Vintage 1970s 0.90 Carat Round Cut Ruby and 1.60 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14K white gold with a Round cut Ruby weighing approximately 0.90 carat, and 2 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.60 carat. Circa 1970s...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful ruby and diamond ring dating back to the Edwardian period.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spectacular Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 18k, American. Set with 4.0 carats of superb rubies and 2.0 carats of fine white diamonds (F color and VS clarity), this spectacular ring is all about amazing color and...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. The ring features a target centre with a single old cut diamond surrounded by 14 calibrated rubies. Above and below the c...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire And Ruby 0.67ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold GR: 3.19GR • 0.15ct Natural Diamond • 0.21ct Natural Ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co 1.17 Carat Ruby 0.20 Carat Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany & Co Title: Tiffany & Co 1.17 Carat Round Brilliant 0.20 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 0.95ctw Round Ruby & Baguette Diamond High Profile Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Red Color - 4.6mm - 0.45ct (approx.) (16) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Tapered Baguette Cut - Channel Se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
These focal stones are encompassed by six round natural rubies; three atop and three below.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Louisa 14k White Gold Ring With 1.90 Ct Natural Rubies (oval & Round)
Located in Greeneville, TN
Fiery passion meets timeless sophistication in the Louisa Ring by Mountain Song Jeweler. This stunning piece features a 1.90 carat blend of natural oval and round rubies, rich in red...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Diamond Ruby Sapphire Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold cocktail ring, featuring sapphires, rubies and approx. 1.80ctw in H-I/SI diamonds. Ring size 7.75, top is 35mm in diameter. Marked 750. Weight - 26.6 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Ruby & Diamond Pave Cocktail Ring
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Diamond & Ruby Approx. Carat Weight: 1.15cttw Approx. Ruby Carat Weight: 1.00ct Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .15ct Diamond Cut: Round Band Material:...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,162Sale Price|40% Off
Ruby and Diamond Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Toronto, ON
Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring 14Kyellow gold. The ring set with 10 round brilliant cut diamonds, total diamond weight approximately 0.73 ct, average VS2-SI1 clarity, average H colou...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Black Onyx and Pink Opal Round Beads Rubies Black Diamonds Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique and elegant Art Deco Style ring composed of a flat oval ring in solid 14 Kt yellow gold with 3 round black onyx beads with small faceted rubies set on one side and 3 pink op...
Black Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$3,970Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 1920's Diamond & Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique 1920's Shield Ring .90ct Brilliant Round Diamond White & Sparkly 8 Bright Red Rubies The Top is 18mm x 6mm 4.2 grams Platinum Size 5.5 We are Happy to Include an Ins...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Costume Ruby & Rhinestone Detailed Round Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your jewelry collection with this Vintage Costume Ruby & Rhinestone Detailed Round Statement Cocktail Ring, a stunning blend of elegance and bold design.
Diamond and Ruby Eternity Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This band contains 7 deep red rubies totaling 0.30 carats with 21 round VS2, G color diamonds in between totaling 0.30 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Sapphire Ruby Diamond Ring - 14k Round .97ctw Two-Stone Bypass SZ 5
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Metal Content: 14k White Gold & 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .54ct Cut: Round Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$560Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby wedding band 14KT gold Natural rubies custom style ring minimalistic
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Natural ruby wedding band in 14KT white gold, size 6.5. Hand carved ring with beautiful pinkish red natural rubies, the ring is curved with custom channel setting.
Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby and Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A timeless tribute to vintage elegance, this exquisite ring features a rich, fiery ruby at its heart, weighing 0.83cts., symbolizing passion and strength. Surrounding the center ston...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum Ruby Ballerina Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Platinum Ballerina Ring Featuring A 1.30 Carat Round Ruby Surrounded By 6.00 Carat Total Weight Tapered Baguette and Round Diamonds Of VS Clarity and G Color.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Round Ruby Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Set 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This exquisite ring features a central iridescent opal embellished with pretty ruby stone and glittering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Ruby Diamond Snake Ring
By Bn Green Star
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted from 18K yellow and white gold, this bold ring features 152 AI-graded white diamonds, 38 vivid round rubies, and two enchanting emerald eyes.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.86ct Diamond 2.67ct Ruby Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning 18k yellow gold ring. The ring is set with sparkling round cut diamonds and round cut rubies that weigh approximately 1.86ct and 2.67ct respectively.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k White Gold 1.5ctw Round Tsavorite & Ruby Eyes Detailed Frog Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s)-- Numerous Natural Genuine Tsavorites - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Vivid Lime Green Color - 1.43ctw (exact) (2) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Brilliant Cut - Bezel ...
Ruby, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rubies, Rise Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing band ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a band of rubies. This elegant object combines solid 9 kt gold and solid 800 silver in a sophisticated design. T...
Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
18k Yellow Gold 2.52ctw Round Ruby & Diamond Domed Chevron Style Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- (15) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G-I Color - I1 Clarity - Fiery - 1.02ctw (exact - stamped) (13) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Brilli...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Denver, CO
An unheated red ruby, weighing approximately 0.70 carats of Sri Lankan origin (Ceylon), centers this exquisite Art Deco ring. The ruby is flanked by two Old European-cut diamonds tot...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.70Ct Round Brilliant Step Cut Natural Ruby
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
This classic, custom designed ring features a beautiful deep red Round Brilliant Ruby with a GIA Grading Report.
Ruby
1.74 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bold, refined, and timeless—this Ruby Cocktail Ring is a striking expression of elegance. At its center lies a 1.738 carat ruby, glowing with deep red brilliance and unmatched allure...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
David Webb Carved Ruby Bombe Cocktail Baguette And Round Cut Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Unveil the allure of a true masterpiece with the Estate David Webb Platinum & 18K White Gold Carved Ruby and Diamond Bombe Cocktail Ring. With its captivating presence, this ring exe...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two Tone Gold, Ruby Engagement Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby solitaire ring in 14k two tone gold. Ruby engagement ring. 14k gold ring with natural emerald.
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Cut Ruby and Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Ruby: 1 oval cabochon cut: 1.91ct Diamonds: 28 round cut: 0.45cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Size: 7.25 Width: the top of the ring measures 11....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Men's Platinum 1.65ctw GIA Burma Round Ruby Diamond 3 Stone Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Brilliant Cut - Burnish Set - Pigeon Blood Red Color - Burma - Heated - 1.20ct (approx.) ** See Certification Details Below for Complet...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.04 Carat Total Round Cut Diamond & Square Cut Ruby Fashion Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable ring, showcasing one row of square cut rubies, set on a channel setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Navette Style Ruby & Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Diamond Carat Weight: .55ctw Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant & Round cut Color: F-H Clarity: VS1-SI2 Gemstone: Ruby Metal: 18k White & Yellow Gold Stamped: "14k" "BH" "EFFY" Weight: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold GIA Certified Oval Ruby and Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Rubies: 3 oval cut = 1.76cttw GIA # 2205267124 Diamonds: 18 round cut = 1.08cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Size: 4.0 Width: the top of the ring...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,500 / item
Ruby And Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih, 34
In Japanese culture, the color kurenai is deeply revered, and often associated with nobility and prestige. This collection captures that essence, offering pieces that are not only lu...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
6.45 Carat No-Heat Burma Ruby Oval Cut & Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
All set in a luxurious 18K white gold band with a floral basket mounting the center stone and an open back. Details: Item Type: Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring Metal: 18K White Gol...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Solitaire ring. Platinum PT900 Genuine Ruby Diamond Eternity band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Ruby Solitaire with Diamond Band ring. Genuine Ruby bezel set with Diamond set eternity shank. 5.4grams total weight Details: Size 5 1/2ct Genuine Ruby 1/3 ctw diamonds Wonderful...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Multi Row Round Diamond and Burmese Ruby Wide Band Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Diamond and Burmese Ruby Diamond Shape: Round cut Diamond Total Carat Weight: 1.35 CTW Diamond Color: G–H Diamond Clarity: SI–I Ruby Shape: Rou...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Burmese Ruby & Diamond Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
Certified Burmese Ruby & Diamond Men's Ring Ruby Weight: Approximately 1.50 cts ring size: 6.25 resizable free of charge Yellow Gold
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Half Eternity Alternate Ruby and Diamond Band. Round Cut Wedding Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamonds Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.60-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: L-M Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS2-SI2 Clarity Secondary...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$860Sale Price / item|20% Off
Elegant Round Cut Ruby Ring and Halo Diamond Studded in 14k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Diamond Ruby Ring in 14k gold featuring natural ruby of 0.55 carats and diamonds of 0.39 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
New Platinum 2.35ct GIA Ideal Cut Round Diamond Pear Ruby Accent Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Trippel Excellent - I Color - VS2 Clarity - 1.37ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Comple...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18k White Gold 1.35ctw Round Vivid Red Ruby Low Profile Eternity Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – Numerous Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Vivid Red Color - 1.35ctw (exact) Material: Solid 18k White Gold w/ Black Rhodium Top Total Weight: 1....
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Ring Marked: 18K Approximate Dimensions: 5.25 cm (Ring Size) 11.5 grams in weight.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Marquise 1.16 Carat Rubies and Round Diamond Eternity Ring in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14k rose gold eternity band with 7 diamonds totaling 0.36 carats and 6 marquise-shaped rubies totaling 1.16 carats. - Finger size 7.25, can be sized upon request - G/H color, SI1/SI...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Yellow Gold Burmese Ruby Cts 0.09 Round Diamond Halo Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This engagement ring features a princess‑cut Burmese ruby (0.09 cts) at its heart, encircled by 40 round diamonds (0.19 cts) and accented with 4 baguette diamonds (0.06 cts).
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Platinum Ruby Full Eternity Ring, Anniversary Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Ruby Eternity Ring Platinum Circa 1980s Discover the timeless elegance of our Platinum Eternity Ring, a stunning piece from the 1980s fully set with vibrant natural rubie...
Ruby, Platinum
14 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ruby Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ruby Ring Size 7.75 GAI Certified- This stunning ring features one round cabochon purple star ruby (12 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Ruby, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Enamel Gold Tiger Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18k gold tiger ring, decorated with enamel, ruby eyes and approx. 0.56ctw in diamonds. Ring size - 5, ring top is 13mm wide. Weight - 12.2 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
$54,500
Ruby Diamond Emerald Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite three-stone ring presents a vibrant trio of round gemstones: a fiery ruby totaling 1.87 carats, an Old European cut diamond totaling 1.61 carats and a rich emerald tot...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
Natural Ruby, Tourmalines and Sapphires ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ring with natural ruby, tourmalines and sapphires.
Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ruby Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ruby Ring Size 3- This lovely ring features one round cabochon purple star ruby (12 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Ruby, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold
Platinum GIA 1.86ctw Clean Cushion No Heat Ruby w/ Baguette & Round Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Cushion Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Clean - Well Cut - Very Pleasant and Clean - Purplish Red Color - 100% Natural - No Heat - 1.07ct (approx...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,417Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style 0.40 Carat White Modern Round Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has a 0.25 Carats Modern Round Cut Ruby. This Ring is available also in 14 or 18K Yellow or White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
1.66 Ct Round Shape Ruby and Diamond Double Row ZicZac Band Ring 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A unique and fashionable ZicZac ring showcasing two rows of round-shape 10 rubies and 9 diamonds, set in a band design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.66 Ct Round Shape Ruby and Diamond Double Row ZicZac Band Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A unique and fashionable ZicZac ring showcasing two rows of round-shape 10 rubies and 9 diamonds, set in a band design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Oval-Cut Ruby with Round-Cut Diamond 10k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
The 10K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Oval-cut 1 pcs 2.22 carat Ruby and Natural Round-cut white Diamond (4 Pcs) 0.03 Carat accent stones for a lovely design.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum .31ct Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Vintage platinum ruby and diamond ring. The ring features a genuine earth mined round pinkish-red ruby weighing .31cts.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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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