Handcrafted 14K Gold Ruby Band with Emerald Accents, 1.70 Ct Ruby Channel Set
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Ruby Band Ring, Emerald and Ruby Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone Band, Natural Ruby Channel Set Ring** Bold color and timeless craftsmanship come together in this handcrafted 14K y...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hand Carved Gold Bird Ring with 15 carats Emerald Ruby Diamond 22k gold custom
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Hand Carved Gold Bird Ring with 13 carats Emerald Ruby Diamond 22k gold customizable to size One of our most special pieces- This would be a custom order and will take about 60 days...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 22k 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
2.76 Carat Natural Ruby Cluster Ring in 14k Solid Rose Gold with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Ruby Cluster Ring with Diamonds in 14k gold featuring natural ruby of 2.79 carats and diamonds of 0.49 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Baguette Diamond and Natural Ruby Ring with GIA Cert.
Located in San Francisco, CA
The ring weighs 6.0 grams. The center Ruby is 7.66mm x 6.05mm in diameter.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Ruby 14k White Gold Oval Cut with Round-Cut Diamond Accents Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.26 Ct. UNHEATED Ruby Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite 4.26 carat ruby ring Set with cadillac diamonds f color vs clarity the main stone has been certified as untreated
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Classic Ruby 14k White Gold Oval Cut with Round-Cut Diamond Accents Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Buccellati Burmese Ruby Ring, Italian, circa 1940
By Mario Buccellati
Located in London, GB
Buccellati Burmese ruby ring. Set with an oval mixed cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 1.20 carats, to an impressive s...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,212Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.65 Carat Marquise Ruby with Diamonds Wedding Band Ring in 14k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Bold yet elegant, this striking ring showcases a vibrant array of marquise-cut ruby totaling 2.65 carats, artfully arranged in a double-row cluster design.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$761Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby & Diamond Figural Ring With Center Housefly Figure Made In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:3.714g,D:0.16ct, RUBY:0.32ct,
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity Band with Oval Shaped Rubies
Located in Wailea, HI
Oval shaped rubies in 18k rose gold eternity band. 16 total stones 3.79 carat total weight Ring size 6.5
Ruby, 18k Gold
$11,894Sale Price|24% Off
No Heat Cabochon Ruby G.I.A. Set in Plat Ring with Marquise Diamonds
Located in Tampa, FL
No Heat Cabochon Ruby G.I.A. Set in Plat Ring with Marquise Diamonds Ruby: Weight - Approximately 3.39 Carats Measurements - 8.10 x 8.18 x 4.75 Shape - Cabochon Treatment - No Gem...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Gold Starfish Ring with Diamonds, Rubies & Sapphires in 18k Gold by Alex Soldier
By Alex Soldier
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold Starfish Ring with Diamonds, Rubies & Sapphires in 18k Gold by Alex Soldier.
Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Wh...
Gin & Grace 10K Yellow Gold Mozambique Genuine Ruby Ring with Diamonds for women
Located in New York, NY
This ring is made up of 2MM Square-Cut Invisible Setting Genuine Ruby (24 pcs) 1.68 Carat and Round-Cut Prong Setting Natural Diamond (53 pcs) 0.27 Carat accent stones for a lovely d...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wedding Band Ring 1981 Classic Collection with Diamonds & Ruby in 18K White Gold
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Gemstone Total Carat Weight: This exquisite 1981 Classic Collection wedding band ring features a total carat weight of 0.45 carats for 5 round diamonds and 0.75 carats for 6 round ru...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Wedding Band Ring 1981 Classic Collection with Diamond & Ruby in 18K Yellow Gold
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Gemstone Total Carat Weight: This exquisite 1981 Classic Collection wedding band ring features a total carat weight of 0.45 carats for 5 round diamonds and 0.75 carats for 6 round ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wedding Band Ring 1981 Classic Collection with Diamonds & Ruby in 14K White Gold
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Gemstone Total Carat Weight: This exquisite 1981 Classic Collection wedding band ring features a total carat weight of 0.45 carats for 5 round diamonds and 0.75 carats for 6 round ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Gorgeous gold ring with a center stone ruby and side diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond & Ruby Ring MCM 4.38 Carats - A Tray of Cocktails Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Perfectly, outrageously flashy, and fun, this Midcentury (circa 1950s) cocktail ring is bursting with marquise-cut rubies and round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby
$1,739 / item
Vintage inspired oval ruby, pearl 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold ring with genuine ruby and pearls. Vintage style ruby ring.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Mozambique Genuine Ruby Ring with Diamonds for women
Located in New York, NY
This Ring is made up of 2.5MM Square-Cut Invisible Setting (26 pcs) 2.78 carat Ruby and Round-cut White Diamond (50 Pcs) 0.68 Carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,384Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K White Gold Crisscross Band Ring with Round Ruby & Diamond Gift for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Sleek and sculptural, this contemporary X-band ring is expertly crafted in 14k white gold and set with 0.40 carats of vivid round-cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
CRIERI Bold Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1 Ct. Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An eternity ring with Vivid red rubies designed by Crieri. This is a classic full-set eternity band created in Milano, Italy by the jewelry house of Crieri.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
AGL Certified 6.55 Carat Unheated Burma Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
True Collectors Ruby Ruby and diamond ring Set with an cushion ruby weighing 6.55 carats, the mount of openwork geometric design, set with circular-cut diamonds, size 54.
Ruby
Ruby 2.71 Carats with Diamond 2.59 Carats Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.71 carats with Diamond 2.59 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 10.76 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified Unheated 4 carat Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Ruby 4.19 carats with Diamond 0.40 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (GIA Certified) Width: 0.7 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 10.59 grams "We fir...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Brown Diamond with Cabochon Ruby Snake Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brown Diamond 4.45 carats with Cabochon Ruby 0.24 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 3.5 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 19.47 grams "We first ope...
Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
CRIERI Bold Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Rose Gold With 1.01 Cwt Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An eternity ring with Vivid red rubies designed by Crieri. This is a classic full-set eternity band created in Milano, Italy by the jewelry house of Crieri.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
3.1ct Hexagon Rose Cut Ruby with White Enamel Halo 9K Gold Engagement Ring R6679
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 3.1ct Hexagon Rose Cut Ruby with White Enamel Halo 9K Gold Engagement Ring R6679 ♥ This is a statement ring featuring a large, beautiful rose-cut Ruby surrounded by a white enamel...
Ruby, 9k Gold, Enamel
$367,500Sale Price|30% Off
AGL Certified 7.32 Carat Ruby Art Deco Ring
Located in New York, NY
True Collectors Ruby Ruby and diamond ring Set with an cushion ruby weighing 7.32 carats, the mount of openwork geometric design, set with circular-cut diamonds, size 54.
Ruby
Platinum Ruby and Diamond Buckle Fashion Ring
By Gumuchian
Located in Greenville, DE
This Ruby and diamond ring is crafted in Platinum and features (1) oval ruby burma ring with a deep red color weighing 2.24ct.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
House of RAVN, 18k Golden White Rabbit Ring with Diamond Ears & Ruby Eyes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Golden White Rabbit from the House of RAVN Wild Heart Collection. Material: 18k yellow gold Weight: 10.4 grams Stone: rubies & diamonds Carats: approximately 0.10 rubies & 0.25 c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red Star Ruby Stone 5.45 cts in 14K Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds / GIA Report
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any jewelry collection, this ring is a timeless treasure. Center Stone: Natural Burma Star Ruby Quantity & Weight: This ring features...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,645Sale Price|40% Off
Gold Ring with Natural Raw Ruby Crystal Size 7.75 US unique engagement lotr
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This ring is built around a ruby that was never cut to obey.
Crystal, Ruby, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 4 Cts Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.0 carats with Diamond 1.76 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (GIA Certified) Width: 1.6 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 9.72 grams Ruby Width: 0.7 c...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$2,145Sale Price|20% Off
Designer Hand Carved Ruby Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds in Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
One of a Kind this Designer Hand Craved Ruby Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds in Gold and Silver is lovely for any occasion.
Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Buccellati Estate 18K Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Wide Band Ring with GIA
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
A rare and collectible Buccellati estate ring featuring a Burma No Heat ruby, accompanied by GIA Report #6237484341.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Thai Ruby & Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This ruby and diamond ring has been set in 18 karat rose gold and is of recent manufacture.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,012Sale Price|20% Off
5.12 Carat Ruby with Diamond Art Deco Style Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Art Deco style ring with a strong red ruby and diamonds. 5.12ct center oval ruby heat complimented with 0.99ct of round brilliant cut diamonds. 6.11ct total diamond weight. 18k whit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,083Sale Price|20% Off
Knuckle Ring with Pave Seting of Ruby, Emerald & Diamonds in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:7.04g, Diamond:2.05ct, Silver:9.46gm, Emerald:0.51ct, Ruby:0.90ct, Size: 22X17X56MM"
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Center Oval Cut Ruby Wedding Ring with Halo of Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Oval Cut Ruby Wedding ring in 18K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1920 Art Deco 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 2.50 CTW in Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
• Period: Art Deco Style • Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold and Platinum • Stones: Natural Diamond & Natural Rubies • Ring Size: 7 (sizable) • Ring Width: 0.40 inches • Stamped: No, 18...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
A Platinum Art Deco Ring Set with Diamonds and An Oval Facetted Burma Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum ring set with an oval untreated Burma ruby (app. 0.8 carat) and old cut diamonds, France, circa 1920.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Dainty Sapphire Ruby Flower Wedding Ring with Diamonds in 14k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Dainty Sapphire Ruby Flower Wedding Ring with Diamonds in 14K Gold featuring natural blue sapphire and ruby of 0.81 and diamonds of 0.13 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.56 Carat Cabochon Ruby Cocktail Ring with Diamonds in 14K Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon ruby diamond cocktail ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, White Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Horse with Ruby Eyes Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Ring designed as stylized horse head with a polished gold bit ring in mouth.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Black Spinel Slice Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold with Rubies by Eytan Brandes
By Eytan Brandes 1
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Eytan Brandes made this amazing ring to show off a little trove of clean, vibrant pink rubies, but he didn't want to put them on the face of the ring.
Ruby, Spinel, Black Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cluster Ruby Heart Ring with Halo of Diamonds in 18k Solid Rose Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Cluster Ruby Heart Ring with Halo of Diamonds Set in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.97 carats and diamonds of 0.23 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
OSCAR HEYMAN Cocktail Ring 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.52 Ctw In Diamonds & Rubies
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
The ring is embellished with a gorgeous selection of twenty natural earth mined gemstones, such: white colorless diamonds and vivid intense red rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
ETERNITY Classic Ring Band In 14Kt White Gold With 1.40 Carats Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
The ring has a plain design at the sides and is embellished with thirty-five natural earth mined vivid red rubies.
Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Sapphire Ring with Malaya Garnet and Ruby
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This Tobacco Flower cocktail ring is made of 18 karat yellow gold and features a stunning array of natural gems including: Oval ruby 4.27 carats, dimensions: 11.16x9.36 mm Oval ruby...
Garnet, Rubelite, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sa...
ETERNITY Ring Band In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 2.97 Ctw In Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
Eternity ring with natural red rubies. This is a modern full eternity band, carefully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified Unheated 1.56 Cts Ruby with Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.56 carats with Diamond 0.71 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (GIA Certified) Width: 1.5 cm Length: 0.9 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 4.03 grams "We first op...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby 2.48 Carats with Diamond 0.82 Carat Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.48 carats with Diamond 0.82 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 12.65 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 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.
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.