Ruby 3.20 Carat with Diamond 0.58 Carat Ring Set in 18 Karat Pink Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.20 carats with Diamond 0.58 carat Ring Set in 18 Karat Pink Gold Settings Width: 2 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 9.67 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Leon Mege platinum flexible wedding band with rubies
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
We infused the unisex wedding band with natural rubies on the sides of the wedding band. finger. The band is flexible and feels soft on a finger due to its hinged construction. Width...
Ruby, Platinum
French Ruby Constellation Dome Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This French ruby ring may be worn as a statement ring, cocktail ring, pinky ring, celestial jewel or collectible vintage-style piece.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Retro Opal Ruby Flower Ring Antique Wedding Engagement Cocktail Ring Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful Antique Retro Opal Ruby Flower Ring with a central round opal cabochon gem surrounded by a halo of six gorgeous round faceted Rubies of incredible color and stunn...
Ruby, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, With GIA Gem Report. 2.42 CT.
Located in Honolulu, HI
This Majestic natural Ruby ring with diamond halo is a real show stopper.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Ring with 2.19 ct Ruby and 0.60 ct Diamonds
Located in PARIS, FR
This elegant 18K yellow gold ring (750/1000) features a stunning natural oval-cut ruby weighing 2.19 carats.
Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby, Diamond and Platinum Crossover Ring, Circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A vintage, hand made, ruby and diamond crossover ring, set with a pear shape ruby, weighing approximately 1.27ct and a pear shape diamond weighing approximately 0.80ct, in claw setti...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA-Certified 1.06 Carat Ruby in Deco-Era Platinum Ring with 0.7 Carats Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This late Deco Era ring was originally set with an oval diamond but it was weirdly dark -- much too dark to stand up to its bright and clean supporting diamonds -- so we reset it wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Burma Ruby 1.53ct and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant ring set with a natural ruby from Myanmar (Burma) weighing 1.53 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s French Platinum Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bilateral Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning vintage gemstone ring has been crafted in platinum. The full eternity channel setting is ornamented with twelve rubies and twelve sapphires, all square faceted cut.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Flame III – Zenith - Mozambique Ruby set with Diamonds in Handmade Ring in HK
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Their shimmer adds movement, clarity, and a refined brilliance that enhances the ruby’s dramatic intensity. Handcrafted in 18K gold and weighing 4.30 grams, Flame III – Zenith is a ...
Diamond, Ruby
$1,608Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.09 Ct Oval Cut Red Ruby Solitaire Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Black Rhodium
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This solitaire ring showcases a stunning oval-cut red ruby weighing approximately 2.09 carats, beautifully set in luxurious 18K yellow.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Second Etruscan Revival Figural Ram Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Ruby Eyes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The rubies are a modern cut and are probably replacements or additions.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubelite 1.66 Carat Ruby 0.37ct with Diamond 0.66 Ct Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A Classic setting of Rubelite 1.66 carats, surrounded by 0.37 carats of Ruby and Diamond (0.66 carat)set in 18 karat White Gold, is quite a perfect style for the lady who embraces u...
Diamond, Rubelite, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1900s 1.82 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ruby Diamond Cluster 18k White Gold Sunburst Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stylish and brilliant cluster ring set with rubies and diamonds! There are a total of 6 oval-shape rubies weighing 7.01 carats that have strong and vibrant red color.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring with AGL Certificate
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A classic vintage ruby and diamond ring crafted in 14K white gold, centered with an oval ruby weighing approximately 3.32 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$70,400Sale Price|34% Off
6 Carats Natural Ruby Solitaire Ring Surrounded with 2.97 Carats D to F Diamonds
Located in Istanbul, Fatih
For the Love of Red ! This beautiful piece has a 6 carats of Natural deep red color Ruby with an amazing clarity. 2.97 Carats of -D to F color VVS- Diamonds perfectly set on 18K Wh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Round Cut Ruby and Diamond Spray Ring with Twisted Band in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 8 Embrace the timeless allure of luxury with this stunning ring, a brilliant fusion of radiant diamonds, vivid rubies, and intricate craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
12 Carat Natural Ruby 3.5 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Ruby ring set with an oval ruby weighing approximately 12 carats, and 2 pear shape rubies weighing approximately 0.50 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Eternity Rings Suite in 18 Karat White Gold with 2.16ctw of Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
A suite of two eternity bands with rubies. Beautiful matching pair (2) of eternity bands rings crafted in solid white gold of 18 karats, with high polished finish.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Yellow Gold 36 Carat Ruby Cabochon Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold cocktail ring, with center approx. 36 carat ruby (measures approx. 21.1 x 16.6 x9.4mm), surrounded with approx. 2.50ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Ring set with a natural oval ruby weighing approximately 1 carat, and 34 mix cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.90cts (including pair of pear shape diamonds weighing approximately...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and 2.13 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.75ct Burmese ruby and 2.13 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry colle...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Rare Ruby Wedding Ring for Her with Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold Gift for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Rare Ruby Wedding Ring for Her with Diamonds in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 2.05 carats and diamonds of 0.14 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Band Ring with Channel-Set Rubies - '80s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A refined vintage ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, weighing 4.8 grams, and featuring a seamless channel setting of square-cut rubies.
Yellow Gold
Antique Snake Ring Ruby Eyes Three Dimensional Gold
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful antique Snake Ring with two Ruby Eyes in 9 Karat Gold. The stunning fully modeled three dimensional snake is depicted coiled around itself and raising its glorious head.
Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Quilted Cocktail Ring in 18kt White Gold with 9.21 Cts in Diamonds Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
Condition: The overall condition of this ring is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Men’s Ruby and Black Spinel Eternity Band Ring Silver, Gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Unisex Ruby and Black Spinel Silver Eternity Ring. Ruby and Black Spinel Geometric Eternity Band in Silver.
Ruby, Spinel, Gold Plate, Silver
18KT Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An 18KT yellow gold crossover ring set with an oval natural ruby and an oval natural sapphire, accented with diamonds to the shoulders.
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pave Diamond Coiled Snake Ring in Silver with Ruby Eyes, Size 6.75
Located in Nantucket, MA
The eyes are round, faceted rubies. Ring size is 6.75. Total weight of diamonds is .64 carats and rubies are .02 carats.
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Gold Snake Ring Emerald Marquis Ruby Ouroboros Wrap Adjustable
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Snake Ring Emerald Marquis Ruby Ouroboros Wrap Adjustable Designer: J DAUPHIN Emerald snake ring in 14k solid gold by J Dauphin, a serpent coiling around the finger with an e...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Band with Natural Diamond Accents in Solid 14K Gold Six Pear Shape Ruby
Located in Columbus, OH
Specifications: Item Type: Ring Center Stone: Ruby Treatment: Heated Weight: 6-1.15cttw Shape: Pear Hardness: 9 Metal: 14k-2.234g Diamond Count-Weight: 7-0.23cttw SKU: 15509 / AJR...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.70 Carat Thai Ruby Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ruby ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Fabulous, Victorian marquise/navette shaped ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
2.5 Carat Diamond Ballerina Ring with 1.78 Carat Ruby in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This classic ballerina ring -- with baguettes of various sizes forming a "skirt" at different elevations -- was originally set with a diamond, but we decided to set it with something...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
“Antique Russian 14k Gold Naviet Style Ring with Sapphire and Rubies”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian 14k gold ring in naviet style centered with natural sapphire rubies and old mine cut diamonds ring head diameter 2.8cm hall marked 56 imperial russian gold standard r...
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
3 gemstone ring. Tourmalines and ruby gold ring. Multicolor gemstones ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
3 gemstone ring. Tourmalines and ruby gold ring. Open ended ring.
Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold
PT950 Mikimoto 1.63 CTW Ruby Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant Mikimoto ring in platinum 950. Set with ruby, accompanied by 0.95 carats of diamonds.
Platinum
South Sea Pearl with Tsavorite and Cabochon Ruby Frog Ring Set in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl with Tsavorite 1.75 carats and Cabochon Ruby 0.25 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 2.1 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 22.16 gra...
South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl with Ruby 4.20 carats and Diamond 0.65 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.6 cm Length: 2.6 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 17.55 grams "We firs...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unheated Red Ruby Stone 3.10 cts in 18K Two Tone Ring with Diamonds / GIA Report
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the timeless elegance of the Natural Unheated Tanzanian Ruby, masterfully set in an 18K two-tone ring adorned with dazzling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Ring, Circa 1970, Retro Style
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Like precious lace woven in gold, this Buccellati ring entwines vivid rubies with luminous diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ralph Masri Andromeda 18kt White Gold Diamond Ruby Ring
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Captivating 18kt white gold ring with diamonds and rubies from Ralph Masri's Andromeda collection, inspired by the stars, galaxies and constellations.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ralph Masri Andromeda 18kt White Gold Diamond Ruby Ring
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Statement 18kt white gold ring with diamonds and rubies from Ralph Masri's Andromeda collection, inspired by the stars, galaxies and constellations.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$744Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k White Gold Two Stone Sapphire and Ruby Open Ring with Diamond Gift for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning expression of contrast and harmony, this open-style ring in 14k white gold features two captivating gemstones—one vivid royal blue oval-cut blue sapphire and one radiant s...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Snake Ring with Turquoise, Diamonds, and Ruby
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and hand set with .11 carats sapphire, .03 carats ruby and .50 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 15ct Gold Ring 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Beautiful Victorian Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Black Star Sapphire with Ruby and Brown Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Star Sapphire 29.64 carats, Ruby 9.37 crats with Brown Diamond 0.89 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 3.5 cm Length: 4.0 cm Ring Size: 54 "Since we first...
Brown Diamond, Ruby, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Exquisite 11, 88 Carats of Rubies and Diamond Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
From love ❤️ collection, a magnificent double hearts design for this original ring with two pieces of Burma rubies of 8,20 carats and diamonds round brilliant and baguettes cut of 3,...
Ruby, 18k Gold
6.93 Ct. Cat's Eye Alexandrite Ruby Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in Brunswick, ME
Classic and finely detailed oval cabochon Alexandrite Cat's Eye ring accented with rubies, crafted in platinum. This stunning engagement piece features a 6.28 carat natural, untreate...
Alexandrite, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham Worn Date Letter Circa 1900 Lovely gypsy style ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Oval Ruby Three Stone Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Oval Ruby Three Stone Engagement Ring with Diamonds in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.65 carats and diamonds of 0.35 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.57 Carat Non Heated Cabochon Star Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6.57 Carat Non Heated Cabochon Star Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring Star Ruby Diamond Ring with a Oval Cut Cabochon 5.51 Carat Ruby which is surrounded by 82 Round Cut Diamonds that we...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Band with Rubies and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Ring size US 7, Can be made in other ring sizes on special order Crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, this regal ring showcases glittering rubies of approximately 0.20 carats,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Oval Ruby and Diamond Fancy Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully designed 14KT yellow gold ring, featuring two oval-cut rubies totaling 0.76CT-TW, set in a flowing, asymmetrical design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Ring with Three Round Ruby's and Diamonds . Size 7 3 grams total weight.
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold diamond and ruby cluster cocktail ring. With 12 natural rubies and 13 natural mined diamonds arranged in a swirling illusion cluster setting on split shank band.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Snake Ring Serpent Emerald Ruby Eyes Gold Wrap Cocktail
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Serpent Emerald Ruby Eyes Gold Wrap Cocktail Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring is handcrafted in 14k gold plated sterling silver, coiling around the finger in a wrap ba...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Serpent Gold Open Adjustable J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serpent Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Open Adjustable Gold Plated Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring, named Gypsy Wisdom, is a coiled serpent in gold plated silver with a marqui...
Ruby, Silver, Gold Plate
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.
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