Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.44 carats with Diamond 1.70 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.9 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 1074 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.0 carat with Diamond 0.24 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 8.13 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.47 carats with Diamond 2.40 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 3.0 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 11.95 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.70 carats with Diamond 0.22 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.01 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.19 carats with Diamond 0.02 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 5.86 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 17.62 carats with Diamond 0.41 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 13.34 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.36 carats with Diamond 0.60 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 18.83 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.60 carats with Diamond 0.72 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 13.01 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.86 carats with Diamond 3.08 carats Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 3.0 cm Ring Size: 50 Total Weight: 9.91 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.51 carats with Diamond 0.93 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 16.36 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.72 carats with Diamond 0.13 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 16.63 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.66 carats with Diamond 0.31 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 9.55 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 18.74 carats with Diamond 0.72 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.2 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 15.74 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.50 carats with Diamond 2.90 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight 18.28 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.36 carats with Diamond 0.69 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 11.77 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.24 carats with Diamond 0.56 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 2.4 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 7.98 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.41 carats with Diamond 0.92 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 10.54 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
"Marquee" Ring with Raw Ruby Cabochon Between Rows of Faceted Rubies in 18K Gold
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The total weight of the rubies is 0.18 carats. The ring's face is 16mm wide and 12mm tall.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,960Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring Natural Untreated Ruby Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning ruby & diamond cocktail ring made with 100% natural ruby and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.88 carat with Diamond 0.31 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 0.5 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 4.72 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,834Sale Price|20% Off
Mosambique Ruby Ring With Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Classic and refined, this elegant ring features a vivid 1.44-carat Mozambique ruby, accented with 0.12 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
5-Stone Diamond & Ruby Ring, Set With 2 Round Diamonds & 3 Rubies in 18ct Gold
Located in London, GB
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your jewellery collection with this stunning 5-stone ring, expertly crafted in 18ct gold. Featuring two brilliant round diamonds and three vibra...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Retro 1945 Fluted Ring in 18kt yellow Gold with Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
Adorning the sides of the ring are 10 square-cut rubies, weighing a total of approximately 0.50 carats.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Oval Ruby Ring ct. 4.10 with Diamonds. Unique Stone.
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning Oval Ruby Ring ct. 4.10 with Diamonds. Unique Stone. Classic Design for this Ring with a Stunning Ruby (ct. 4.10 ) with Diamonds on the side (ct. 075 Round).
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cellini 6.27ct Baguette & Calibre Ruby Ring with Bezel Set Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Ruby total carat weight - 6.27cts Diamond 0.25 carat round brilliant diamond, G color VS2 clarity Ring size is a 7.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,109Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century with Diamonds and Rubies 18k Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Charming early 20th-century (1900) 18k gold ring featuring rose-cut diamonds and round-cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Star Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Star Ruby Ring with diamonds and carved cabochon "tutti fruttii" rubies all set in a platinum setting Center Stone approximately 19 carats Ring Size: 5.25 Re sizable free o...
Ruby, Platinum
Platinum Ring with 3 ct. Vivid Red Ruby & 3.26 ct. Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent Platinum Ring with Vivid Red Ruby &3.26 ct. Diamonds. Ruby looks lik 4.5 to 5 Ct !
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.82 carats with Diamond 1.81 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 13.15 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.10 carats with Diamond 1.20 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.9 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 7.45 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.07 carats with Diamond 0.49 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 6.55 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.82 carat with Diamond 0.42 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 4.61 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.26 carats with Diamond 2.58 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 11.2 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,057Sale Price|30% Off
German Kabirski Veritas Silver Ring with Golden Diamond & Hidden Cabochon Ruby
By German Kabirski
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This ring exists only once. No second copy will be made.
Diamond, Ruby, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tanzanite with Ruby Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Tanzanite 6.17 carats with Ruby 2.10 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 7.47 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 ...
Ruby, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18k Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.23 carats with Diamond 0.75 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 2.2 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 12.81 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.02 carats with Diamond 0.16 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.61 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.35 carats with Diamond 0.28 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 8.42 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$34,380Sale Price|35% Off
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.
Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Big Carved Ruby Sunshine Gold Ring with 0.58 Carat Diamonds
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Antiquity Ruby Line Ring Set in 20 Karat Yellow Gold with 7.20-carat Carved Ruby and 0.58-carat Rose-Cut Diamonds in a Sunshine Design.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 14K Gold Filigree Ring with .66ct Round Ruby
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 14K white gold filigree ruby ring. The ring features a genuine earth mined round pinkish-red ruby weighing .66cts.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Ring With 6.85 ct. NH Ruby and 4.12 ct. Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful Platinum Ring With Amazing Color & Life 6.85 ct. NH Ruby and 4.12 ct.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$15,887Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 18kt Gold Snake Ring with 3.50ct Ruby & 0.45ct Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
Colour: H - I - J Clarity: SI - SI2 Ruby Details: Centre Stone: Cabochon ruby, approx. 3.50 ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,640Sale Price|35% Off
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
Skull Crest Signet Ring in Sterling Silver with Emeralds and Rubies
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Crest Signet Ring Sterling Silver Emerald Ruby J Dauphin Designer: J Dauphin The Skull Crest Signet Ring by J Dauphin is a sculptural statement piece crafted in solid sterling...
Emerald, Ruby, Silver
Star Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring with Baguette Diamond Side Stones
Located in Long Beach, CA
STYLE / REFERENCE: Modern METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: Contemporary CENTER STONE / WEIGHT: 4.11 ACCENT STONES / WEIGHT: Total, .75 SIZE: 6.5 Hand crafted in platinum ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$126,375Sale Price|25% Off
GRS Cert. NO HEAT “Pigeon Blood” 5.06ct Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in Irvine, CA
Rare 'Pigeon Blood' 5ct Unheated Ruby Ring from Mozambique, featuring a GRS-certified vivid red ruby in a luxurious diamond setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14K White Gold Oval Ruby Halo Ring with Diamond Heart Accents
Located in Antwerp, BE
Often referred to as the "King of Gems," the ruby represents passion and courage, while the flanking hearts make this an ideal choice for an anniversary gift, a promise ring, or a ro...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval Ruby Halo Ring with Diamond Heart Accents
Located in Antwerp, BE
Often referred to as the "King of Gems," the ruby represents passion and courage, while the flanking hearts make this an ideal choice for an anniversary gift, a promise ring, or a ro...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18K Rose Gold Ruby & Green Garnet Frog Ring with Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Ruby & Green Garnet Frog Ring with Diamonds 4 Diamonds - 0.03 CT 32 Green Garnets - 0.51 CT 19 Rubies - 0.39 CT 6 Yellow Sapphires - 0.03 CT 18K Rose Gold - 6.87 G...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Rose Gold
ILIANA 18ct Yellow Gold Ring Set with Ruby and Natural Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Crafted in warm 18ct yellow gold, this charming vintage-style ring features a vibrant oval-cut ruby at its center, accented by delicate natural diamonds arranged in a halo design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Quartz Ring with Yellow Gold inlay set with Rubies and Diamonds
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Ring sculpted in top quality rose quartz with floral decoration executed with high carat yellow gold inlay and set with faceted rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Mozambique Ruby Ring With Diamonds 1.44 Carats 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Mozambique Ruby: 1.35 Carats Diamond: 0.09 Carats Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.75 US Custom s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,800 / item
Aztec Ring in 18k Gold with Ruby and Two Diamonds
By NIBIRU Collection
Located in Miami, FL
The aztec ring is a ring to use normally in the small finger, its a aztec design with a ruby in the middle of 0,40 carat, and two diamonds in each side of 1 point each its weigh is 5...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18 K yellow Gold Vintage Ring with Onyx Ruby Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A unique Ring consisting of an inverted Onyx Cabochon that is set with 20 natural Rubies and 7 small brilliant cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver Cocktail Ring set with a Ruby, Emeralds and Sapphires
Located in London, GB
Fabulous sterling silver ring, featuring a centre ruby surrounded with emeralds and sapphires.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Ring with emerald, ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby, sapphire, emerald and brilliant-cut diamond total 040ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the rin...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k 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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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
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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.