10K Yellow Gold Retro Ruby Ring
Located in Seattle, WA
Era: Mid-Century Metal Type: 10K Yellow Gold Setting Type: Prong Band Width: 2mm Main Gem(s): Natural Ruby Main Gem Carat Weight: ~0.50ctw Main Gem Cut/Shape: Round Main Gem Color: R...
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Natural Diamond and Ruby Rectangular Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1920s, this dazzling gem features fifteen Old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50 carats, J-K color VS-SI1 clarity, lined in a bold geometric pattern emb...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Thailand Mid Century 1.25ctw Oval Ruby 0.60ctw Round Diamond 14K White Gold
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking mid-century ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold, showcasing a bold and timeless design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming ruby and diamond ring dating back to the mid to late Victorian period. A rich 18ct yellow gold band plays to a trio of perfectly matched rubies possessing a f...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Featuring the details of classic hand engraved rings, this engagement ring centers a European-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00-ct., with I color and VS2 clarity. The 18k white...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum Ruby Ballerina Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Platinum Ballerina Ring Featuring A 1.30 Carat Round Ruby Surrounded By 6.00 Carat Total Weight Tapered Baguette and Round Diamonds Of VS Clarity and G Color. Finger Size 5.75; Purch...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Retro Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
Fabricated in 18 karat yellow gold, this vintage beauty features seven alternating paisleys of bright red pear shaped rubies outlined by a sinuous framing of diamond pave. Smartly fi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Natural Red Ruby Cabochon and 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This intricate antique ring showcases an impressive natural red ruby cabochon as its centerpiece. The ruby measures approximately 9.88 mm and weighs approximately 3.75 carats. Set in...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage 14kt Yellow Gold 1.20 ct Diamond & Ruby Ring 9.6 Grams Size 5 14k Rose & White Gold Ladies Vintage Retro Style Ruby and Diamond Ring - Size 5 This is a 14k rose and w...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Sapphire Ruby Diamond Infinity Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This impressive cross over ring is mid-century Superior in all aspects this ring has been extremely well hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold Beautifully designed in fascinating You & Me...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Vintage Ruby Ballerina Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking vintage ruby and diamond ballerina ring, masterfully crafted in platinum and accompanied by a GIA report. At the center rests a vivid oval-cut ruby, radiating a rich red h...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Ruby Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The "Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Ruby Ring" is a classic and elegant piece of jewelry that combines the timeless beauty of yellow gold with the rich, vibrant color of rubies. The ring i...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,660Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Bohemian Multicolor Gemstone Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century Bohemian Multicolor Gemstone Ring in 18k Yellow Gold This authentic mid-century ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and showcases a bold bohemian cluster design cen...
Citrine, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Ruby Diamond Ring 1ct Vintage Halo Cocktail 11.2g Size 7 3/4
Located in Tucson, AZ
The bold mid-century design exudes luxury and sophistication, pairing the ruby’s rich red hue with brilliant white diamonds for dazzling contrast.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
AGL Certified 6.55 Carat Unheated Burma Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
True Collectors Ruby Ruby and diamond ring Set with an cushion ruby weighing 6.55 carats, the mount of openwork geometric design, set with circular-cut diamonds, size 54. Accompanie...
Ruby
$367,500Sale Price|30% Off
AGL Certified 7.32 Carat Ruby Art Deco Ring
Located in New York, NY
True Collectors Ruby Ruby and diamond ring Set with an cushion ruby weighing 7.32 carats, the mount of openwork geometric design, set with circular-cut diamonds, size 54. Accompanie...
Ruby
Estate Ruby Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Ruby Diamond Three Stone Ring, featuring three rich oval cut rubies with a scintillating halo of round brilliant cut diamonds Mede in Italy, circa 1990s CONDITION: Pre-ow...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond Ruby 18 Karat White Gold Contemporary Cocktail Vintage Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This contemporary ring, crafted in 18 karat white gold, draws inspiration from Art Deco design with its bold geometry and vintage flair. At its center, 12 round brilliant-cut diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
Diamond & Ruby Ring MCM 4.38 Carats - A Tray of Cocktails Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Perfectly, outrageously flashy, and fun, this Midcentury (circa 1950s) cocktail ring is bursting with marquise-cut rubies and round brilliant diamonds. There are 3.30 carats of rubie...
Diamond, Ruby
Certified 5.48 Carat Vietnamese Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring features one centering oval bright medium deep pinkish-red ruby, weighing 5.48 carats, encircled by two oval and four round diamonds, weighing 1.19 carats. This ring comes...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Diamond Black Jade Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold and beautiful cocktail ring centered with a large near-round carved ruby weighing an estimated 17.61 carats, clustered with concentric rings of channel-set rectangular shape r...
Moonstone, Onyx, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.50 Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Large Ornate Elongated Octagon shaped Ruby and diamond ring crafted in a beautiful 18 karat yellow gold. This beautiful ring features an oval shaped Ruby that weighs 4.50 carats an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Heavy 18 karat champagne gold tank ring - ruby carré ring - estate bulky ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
We are so delighted to offer you this magnificent piece of art. This lovely bulky symmetric ring is made out of solid 18 karat gold and set with many deep dark pink (synthetic) rubie...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage This beautiful vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold and it is also numbered inside of the shank. Twenty-two genuine Ea...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,796Sale Price|43% Off
Georgian Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring Dazzling & Rare
Located in Northampton, MA
This Georgian-era (circa 1830) ruby and table-cut diamond ring was created entirely by hand over two-hundred years ago, though the shank itself is more recent (though still antique)...
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver
2.80 Carat Ruby Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Ruby yellow gold band ring. 76 round rubies along both rims of the setting accented with 12 round rubies along the 14k rose gold wide textured setting. 12 round Rubies, appr...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A fantastic Retro statement ring, this jewel packs a style punch! Full finger coverage is provided by textured, brushed gold, decorated with natural rubies and a central diamond. The...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
10k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring & Synthetic Ruby .30ct, 10.4gr
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
10k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring & Synthetic Ruby .30ct, 10.4gr 10k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring w/ synthetic ruby. The Diamond is .30ct, Clarity vs1-vs2, Color I-J-K. Stamped 10k, weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 3.09 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Multigem Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.09 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Multigem Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a vibrant combination of natural diamonds, vivid rubies, and multicolo...
Diamond, Ruby
Vintage Platinum Baguette Diamond Vivid Ruby Spiral Ballerina Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A glamorous circa 1960s ballerina-style cocktail ring, crafted in platinum and designed with exceptional movement and dimension. The ring features approximately 3.70 carats total we...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Oscar Heyman Diamond and Ruby Ring in Platinum
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Wailea, HI
Elevate Your Style with the Oscar Heyman Diamond and Ruby Ring in Platinum 💍 Indulge in the epitome of luxury with our spectacular Oscar Heyman creation, crafted by the most esteem...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$3,188Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Old Euro Cut Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Looking for a pop of color in your antique diamond engagement ring? Look no further! This platinum beauty features a 0.65 carat Old European Cut Diamond (+- K/VS) set with four prong...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Retro Modern, circa 1940s Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Wailea, HI
Retro Modern Circa 1940's Ruby and Diamond Ring Four Square Cut Rubies weighing .55 carats approximately Ten Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing .35 carats approximately The Rubi...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
12.66ct Ruby & Diamond Ring – Dual Certified AGL & GIA, Fine Jewelry
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Type: Cocktail Ring Era / Style: Mid-Century Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18K Setting Style: Prong Band Style: Plain Finish: High Polish Gemstone: Natural Ruby (Corundum) Origin: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Star Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This Vintage ruby dates back to the early 1940's. The center stunning gem is a round cabochon cut star ruby weighing ?? carats. When light gleams on this remarkable stone a star dan...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold diamond and ruby cluster cocktail ring. With 12 natural rubies and 13 natural mined diamonds arranged in a swirling illusion cluster setting on split shank band. Inne...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
0.90tcw 14K Natural Ruby & Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elegantly displayed is a vintage ruby and diamond ring. Expertly handcrafted in gleaming 14K white gold; this ring features numerous natural rubies that follow the length of the fing...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Butterfly Heart Ring with Rubies & Diamonds
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The Butterfly Heart Ring is a charming blend of elegance and whimsy, crafted from radiant 14K yellow gold. At its center, three vibrant 2.7mm rubies add a rich pop of color, totaling...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
French 19th Century Rubies Fine Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Silver 3 Rings
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, horse head hallmark and silver. A delicate antique ring, its band consists of three rings that meet at the base. On the top, each ring is set with fine ha...
Ruby, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Silver, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
15.5 Carat Star Ruby Cabochon on Bombé Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent ring features a centering 15.5 carat star ruby set on a sculpted gold and diamond bombé 14K yellow gold mounting making for a magical statement piece. The 93 round d...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Art Deco 1.12 Carat Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Pretty and authentic Art Deco Engagement ring featuring one large Old Mine cut Diamond in the center, weight 1.12 carats I Color Vs2, and ruby custom cut. Entirely hand crafted in 18...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Onyx Diamond Ring Sz 4.5 Platinum Estate Cocktail Ring Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish ruby, onyx & diamond ring crafted in 900 platinum. Cushion cut mixed natural ruby, approx. 1.40ct (7 x 6mm), dark red color, visible inclusions, good cut, Thailand origin, ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1970s 14KT Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cabochon Ring
Located in New York, NY
This bold vintage men’s ring from the 1970s is crafted in 14KT yellow gold, featuring a bezel-set oval cabochon ruby weighing approximately 2.30 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 16k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Retro Geometric Hump Ring
Located in New York, NY
A statement piece that embodies the elegance and distinctive character of mid-century jewelry. Weight: 9.3 Grams Stone: 0.45tcw Ruby, Diamond Measurements: 27.7 x 22.90 x 15.75mm Si...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mabe Pearl Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1940s, this stunning cocktail ring features a 12mm Mabe pearl surrounded by ten natural cabochon oval-shaped rubies and accented with a mix of twenty Old European and ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari, 18K Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Ring, AGL
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This Bvlgari ruby and sapphire ring reflects the house’s bold mid-20th-century aesthetic, celebrating vibrant color contrasts and architectural volume.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco Five Row Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in 1920, this exquisite Art Deco ring features a central, slightly raised row of eleven seamlessly set carre-cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.00 carats, FG color VS clar...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Estate 6.01 Carat No Heat Star Ruby & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Item Details: - Type: Ring - Metal: Platinum 900 - Weight: 7.60 grams - Setting: Prong - Era: Mid-Century, Retro _______________________ Center Stone Details: - Type: Star Ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1940’s 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Bombe Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1940’s Fabulous, vintage Bombe shaped ring. Set with natural rubies & brilliant cut diamonds. Mounted on a yellow gold, split band....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Peau D'ange Coral Diamond Ruby Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Retro Cocktail Ring mounted in 18k rose gold set with a natural, of great quality, Peau D'Ange/Angel skin Coral 24.56 x 16 mm and surrounded by 0.60 carat of Round brillia...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 10.14 Carat Natural Diamond, Ruby and Rough Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This extraordinary statement ring showcases a striking combination of brilliant natural diamonds, vivid rubies, and rare rough diamonds totaling 10.14 carats. Designed for collectors...
Diamond, Ruby
IGI Certified 5.22 Carat Natural Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.22 Carat Natural Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases a luxurious harmony of natural rubies, vivid emeralds,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Retro Era 14KT Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
The asymmetrical cluster design gives the ring strong presence while keeping the look balanced and intentional, a hallmark of mid century statement jewelry.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 8.40 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 8.40 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemston...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold A Cushion Cut Burmese Ruby weighing 1.50 carats approximately Twenty Two Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing .50 carats approximately...
Ruby, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 2.32 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.32 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the elegant harmony of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemstones...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 6.22 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 6.22 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the captivating harmony of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, 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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