A stylish gold, enamel, ruby & diamond bombe style ring.
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, enamel, ruby and diamond ring. The bombe style ring is finished in a blue enamel background accented with stars of gold and set atop with seven clusters of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 14kt yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Along with synthetic vibrant Rubies. This exquisite Victorian dome ring is a true testament to the artistry of its time, crafted in 14kt yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tutti Frutti Diamond Ruby Emerald Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A dazzling display of color that lights up any room. Designed in alternating rows of diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Crafted in 18k yellow gold. Ring size 5 3/4 and may be re-sized to...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
1940s French Ruby Cabochon Diamond Gold Platinum Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18K yellow gold and platinum. Featuring 2 crimped ruby cabochons in an asymmetric design sparkling with diamonds. Height: 1.37 cm, width: 2.2 cm, finger on height: 11 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Bulgari Naturalia Diamond Ring 18K Tri Color Gold Ruby Eyes Size 6.25
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bulgari Naturalia Diamond Ring 18K Tri Color Gold Ruby Eyes Size 6.25 Made by Bvlgari, this 18k yellow gold dome ring showcases the house’s signature balance of bold form and refine...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$58,000
Sugarloaf Emerald Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite French ring in 18kt yellow gold with sugarloaf cabochon emerald (apx 20 cts), carrè set rubies and diamonds. Made in France, circa 1960
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Burmese Ruby French Bombe Flowerhead and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Gorgeous Burmese Ruby and Diamond ring featuring approximately 5 carats of pear shaped Burmese Rubies surrounded by 7 carats of fine quality diamonds E/F color VS/SI clarity set in P...
Diamond, Ruby
Sold|$2,632
Vintage Chaumet Gypsy Set Ruby Chunky Ring
By Chaumet
Located in London, England
A stylish vintage Chaumet ruby gypsy chunky band ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is solely set with a cabochon vibrant red ruby stone that is bezel set securely in a bombe chu...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Art Deco Pink Ruby Cabochon Brilliant & Rose Cut Pavé Diamond Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A spectacular late Art Deco 14ct gold ring, circa 1940s, featuring a central pink ruby cabochon flanked by two brilliant-cut diamonds at the top and bottom. The finely detailed filig...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
DAVID WEBB Tutti Frutti Yellow Gold Ring
By David Webb
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Warm yellow gold in sculptured floral forms form the ring's gallery.
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby
Victorian 3.05 Carat AGL Certified Burma Star Ruby Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Late Victorian era 3.05 Carat Ruby Ring composed of 14k yellow gold. Featuring a 3.05 carat Natural Non-Heat Treated Ruby of Burma Origin (Accompanied by a GIA report). The Cabochon ...
Ruby, Star Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$14,500
David Webb Tutti Frutti Yellow Gold Ring
By David Webb
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Warm yellow gold in sculptured floral forms make the rings gallery.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
Oscar Heyman Dramatic Large 7 Row Ruby and Diamond Vintage Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Aspen, CO
Dramatic Ruby and diamond ring by the world famous House of Oscar Heyman. Set in 18K yellow gold and weighing 15.2 grams. This is a 7 row band - the largest Oscar Heyman made of th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
In 18K Gold, Emeralds, Ruby, Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Tutti Frutti Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous & beautiful, one of a kind, Tutti Frutti style, Emerald, Blue Sapphire & Ruby Cocktail / Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier 18k Gold Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Ring size 6
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Elegant 18k yellow gold ring with pave set diamonds and a combination of sapphire, ruby, and emerald cabochon stones, by Cartier. The design of the ring is made to look like three r...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cabochon Star Ruby Diamond Enamel 1980s La Triomphe Ring
By La Triomphe
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully designed and masterfully handcrafted this 1980s ring features a cabochon ruby estimated to weigh approximately 6.50 carats. The ring is embellished by white bright and sp...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Enamel
Art Deco style, Tanzanite, Ruby, Emerald & Diamonds Tutti Frutti Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Tanzanite, Emerald & Ruby Tutti Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the carved Tanzanite is 9.69 carats. The Tanzan...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Marchak Paris Multi Gem and Cabochon Amethyst Ring
By Alexander Marchak
Located in San Antonio, TX
Marchak Paris Dome Ring with a center cabochon amethyst surrounded with emeralds, rubies and diamonds mounted in 18k yellow gold.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
MARIO BUCCELLATI Diamond, Carved Gems & Yell Gold Cocktail Ring
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Colorful and chic domed cocktail ring created by Mario Buccellati in the 1970's in Italy. Thoroughly carved rubies, emeralds and sapphires set in yellow gold and tastefully accentuat...
Unique 18k Two-Toned Five Stone Ring with 0.23ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
A gorgeous dome ring with a dazzling 0.5 carat natural ruby.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Incredibly designed in 18K yellow gold, this gorgeous Cartier ring demonstrates utmost magnificence! Not only does it sparkle with 1ct of beautiful diamonds, but it also has glamoro...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.16ct Diamond and Ruby Dome Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring's top dimensions measure 17mm by 10mm.This 18K Yellow Gold 1.16ct Diamond and 0.85ct Ruby Dome Ring is offered in estate condition and it comes in a gift box.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$7,250
Ruser Yellow Gold Burmese Ruby Dome Ring
By William Ruser
Located in Dallas, TX
Ruser 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Ruby Dome Ring with GIA Certificate has a horseshoe and is a size 7.5 could be larger without horseshoe.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby Cabochon Dome Cocktail Ring In Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Dome Ring Featuring A 6 Carat Cabochon Ruby Accented By 18 Marquise Cut Diamonds Of VS Clarity and H Color Totaling Approx 1.00 Carat.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
1980 Dome Design Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This estate 1980's cocktail ring is crafted in solid18 karat yellow gold, weighing 10.8 grams , and measuring 19mm wide and----mm high.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond Ruby Coral 18K Yellow Gold Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning Hand-made 1960s vintage cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, weighing 22.1 grams and measuring 31mm wide x 18mm high. This ring exposes at the center an ...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Emerald & Citrine Cocktail Dome Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning cocktail ring comes with a flashy statement look. A must have in your jewelry collection. The ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold. Showcases oval cut Ruby, Emerald and C...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$15,500
Ruby and Diamond “Shooting Star” Motif Dome Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Intense red rubies are highlighted with twinkling shooting stars and peppered with brilliant white diamonds in this fun and unique creation. The ring is rendered in 18 karat yellow g...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Ruby & Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Natural Ruby & Diamond Dome Ring composed of 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise and 14K Dome Cocktail Dome Ring Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely dome vintage cocktail ring Is 14 Karat yellow gold with bands of rubies and turquoise surrounding the pearl.
Ruby, Turquoise, Pearl, 14k Gold
Sold|$8,160
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold and ruby cocktail ring. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, the dome fully set with numerous round and oval ruby cabochons of slightly different sizes and...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Cigar Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Low Dome Band Sz 4.75 Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby & diamond cigar band (circa 1980s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Forty diamonds total an estimated 0.30 carats (estimated at H-I color and SI1-I1 clarity). ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,400
Italian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Ring
Located in Bradenton, FL
18k Italian Yellow Gold and Ruby Dome ring, 11.70 Grams TW. Marked Italian and 18k.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.73 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Dome Cocktail Ring in 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Red and robust, this natural Ruby ring is a classic cocktail ring with Art Deco inspirations. The Ruby is mounted in a secure bezel setting of 18-karat solid yellow gold with a doubl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.73 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Dome Cocktail Ring in 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Red and robust, this natural Ruby ring is a classic cocktail ring with Art Deco inspirations. The Ruby is mounted in a secure bezel setting of 18 karat solid yellow gold with a doubl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1ct Pave Diamond Ruby Dome Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Sz 7 Band Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage pave diamond and cabochon ruby ring (circa 1970s to 1980s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 1 carat (estimated at I-...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Bombe Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby 18 Karat Gold Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This fashionable circa 1980's Estate Retro cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. It is designed as a dome shape plaque, adorned with genuine high quality diamonds, rubie...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, ...
Vintage Hematite Ruby Ring 14 Karat Gold Gemstone Dome Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed estate hematite & ruby ring, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Hematite is cabochon cut measuring 13mm x 9mm with a ruby inset into the hematite (estimated at 0.05 c...
Hematite, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
15ct Gold, Victorian Dome Shaped Ruby & Pearl Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1876
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Dome Ring 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1876 This exquisite Victorian dome-shaped ring is crafted from 15ct gold and features vertical rows of alternatin...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
GIA Certified 18 Karat Pave Diamond and Cabochon Ruby Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 18K Pave Diamond Cabochon Ruby Dome Cocktail Ring Size 7 GIA Report Number: 6214398607 (see GIA report pictured for details) Metal: 18k white/yellow gold Weight: 13.95 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Vintage Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Gold Pave Dome Bombe Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Adore this 90s Vintage Cartier Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Pave Bombe Band Ring! This ring is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold by the prestigious Cartier brand. This French made beautiful...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$15,000
Edwardian Ruby Diamond Platinum/Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Fine platinum and 18 karat yellow gold open work and mille grain detail with sweeping lines and gentle curves embrace the center stones of this beautiful Edwardian dome ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, Colombian Emerald, Ruby Cabochon & Diamonds Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald & Ruby Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
LB Exclusive 18k Yellow Gold 2.23 Ct Diamond and 1.90 Ct Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Ready to dazzle you or your loved one is this LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 2.23 ct Diamond and 1.90 ct Ruby Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$15,000
Multi Sapphire Cluster Dome Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
14k yellow gold dome ring, set with a .72 carat ruby, 15 carats of multi-colored sapphires and a tiny sprinkling of diamonds.
Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K White Gold, 12.10 carats Coral, Rubies & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Coral & Ruby Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Ruby And Diamond Mimi 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Mimi Dome Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,799
Ruby Diamond Gold Bombé Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This vivacious Estate cocktail ring of impressive aesthetic and immaculate workmanship is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and weighs approx. 16.5 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Sapphire Ruby Emerald Cluster Band, 14k Oval 2.06ctw Ring
By Wilson Brothers Jewelry
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information: Genuine Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat: .60ct Cut: Oval Color: Yellow Genuine Rubies Treatment: Heati...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Pear Cabochon Burma Ruby Split Double Shank Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold split shank ring Fine quality pear shaped cabochon ruby weighing 2.72 carats set between two diamond rings in a split double shank cocktail ring Modern and in-st...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Band Vintage 80s 18k Yellow Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby & diamond band (circa 1980s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mario Buccellati GIA No-Heat Burma Ruby & Diamond Dome Cocktail platinum Ring
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Mario Buccellati GIA Certified No-Heat Burma Ruby & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring – Platinum & 18K Gold A true masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship, this vintage Mario Buccellati cockt...
Rubelite, Star Ruby, Platinum
5.50ct Invisible Set Ruby Diamond Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cigar Band
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage invisible set ruby & diamond ring (circa 1980s to 1990s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Dome Cocktail Ring Bombe Flowers 18 Karat Gold Rainbow Gemstones 5
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage domed cocktail ring (circa 1960s to 1970s), crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Rubies, emeralds & sapphires measure 2mm each (estimated at 0.05 carats each). ...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Pearl Blooming Flower Ring with Diamonds
By D'Deco Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds (2.03 cts), Ruby (2.05 cts). 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Bombe Ring with Opals and Rubies, Circa 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
A striking vintage bombe ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, set with a captivating cluster of luminous cabochon opals and vivid rubies.
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$10,100
Mid Century Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from 14 karat yellow gold and set with diamonds and a central ruby this ring dates to the the 1970s.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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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