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
14K Yellow Gold Emerald Flower Cluster Ring with Sapphire and Ruby Accents Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Emerald Flower Cluster Ring with Sapphire and Ruby Accents A vibrant celebration of color and craftsmanship, this handcrafted flower cluster ring is centered around ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.
Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
Entwined 18k Gold Ring with White Diamonds and Rubies
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
New Forms, is a sophisticated exploration of geometry through jewellery. Classic forms give way to new ones as curves, links and pivots emerge adding unusual dimensions and fluidity ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Connected 18k Gold Ring with White Diamonds and Rubies
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
New Forms, by Emre Osmanlar, is a sophisticated exploration of geometry through jewellery. Classic forms give way to new ones as curves, links and pivots emerge adding unusual dimens...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Bull With Ruby Eye and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Distinctive and expressive, this is a memorable vintage figural ring with strong decorative appeal. Weight: 6.6 Grams Stone: 0.06ctw Ruby, 0.05ctw Diamond Measurements: 20.17 x 18.2...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,520Sale Price|20% Off
1.6-Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Gold with Princess Cut
Located in New York, NY
Set in 18K gold—a timeless mount that highlights the ruby's allure. Gemstone Details - Type: Natural ruby - Weight: 1.6 ct - Color: Red - Cut: Princess Secondary Stone Details - Ty...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ring with 0.39ct Diamond and Rubies, 21st Century
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A bold tribute to the glamour of the 1930s, this Art Deco–style ring centers on a luminous 0.39 carat transitional cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
21.05 Ct GIA Natural Star Ruby Unheated Platinum Ring with Diamond 14.5 Gram
Located in bangkok, TH
E074 21.05ct GIA Natural Star Ruby Unheated Total weight 14.5Gram Platinum ring 1-Main stone : 21.05ct Natural Natural Star Ruby Unheated gemstone 2-Surrounding stone: Natural d...
Ruby
$15,832Sale 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
14kt White Gold Pave Ring with 0.50ct Diamonds & 1.50ct Ruby
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Diamonds Weight: 0.50 carat Cut: Brilliant cut Colour: F-G Clarity: SI-P Quality: Very good Gemstone: Ruby Cut: Round cut Colour: Red Weight: 1.50 carats Jewel: Ring Weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 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
Ruby and Sapphire Sphere Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Sapphire Pave Ball Ring A white gold ring featuring two pave set spheres, one adorned with sapphires and the other with rubies.
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Leopard Print Ring in 18 Karat Gold With Diamonds, Rubies, Amethysts
By Alexia Gryllaki
Located in Filothei, GR
A bold, contemporary take on the classic leopard print, this oval ring comes alive in a mosaic pavé of diamonds, rubies, and amethysts.
Ruby, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
18kt White Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds & Rubies, Italy 1980
Located in Marcianise, IT
Amazing 18 karat white gold cocktail ring.Handmade by artisans assembled with rubies and diamonds Ring weight 9.60 grams Diamonds weight 0.93 karat Rubies total weight 3.86 karat Ri...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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
Cabochon Ruby & Peridot Byzantine Ring in Sterling Silver with 18K Vermeil
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Cabochon oval ruby set in sterling silver byzantine style ring with 18K vermeil, round peridot stones and heart design accents on the sides.
Peridot, Ruby, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Antique-Inspired 14K Gold & Silver Snake Ring with Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Marcianise, IT
Ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions, it’s a refined choice for lovers of unique, character-rich jewelry. Ring weight 4.20 Grams Diamonds weight 0.20 Karat Rubies weig...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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
Pave Diamond snake ring with Natural emerald Natural ruby Victorian ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Diamond snake ring Natural Diamond Natural emerald Natural ruby Victorian snake ring Gemstone: Diamond, emerald ruby Ring size 7US MATERIAL = 925Sterling Silver ...
Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver
Gin & Grace 10K Yellow Gold Genuine Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted ring showcases a stunning ruby center with diamonds on both sides.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
18K White Gold Ring with Natural Siam Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Bergamo, BG
A magnificent 18K white gold ring showcasing a natural cushion-cut Siam ruby weighing 3.71 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$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
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 14K Gold Enamel Swallow Ring with Diamonds & Ruby Eyes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This ring has sharp points on the wings so be careful but a dynamic ring you will never see again.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Colored Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Colored Diamond and Ruby Ring An octagonal-shaped ring adorned with rubies along the edges, with green and yellow-tinted diamonds Approximate Ruby Weight: 1.60 carats Approximate Di...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Green Tourmaline with Ruby Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Green Tourmaline 3.0 carats with Ruby 0.49 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 4.61 grams "We first opened doors in ...
Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ring with Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Band size US 7 Limited edition Exquisite 18 karat yellow gold forms the foundation of this ring, delicately set with 0.10 carat emeralds, 0.20 carat rubies, 0.20 carat blue sapphir...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Platinum Ring with 0.55ct Oval Ruby and 20 Diamonds, 20th C.
Located in Derby, NY
Timeless elegance meets luxury in this exquisite estate platinum ring. The centerpiece is a stunning 0.55-carat oval ruby, radiating deep crimson brilliance and commanding presence.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unheated Burmese Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Burmese Ruby 1.06 carats with Diamond 0.36 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 3.75 grams "We first opened doors...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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
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
Vintage 1950s 40.73 Carat Cabochon Burma Star Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a GIA certified Burma origin non-heat treated Cabochon Star Ruby weighing 40.73 carats, GIA #1142496707. The ring features Oval and Round Brilliant cu...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
Round Ruby & Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Diamond Ballerina Ring, A ballerina ring with center oval ruby approximately 1.50 ct surrounded by 24 tapered baguette diamonds approximately 1.85 ct and 12 brilliant diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$4,832Sale Price|20% Off
Dome Ring with 16.78 Cabochon Rubies, 0.19ct Diamonds, 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The 18 karat yellow gold setting gives it an antique feel that goes well with any outfit, while still being modern enough to wear every day. This ring is perfect if you want somethin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,000
Ruby You and Me Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby You and Me Ring A yellow gold ring set with two oval rubies and two round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Pear Cut Ruby Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Pear Cut Ruby Cocktail ring in 18K Gold with diamonds which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Designer Colour Diam 18K White Gold Ruby Mozambik Ring with Diamonds
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold ruby ring with diamonds Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 3.89 grams Set with- Stone type: Ruby Mozambik Shape: Round Carat: 0.65 Colou...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pigeon's Blood Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Pigeon's Blood Ruby 1.95 carats with Diamond 0.46 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.35 grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Amwaj White Gold 18 Karat Ring with Diamonds and Ruby
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Gorgeous White Gold 18K Ring by Amwaj Jewelry with Ruby and round shape Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ring with 2.50 Ct. Ruby and Diamonds. (Size 7.25)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
14K Yellow Gold Ring with 2.50 Ct. Ruby and Diamonds. (Size 7.25) New Gender: Ladies.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring With Diamonds 1.2 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 1.18 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Diamond: 0.02 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 US ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring With Diamonds 0.7 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 0.64 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Diamond: 0.06 Carats Metal: 14K White Gold Ring Size: 7 US C...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Ring With Diamonds 0.98 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 0.92 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Diamond: 0.06 Carats Metal: 14K White Gold Ring Size: 7 US C...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18K Gold Marquise Ring with Rose-Cut Diamonds and Ruby
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This antique marquise ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with a vivid natural ruby at its center, framed by a halo of rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
German Kabirski Bando Handcrafted Rhodium Plated Silver Ring with Natural Ruby
By German Kabirski
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bold and unapologetic, this handcrafted ring features a dramatic split-band design that appears as if it’s been cut in half, revealing a raw line of natural pigeon blood rubies.
Ruby, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Bold 1970s 14K Yellow Gold Ruby Cocktail Ring with Diamonds, 1.15ct
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage cocktail ring crafted in richly textured 14K yellow gold, centered with a vivid 1.15-carat round-cut ruby in a secure bezel setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rossella Ugolini Turtle Cocktail Ring Handcrafted with Sapphires Ruby Diamonds
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Adorned with 0.60 karats cabochon sapphires, 0.35 karats cabochon ruby, and 0.50 karats grey diamonds, this ring captures the essence of luxury and elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Rhodium
Art Deco Platinum Half Eternity Band Ring with 2.00ct Burmese Rubies
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
The brilliance of the platinum provides a striking, high-contrast frame for the rich, fiery red tones of the rubies. A timeless signature piece. Metal: Solid Platinum 100% Natural B...
Ruby, Platinum
$1,650 / set
Gold, Sapphire & Ruby Stacking Rings
Located in New York, NY
Sold as a pair/set of 14-karat yellow gold and 14-karat pink gold sapphire and ruby stacking rings with a 'V' or Chevron design, circa 1970s.
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Ring with Princess Cut Rubies and Diamonds. (Size 7.75)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Additional Details: This 14K white gold wide-band ring features 1.06 carats total weight of princess-cut pink rubies accented by princess-cut and round diamonds totaling 1.10 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Floral Engagement Ring in 9k Yellow Gold with Milgrain
Located in Bangkok, TH
A striking oval-cut ruby takes center stage in this romantic Ruby Engagement Ring 9k.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trabert & Hoeffer with Mauboussin Burmese Ruby Cocktail Ring, circa 1940.
By Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Trabert & Hoeffer with Mauboussin Burmese ruby cocktail ring. Set with a cluster of ten oval cabochon cut natural unenhanced Burmese rubies in open back claw settings with a combined...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.91 carats with Diamond 1.63 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings (GIA Certified) Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 16.91 grams "We first opened door...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Important Ring with Foliage Pattern, Citrine, Sapphires Rubies Tsavorite Diamond
Located in Paris, FR
Important Ring with Foliage Pattern and Intertwined Flowers in 18 Carat yellow Gold setting a Large Faceted Oval Citrine Size 16 x 22 mm, the Openwork Body is Decorated with Sapphire...
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
4.3ct Madagascar Ruby Ring with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A bold ring. "A madagascar ruby ring with diamond accents in solid 14K white gold."
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Large illusion double band ruby ring 18KT yellow gold wine color ruby ring natur
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning ruby ring with natural 9x7mm oval ruby, wine color ruby 100% natural ruby.
Ruby, 18k 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.