Red Ruby Ring with White Diamond Surround
Located in London, GB
Ring Size: UK - H, US - 4 1/4 1.55 Carat Ruby
20th Century British Art Deco Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Red Ruby Ring with White Diamond Surround
Located in London, GB
Ring Size: UK - H, US - 4 1/4 1.55 Carat Ruby
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bochic “Capri” Natural Blue Sapphire & Red Ruby Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Blue Sapphire & Red Ruby Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Ruby - 1 carat Sapphire - 1 carat This Ring is from the "Capri" traveling collection and it is the e...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$120,000Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Antwerp Certified 4.75 Carat Oval Red Ruby Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite and substancial 4.01 carat oval ruby diamond ring The main stone has an incredible color very bright and red!
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby
Emilio Jewelry Certified 7.00 Carat Vivid Red Ruby Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the Museum vault at Emilio Jewelry, Located On New York’s Iconic Fifth Avenue: Showcasing a magnificent pigeons blood Mozambique ruby set in The center. The center itself is jus...
Ruby, Platinum
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry Certified No Heat Untreated Vivid Red Ruby Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located in the Iconic Gem Tower/Gia Building in New York's Diamond District. This item has been appraised by the exp...
Emerald, Ruby
$23,200Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2 Carat Heart Shape Burma Vivid Red Ruby Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA certified 2 carat heart-shaped vivid red corundum ruby cocktail ring. Crafted with precision and passion, this masterpiece is nestled in solid 14k white and yellow gold, exuding ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry Certified 5 Carat No Heat Vivid Red Ruby Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the Museum Vault At Emilio Jewelry New York, Center Stone: Grs certified as pigeons blood no heat mozambique origin, over 5.00 carat Vivid to Deep Red (PIGEON BLOOD) CUSHION Set...
Ruby
Unique Oval Red Ruby Ring in White Gold with White Diamond Surround
Located in London, GB
Ring Size: UK - L, US - 5 3/4 3.04 Carat Ruby
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.29 Carat Radiant Green Emerald and 1.02 Carat Blistering Red Ruby Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
2.29 carat of vivid green Emerald and 1.02 carat of vivid red ruby are accented by 1.86 carat of white brilliant round diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Unisex Diamond Blood Red Ruby Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This beautiful men's or woman's S. Georgios ring is crafted from 18 Karat Yellow Gold and features the Greek Key design symbolizing eternity. White brilliant cut Diamonds with a tota...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Natural Yellow Diamond & Red Ruby Ring white gold Art Deco vintage (#8)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Art Deco Style Ring Elegant with a statement Center is Natural Round Yellow Diamond surrounded with Natural Ruby (leaning towards light yellow) Sides have natural white Diamonds All...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bright Red Ruby Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold with Diamonds For Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality. Designed with round cut ruby and diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.5ct Red Ruby Ring in Solid 14k White Gold Pear Shape 10x7mm Solitaire Ring
Located in Columbus, OH
This solitaire ring features a 3.59 carat pear shape ruby gemstone with a tapered shank, all set in solid 14K gold. This ring can be a beautiful July birthstone gift for your loved o...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified Vivid 3.17 Carat Red Ruby Ring with White Diamonds on Platinum
Located in London, GB
Simple yet striking, this understated piece makes an impact thanks to a spectacular central oval ruby, chosen from the Haruni vault for its intense red tone.
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Round Cut Red Ruby Ring Band 7.8 Grams Size 7
By Unbranded
Located in Addison, TX
Antique: No Color: Yellow Sizable: Yes Main Stone Color: Red Material: Metal Metal: Yellow Gold Main Stone: Ruby Vintage: No Personalize: No Ring Size: 7 Setting Style: Prong Brand: ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
AIGS Certified 1.12 Carat Natural No Heat, Vivid Red Ruby Ring made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring set in Platinum featuring a AIGS Certified 1.12 Carat Natural No Heat, Pigeon Blood Ruby and 0.48 Carat Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Bright Red Ruby Ring w Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14K Gold Oval 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This beautiful ring features a 1.18 carat oval ruby gemstone with a triad of natural earth mined diamonds on both sides, all set in solid 14K gold. This ring can be a lovely July bir...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Red Ruby Ring w Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14K Yellow Gold Oval 5.5x4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This beautiful ring features a 0.47 carat oval Ruby gemstone with natural earth mined diamonds set in solid 14K gold. This Ruby ring makes a lovely July birthstone gift for your love...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 0.88 Carat Burma No Heat Red Ruby Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This ring features a 0.88-carat GIA-certified heart-cut red ruby from Burma, left unheated to showcase its natural, intense red color (certificate number GIA3505474904).
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.8ct Red Ruby Ring w Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14k Yellow Gold Round 9mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This beautiful ring features a 3.86 carat round ruby gemstone with natural earth mined diamonds, all set in solid 14K gold. This ring can be a lovely July birthstone gift for your lo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Red Ruby Ring w Earth Mined Diamonds in Solid 14K Yellow Gold Oval 5x4
Located in Columbus, OH
This beautiful ring features a 0.67 carat oval Mozambique Ruby gemstone with a natural earth mined diamond triad on both sides set in solid 14K gold. This Ruby ring makes a lovely Ju...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Red Ruby and Diamond Ring, 5.45ct Ruby, 2.3ct Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
RED RUBY RING WITH DIAMONDS IN YELLOW GOLD 14k yellow gold Ring size: 8 Sapphire: 5.45ct, 10x10mm Diamonds: 2.3ct, VS clarity, E-F color Retail: $7,500
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Red Oval Shaped Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous piece of jewelry, red ruby ring is certain to draw admiration. The centerpiece of the ring is an exquisitely faceted 0.82 carat red oval shaped ruby set in 18k white gold.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
This 18 karat yellow gold, royal red ruby ring with sinuous rolled top has 1 oval ruby & 4 cabochon cut rubies = 2.82 Cttw & 12 baguette cut diamonds = 0.51 Cttw. in a size 5.75.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,449Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM Diamond Briolettes & Ruby 18k White Gold Dangling Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM White Diamond Briolettes in Ruby Band Dangling Ring in 18K WhiteGold Inspired by the beauty of a rain drop, Our eccentric Dangling diamond ring is an absolute show-stopper. it...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 3 Carat Purplish Red NO HEAT Ruby Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
GRS Certified 3 Carat No-Heat Purplish Red Ruby Ring Lively. Natural. Exceptionally Rare.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 4 Carat Ruby Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
GRS Certified 4 Carat Vivid Red Ruby Ring At the center of this magnificent ring lies a natural ruby of 4 carats, certified by GIA.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,062Sale Price / item|40% Off
14k Gold Ring with Cabochon Ruby
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby cocktail ring. Red ruby ring/ Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size Set with ruby, color -red Oval cabochon cut, 6 ct Clarity: Transparent with inclusions Su...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
18kt White Gold 4 Ct No Heat Vivid Ruby Ring, 1.5 Ct Diamonds, CGL Certificate
By Orologio / Joël Glecer
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent 18kt White Gold 4.02ct No Heat Vivid Red Ruby Ring, With 1.52ct Diamonds With CGL Certificate Ruby: Cushion / Brilliant - Step cut, Vivid red, Transparent, No indicatio...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$973Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Ruby, Pearl and Diamond
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Flower gold ring. Sun flower ring. Summer ring. Red ruby ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 3 g.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
$973Sale Price / item|44% Off
Lily calla 14k gold ring with ruby and diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Flower gold ring.Genuine ruby ring. Red ruby ring. Ruby vintage ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring Natural Genuine 14K Yellow Gold Cocktail Floral Flower
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ruby Ring Natural Genuine 14K Yellow Gold Cocktail Floral Flower This nice vintage estate Natural diamonds and Genuine Earth mined Red Ruby ring is finely crafted in solid 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 7.41 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond: 5.23 Carats — H Color — VS1 Clarity Ruby: 2.18 Carats — Natural Red Ruby Ring Weight: 0.85 t oz (26.45 grams) Metal: 8K Gold
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 14.38 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond: 0.33 Carat — H Color — VS1 Clarity Ruby: 14.05 Carats — Natural Red Ruby Ring Weight: 0.28 t oz (8.62 grams) Metal: 14K Gold
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vivid Pigeon Blood Red Perfectly Clean 1.21 ct Unheated Burma Mogok Ruby Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
This gorgeous Burma unheated vivid pigeon blood red ruby ring will soon be auctioned live i 1stdibs.
Diamond, Ruby
IGI Certified 4.10 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond: 0.50 Carat — H Color — VS1 Clarity Ruby: 3.60 Carats — Natural Red Ruby Ring Weight: 0.18 t oz (5.53 grams) Metal: 18K Gold
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 8.40 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond: 3.60 Carats — H Color — VS1 Clarity Ruby: 4.80 Carats — Natural Red Ruby Ring Weight: 0.59 t oz (18.35 grams) Metal: 8K Gold
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
$3,750Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 3.30ctw Ruby & 0.30ct Brilliant Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A stunning deep red ruby ring. The oval ruby has a good saturation of red and purple with natural eye inclusions.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.78 Carat Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond: 3.70 Carats — H Color — VS1 Clarity Sapphire: 0.66 Carat — Natural Blue Sapphire Ruby: 0.42 Carat — Natural Red Ruby Ring Weight: 0.53 t oz (16.57 grams) Metal: 8K Gold
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
IGI Certified 2.75 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond: 0.75 Carat — H Color — VS1 Clarity Ruby: 2.00 Carats — Natural Red Ruby Ring Weight: 0.32 t oz (9.95 grams) Metal: 14K Gold
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 5.07 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond: 0.12 Carat — H Color — VS1 Clarity Ruby: 4.95 Carats — Natural Red Ruby Ring Weight: 0.22 t oz (6.95 grams) Metal: 14K Gold
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 4.00 Carat Natural Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gol
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond: 1.20 Carats — H Color — VS1 Clarity Emerald: 1.90 Carats — Natural Green Emerald Ruby: 0.90 Carat — Natural Red Ruby Ring Weight: 0.69 t oz (21.46 grams) Metal: 8K Gold
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
IGI Certified 3.78 Carat Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Snake Motif Statement Ring 8K
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond: 1.98 Carats — H Color — VS1 Clarity Emerald: 1.20 Carats — Natural Green Emerald Ruby: 0.60 Carat — Natural Red Ruby Ring Weight: 0.55 t oz (17.01 grams) Metal: 8K Gold Styl...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
New SSEF Cert 5.641 CT Unheated Burma Mogok Clean Pigeon Red Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
One of a Kind, Gorgeous and Rare Intense Red and Brilliant Unheated Burmese Oval Ruby Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Rossella Ugolini Platinum Rubies Cocktail Ring Made in Italy
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Drawing inspiration from the majestic towers of the castle, two round cabochon red Rubies adorn the sides of the ring, adding a touch of regal charm and symmetry.
Agate, Ruby, Platinum
$1,096Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Oval Shape Ruby Ring - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Red Ruby Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Natural Red Ruby, Oval Shape - 14 Carats This Ring is from the "Orient" traveling collection are the e...
Ruby, Silver, 18k Gold
Rossella Ugolini Platinum Sugarloaf Cabochon Lapis Lazuli Rubies Man Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Drawing inspiration from the majestic towers of the castle, two round cabochon red Rubies adorn the sides of the ring, adding a touch of regal charm and symmetry.
Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Rock Crystal, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow...
Gold Ruby Ring 2.10 Cts Natural Bicolor Red Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
This refined ring is crafted in 14K white gold and set with a natural star ruby cabochon sourced from Thailand. The ruby is distinguished by pronounced natural color zoning, visually...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gold Ruby Ring 2.10 Cts Natural Bicolor Red Ruby Engagement Ring
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, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A lively oval vivid red Ruby, weighing 1.21 carats is the centerpiece of this masterfully handcrafted platinum engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum 1.10ct Ruby Ring Fine Red Color
Located in Big Bend, WI
Heavy simple platinum setting. High quality pure red ruby measures about 6mm x 5mm. The ring fits a size 6 1/2 finger and can easily be sized to nearly any size.
Ruby, Platinum
2 Pear Shaped Red Ruby ByPass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the allure of vibrant red with this exquisite 2 Pear Shaped Red Ruby Bypass Ring.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large Star Ruby Ring gold Big Cocktail ring Pink Red Unisex ruby wedding gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
A beautiful 14K yellow gold ring set with a natural star ruby from Sri Lanka. This large cabochon-cut gemstone weighs 33.85 carats and shows a glowing six-rayed star when the light m...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Striking Red Ruby and White Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
The effect is dramatic; this is a ring that is full of character. Ring Size: UK - L, US 5 3/4 2.18 Carat Ruby
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$280,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS 5.02 Carat Vivid Red Mozambique Ruby Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and highly collectible jewel, this ring centers on a magnificent 5.02 carat natural ruby, certified by GRS (GemResearch Swisslab) as Vivid Red with no indication of th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby
$152,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified BURMESE Red Ruby 3.20 Carat VIVID RED Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This ring is one of kind and considering the amazing red the ruby has it cannot be replaced.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified Multi Stone Natural Ruby & Diamond Ring - Pigeon's Blood Red Rubies
Located in London, GB
6 fiery, natural, vivid red rubies embraced by shimmering diamonds, meticulously crafted in solid gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k 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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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.