Antique Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming ruby and diamond ring dating back to the mid to late Victorian period.
Antique Mid-18th Century Band Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming ruby and diamond ring dating back to the mid to late Victorian period.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Marquise-Cut Ruby with Round-Cut Diamond 10k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
The 10K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Marquise-cut 1 pcs 0.57 carat Ruby and Natural Round-cut white Diamond (6 Pcs) 0.10 Carat accent stones for a lovely design.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Ruby Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous vintage retro ring is crafted in 18k white gold and set with sparkling deep red round rubies and round brilliant G-H VS2-SI1 diamonds weighing an estimated 0.30 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Starburst Oval Cabochon Ruby Ring, Prong Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Round Diamonds
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
18K yellow gold diamond and ruby fashion ring with 14 round brilliant-cut natural diamonds weighing approximately 1.40 carats total and one center oval cabochon natural ruby measurin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.15ct Ruby
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring has a pierced decorated, domed design ornamented with seven bezel set round mixed cut rubies.
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous ruby and diamond navette ring from the Victorian era.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
14KW Ruby with Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This beautiful band-style ring has 5 round red rubies totaling 0.93 carats which are surrounded by 52 round SI, H color diamonds totaling 0.27 carats which create a beautiful halo ar...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold ruby and diamond cluster dress ring. The ring is set to the centre with a 0.54ct pear shaped ruby in a 3 claw setting which disperses a deep red hue throug...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold Retro Ruby Ring
Located in Seattle, WA
With six natural rubies and cross-hatch engraving, this ring is truly one of a kind.
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
New 18k White Gold 0.74ctw Round Ruby Stackable Eternity Band Ring sz 6
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – Numerous Genuine Ruby - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Red Color - 0.74ctw (exact) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Total Weight: 2 Grams Overall Width: 2.1mm (0.08") ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum Ruby and Diamond Starburst Cluster Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage platinum ruby and diamond starburst cluster ring, designed with exceptional brilliance and bold dimensionality.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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
1960s Floral Rubies & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Milano, MI
Floral cocktail ring set in 18ct two tone gold with natural rubies of around 0.50ct total and small contouring diamonds, 1960s period circa stamped ITALY.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
0.87ct Ruby And Diamond Flower 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 • 0.37ct Natural Round Diamond • 0.55ct Natural Ruby • Diamond Col...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This striking vintage ruby ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and showcases a distinctive design. Featuring 6 vibrant rubies, it offers a bold and elegant touch. The ring weighs 7 gr...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Pt950 Ruby Diamond Floral Ring by MOISEIKIN
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
"Waltz of Flower" is an iconic MOISEIKIN jewellery collection that captures the elegance and beauty of a flower in motion. Created with the finest rubies and diamonds, this collectio...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14K Gold Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring Vintage
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold and Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring. Ring features a slightly larger central ruby encircled with eight vibrant round rubies, creating the appearance of a blooming ...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a vintage 18ct yellow gold ruby and old cut diamond band ring. Each stone here is round faceted and has been claw set in white gold in an alternating fashion across the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby Trembling Floral Bouquet Ring, 2010
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Trembling Floral Bouquet Ring, 2010 An extraordinary and highly imaginative Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby ring designed as a vibrant bouquet of flowers. Crea...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire
Antique Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Antique Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum This antique cocktail ring is crafted in 900 platinum and features a circular ruby and diamond design with rich red rubies total...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$2,267Sale Price / item|20% Off
Fancy Ruby Diamond White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K Diamond 28-RND-0,07-G/VS2A Diamond 1-RND-0,11-G/VS2A Ruby 1-0,65ct Weight 1.14 grams Size 17.5 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKI...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.50ct Natural Ruby Accent Ring 18kt Gold*
Located in New York, NY
1.50ct Natural Rubies Ring. Round Brilliant Cut 4mm each .25ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AGL Certified No Heat Oval Cut Burma Ruby and Round Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Centering a 5.52 Carat Unheated Burma Ruby (per AGL– American Gem Laboratory), framed by Round-Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing roughly 3.00 carats, and set in 18k white gold and plat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Band Ring, Seven Rubies, 0.89ct Total
Located in Covington, LA
Details Gemstones: Seven natural round rubies Total Ruby Weight: Approximately 0.36 carat Accent Stones: Six round brilliant-cut diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.53 car...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
1.07 Ct Round Shape Ruby and Diamond Double Row Band Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A unique and fashionable ring showcasing two rows of round-shape 10 rubies and 11 diamonds, set in a band design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.4ct Burmese Rubies & .6ct Round Diamond 18k White Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Easily sized due to its simple band on the underside, this ring is great for anyone. July Birthstone, Half-eternity ring, band ring, east-west setting, Burmese Ruby, 40th Wedding An...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1 Carat Oval Cut Ruby Ring. Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 1.00 carat Center Ruby Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stones: Round brilliant cut diamonds, Diamond Weight: approximately 0.10 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Round Pink Red Ruby & Diamond Floral Flower Three Stone 14K White Rose Ring
Located in Tysons, VA
This phenomenal and stunning ring features three heads with a floral ruby and diamond design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Free Form Ruby Ring with Round Diamonds
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Free Form Ruby Ring with Round Diamonds Size 7.75 10 piece round diamond with 0.75 total diamond weight. 8 grams total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
New 14k White Gold 0.44ctw Round Ruby Etched Milgrain Bypass Twin Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Brilliant Cut - Milgrain Bezel Set - Vivid Rich Red Color - 0.44ctw (exact) Total Carat Weight: 0.44 (exact) Material: 14k Solid Whi...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.70 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
14k white gold cluster ring, with center approx. 2.70ct ruby, surrounded with approx. 2.10ctw in diamonds. Ring size - 11.25, ring top - 21mm x 18mm. Marked: 585, Elsa. Weight - 6.9 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
14k Gold and Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Bradenton, FL
14K Gold and Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring. White and yellow gold floriform cluster band, center raised prong set round rubies, approximately 31 prong and bezel set accent rubies.
Ruby, 14k Gold
$3,672Sale Price / item|35% Off
Ralph Masri Andromeda Diamond Ruby Ring
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Captivating diamond and ruby ring from Ralph Masri's Andromeda collection, inspired by the stars, galaxies and constellations. Also available in yellow or rose gold, and with sapphi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,330Sale Price / item|35% Off
Ralph Masri Andromeda Diamond Ruby Ring
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Statement diamond and ruby ring from Ralph Masri's Andromeda collection, inspired by the stars, galaxies and constellations. Also available in yellow or rose gold, and with sapphire...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.20ct Ruby Diamond ring 18Kt gold unisex cocktail ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A cocktail ring like no other with a vibrant ruby in the middle pinkish red color accompanied by a halo of diamonds in a modern design in 18KT white gold. **All items leave our pre...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Style Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
For the lover of all things art deco! This 18k yellow and white ring of octagonal design, featuring five European and old mine-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.56 carat, and acc...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.80 Ct Round Shape Ruby and Diamond Three Row Band Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A unique and fashionable ring showcasing two rows of round-shape 18 diamonds and one row of 10 vibrant rubies in the middle, set in a band design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.81 Ct Round Shape Ruby and Diamond Double Row Band Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A unique and fashionable ring showcasing two rows of round-shape 13 rubies and 14 diamonds, set in a band design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.66 Ct Round Shape Ruby and Diamond Double Row Band Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A unique and fashionable ring showcasing two rows of round-shape 9 rubies and 10 diamonds, set in a band design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Webster, NY
Unique Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Ring in Yellow Gold. Diamond Carat Weight: .35ctw Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G-I Clarity: SI1-SI2 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Stamped: "14k" Wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Oval Cluster Ring, 14k
Located in New York, NY
The rubies and diamonds are both round. The ring size is US 7.5.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
18k White Gold GIA 2.20ctw Round Burma Ruby & Diamond Halo Bypass Spray Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Fiery - Purplish Red Color - Burma - 1.50ctw (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info *...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.80ct Burma Ruby 1.25ct Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant 18k yellow and white gold ring. The ring is set with lovely square cut Burma rubies that weigh approximately 1.80ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
CARTIER Gypsy Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This classic vintage Cartier gypsy ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and bezel-set with a round brilliant E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamond and a pair of round rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity ring with ruby 14k gold 3.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set ruby total 1.30ct - ring size U.S. 6 - EU 16.5(52) detailed description: The top of the ring is 3.0 mm wide and 2.6 mm high Ring size U.S. 6 - EU 16.5(5...
Ruby, 14k Gold
1.08ct Diamond And Ruby Claw 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: 4.30GR • 0.28ct Natural Diamond • 0.90ct Natural Ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Octagonal Frame Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstone: 13 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds .35CT Center Oval Ruby 1ct Measurement: Ring Size 8
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Cluster 2.98ct 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: 3.85 • 0.18ct Natural Diamond • 2.80ct Natural Ruby • ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby And Diamond Flower 0.33ct 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: 2.43GR • 0.25ct Natural Diamond • 0.08ct Natural Ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Art Moderne Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Item #: R-21887 Country: United States Circa: 1930s Size: 4.5 (this ring can be sized; please contact the gallery for further information) Materials: 10 calibre-cut rubies (approxima...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage 14kt Yellow Gold 1.20 ct Diamond & Ruby Ring 9.6 Grams Size 5 14k Rose & White Gold Ladies Vintage Retro Style Ruby and Diamond Ring - Size 5 This is a 14k rose and w...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Platinum Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
At its center, a round-cut, natural ruby showcases a deeply saturated, vivid red hue, acting as the captivating focal point of the piece.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,115Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18kt Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Fully Hallmarked 0.45ct Ruby
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18kt Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Fully Hallmarked 0.45ct Ruby A charming vintage ring crafted in 18kt yellow gold and fully hallmarked with English assay marks.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18K Rose Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring is set in 18k rose gold setting and weighs 8 grams. There is a beautiful 1.29 carat ruby in the center surrounded by 1.29 carats of diamonds. 18K Rose Gold Diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Red Ruby and Diamond Ring, 5.45ct Ruby, 2.3ct Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
RED RUBY RING WITH DIAMONDS IN YELLOW GOLD 14k yellow gold Ring size: 8 Sapphire: 5.45ct, 10x10mm Diamonds: 2.3ct, VS clarity, E-F color Retail: $7,500
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Round Diamond & Pink Red Ruby 18K White Gold Shield Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Rubies and diamonds are beautifully composed in this Art Deco style vintage ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$616Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Gold Ring Natural Ruby Cluster Ring July Birthstone Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Natural Ruby Cluster Ring 14K Solid Gold Ring Stacking Ring July Birthstone Ring Zodiac Stone Ring Cancer sign Ring Brilliant Ruby ring in 14k Solid gold featured with a natural spa...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Roman Malakov 6.43 Carat Total Round Diamond & Pear Ruby Dome Fashion Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful fashion ring, showcasing a cluster of round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 3.76 carats total, set on a domed mounting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.28 Carat Round Cut Ruby and Diamond 3 Stone Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A stunning ring showcasing a rich intense brilliant round cut Ruby weighing 3.28 carats surrounded by a row of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Lalaounis Greece Ruby Gold Ram's Head Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Classic ram's head 18k gold ring, crafted by Greek designer Ilias Lalaounis, adorned with ruby eyes. Ring size 6, top is 0.5" wide. Hallmarked with Lalaounis symbol, A21 and 750. Wei...
Ruby, 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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.