BVLGARI Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A BVLGARI Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18k yellow gold. The ring has oval and pear
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
BVLGARI Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A BVLGARI Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18k yellow gold. The ring has oval and pear
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
translates to “king of the gems.” This 18 karat yellow gold, royal red ruby ring with sinuous rolled top has
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Ring
Located in Genève, CH
A 2.38ct Ruby set with 9 Cat's Eye Chrysoberyls (3.01ct) in 18k yellow and blackened gold. The 9
Chrysoberyl, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
12 Carat Green Onyx 4.5 Carat Carved Ruby Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Gold Retro
Located in New York, NY
. The ring is 14 Karat Gold. The sparkling oval Green Onyx cabochon cut gem, also known as chalcedony
Ruby, Chalcedony, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GRT JEWELS Estate Indian 22k Ruby Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A wonderful ruby ring from jeweler, GRT Jewels! Crafted in vibrant 22k yellow gold, the front of
Ruby, 22k Gold
$1,365Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Amethyst & Multi Sapphire Ring - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” 19 Carat Ruby, Multi Sapphire & Amethyst Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold & Silver A bold
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
18k Yellow Gold 2.78ct Blue Moonstone Nugget Dual Textured Elongated Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Color - 3.3mm (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Prongs Weight: 12.51 Grams Ring
Moonstone, Ruby, Spinel, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring with Diamond Halo and Ruby Dragonfly Motif 14K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
14 karat yellow gold, this is a luxurious statement ring with an ornate presence and opulent color
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Mughal Style Ruby & Emerald Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Mughal Style Ruby & Emerald Cocktail Dome Ring. A dome ring featuring a center cabochon
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Lucea New York Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
Life in color collection Bright Passion Cabochon Ruby and diamonds cocktail ring set in sterling
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Opal & Ruby Snake Ring in 14k Gold & Sterling Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Opal and Ruby Snake Ring 14k Gold and Sterling Silver Designer: J Dauphin — "Poison in Me
Ruby, Opal, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Turtle 18 Karat Gold Diamonds 0.60 Karat Sapphires 0.35 Karat Ruby Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Gold and adorned with 6,40 Karats Cabochon Sapphires, 0,60 Cabochon Ruby, 0,35 Grey Diamonds. The eyes
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Cocktail Ring -Victorian 18K Gold & Silver 3.60 Ct Old Mine Diamond & Burma Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
depth of the design, the ring terminates in a sturdy, open-gallery yellow gold under-hoop. Currently a
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$4,272Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Ruby Pearl Diamond 18k Gold Asymmetrical Cocktail Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
in 18k gold, the ring is set with a pear-shaped opal, a cabochon ruby, a round pearl and 21 square
Ruby, Pearl, Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Gold & Platinum Tiger Ring with Ruby Eyes, 1980
By David Webb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
shape. This ring boosts Ruby eyes and an Emerald Crown on his head. The Rubies and Emerald are
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Mozambique Rubies & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Ruby Cocktail Ring set in 18K Rose Gold
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
Eostre Type A Natural Lavender Jadeite Jade, Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
encrusted in Rubies and Diamonds. This is a very small and cute ring suitable for everyday wear. Total ruby
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,959Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 18kt Gold Snake Ring with 3.50ct Ruby & 0.45ct Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
Early Victorian-era snake ring, crafted in 18K yellow gold and styled in a coiled serpent design
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,323Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Amethyst & Multi Sapphire Ring 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Amethyst & Multi Sapphire Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
4 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Ruby Ring 14 Karat Gold Art Deco Retro Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular antique Retro - Art Deco Four Carat Mexican Fire Opal and Ruby Ring. The
Opal, Fire Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Oval Ruby and Diamond Double Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
hand. It is a size 8.50. Details: Metal: Platinum & 14KT Yellow Gold Gemstone: Cabochon Ruby
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
"Octopus" Ring in Textured 14K Gold with Star Ruby and Parti & Star Sapphires
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This one-of-a-kind ring by Eytan Brandes features five natural sapphire and ruby cabochons, each
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold,...
5.00 Carat Oval Crystal Opal Ruby Swirl Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Designer Dyach Opal and ruby cocktail ring. 18k yellow gold free form swirl ring set with a natural
Opal, Ruby, Crystal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian 0.32ct Pink Ruby & 0.36ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 15k Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Victorian 0.32 carat pink ruby and 0.36 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ruby Cluster Ring Sterling Silver and 18k Vintage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Approx ruby area size 17 x 13 mm Mostly Sterling Silver 925 and the bezel is Real 18k yellow gold. Well
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, With GIA Gem Report. 2.42 CT.
Located in Honolulu, HI
gold and the sides of the ring are set with one row of cushion shape cabochon cut rubies flanked by two
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Exquisite GIA Certified No-Heat Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
is the centerpiece of a beautifully crafted 14-karat yellow gold ring. Key Features: Main Stone: GIA
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby & Multi Tourmalines Ring Set In 18K Gold &
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby & Multi Tourmalines Ring Set In 18K Gold & Natural Oval
Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Diamond and Synthetic Ruby Asymmetric Cocktail Ring in Gold & Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
elegance. Crafted mainly in lustrous 14 karat yellow gold, its high-polish band offers a brilliant backdrop
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.00ct garnet natural untreated In 18k Yellow Gold engagement ring.
Located in London, GB
engagement ring. Natural garnet cabochon shaped gemstone solitaire engagement ring in 18ct yellow gold
Garnet, Yellow Gold
$1,379Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” VintageYellow Sapphire & Ruby Retro Ring 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Yellow Sapphire & Ruby Cocktail Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
GIA Cert. 3.93 Carat No Heat Ruby & Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
center ruby. Yellow gold prongs secure the oval cabochon ruby while white gold head and diamond rows
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified 1.37 Carat Burma Pigeon Blood Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
GRS Certified Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Gold. The center gemstone is a Burmese origin
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.76 Carat Burma No Heat Star Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS certified 8.76 carat unheated star ruby cabochon ring set in platinum with 0.88 carat baguette
Diamond, Star Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,335Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Emerald, Sapphire & Ruby & Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silve
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Emerald & Ruby & Rings Set In 18K Yellow Gold & Silver
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$5,320Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Ruby & Polki Cocktail Ring Made In 14Kt Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Lovely oval cocktail ring with cabochon ruby in center with polki diamonds around can be noticed
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold
Marchak Natural Unenhanced Star Ruby Carved Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Marchak
Located in London, GB
Star ruby carved emerald and diamond ring. Set with a natural unenhanced oval cabochon star ruby
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic Orient Vintage Ruby & Sapphire Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Multi Sapphire & Ruby Cocktail Ring - Set in 18K Gold & Silver
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sap...
$960Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Fancy Multi Color Gems Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Fancy Multi Color Gems Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k...
$1,012Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Fancy Multi Color Gems Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Fancy Multi Color Gems Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k...
$967Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Red Ruby & Multi Color Sapphires Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Red Ruby & Multi Color Sapphires Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Red Natural
Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Vintage 7.75ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1970
Located in London, GB
. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Cabochon Cut Carat Weight: 7.75 Metal: 18ct White Gold, 18ct Yellow Gold Age
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 50.6 Carat Oval Emerald Cabochon Diamond Cocktail Ring
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified 50.6ct Oval Emerald Cabochon Diamond Cocktail Ring GIA#6173253976 Exceptional GIA
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Trabert & Hoeffer with Mauboussin Burmese Ruby Cocktail Ring, circa 1940.
By Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Trabert & Hoeffer with Mauboussin Burmese ruby cocktail ring. Set with a cluster of ten oval
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, Emerald Sugarloaf, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Ruby Three Stone Engagement Ring set in 18K
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Retro Horovitz Alexandrie Turquoise Ring Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Vintage Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Made of 18 karat yellow and white gold, turquoise, diamonds and rubies, the Retro ring features an
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.40ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful cabochon cut ruby features at the centre of this Victorian ring. The ruby weighs 1.40
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
4.1cts Star Ruby Ring with Natural Diamonds Accents: Solid 14k Gold, Oval 10x8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Gorgeous 4.1ct star ruby ring in solid 14K gold, featuring a 10×8 mm oval cabochon with shimmering
Diamond, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,988Sale Price|20% Off
ITALIAN 1970 Modernist Bombe Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Diamonds Chrysoprase & Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
during the modernist period, back in 1970. The colorful ring was hand crafted in solid yellow gold of 18
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gol...
7.23 Carat No Heat Burma Star Ruby & Baguette Diamond Ballerina Ring in 18k Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
7.23CT cabochon cut natural star ruby & diamond side-stone ballerina ring in 18K Yellow Gold. This
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.5 Carat Turquoise Diamond Emerald Ruby Gold Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Fabulous and Stylish Turquoise Diamond Emerald Ruby and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring. Center securely
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Sapphire Ruby & Diamond Shark Fin Wide Full Finger Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 14K Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 11.7 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (We can custom size this ring - Please
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Kt. Gold Adler Genèva Emerald Cut Diamond & Ruby Ring, Estate Sultan Oman
By Adler
Located in Antwerp, BE
baguette cut diamonds Ruby: 26 rubies Cabochon Material: 18 kt. yellow gold Ring size: 51 EU / 5.75 US
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with emerald, ruby, sapphire and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with ruby, sapphire, emerald and brilliant-cut diamond total 040ct – F/G
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
One of a Kind Ruby 22k Gold Mosaic Ring, Petra Class 2024
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
stunning array of cabochon, brilliant-cut and rough ruby crystals in a mix of shapes, bezel-set
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Mixed Metal
Retro Gold 1.25 Carat Natural Diamond Ruby & Sapphire Ring Circa 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 18k yellow gold statement ring showcasing approximately 1.5 carats of natural colorless
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Contemporary Ruby and Diamond “Trefle” Ring, 18KY Gold Size 6
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Created by Van Cleef & Arpels, this “Trefle” ring is composed of cabochon rubies
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.