French Ruby Flower Band with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
An elegant vintage band ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. This piece features three clusters of vibrant round-cut rubies, each formed by five stones, separated by vertical channe...
18 Karat Yellow Gold Princess Cut Ruby Diamond Band Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat yellow gold princess cut ruby diamond band ring Elegance in its beauty, this princess cut ruby band ring with diamonds is simple yet classic.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1987 Lockwood High School Class Graduation ring. 10k Gold with LC ruby diamond
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1980s Size: 6 1/2 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Ruby Gem color: Yellow Band Color: Gold Style: Art Deco Beautiful Oval Cut Ruby ring bezel set with tiny diamonds ...
10k Gold
18K White Gold 1ct Ruby and 1ct Diamond Ring, Italy Circa 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with 1 carat round ruby and 1 carat of brilliant diamonds / Made in Italy 1980s Ring size US 6
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.28 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Round Cut Ruby measures at 5.5 mm and the face of the ring is 12 mm x 12 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$30,600Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 10.24ct Ruby with Diamond Three Stone Halo Ring 18k
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning natural ruby and natural diamond three stone ring with halo.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 1.17ct Burmese Ruby With .75ctw Diamond Accents In 11.4g Platinum
Located in Lafayette, LA
Natural 1.17ct Burmese Ruby With .75ctw Diamond Accents In 11.4g Platinum 1.17ct Ruby Ring In Platinum .75ctw Diamond Accents Platinum 900 Weight 11.4 Grams Size 9.5 11.3g total we...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18kt White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, GIT Certified, Unisex, Asia
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold ruby ring with diamonds Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 2.313 grams Set with- Stone type: Ruby Shape: Oval Carat: 0.26 Colour: - C...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emma Chapman 18k Yellow Gold and Silver Ruby Pearl Flower Ring
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
This is a unique one-of-a-kind ruby and pearl ring. The centre of the ring is embedded with a ruby, set in an 18k yellow gold flower.
Ruby, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
$1,040Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ruby and Pearl Owl Ring in 9K Yellow Gold Vintage Style
Located in Bangkok, TH
Charming and full of character, this Owl Ring features vivid ruby eyes and luminous pearls, beautifully crafted in solid 9K yellow gold.
Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Ruby Sapphire 18 Karat Rose Gold Ball Retro Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, own hallmark. Icon of the 1950's, this ring is set with 5 round rubies and 4 round sapphires in star settings.
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Eternity Ring 18kt Yellow Gold Diamonds Emeralds Rubies By Rossella Ugolini
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Eternity Ring 18kt Yellow Gold Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies By Rossella Ugolini Made in Italy.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.32 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.32 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the elegant harmony of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemstones...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Exceptional 3.11ct Burmese Ruby with Half Moon cut diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Ideal for collectors and those seeking a truly unique piece, this gemstone is not just a jewel but a statement of timeless beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship. Whether set in a rin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diana M. Fine Jewelry 18k 2.70 Ct. Tw. Diamond & Ruby Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent ruby diamond ring with gia certified 6.27ct ruby set with 1.70ct of round diamonds all the way around in platinum halo and 2 hearts gia certified on the sides setting
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Edwardian Style Ruby Solitaire Ring in Handmade Diamond-Set Platinum Mount
By Sebastien Barier
Located in New York, NY
An Edwardian style ring set with an oval ruby in a handmade pavé diamond mounting in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.10 Natural Pear Cut Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.10 Natural Pear Cut Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Primary Stones: Ruby Accent Stones: Diamond Total Carat Weight: 1.10 carats Setting: Pro...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
AGL and GRS Certified 9.09 ct Unheated Burma Star Ruby Diamond 18KYG Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Live, love and laugh with this stunning dainty ruby ring. With GRS and AGL certificates, this vivid red natural ruby is a rare find.
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring Hallmarked Birmingham 1911
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1911 A lovely ring set with alternating, natural rubies & diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold 1.52ct Non Heat Ruby Design Ring by MOISEIKIN
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Created in 18K white gold, MOISEIKIN's 1.52ct non-heat ruby ring with the perfect colour graduation captivates your eyes and heart.
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, White Gold
Designer Nikabell 3.50ct Heart Cut Ruby 1.60ct Diamond 18k Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Fall in love with our special ring with a Natural Ruby of 3,50 carat, fine quality, in perfect heart cut, and natural diamonds of 1,60 carats, round brilliant cut, F/VS.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Crimson Legacy - Natural Burmese Ruby Cabouchon set with Diamonds & Gems in 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Its domed surface captures light like a drop of molten fire, giving the ring an aura of timeless, regal warmth. Framing this imperial ruby is a refined constellation of gems: 4 Rou...
Diamond, Ruby
1.30 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Gem Report
Located in Pasadena, CA
Centering on an oval shaped ruby weighing approximately 1.30 carats, this ring is surrounded by round and baguette diamonds that create a bright and elegant cluster design.
18k Gold
Blue Sapphire Twisted Gold Ring Italian 18k Gold Design Oltremare Gioielli
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
We can customize this ring with rubies, diamonds, or other precious stones of your choice.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$278Sale Price|20% Off
Emma Chapman Ruby Gold Plate Statement Flower Ring, Handmade in India
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
This lovely Ruby Gold Plate Statement Flower Ring, has been handmade in our workshops.
Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
1.0 CTW Bar-Set Solitaire Round Ruby Bypass Ring in Sterling Silver
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The glistening shank embraces the ruby with its graceful bypassing ends. This bar set ruby ring enthralls with its minimalistic beauty.
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Ruby with Diamond Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.88 carats with Diamond 0.10 Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.38 grams Ruby Width: 0.9 cm Length: 0.9 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 3ct Ruby and 2.5ct Diamond Ring, Italy Circa 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with three rubies for a total of 3 carats and brilliant diamonds for a total of 2.5 carats mounted in Pave setting, Italy 1960-1970s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified BURMA NO HEAT Ruby Diamond Halo Solitaire Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This spectacular oval ruby engagement ring features a magnificent 2.98 carat pure red ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon: Crescent Moon Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Clarity: Transparent with inclusions Diamond, 1 mm size, G/Vs Ruby, 1mm size, red color 💍This ring will be made for order 💍Gemstone seting can be bezel or prong setting.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
3.60 Carat Burma Ruby Oval Cut and Diamond 18K Gold Men’s Ring
Located in Miami, FL
About The Ring: This men’s ruby and diamond ring has the bold architecture associated with late 20th-century statement jewelry.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold Triple Row, Ruby & Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Target Ring 18ct White Gold Tested Circa 1980’s Gorgeous, preloved target ring.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum Vintage Engagement RG with OGI Ltd 3.70ct Natural Ruby, 0.90ct Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your engagement with this exquisite vintage-inspired ring, crafted to captivate hearts and ignite everlasting love.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18 carat white gold ring, 4 ruby hearts and diamond paving
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Luminous 18 carat white gold ring Set with four rubies of very pretty sustained color, for about 2 carats, surrounded by a paving of sparkling diamonds for 0.50 carat for all.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.66 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Immerse yourself in the radiant beauty of this extraordinary cocktail ring, adorned with a magnificent array of IGI Certified 2.66 Carat rubies and dazzling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
.51 Carat Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Ruby and diamond engagement ring. Oval center ruby with two round brilliant cut side diamonds in 18k yellow gold three-stone setting. 1 oval red ruby, MI approx. .51cts 2 round br...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set of Ruby Emerald Sapphire Stacking Gold Bands with Diamonds
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The rings are 14k yellow gold. Ring size 6 - 6.25 - they cannot be sized.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Ruby Cluster Ring in Elevated Cathedral Textured Setting in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold ring with cluster of round rubies weighing 0.30 carat total.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.45 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.45 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring Natural and simple ruby diamond ring with a pear cut 1.19 Carat Ruby which is surrounded by natural round cut di...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ballerina Cocktail Cluster No Heat Ruby Diamond Ring 4.58 Carat 18 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
G-color Vs-2 clarity. 18Kt. white Gold. 7.7 grams Ring size: 6.50 Depth of ring (with center ruby): 6.2mm Deck of ring: 18.2 x 19.3mm $36,000 Appraisal Certificate to accompa...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Pink Sapphire Silver on Gold Bombay Ring Estate
Located in Montreal, QC
Ruby and Pink Sapphire Bombay Silver on Gold Cluster Ring.
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Georgian 18K Gold Table Cut Ruby Ring, Late 18th Century, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
Late-1700s (Georgian era) Italian gold ring with table cut rubies in closed setting. This beautiful example is completely original, it features a lovely flower bow shape with decorat...
Ruby, Gold
Vintage 2.84 Carat Thai Ruby and 1.45 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This stunning ruby and diamond ring is excellent quality, set with a stunning ruby displaying fine colour, brilliance and presence.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Ruby Cts 0.18 and Round Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Seize the moment and declare your love with our Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring today. Adorned with four round rubies totaling 0.18 carats and five round diamonds totaling 0.09 carats,...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
GIA 6.32 Carat Natural No Heat Star Ruby Diamond Ring Platinum Knuckle Buckle*
Located in New York, NY
Star Ruby Ring / Large Knuckle option. 3.32ct. Natural GIA Certified Ruby Ring GIA Certified Report ID: 2165111521 9.30 X 7.31 X 4.97mm Oval Cabochon Cut, Translucent No Heat, N...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian 1.10 Carat Ruby and 0.48 Carat Diamond, Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby cluster ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby 4.26 carats with Moonstone 1.68 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold S
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.26 carats with Moonstone 1.68 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 59 Total Weight: 10.06 grams "We first opened door...
Moonstone, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Band Ring, 2.1ct, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat yellow gold band ring with a central ruby of 2.0 carat and surrounding diamonds in round and baguette cut for a total of 2.1 carat / Made in Italy 1960s-1970s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby, Diamond And 18 Karat Gold Navette Cluster Ring, Chester 1901
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond and gold navette shaped cluster ring, with a cushion shaped faceted ruby, in the centre of two oval rubies, surrounded by fourteen old-cut diamonds, in a cl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$3,900Sale Price|50% Off
AIGS 18K White Gold 1.39ct Oval Ruby & 0.71ct Diamond Halo Vintage Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Crafted in solid 18k white gold, the ring features a sculptural gallery and refined shoulders that elevate the ruby with maximum light return.
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Delicate 14k Solid White Gold Three Stone Ring with Oval Cut Ruby and Emerald
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Delicate yet dazzling, this elegant ring is expertly crafted in 14k white gold and showcases a 0.36-carat vibrant Ruby & Emerald .
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Intense Red Burma Ruby No Heat Piegon Blood Ring Certified By GRS
Located in Dubai, AE
The Natural Burma Ruby Ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Ruby, Platinum
Diamond Studded Wide Band with Ruby 18K Gold 11.7g V1113
Located in Osprey, FL
Enjoy the dazzling beauty of this jewelry designed to make an unforgettable impression! ♥ The face of the ring measures 12.4mm in width, 22mm in length, and sits 5.4mm tall from the...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring, Great Britain, mid XX cent.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Ring made of white gold with ruby, brilliants and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Flame II – Horizon - Classic Mozambique Ruby set with Diamond Pave in 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Diamond architecture. A ring where ruby embers ignite into a blazing horizon of brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14k Gold Plated Silver Pink Ruby Heart Signet Ring, US Size 8
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby Heart Ring Signet Star Gold Cocktail Designer: J DAUPHIN The Heart Signet Ring is handcrafted in 14k gold plated sterling silver, a sculpted heart face set with pink rubies wi...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Enamel
18k White Gold Happy Kitty Diamond and Ruby Ring Size: 7 14.2 grams
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
One Beautiful Happy Kitty White Gold, Diamond, and Ruby Ring Ring size = 7 Band Width: 4 mm Dimensions of Plaque: 22 mm x 21 mm The ring features pave diamonds with rubies and caboch...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Scroll Design Hallmarked Birmingham 1921
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmark Birmingham 1921 Introducing a stunning 18ct gold 5 stone gypsy ring, adorned with alternating natural rubies and diamonds in a scroll desig...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1970s Oval Thai Ruby and 1.56ct Diamond 18k White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.13 carat Thai ruby and 1.56 carat diamond, 18k white gold cluster ring; part of our ruby jewellery collection.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Classy wide solid 18 Karat yellow gold ring channel set with square rubies and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.
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