Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.39 carats with Diamond 1.62 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 10.79 grams Ruby Width: 0.8 cm Lengt...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.53 carat with Diamond 0.10 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 0.9 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 2.24 grams Ruby Width: 0.5 cm Length: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.80 carats with Ruby 5.93 carats and Diamond 0.85 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 13.37 grams "We fi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.71 carat with Diamond 0.03 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 2.36 grams Ruby Width: 0.5 cm Length:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.05 carats with Diamond 0.20 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 0.5 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 3.48 grams Ruby Width: 0.5 cm Length:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Spinner Ring with Emerald, Ruby and Diamond
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Spinner Ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your physic power, creativity and body heat that is used t...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald with Ruby Ring Set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald 2.85 carats with Ruby 2.09 carats Ring set in Platinum 950 settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 57 "Since we first opened doors in 1980 our store was then sit...
Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.29 carats with Diamond 0.33 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 4.56 grams "We first opened doors in 19...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
Extraordinary 5.10-Carat No-Heat GIA-Certified Ruby with Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Extraordinary 5.10-Carat No-Heat GIA-Certified Ruby with Diamond Accents in Platinum A masterpiece of rarity and elegance, this exceptional ring showcases a GIA-certified natural ru...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14 Karat White Gold Ring with Center Stone Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
14 Karat White Gold Ring with Center Stone Ruby and Diamonds Lovely gold ring with center oval cut Ruby and band filled with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Oval Ruby Flower Motif Ring With Diamond Trim
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This beautiful flower motif ring is cent with a center round faceted, reddish pink ruby, approximately 0.19 CTS, decorated with a round faceted halo.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
German Kabirski Carisa 14K Gold Plated Silver Ring with Raw Ruby
By German Kabirski
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Carisa is a handmade barrel ring covered with raw Ruby pieces set directly into the metal.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Custom Made Burmese Ring with Diamond & Oval Ruby in 18K Yellow Gold
By Hand Made
Located in New York, NY
Custom Made Burmese Ring Material: 18K Yellow Gold Condition: Mint Oval Ruby: 2.2ctw Diamond: 0.80ctw Clarity: VS1 Color: F Ring Dimension: Size: 7.5 Width: 11.5mm Thickness: 1.4mm...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cocktail ring in gold with teardrop-shaped ruby and 43 diamonds.
Located in MADRID, ES
Cocktail ring in white gold and yellow gold with teardrop-shaped ruby and 43 diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Platinum Engagement Ring with 1.61ct European GIA Diamond & 0.21ct Ruby
Located in New York, NY
Video: Video Link Detailed Description: This vintage 18 Karat two-tone gold and platinum ring is a bold statement piece. Featuring a 1.61 carat old European cut diamond with a Q colo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.42 carats with Diamond 1.16 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.3 cm Length: 2.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 12.95 grams "We first opened doors in ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.98 carat with Diamond 0.10 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 2.7 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.67 grams "We first opened doors in 198...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.63 carat with Diamond 0.07 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 0.8 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 3.1 grams "We first opened doors in 1980...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.80 carat with Diamond 0.27 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 0.4 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 4.08 grams "We first opened doors in 19...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tanzanite with Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Tanzanite 1.38 carats with Ruby 2.5 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 7.96 grams "We first opened doors in ...
Ruby, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural No Heat Madagascar Ruby 1.55ct Cluster Ring with Diamonds in Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant cluster ring set in gold, centered with a natural unheated ruby from Madagascar weighing 1.55 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Sapphire with Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Yellow Sapphire 3.99 carats with Ruby 11.42 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.8 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 15.28 grams "We first opened doors...
Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.54 carats with Diamond 0.34 carat and Ruby 1.35 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 57 Total Weight: 5.38 grams "We fir...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.82 carat with Diamond 0.06 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 0.4 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 1.77 grams Ruby Width: 0.6 cm Length: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Ring Double Head Snake with White Diamond and Ruby Eyes
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Ring Gold plated Snake with White Diamond and Ruby Eyes J DAUPHIN “Eternal Renewal” A double-head serpent ring in 14k gold-plated brass, set with a marquise-cut emerald, nat...
Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Brass, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Clover Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.45 carats with Diamond 0.10 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 5.63 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Black Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.85 carats with Black Diamond 0.50 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 0.8 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.43 grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Amethyst with Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Amethyst 5.70 carats with Ruby 4.12 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 2.7 cm Ring Size: 50 Total Weight: 10.74 grams * Amethyst* Width: 1.0 ...
Amethyst, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby, Emerald with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.50 carats, Ruby 1.03 carats, Emerald 1.59 carats, Emerald 0.96 carat and Diamond 1.30 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.2 cm Ring Size: 53 T...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Sophia D. 18K Yellow Gold Ring with Blue Sapphire and Ruby
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
18K yellow gold ring with blue sapphire and ruby. Sophia D has been known world-wide for over 40 years because of its rich history of design and quality craftsmanship.
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Intricate Oriental Ring with Cabochon Rubies, Sapphires, and Other Gemstones
Located in Berlin, BE
This stunning and intricate oriental ring showcases a delightful array of cabochon-cut gemstones, each carefully selected to highlight the beauty and craftsmanship of this exquisite ...
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Moonstone, Quartz, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, ...
Ancient Thailand 20kt yellow gold ruby ring with a hunting scenes
Located in Braintree, GB
A 20kt yellow gold ring from ancient Thailand features a central ruby surrounded by depictions of hunting scenes.
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, Copper
14K Yellow Gold Art Deco Convertible Fly Ring & Pin with Ruby Eyes
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The ring is a size 8 and has a total gold weight of 7.6 grams, giving it a comfortable but substantial feel.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.01 carats with Diamond 1.61 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 4.87 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
German Kabirski Gaiete Black Anthracite Plated 925 Silver Ring with Raw Ruby
By German Kabirski
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Gaiete ring breaks away from tradition with a bold, tactile approach.
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Floral Cocktail Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Natural Rubies
Located in Milano, MI
An important and charming jewel, perfect for those who love unique statement pieces and wish to wear a ring of sophisticated, everlasting style. Main Features: Type: Floral cocktai...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18kt Yellow Gold 5.96ct. Oval Ruby with 2.45ct. Diamond Baguette Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold ring centers a magnificent oval ruby weighing 5.96 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
22 Carat Gold Ring with Large Oval Cabouchon Ruby 27.50 Carat
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold ring with large oval cabouchon ruby 27.50cts handmade in Notting Hill, London, by renowned British jeweller Malcolm Betts.
Ruby, Gold
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Ring with Crazy Cut Quartz Over Ruby, New
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, sterling silver ring set with a crazy cut quartz over ruby. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and for...
Quartz, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.02 carats with Diamond 0.22 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 11.66 grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Peridot with Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Peridot 1.43 carats with Ruby 1.12 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 58 Total Weight: 5.05 grams "We first opened doors in ...
Peridot, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.59ct Oval Ruby Ring in 14K Rose Gold with Diamonds
Located in Bangkok, TH
Radiant, romantic, and beautifully timeless—this 1.59 Carat Ruby Ring is a stunning expression of elegance and refined craftsmanship.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco Yellow Gold Ring with Central Diamond Surrounded by Ruby
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
This vintage ring features a distinctive combination of diamonds and rubies, set in a classic design.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,914Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco with Ruby and 0.75ct Brilliant Diamonds Platinum 950 Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This Art Deco-style ring features a ruby and brilliant diamonds in a unique design.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unheated Pigeon's Blood Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Pigeon's Blood Ruby 0.67 carat with Diamond 0.43 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 2.95 grams "We first opened...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.06 carats with Diamond 0.14 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.1 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.44 grams "We first opened doors in 19...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 2cts Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby with Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.01 carats with two Diamonds on either side total 1.08 carats, and the rest of the Diamond total 1.27 carats Ring and Ring Jacket set in Platinum 900 Settings (GRS Certified) ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Asymmetric Open Bypass Ruby & Opal Ring in 14K Rose Gold with Diamonds
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K rose gold fashion ring with one oval opal weighing 0.31 carats, one round faceted ruby weighing 0.17 carats, and 44 round faceted diamonds weighing 0.23 carats total.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
3.53 Carats Vivid Red Ruby Trilogy Ring with White Diamond Detail
Located in London, GB
To both sides of the stone are gleaming, trapeze cut white diamonds, set in an exquisite platinum mount. Ring Size: UK - M, US - 6.25 3.53 Carats Ruby 0.66 Carats Diamonds
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
German Kabirski Barbera Sterling Silver Open Band Ring with Natural Raw Ruby
By German Kabirski
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This open band ring in raw 925 sterling silver feels like something unearthed, a fragment of nature, shaped by time.
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
JAS-21-2244YEL - 14K YELLOW GOLD OVAL RUBY RING with DIAMONDS
By JA Star USA
Located in New York, NY
14K YELLOW GOLD OVAL RUBY RING with DIAMONDS Metal: 14K YELLOW GOLD Diamond Info: GH SI DIAMONDS 0.20CT Stone Info: 6X4 OVAL RUBY 0.52CT Total Dia Weight: 0.20 cwt.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond You & Me Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond You & Me Ring A "You and Me" ring set with a emerald-cut ruby and diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Pink Sapphire with Ruby Ring set in 18K White Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Pink Sapphire 1.98 carats with Ruby 0.78 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 57 Total Weight: 6.03 grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.15ct Ruby
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring has a pierced decorated, domed design ornamented with seven bezel set round mixed cut rubies.
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Marquise East West Ruby Ring with Round Diamonds in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold ring with round diamonds weighing 0.10 carat total and one marquise shaped ruby weighing 0.37 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold French Hallmarked, Edwardian Ruby & Pearl Ring with Feather shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Flanking the rubies on either side are four delicate natural seed pearls, enhancing the ring's charm with a touch of classic sophistication.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$30,130Sale Price|20% Off
Sybarite Heritage Ring in White Gold with White Diamonds & Rubies
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
The Sybarite Heritage Collection draws on centuries of tradition and sovereign imagery. Crafted from the finest white gold, this piece is set alight with diamonds and blazing rubies....
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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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.