Sold|$3,500
18 Karat Yellow Gold Eternity Ring Ruby
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
18 K yellow Gold Ruby eternity ring. The rubies weighting 3.39 ct are set in a solid channel setting.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Multi Sapphire & Ruby Panther Vintage Ring Set In 18 K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Multi Sapphire & Ruby Panther Vintage Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Natural Sapphires from Sri Lanka Multi Red Ruby, Topaz 6.50 carat This Ring is from the “Or...
18k Gold, Silver
18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring with Natural Rubys, circa 1960
Located in West Hollywood, CA
18 k yellow gold cocktail ring with natural rubys set in a bombe design, ca 1960 Size 6 (Diameter 16 mm)
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The ring is modelled in 18 carat gold. Ring Size: K or 5 1/4 Cluster Diameter: 8.5mm Weight: 3.12g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Edwardian Ruby Diamond Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Gold Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style dinner ring centering a round cut ruby weighing approximately 0.35 carat Surrounded by a halo of calibrè cut rubies weighing in total approximately 0.55 carat With ol...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three rubies totalling 20pts and two diamonds totalling 15pts. The stones are set flush within the band. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1904. Rin...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Emerald and Ruby Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful color and shine 18 Karat yellow gold , stamped Weight 3.4 gm Gold for 18 K, Tested Ring Size 5.5( Can be resized to any size for free of charge) I did not take professi...
Pearl, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds & Princess Cut Invisible Set Rubies Men's Ring 18 Karat 2Tone Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds & Princess Cut Invisible Set Rubies Men's Ring 18 Karat 2Tone Gold Ring Invisible or Mystery set Princess cut Natural Ruby And Diamond ring in 18 K Yellow and white ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Bochic “Orient” Multi Gem Cocktail Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Multi Gem Cocktail Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Purple Natural Amethyst, round center stone, 10 Carat Blue Natural Sapphires from Sri Lanka - 1 Carat Green Natur...
Gold, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Vintage Cartier Emerald and Ruby Lacquer 18 Karat Gold Ring, circa 1991
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A Cartier true work of art. 18 K yellow Gold ring set to the front with carved emerald leaves and round ruby cabochons.
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,237
Gold Diamond Ruby Band ring
By De Maria fine&antique jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
This 18 k white Gold band ring is crowned with 9 sparkling round cut diamonds for an approximate total weight of 0.45 carats G/H color VS clarity and 11 natural rubies with an appro...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The stunning ruby at the centre of this three stone ring measures 50pts and either side of it sits a diamond measuring 35pts each. The diamonds are old European cut and the ruby has ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.25 Carat Natural Burma Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Over 1.25 Carat of very clean natural Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring Burma Ruby Basel set Ruby , no prongs 18 K Yellow Gold: 9 gram Stamped 750 Ring Size 5 ( can be altered for...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8 X 10 Oval Treated Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Size 6
Located in New York, NY
8 X 10 Oval Treated Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Size 6 8X10 Oval Ruby Its a treated ruby prong set 18 K Yellow Gold: 3.7 gram Ring Size 6 ( can be altered for no charge ) Sim...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The central ruby measures 9 points. Modelled in 18 carat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five graduated sparkling rubies are held in this chunky 18ct gold band. The beautiful rubies are set flush in the band so the ring is very stream lined and smooth. Made in London, En...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Heart Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Included in this is a bright blue sapphire, deep pink ruby and a bright diamond. The bright yellow glossy 18 carat gold is crafted into heart and the shoulders of this ring are split...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold and Silver Cross Ring with Diamonds and Rubys
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
Georgios Collections oval-shaped all handmade heavy decorated ring crafted from sterling silver and solid 18 Karat yellow gold inlay parts to create a unique look.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
Sold|$1,530
Estate Ruby Diamond Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A very fine and impressive diamond band ring fashioned in 18 kt white gold featuring gorgeous alternating oval set diamonds and rubies. 2 diamonds: approximate total weight of 0.50 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2.19 Carat Heart Shape Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Created in brightly polished 18 K white gold, this heart ring is the ultimate gift for anniversaries, birthdays, and all July occasions.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.50 Carat Total Ruby, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Created in brightly polished 18 K white gold, this patriotic band is perfect for those who wish to make a statement in style and sophistication.
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$1,413
1920s Ruby rose cut diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in Como, IT
Ruby and rose cut diamond 18 k yellow gold and silver ring .
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Wedding Band Ring Engagement Ring Name Gold Ruby Diamond Emerald
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
MATERIAL: The Price of ring is indicated in 14 k yellow gold band. Also available made to order in 18 K Gold.
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emer...
Antique 1.50 Carat Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.50 carat ruby and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set cluster ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jew...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This glossy 18ct gold band holds a 15pt ruby at the centre and either side there is a 5pt ruby. Made in Birmingham 1903 England. Ring Size: K 1/2 or 5 1/2 Band Width: 8mm Weight...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Designer Fancy Natural Ruby 18k Diamond Yellow Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 18 K Ring Yellow Gold Emerald Available Also Diamonds 0,40ct Ruby Weight 5.30 grams Adjustable Size With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATK...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Edwradian Rose Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is modelled in 18 carat gold and the rose cut diamonds are set in platinum. The diamond weight of this ring is 20pts. Ring Size: K 1/2 or 5 1/2 Cluster Dimensions: 8x8.5m...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Sold|$3,500
18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Eternity Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A 18 K yellow Gold Emerald eternity ring. The emeralds weighting 1.88 ct are set in a solid channel setting.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,950
Iconic Bvlgari Ruby Diamond 18KT Ring 1980
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, IT
This Bvlgari classy designed band ring is 1980 ca Hand crafted in a charming style of solid 18 KT white gold Bearing Bvlgari hallmarks, assay Italy Set with a stunning Red Pigeon Blo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Gold and Platinum Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian ruby, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising one oval cut ruby, fourteen old single cut diamonds, in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
White 18 K Gold Vermeil & Natural Ruby Set, Ring, Bracelet & Earrings
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
White 18 K Gold Vermeil & Natural Ruby Set, Ring, Bracelet & Earrings Ring - Larger Oval, same size as the Drop on the neck, and smaller oval for the ring $2450 Earrings - 2 Rows, ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Vermeil
White 18 K Gold Vermeil & Natural Ruby Set, Ring, Bracelet & Earrings
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
White 18 K Gold Vermeil & Natural Ruby Set, Ring, Bracelet & Earrings Ring - Larger Oval, same size as the Drop on the neck, and smaller oval for the ring $2450 Earrings - 2 Rows, ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Vermeil
0.62 Carat, Natural, Heart-Shape Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18k White Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning Engagement Ring featuring a 0.62 Carat, Natural, Heart-Shape Ruby and 0.35 Carats of Diamonds set in 18 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 2.02 Carat Pigeon Blood Color Ruby&Brazilian Paraiba Designer Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Made in 18 K gold, a lovely combination of GRS certified vivid red pigeon blood color ruby with Brazilian Paraiba are set in this wonderful ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
25 Pointer Each 3 Ct Natural Ruby Cabochon Anniversary Eternity Band/Ring 18KYG
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Color and Clarity Origin of Emerald : Brazil This ring is made with 6 grams of 18 karat gold , some part of the ring is in 22 K gold Ring size is 6.75 , Can not be resized.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 0.75ct Ruby 0.3ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6.25 /3.1 gr
Located in SE
Hallmarked 18K, likely German. Band in solid 18 k Yellow Gold with side clusters in Platinum or White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby, Peridot, Citrine, Topaz & Amethyst Ring Se
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby, Peridot, Citrine, Topaz & Amethyst Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Natural Center Ruby 14.00 Carat Natural Peridot, Amethyst, Ruby, Cit...
Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Ruby, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
1 Ct Each Cushion Shape Treated Ruby 13 Ct Anniversary Eternity Band/Ring 18KYG
Located in New York, NY
Hand Made ring 1 Ct Each Cushion Shape Treated Ruby 13 Ct Anniversary Eternity Band/Ring 18KYG Eternity ring set all around with matching Ruby solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold 6 mm Wid...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Ct Modern Large Geometric Abstract Art Cocktail Ring Sapphires & Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Introducing an exquisite, one-of-a-kind cocktail ring, masterfully crafted from 18 Ct gold. This stunning piece is a celebration of stones, shapes and colors.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Herbert Rosenthal 1960 Jeweled Bee Ring 14Kt Yellow Gold with 2.83 Cts in Gems
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Miami, FL
Traditionally, the company produced finger rings, bracelets, brooches and pins with the use of 18 K gold, silver and precious stones.
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Brilliant Cut Argyle Pink Diamond 18K Gold Band Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ring designed with Rare Pink diamonds to add elegance and luxury, set in 18 K Gold.
Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Bochic “Capri” Natural Ruby & Blue Opal Bangle Set In 18 K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Natural Oval Shape Red Rubies - 7 Carats Natural Blue Australian Opals - 5 Carats South Sea White Baroque Pearl Multi color Sapphires This Bangle is from the "Capri" traveling c...
Opal, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
1.26 Carat, Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring Set in 18K White Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Halo Ring featuring a 1.26 Carat, Natural, Blue Sapphire and 1.23 Carats of Diamond Accents set in 18 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Round Brilliant Cut Argyle Pink Diamond and White Diamond 18K Gold Band Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Stylish Band ring with a beautiful line of Rare Argyle Pink diamonds styled with white diamonds, made in 18 K Gold Round Brilliant Cut Natural Pink Diamonds - 0.09 cts Round Brillia...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Customisable Diamond Necklace for Her 18 Karat Gold Made in Italy
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Gold Necklace 18 K Also possible to make as a Ring, Bracelet, Earrings or Pendant Please send us a message and we will make 3D visualisations of your ideas.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gol...
Customisable Diamond Jewelry for Her 18 Karat Gold Made in Italy
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Gold Jewellery 18 K Possible to make as a Necklace Ring, Bracelet, Earrings or Pendant Please send us a message and we will make 3D visualisations of your ideas.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gol...
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This gorgeous antique ring dates back to the Early Victorian era showing exquisite detail on the head, gallery and shoulders. With one 0.30ct Ruby stone in the centre and two Diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Gold and Silver Diamonds and Ruby Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Composition: 18k Gold& Silver Stones: • 1 old mine pear shape diamond K-VS2 1.05 ctw approx. • 2 old mine pear shape diamonds K-VS2 0.45ctw • 1 old mine round cut diamond K-VS2 0.20c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Flower Cluster Ring in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This lovely vintage Ruby and Diamond cluster ring has been crafted in a floral style, bringing a splash of summer and colour to any outfit. It has been created from in 18ct White Gol...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,600
Ruby Diamond Gold Floral Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
Mounted in 18 K Gold. Inside hallmarked with the purity 18 K.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby Diamond Gypsy Trilogy Ring 18 Carat Gold, London, 1972
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This stunning Vintage Gypsy ring has been modelled in 18ct Yellow Gold and set with a trilogy of deep red Rubies, with the central Ruby weighing 0.30ct and the Rubies either side wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$539
Victorian Gold Five Ruby Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Lovely Victorian c.1870s 18 Carat Gold and five Ruby ring. English origin.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Such a lovely Late Victorian ring with a beautifully detailed 18ct Yellow Gold gallery and carved shoulders. Holding three vibrant Rubies weighing a total of 1.35cts and two Diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A stunning Art Deco period ring, c1920. SIZE ; K UK, 5 1/4 US Solid 18 carat yellow gold shank and platinum head.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This late Victorian ring is grain set within an 18ct Yellow Gold marquise shaped bezel. Holding seven Rubies graduating in sizes with a total of 1.90cts separated in layers by eight ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Circa 1980s Oval Ruby Cabochon & Diamond Ring 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Forged in 18 carat gold, The Santina Ring is both refined and resplendent.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$9,500
Mauboussin Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in Paris, FR
A diamonds, sapphire, rubies and 18 k yellow gold ring. Signed Mauboussin.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.