipur, IN
Modern elegance meets minimalist design in this 14K Yellow Gold Chevron Ruby Band Ring, featuring a striking geometric silhouette accented with vivid natural Mozambique rubies.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.65 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond White Gold Bridal Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.65 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring This ring has a 1.07 Carat Oval Cut Burmese Ruby that is set in the center and is surrounded by Natural Round Cut Diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1ct Natural Rubies Enamel Estate 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Estate vintage enamel bone deco 1 carat natural round ruby ring. Ruby plate is interchangeable to optional necklace wear.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Marquise Ruby Ring 14K Gold Vintage Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Marquise Ruby Ring 14K White Gold Vintage Cocktail This nice vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Victorian Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This cocktail ring showcases an oval shaped natural ruby at the center, symbolizing love and passion.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Natural 3.01cts Ruby & Diamond 1.48cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a RUBY gemstone...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Ring 1.79 Ct Ruby 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
A vivid natural ruby takes center stage in this striking 18K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring, surrounded by a radiant arrangement of pear-shaped natural diamonds that create ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Ruby 2.69ct Radiant Ring in 14K Gold, Designer, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a gemstone set ...
Ruby, 14k Gold
$493Sale Price|35% Off
Certified Natural Diamond - Real Ruby Ring White Gold Vermeil Ring cocktail Ring
Located in Delhi, DL
Natural Ruby natural Diamond white gold Vermeil ring / Band consists of: Gross weight- 5.100grams Metal- Silver Metal purity- 925 sterling silver Metal color- White gold Vermeil Met...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, White Gold
.50ct Natural Ruby Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring 14kt Gold 67121*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
.50ct natural rubies ring .03ct natural diamonds 14kt yellow gold 3.8 grams size 7.75 13 x 12 deck 8mm depth
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
14K Gold Ruby Emerald Anniversary Band 0.70 Ct Natural Ruby Channel Set Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Ruby and Emerald Band Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone Ring, Unique Designer Band, Natural Ruby and Emerald Jewelry** Distinctive, elegant, and thoughtfully crafted, this 14K yellow...
Ruby, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$6,031Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 5, 89 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This beautiful and bright cocktail ring is set in the center with one large natural Pear Cabochon Cut Ruby with a vibrant and rich color, weight 5,89 ct. surrounded by 0,50 of colorl...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 5 This stunning ring features one pear shaped ruby (7 mm x 5 mm), ten round brilliant cut diamonds, 14 baguette diamonds set...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Natural 18K Gold Diamond and Ruby Halo Ring, New Design
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a gemstone ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,451Sale Price|20% Off
18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Pretty Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.45 ct. The diamond is has F-G color and vvs-vs clarity. Totally is ruby 0.22 ct. Ring size is US 6.5 We can ma...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 18K Gold Ruby Halo Ring with Diamonds, 2.11ct & 0.09ct
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a gemstone ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 1.22cts Ruby & 0.38cts Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby gemstone...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
Approximately 0.70 Ct Natural Ruby & 0.75 Ct Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring prong set 18 K White Gold: 4.2 gram Stamped 18K Ring Size ( can be altered for no charg...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$19,800Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Natural Ruby Ring & Diamonds 18 karat Yellow Gold Pear Shape Ruby
Located in Brooklyn, NY
GIA Certified Unheated Natural Ruby Ring. Ruby weight 3.53 carat, Pear Shape, some visibale inclusion.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct White Gold "J" Initial Ring Natural Diamonds & Ruby Accents
Located in London, GB
This bespoke 18ct white gold ring features a stylized "J" initial, meticulously pavé-set with brilliant natural diamonds and accented by vibrant red rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Certified 5.01ct Natural Oval Ruby & Diamond Ring, 14k Rose Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Certified 5.01 ct Natural Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring in 14k Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring features a GRS certified natural oval shaped red Ruby, weighing 5.01 carats, set in 14k R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,396Sale Price / item|20% Off
Designer Natural Ruby and Diamond Band, 14K Yellow Gold Ruby Band Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality. Designed with square cut ruby and diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Impressive Natural Untreated Ruby and Natural Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impressive Natural Untreated Ruby and Natural Diamond 14K White Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value: Approx. $1,200.00 Total Natural Red Ruby Measures: Approx. 3.30mm Ruby Treat...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Impressive Natural Untreated Ruby and Natural Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impressive Natural Untreated Ruby and Natural Diamond 14K White Gold Ring The Width of the ring is: 3.10mm Total Natural Red Ruby Weight is Approx. 0.35ct Ruby Treatment: Untreate...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Ruby 1.08ct Baguette & Diamond 0.30ct Ring in 14K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a RUBY and diamond gemstone.
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
Natural Ruby, Tourmalines and Sapphires ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with natural ruby, tourmalines and sapphires.
Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
5.20ct Natural Ruby Diamonds Flower Cluster Ring 18kt yellow gold*
Located in New York, NY
5.20ct Natural Rubies Ring. Pear Brilliant Cut 5 x 3 mm each 1.05ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby Ring 6.5 14k Yellow Gold 4.51 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Quality Faceted Ruby Ring 6.5 14k Yellow Gold 4.51 TCW Certified $2,950 221352 This is a one of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry Nothing says, “I Love y...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
0.81 Carat Natural Ruby Eternity Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By Morris & David
Located in New York, NY
RUBY ETERNITY RING 14K YELLOW GOLD (0.81 CTW) Style Code# R5830YR Setting: Prongs Colorstone 1: Ruby Stone 1 Shape: Round Stone 1 Qty: 27 Stone 1 Weight Ctw: 0.81 Total Gem WT: 0.8...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,684Sale Price|20% Off
18k Gold Natural Diamond And Princess Cut Natural Ruby Decorated Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has G color and vs clarity. Totally is ruby 0.70 ct. Ring size is US 7 We can make any siz...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$9,138Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary 18K White Gold, Natural Diamond & Ruby Cockail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This stunning contemporary cocktail ring, is a masterclass in sculptural jewelry design and gem setting. Crafted in substantial 18kt white gold, the ring has a considerable total we...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Ruby Diamond Ring 14k Gold 6.32 TCW GIA Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Finely Faceted Quality Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 14k Gold 6.32 TCW Size 6.5 and resizable GIA and GAL Certified $6,975 111872 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piec...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Fine Natural No Heat Ruby Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Delicate ring crafted in 18K white gold, set with a natural ruby of approximately 0.50 carats.
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pearl 0.12 Carat Ruby 0.59 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
ARTCARVED 10k Gold Natural Ruby Ring. Art carved marquise RUBY engagement ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1930s Size: 4 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Ruby Gem color: Red Band color: Gold Adjustable Style: Art deco Beautiful vintage ring that is rare to find.
10k Gold
1.10ct Natural Ruby Diamonds Crossover Deco Ring 14kt Gold 12439*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
1.10ct Natural Ruby Ring. Excellent Vivid Red. Clean Clarity, Transparent.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$19,359Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Natural Ruby Ring & Diamonds 18 karat Yellow Gold Pear Shape Ruby
Located in Brooklyn, NY
GIA Certified Unheated Natural Ruby Ring. Ruby weight 3.53 carat, Pear Shape, some visible inclusion.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby Ring 6.5 14k White Gold 2.38 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Quality Faceted Ruby Ring 6.5 14k White Gold 2.38 TCW Certified $2,190 221354 This is a one of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry!
Ruby, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Natural Ruby Vintage Style Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Striking look with this Natural Ruby Vintage Style Band Ring, designed to showcase rich color in a continuous flow.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Ruby 1.54ct & Diamond 0.39ct Ring in 14k Gold, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby, a diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Wide Band Ring Natural Square Rubies Size 7
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
14K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Wide Band Ring Natural Square Rubies Size 7 Description Offered is a wide band ring crafted in tested 14-karat white gold containing natural rubies...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Ruby 1.18ct & Diamond 0.44ct Ring in Handmade 18K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval Ruby & Natural Diamond Dome Design Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elegant 14K yellow gold ladies ring featuring a rich oval ruby center accented by natural diamonds totaling 0.20 Carat Total Weight, graded approximately G/H color, I1 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Solid Gold Natural Ruby Vintage Style Heart Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Passionately charming, this Ruby Vintage Style Heart Ring captures timeless romance and vibrant elegance.
Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring Flower 14K White Gold Band Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring Flower 14K White Gold Band Vintage This lovely estate ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White and set with sparkling natural diamonds and natural rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White 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.”
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.