18 K White Gold Eternity Ring Pear Shape Ruby Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
An exquisite find. This 18 K white gold prong set eternity ring features 14 pear shape Rubies with a total weight of 4.99 ct and 3 pear shape DIamonds weiging 0.8 ct, J color, I 1 cl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 k Gold Sphere / Globe Ring with Star-set Rubies
Located in New York, NY
A very wearable 18 k Gold Globe Ring with Rubies set in the star.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,200
French Ruby and Diamond 18 k Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
French Ruby (possibly synthetic) and Diamond Platinum Ring. Classic cluster ring with mine cut diamonds.
Diamond
Sold|$3,700 / set
Ring Pair Rubies Black Diamonds 18 K Yellow Gold Whimsical, 2000
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Ring Pair Rubies Black Diamonds 18 K Yellow Gold Whimsical, 2000 Pair of rings with Rubies Black Diamonds in 18K Yellow Gold.
Black Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
GIA Unheated Heart Shape Ruby & Diamond Bypass Ring in 18 K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Absolutely stunning unheated GIA certified 4.57 ct. ruby heart shape with a 2.10 ct. E VS1 heart shape white diamond. Handmade in 18k yellow gold. This ring is even better in perso...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
2.2 Carat Certified Ruby and 2.0 Carat Diamond Cocktail 18 K Gold Ring Estate
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring 2.2 Carat of very clean no inclusion natural Certified Ruby and Diamond Ring Gold: 18 carat White gold Weight: 7 gram Diamonds: approximate 2.0 Carat ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
New Art Deco Style Calibrated Rubies Diamonds 18 K White Yellow Gold Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white and yellow gold. In the spirit of vintage Art Deco rings, this ravishing ruby-diamond ring is round in shape. It is successively set with a brilliant-cut mille...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified 2.06 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood Ring in 18 K Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new ruby ring by REWA. The ring's center stone is 2.06 carat Burmese ruby certified by Gem Research Swisslab (GRS) as natural, unheated, 'Pigeon blood'. The stone was unearth...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18 K Gold, Zambian Emerald and Mozambique Ruby and Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very dainty Zambian Emerald and Mozambique Ruby Ring set in 18K gold with diamonds. The Emerald is in the shape of a cushion, natural, without any treatment and from Zambia. The ru...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,214
Ruby Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
18 k yellow gold punched with fine content 18k 3 rubies together 2.82 ct 6 diamonds together 0,13 ct Ring size: 7/54,5 Weight: 5 grams
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian Ruby and 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Gorgeous Edwardian ring featuring three bright rubies. Either side of the slightly larger centre ruby sit a pair of shimmering diamonds. This ring is 18ct gold and made in Birmingham...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,295
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Towson, MD
One 18 karat yellow gold ring set with eight 2.2mm square rubies, approximately 0.75 carat total weight and fifteen 1mm round brilliant diamonds approximately 0.20 carat total weight...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds a bright square cut ruby measuring 10pts and a diamond either side sat in a beautiful star setting. The ring itself is modelled out of 18ct gold and platinum. Ring S...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$2,250
Diamond and Ruby Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
Moguldiam Inc Ruby and diamond ring custom handmade in 18 k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Sold|$3,800
Diamond and Ruby Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
Moguldiam Inc Ruby and diamond ring custom handmade in 18 k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Edwardian Ruby and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Don't these rubies pop next to the gold!? The five rubies in this ring are so bright and beautiful and are perfectly complemented by the 18ct yellow gold. The setting is simple and d...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$3,600
Diamond and Ruby Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous creation by Moguldiam Inc features Marquise, round brilliant diamonds and rubies. Diamond weight: 2.10 carat ( GH color and VS2 - SI 1 claritry ) Ruby weight: 0.42...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Certified 1.61 Ct Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant retrò ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby and, laterally, diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late Georgian Emerald, Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This little stunner holds a pale green emerald and the centre and either side of this central stone is a pair of rose cut diamonds and then rubies. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold
British Victorian Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Gypsy Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wide band ring centers a graver set old mine cut diamond; in a starburst motif Weighing approximately 0.15 carat with K color and SI clarity Flanked by two oval cut rubies weighing...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,179
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Napoli, Campania
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Elegant retrò ring in 18 karat white gold structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
This bold, beautiful and unique ring is wonderfully hand crafted in 18 k yellow gold.
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Mellerio Paris Vintage 2.10 Carats Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Gemstone Ring
By Mellerio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut ruby weighing approximately 1.10 carats - bright red in color Bezel set and flanked by two bezel set oval cut diamonds - K/L color Shoulders are channel set w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 3.74 CTW Diamond Ruby Silver 18 Karat Gold Checkerboard Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a silver-topped oblong form displaying a checkerboard motif comprised of rubies and diamonds Rubies are emerald cut and weigh approximately 2.88 carats total - transpare...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
GIA Certified Natural Burma Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
Moguldiam Inc GIA Certified Natural burma ruby and diamond ring custom handmade in 18 K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
2.95 Carat Ruby Ring 0.23 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
18 k red gold hallmarked 18 k middle 2,95 ct ruby side 1,94 ct ruby in banquet cut 0,23 ct diamond size 55 weight 9,2 gram
18k Gold
0.70 Ct Natural Ruby & 0.75 Ct Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 0.70 Ct Natural Ruby & 0.75 Ct Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring prong set 18 K White Gold: 4.2 gram Stamped 18K Ring Size ( can be altered for no charge ) ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Band Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Band Ring featuring 0.30 Carats of Natural Ruby, 0.20 Carats of Natural Sapphire and 0.50 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1 Carat Natural Burma Ruby and Baguette Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring over 1 Carat of very clean natural Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring Burma Ruby 18 K white Gold: 7.3 gram Stamped 18 K Ring Size 7 ( can be altered ) Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified 3.12 Carat Oval Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Certified Mozambique Oval Ruby weighing 3.12 carats Measuring (10.63x7.88x3.90) mm Diamonds weighing .88 carats K-SI1 Ser in 18 karat white gold 4.75 grams
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Sapphire Bombe Ring Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in London, England
A highly unique ruby and sapphire bombe dress ring set in 18k yellow gold and platinum. The ring is firstly composed of 22 oval cut royal blue sapphires, all of which graduate ever...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ruby and Baguette Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Est .40 Carat, Mid-1960s
Located in Canterbury, England
A phenomenal ruby set on a 18k yellow gold setting with baguette cut diamonds to each side, on a platinum mount, The large ruby is est. 1.43carat the diamonds totalling . 40 carat. T...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1.3 Carat Natural Oval Burma Ruby and 1.3 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
1.3 Ct Natural Burma Cabochon Ruby & 1.3 Ct Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring very clean natural Burma Ruby , Beautiful Color and very clean Ruby There are 1.3 Ct of Baguett...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Star Round Cabochon Natural Ruby and 3.5 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring Approximately 2.5 Carat or over , of very clean natural Cabochon with star Ruby and Approximately 3.5 Ct Diamond Ring Star Ruby Cabochon 2.5 ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.5 Carat Natural Heart Shape Ruby and 3.5 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring over 1.5 Carat of very clean natural Heart shape Ruby and Approximately 3.5 Ct Diamond Ring Ruby Heart 1.5 Ct 18 Karat Yellow Gold: 9.7 Grams Not...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,360
18K White Gold Ruby Ring by MOISEIKIN
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Internationally patented, Waltzing Brilliance technology is an innovative jewellery invention patented by MOISEIKIN, in which a diamond facet gem is secured by two unique points, ena...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Ruby and 18 Carat Gold Full Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A shining halo of rubies is the show stopping detail on this ring. Set in a 18carat gold band which compliments the rubies perfectly. Ruby total approx 1.2carat. Ring Size: K or 5 ...
Ruby, Gold
Cabochon Ruby & Princess Cut Sapphire 18-Karat Diamond Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Princess Cut Sapphire Diamond Ring Stunning 18k yellow gold ring featuring a vibrant cabochon ruby, complemented by 2, princess-cut sapphires and 6 spa...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby & Princess Cut Sapphire 18-Karat Diamond Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Princess Cut Sapphire Diamond Ring Stunning 18k yellow gold ring featuring a vibrant cabochon ruby, complemented by 2, princess-cut sapphires and 6 spa...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.75 carat ruby and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold dress ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impre...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,800
MOISEIKIN 18 Karat Gold Diamond Flower Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
It also can be combined with other Almond Blossom flower collection ring. 18K Gold Diamond Ring Gold 18 K,Weight 5.01 g,Size 16.5 (mm in diameter), 27 Diamond 0.315 ct 77 Diamond b...
Diamond, Ruby, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage David Webb Ring 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Estate Jewelry
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning vintage David Webb 18 karat yellow gold ring, featuring diamond and ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Three Stone Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This 18 karat yellow gold antique, circa 1890, late Victorian ring features a straightforward three stone style.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18KT Yellow Gold Ring with Indian Head Coin and Cabochon Rubies
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 karat yellow gold ring set with a blackened coin .The sides of the ring are set with oval cabochon rubies.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,276
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond cluster ring. The ring dates back to the Edwardian era and features a central dark red ruby which is highly complimented by the surroundi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 18K White Gold 12 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
These diamonds are expertly set to enhance the fiery brilliance. Features : 18 K White Gold : 4.89 Grams Natural Ruby : 1 Piece / 12.40 Carats Diamonds : 2 Pieces / 1.46 Carats We...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Antique Victorian 3.54 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Victorian 3.54 carat natural ruby and 0.05 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$4,349
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 1.7 grams Ring Size: K (50) Face Dimensions: 12mm x 10mm Ruby Dimensions: 18 (2mm - 1mm) Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.80ct (0.20ct each) Diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Platinum
Moiseikin 18 Karat Gold Akoya Pearl Diamond Flower Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
It can be combined with other Almond Blossom flower collection ring. 18K White Gold Akoya Diamond Ring Gold 18 K,Weight 4.47 g,Size 17 (mm in diameter), 1 Pearl Akoya pearl AA, - ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique French 1.71 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique French 1.71 carat diamond and 0.30 carat ruby, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set twist ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ilias Lalaounis Ram Head Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This sculpted rams head ring has been crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and is set with rubies.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bella Campbell/Campbellian Rainbow Moonstone with Ruby and Diamond Ring in Gold
By Bella Campbell/Campbellian Collection
Located in Morristown, NJ
Rainbow Moonstone Is A Eye Clean with Flashes of: Blue, Green, Red, Orange, Gold To Name a Few. Made In 18 K White Gold, Black Rhodium Plated, One Of A kind .
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$796
18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Roberto Coin 18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Ring Size 6.5 This sparkling ring features 42 round brilliant cut diamonds set in beautifully detailed 18K white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
1860s Antique 1.38 Carat Burmese Ruby and 1.12 Carat Diamond, Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.38 carat natural ruby and 1.12 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, five stone ring; part of our antique jewellery and estate jewelry collec...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage Ruby and Diamond White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A very good vintage 0.56 carat ruby and 0.25 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold, multi strand trilogy/three stone ring; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections Th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$8,750
Ruchi New York Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Passion Collection Oval shape Rubies combine with Diamonds to form sophisticated wide band crafted in 18 K White Gold. Ruby: 5.80ct total weight. Diamond: 0.73ct total weight. All ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Antique Art Deco 2.10 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning Art Deco 0.20 carat diamond and 0.88 carat ruby, 18 karat yellow and white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections This stunning, fine and imp...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.