$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
1920s 18k gold old European cut diamond and ruby engagement ring
Located in London, GB
This elegant 1920s engagement ring is made of 18k gold. It has approximately 1.7 carats of old European cut diamonds and 1.7 carats of old European cut rubies. The sides of the ring ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Gold and Platinum Diamond Ruby Sapphire Bar Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Gold and Platinum Diamond Ruby Sapphire Bar Ring. This beautiful Art Deco diamond ruby and sapphire bar ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$4,700Sale Price|35% Off
1925 Art Deco Platinum Ruby and Baguette Diamond Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful platinum ring comes from the 1925 Art Deco period, and features both diamond and ruby. The stunning center stone of this ring is a 6.94 carat ruby that is a rich vibra...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 6.00 Carat Star Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Star Ruby weighing approximately 6.00 carats, accented by a halo of Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.00 carats...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Burmese 2.08 carat ruby diamond ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with a cushion shape step cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 2.08 carats, flan...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Vintage Lotus Ring Platinum 18k Emerald Ruby Diamonds Statement Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Vintage one-of-a-kind Lotus Flower Ring Excellent condition Platinum and 18k Yellow Gold Finger size 7.5 (can be resized by a professional jeweler) Design size approx 37 x 17mm (1.5...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold
Contemporary 5.00 carat ruby diamond 18k white gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vivid and full of presence, this Contemporary ring showcases a cushion cut ruby weighing approximately 5.00 carats at its heart. The ruby's deep, saturated red commands the eye insta...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Mine Cut Diamond & French Cut Ruby Bow Motif Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
An elegant engagement ring featuring a 0.62-carat old mine-cut diamond, with a clarity of VS2 and a color grade of I. The diamond is set in a refined platinum mounting in the shape ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1920s Unheated Natural Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8grams Ruby Details: .50ct, Unheated, Natural Ruby, Burmese Side Stone Details...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Platinum Ring with Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire Charm, 1920s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This lovely Art Deco Charm is from the 1920's and it is beautiful. I placed this on a Platinum band which is size 6.25 but it can be sized up or down. This charm is a lady with a f...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 14K Gold .49ct Ruby Ring Hand Engraved
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 14K white gold filigree ruby ring. The ring features a genuine earth mined round pinkish-red ruby weighing .49cts.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 14k Yellow Gold Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Ring. This gorgeous saddle ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum. The center holds a natural...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
A Platinum Art Deco Ring Set with Diamonds and An Oval Facetted Burma Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum ring set with an oval untreated Burma ruby (app. 0.8 carat) and old cut diamonds, France, circa 1920.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum 1.02ct Unheated Ruby & 1.20cttw Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920 - Platinum Art Deco 1.02ct Unheated Ruby & 1.20cttw Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#558 Ring Details: Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.3 g Gem S...
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This stunning art deco ring features a deep red, natural ruby, surrounded by old cut diamonds. The ruby weighs 0.50 carat and has been bar set using platinum. The halo of diamonds ha...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 1.10ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant natural red ruby is proudly on display in this 1920s cluster ring. The oval cut gem sits at 1.10 carat and is surrounded by a collection of old cut diamonds, both clusterin...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Ruby Platinum and Gold Plaque Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring shank is later. Circa 1920's. Size 4-3/4; this ring can be sized.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Antique inspired diamond ruby 18k gold toi et moi ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This enchanting antique-inspired toi et moi ring is a timeless expression of love and balance, thoughtfully designed to celebrate the union of two distinct yet harmonious gemstones. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 0.65Ct Burmese Ruby and 0.48Ct Diamond, Platinum Twist Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.65 carat Burmese ruby, 0.48 carat diamond and platinum twist ring; part of our diverse collection of twist engagement rings. This stunning,...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Mauboussin Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, French, circa 1929
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Mauboussin Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set to centre with a rectangular step cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 0.91...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond and Ruby Lozenge Shaped Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.10ctw Total ruby weight, estimated: 0.03ctw Gross weight: 2.33g Ring size: UK – L US – 5.75 EU – 51.25 mm Hallmarks: stamped ‘18CT’ (18 kar...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 14K Gold Filigree Ring with .66ct Round Ruby
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 14K white gold filigree ruby ring. The ring features a genuine earth mined round pinkish-red ruby weighing .66cts.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco, c.1920s cluster ring, which features 0.50 carats worth of gorgeous rubies, which compliment 1.36 carat total weight of old cut diamonds. Set in a platinum shank and ban...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant ruby proudly stands out in this platinum trilogy ring. The stunning ruby has a carat weight of 0.50 and is a round cut stone. Contrasting either side are a pair of sparklin...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1925 Opal Calibrated Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Sublime antique ring, it is decorated with an Australian opal cabochon set with claws, surrounded by calibrated synthesis rubies. On both sides of the r...
Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring A ring featuring old European cut diamonds & square cut rubies. Center Stone Weight: approximately 1.25 carats Two Side Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Halo Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS 4.25 /2.55gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ring from ca. late 19th early 20th cent. with Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm/ ca. 0.45ct and 10 old diamond cut Ø 1.5 mm / 0.015 ct each = Rock Crystal / White Quartz, White Spine...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning Art Deco Toi et Moi (You and Me) ring. The piece features a duo of unheated rectangular shaped rubies and sapphires which are tension set perpendicular to one...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Ruby and Rose Cut Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Vintage Dome Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
Antique dome ring made in 18 Kt yellow gold and 800 silver. This vintage ring dates early 1900s. Ring has been left in its antique condition. The oval cut Ruby measures approximatel...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.3 grams Diamond Details: Old Mine Brilliant, .15ct total weight, I Color, Si ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Burma Ruby Euro Diamond Three Stone Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Burma Ruby Euro Diamond Three Stone Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco Burmese ruby and old Euro diamond three stone ring is crafted in 18k ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
C1920 Colorful Harem Ring w Paste Sapphires, Paste Diamonds and Paste Rubies
Located in Baltimore, MD
This 14k gold Art Deco harem ring is made up of five 14k gold bands held together in a half-hoop that connects the bands and has "diamond", "ruby", and "sapphire" paste stones set in...
14k Gold
Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS8/ 2.5gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with a row of natural Rubies, Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire. Old European diamond cut Diamonds Ø 3.5 mm / 0.21 ct each / color F,G /VS...
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 0.26 Carat Ruby and 0.65 Carat Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920s 0.26 carat ruby and 0.65 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse ruby jewelry collection...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Halo Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This stunning art deco ring is has three diamonds, vertically set and perfectly haloed by french cut rubies. The three diamonds have a combined weight of 1.95 carat, the top diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 1.15ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco show stopper features a wonderful red ruby in its centre with multiple diamond halos surrounding the stone. The central ruby is and old cushion cut, 1.15 carat stone an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby infinity Ring, c. 1920s–30.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
An Art Deco crossover ring crafted in platinum and designed in a sculptural figure-of-eight or eternity motif, the loop set with 14 old-cut diamonds plus additional 4 on the shoulder...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Circa 1920s 18k Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby And Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.06 carat. Totally is ruby 1.13 carat. Ring size is US 7. We can make any size. Acid tested to be 18k real gold...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 16ct natural Ruby solid 14K Gold Ø 5.5US / 8.1 gr
Located in SE
Antique cluster / cocktail Ring, German of Danish made with nine clusters boasting natural Ceylon Rubies cut cabochon. Total weight of the stones ca 16ctw. Eight stones of similar p...
Ruby, 14k Gold
1920s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Shuttle Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and platinum. Elegant antique ring, its mounting is of shuttle shape and decorated in the center on platinum, of rose- cut diamonds surrounded by synthe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Square Cut Ruby Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Square Cut Ruby Eternity Band - Size 4. This beautiful band is crafted in platinum. The ring features natural square cut rubies going around the e...
Ruby, Platinum
Antique 18K Yellow Gold 1.06ctw Old Cut Pave Set Ruby & Diamond Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (32) Natural Genuine Rubies - Old Cut - Pave Set - Vivid Pinkish Red Color - 0.80 to 0.90ctw (approx.) (35) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Pave Set - G/H...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Square Cut Ruby Eternity Band - Size 5 1/2
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Square Cut Ruby Eternity Band - Size 5 1/2. This beautiful band is crafted in platinum. There are square cut rubies going around the entire ring a...
Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Reversible Band Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Art Deco period, this unusual cocktail ring is crafted in 18 carat gold and features an ingenious hinged design that allows the appearance of the ring to be changed. T...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Halo Ring natural Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 6.75 /2.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Ca. 1920s -1930s , German maker's and Swedish customs hallmarks confirming 18K Gold. Crown is 7.5 x...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
French 1925s Art Deco Diamonds Verneuil Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A charming antique ring, it features a flat oval setting, with a synthetic verneuil ruby set in the center, surrounded by rose-cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.90ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant red ruby is flanked by old cut diamonds in this Art Deco three stone ring. The stunning ruby has a carat weight of 0.90 and is cushion is an Emerald cut stone. Contrasting ...
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
French 1920s Art Deco Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head and owl hallmarks and platinum, dog's head hallmark. An elegant ring typical of the Art Deco period, it features a flat setting with rounde...
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring A radiant bright oval ruby centers this striking and sparkling Vintage Art Deco style ring expertly crafted...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Ruby Square Cut Eternity Band - Size 6
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Ruby Square Cut Eternity Band - Size 6. This beautiful Art Deco natural ruby eternity band is crafted in platinum. This ring features natu...
Ruby, Platinum
White Gold Synthetic Ruby Art Deco Men's Ring - 14k Rect Step Vintage Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $35 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Synthetic Ruby Cut: Rectangular ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby 18 Carat Gold Star Setting Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 18ct gold band holds a central diamond set in a star setting measuring 3pts and measuring 7pts a ruby either side. Fully hallmarked Chester 1921. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 7...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Swedish hallmarks, 18K. Maker's hallmarks of C.G. Hallberg - one of the most prominent and top rated ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 1920s 18K Yellow Gold 0.25tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, ruby, and yellow gold ring, comprising one old European cut diamond, two rose cut diamonds, and two round cut rubies, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,012Sale Price|20% Off
5.12 Carat Ruby with Diamond Art Deco Style Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Art Deco style ring with a strong red ruby and diamonds. 5.12ct center oval ruby heat complimented with 0.99ct of round brilliant cut diamonds. 6.11ct total diamond weight. 18k whit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond Pink Ruby Wedding Band. Diamond Eternity Band Platinum Links
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1920 Material: Platinum Ring Size: 4.25 This rare antique Art Deco wedding band features an elegant alternating arrangement of diamond links and calibré-set...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
9.00Ct Natural African Ruby & Old Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
9.00Ct Natural African Ruby and European Diamond 18K Solid Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring Suggested Replacement Value: $12,000.00 Total Natural Cut Ruby Weight is: Approx. 3.00...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1925 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 0.3ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful 99 years old Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Claw set Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 4.5 mm x 2.75 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1930s 18K White and Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Geometric Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco ruby, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising one lozenge shaped ruby, and two rose cut diamonds, in 18 karat white and yellow gold. My favourite thing abou...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Filigree 14K Gold Three Stone .80ct tw Ruby Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 14K white gold filigree ruby ring. The ring features 3 genuine earth mined round pinkish-red rubies weighing .80cts total.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other 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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.