$3,440Sale Price / item|20% Off
Toi et Moi Ring with 4.6 CTW Natural Ruby in 18K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Toi et Moi ring features 2 natural oval and pear cut rubies totaling 4.6 carats set in rich 18k yellow gold.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leon Mege Micro Pave Platinum Ring with Certified 1.06 Ct Emerald-Cut Ruby
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
Three-stone ring with a 1.06-carat natural gem Thai ruby, certified by AGL CS1074721 and two natural rubies, tapered-baguettes 0.43-carat total.
Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
French Circa 1930s Emerald Sapphire Ruby Gold Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
French made, possibly by Belperron, circa 1930s, 18k gold dome ring, set with rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Ring size - 6, ring top is 18mm wide.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Sophia D. 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
18K yellow gold ring with diamond and ruby. Sophia D has been known world-wide for over 40 years because of its rich history of design and quality craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$2,760Sale Price / item|20% Off
Toi et Moi Ring with 4.6 CTW Natural Ruby in 14K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Toi et Moi ring features 2 natural oval and pear cut rubies totaling 4.6 carats set in rich 14k yellow gold.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity Band Ring with 4.13 ct of Rubies and 0.25 ct of Diamonds. Made in Italy
Located in Rome, IT
The ring is an eternity band model (full circle), with a curly design, on which 4.13 ct of rubies and 0.25 ct of diamonds are set.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Stackable Band Ring by Ferrucci, 0.30ct
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow gold thin band ring, stackable rings, with approximately 0.30 carat of Rubies, hand set, comfortable fit, the band measure 1.5 mm width Wear single or multiple flat bands ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire Gold Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Modernist brutalist ring with inset diamond, rubies and emeralds in a wide 14k yellow gold mounting.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow ...
Antique Inspired Handcrafted 10, 52 Burmese Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Istanbul, Fatih
One of a Kind 10.52 Ruby Burma Ring with an extra ordinary handwork.
Ruby, 18k Gold
1980s 4.70 carats Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : The perfect vintage piece for lovers of ruby rings set with a generously sized stone. Specialized in antique and creation jewelry since 1975, we deliver all our jewel ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 kt White Gold Design Ring, Sapphires, Rubies & Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
WHITE GOLDEN 18 KT RING WITH DIAMONDS, RUBIES & SAPPHIRES Amazing design and fits like a glove !
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Ring with White Rhodium
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer ring is handcrafted from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold in an elegant Byzantine style, featuring a stunning oval-cut Ruby (3.10 carats) at its center.
Ruby, Diamond, Rhodium, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold 0.37ct Diamond and Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A vertical channel of baguette diamonds totaling 0.37 carats cut into the shoulders beside it, adding a sharper geometric edge against the ruby center stone.Offered in estate conditi...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Italian Yellow Gold Ruby Eternity Band Ring by Balestra
By BALESTRA
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This Italian Yellow Gold Ruby Eternity Band Ring by Balestra is a stunning piece of fine jewelry that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Wrapped Ruby Ring by Barbara Heinrich
By Barbara Heinrich
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
This exquisite wrapped ring with an oval cabochon ruby featuring a stunning 5.70-carat ruby center set in luxurious 18k yellow gold.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 1.30ct Ruby & 0.80ct Diamond Dome Ring, Italy 1930s-40s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Platinum ring with 3 rubies for a total of 1.30 carats and old cut diamonds for a total of 0.80 carats / Made in Italy 1930s-1940s Ring size US 8
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring in 18kt Solid White Gold Statement Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Cocktail Ring with Diamonds Set in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 2.05 carats and diamonds of 1.25 carats.
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gianmaria Buccellati 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Gianmaria Buccellati Metal: 18K Ruby: approx 0.9ct Diamonds: Approx 0.8ct Ring size: 6.5.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Star Ruby Silver Ring Natural Red Gemstone Corundum Fine Unisex Jewelry
Located in Berlin, DE
Scratched silver ring with natural star Ruby ruby origin - Sri Lanka gem size is 0.39 х 0.55 х 0.63 in / 10 х 14 х 16 mm ring weight - 12.10 grams ruby weight - 25.6 carats ring size...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Silver
Diamond Sapphire Ruby Butterfly Ring 14 Karat White Gold Insect Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous antique Butterfly Ring set with spectacular Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond gems in a gorgeous Butterfly design in 14 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Ruby and 15 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This victorian Ruby ring is adorned with five wonderful rubies set in smooth settings.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
East to West Marquis Ruby and Diamond Ring Band
Located in Miami, FL
18K white gold ring with east to west marquis rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large Star Ruby Silver Ring Natural Red Gemstone Corundum gift Unisex Jewelry
Located in Berlin, DE
Matte finish silver ring with natural star Ruby ruby origin - Sri Lanka gem size is 0.39 х 0.55 х 0.63 in / 10 х 14 х 16 mm ring weight - 12.10 grams ruby weight - 25.6 ct ring size ...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Silver
Handcraft Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
14 Karat yellow gold and 800 karat silver cocktail ring. Handmade with ruby and rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
18K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF47-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The white gold split shank keeps the profile open and balanced.Offered in estate condition, this 18K White Gold 1.0 ct Diamond and 6.0 ct Ruby Ring comes with a gift box.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Le Vian Multi-Row Ruby and Diamond Wide Band Ring with Flowers in 14 Karat Gold
By Le Vian
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in gleaming white gold, the centerpiece of the ring features a cluster of round rubies arranged in a square formation, radiating a rich and vibrant pinkish-red hue.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.70Ct Thai Ruby and 1.68Ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring 1975
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.70 carat Thai ruby and 1.68 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our unheated gemstone ring collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GRS Certified Vivid 3.17 Carat Red Ruby Ring with White Diamonds on Platinum
Located in London, GB
Enhancing the rich colour of this centre stone are two white diamonds, each cut in an elegant pear shape and mounted on a delicate platinum band. Ring Size: UK - L, US - 6 3.17 Cara...
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1900 Hallmarked Birmingham- date letter has rubbed Makers Mark H W Ltd Lovely, Edwardian Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Handcraft Rubies 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Amazing 18 karat white gold cocktail ring.Handmade by artisans assembled with rubies and diamonds Ring weight 6.20 grams Diamonds weight 1.63 karat Rubies weight 3.61 karat Ring siz...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby 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...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
6.06 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Oval Ruby weighing 6.06 carats Diamonds are .87 carats total Set in 14 karat white gold ring with a yellow cup Ruby is a nice red color and super spready
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Ruby 9 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Do not hesitate to write to us, we will be happy to satisfy your every need. 9 karat yellow gold and silver cocktail ring. Handmade by artisans assembled with ruby,and old cut diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Lovely, Edwardian gold band style ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$6,672Sale Price / item|20% Off
18kt Solid White Gold Ruby And Diamond Wedding Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Statement Ruby Ring with Diamonds Set in 18K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your learning and spiritual healing.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This second hand ring is set with an oval ruby in closed setting, surrounded by gadroons alternating on each side with 2x2 diamonds and from top to bott...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity Alternating Anniversary Band with Diamonds and Rubies
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Eternity wedding band in Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Rubies - 10 stones totalin :2.40CT White Radiant Cut Diamonds F/G color VS clarity 10 stones totaling 3.20CT Pave of baske...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Platinum Ruby & Diamond Art Deco Plaque / Tank Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Tank Ring Platinum Circa 1920’s Fabulous Art Deco Design Plaque/Tank Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Burmese Ruby OMC Diamond Ring 14K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The top of the ring is 14mm from N to S (the length of the 3 ruby halo design).
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Dome Cluster Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE PREPAID TARRIFS & CUSTOMS DUTIES FOR USA CLIENTS. 18K gold ring set with 0.65ct princess cut rubies and 0.76ct diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Stackable Band Ring by Ferrucci, 0.30ct
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow gold thin band ring, stackable rings, with approximately 0.30 carat of Rubies, hand set, comfortable fit, the band measure 1.5 mm width Wear single or multiple flat bands ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940’s 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Bombe Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1940’s Fabulous, vintage Bombe shaped ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1960-70s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a central ruby of 1.8 carats surrounded by double rows of diamonds for a total of 3.00 carats / Made in Italy 1960s-1970s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$772Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ruby July Birthstone Three-Stone Ring with Baguette Diamonds in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant three-stone ring features three vibrant baguette-cut natural rubies totaling 0.38 carats, set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Engagement Ring: Untreated Burmese Ruby, Diamonds, White Gold, c. 1975
Located in Berlin, DE
Our ring presents such a precious "no heat" ruby from Burma.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Ruby Sapphire Multi Gemstone Ring in 9K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Multi Gemstone Ring features emeralds, rubies, and sapphires arranged in an expressive alternating composition.
Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold
Gorgeous Platinum Ring with Vivid Red 5.53 Ct Ruby & 1.5 Ct Heart Shape Diamond
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous Platinum Ring With Vivid Red 5.53 Ct Ruby and 1.5 Ct Heart shaped Diamond Ruby: Vivid Red, Cushion Shape Mozambique Ruby 5.53 Ct.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Ruby 0.80cts & Fancy Diamond 0.52cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a RUBY gemstone set with a diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French Art Deco 1930 Cocktail Ring In Sterling Silver With Synthetic Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring made in France by Maurice Chardeaux. Beautiful cocktail ring, created in Paris France during the art deco period, back in the 1930.
Crystal, Spinel, Silver, Sterling Silver
Oval 0.65ct Natural Ruby Set in Platinum Solitaire Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring set with oval 0.65ct natural ruby gemstone in platinum ring setting with 2 tapered baguette diamonds on sides.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Ruby Platinum and Gold Plaque Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco platinum and 14 karat ring with diamonds and rubies. The ring is designed in a classic platinum-on-gold plaque motif, with the 3 larger diamonds architecturally framed by...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Art Deco ruby diamond ring in 18 karat gold and platinum, synthetic rubies
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco ruby diamond ring in 18 karat gold and platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage FOUGERAY Ruby and Diamond Ring with GIA
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.3 grams Ruby Details: Natural Ruby, Heated, Red, 2.00ct, with GIA Report#5234141063 Diamon...
Yellow Gold
2.63 Carat Thai Ruby Diamond Ballerina Platinum Ring, GRS Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking cushion-cut ruby, weighing 2.63 carats, commands attention at the center of this contemporary ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14k Solid White Gold Natural Oval Ruby Three-Stone Ring with Diamonds Accent
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Three Stone Engagement Ring with Accent Diamonds Set in 14K Gold featuring natural ruby of 1.52 carats and diamonds of 0.05 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
AIG Certified 1.10 Ct Untreated Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
So stunning design and style fir this refined ring in 18k with a unheated ruby from Mozambico of 1,10 carats, pear cut, extra fine quality, spectacular color , and diamonds round bri...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold GIA No Heat 2.16ct Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is a bold and highly distinctive gemstone piece, centered by a 2.16ct GIA-certified no heat ruby in a richly sculptural 18k yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold ring, set with 52 rubies for a total weight of 0.41 carats.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Free Form Rectangular Ruby Set Ring With Melted Patterning, Size 7.75
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This unusual yellow gold ring is a free form rectangle profile, decorated with a melted style patterning and open shoulders, and set with three vertical round f...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby & Polki Cocktail Ring Made In 14Kt Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This ring is made with 14K yellow gold and silver. Ring Size: 6.5 14Kt: 8.73gms Diamond: 2.22cts RUBY: 5.58Cts
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
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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