Vintage Kurt Wayne 0.80 Carat Total Round Ruby Wave 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This playful yet elegant wave ring by Kurt Wayne brings a vibrant splash of color to any jewelry collection. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, the band features a flowing wave motif t...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby Four-Stone and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G-H, Clarity: SI Tested As: 18ct Gold Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Old Mine & Old European Diamond and Ruby Band Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This extraordinary natural ruby and antique diamond ring is a captivating marriage of vintage diamond character and vivid gemstone color that makes it a genuinely exceptional and col...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Inspired Vintage-Style Ruby & Diamond 3-Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite vintage-style three-stone ring features a 0.72 ct. captivating natural ruby at the center, flanked by two sparkling diamonds, all elegantly set in yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage 18k Gold Natural Ruby Diamond Square Channel Ring Two Row N / 6.75
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Circa 1980s this stunning 18ct yellow gold vintage ring features two rows of square cut, vivid pink rubies in channel set with two sparkling brilliant cut diamonds at the centre.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gemstone Butterfly Ring Vintage Diamond Ruby Sapphire 14 Karat White Gold Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed butterfly cocktail ring, crafted in 14 karat white gold. Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.50 carats (estimated at I color and SI1-2 clarity), accen...
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Vintage Style Band Ring Huggie Earrings Matching 14K Rose Gold Set
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Sparkling with light to rival the season of love, round ruby and diamonds in Art Deco inspired settings giving these 14k rose gold hoops and half eternity ring timeless appeal. Ring ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 0.54 Carat Ruby and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This signed Kurt Wayne ring is a timeless treasure that blends classic elegance with vibrant color. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, the design centers around a vivid 0.54 carat ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Gold 5.31ct GIA NO HEAT Oval Ruby Diamond Halo Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Top of the Ring Dimensions: 17.20mm (0.67") (top of the ring - north to south), 15.10mm (0.59") (east to west), 2.50mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 8.50mm rise off the finger C...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 2.38 Carat Total Oval & Round Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This Kurt Wayne 2.38 Carat Total Oval Ruby Ring is a stunning statement piece that exudes elegance and rich color. The centerpiece is a vibrant oval ruby, radiating a deep, captivati...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Synthetic Ruby and 10k Yellow Gold Graduation Ring 1971
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage ruby and 10 karat yellow gold graduation ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Yellow Gold
$1,872Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Inspired 1.5ct Ruby & Diamond Halo Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This half band ring is features a 1.5 carat natural oval rubies in 14K yellow gold. and vibrant with a total stone weight of 1.5 carats, each measuring approximately 5.06X3.15 mm an...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Square Cut Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring 3
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Princess Cut Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
HRD 1 Ct Oval Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring H SI2 Vintage Style Halo
Located in Chicago, IL
Surrounding the central diamond is a scalloped double halo, intricately set with bright diamonds and richly colored calibre cut natural rubies, creating a striking contrast and enhan...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,364Sale Price|20% Off
Ladies Vintage 18K White Gold 1.04ct. Gia Oval Ruby Halo Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K White Gold Size: 6.75 Halo head measurements: 14.15mm x 11.10mm Shank maximum width: 3.90mm Weight: 4.40 grams Ladies 18K white gold diamond and ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co 1970's Diamond Ruby 18k Gold Signature X Cross Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co Diamond And Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Signature X Cross Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow and White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Radiant and bold, this vintage ruby and diamond cocktail ring embodies timeless glamour and fine craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
Oscar Heyman Fine Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby 18K Stackable 18K Vintage Band Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Aspen, CO
Oscar Heyman 18K yellow gold rings with very fine fancy cut natural Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. All of these natural stones are of the finest quality, The Ruby band possesses 5 squ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Large Red Ruby Ellipse Oval Cut 18k Gold Bypass Split Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Oval Cut Red Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Split Bypass Ring.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.20ct Natural Ruby (x3) & 0.20ct Diamond Half-Hoop Vintage Ring in 9K Rose Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This exquisite piece of jewellery is vintage from circa 1980’s it's in beautiful condition & of timeless half-hoop design A genuine eye-catcher, the piece features 3 graduating Na...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co square ruby ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s).
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co square ruby ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). 7 rubies are estimated at 0.05 carats each and total an estimated 0.35 carats.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sitting at the centre of this three stone beauty is a stunning 25pt deep pink ruby. Either side of the gorgeous centre stone sit two shimmering diamonds. The diamonds are round and b...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and regal statement piece, this vintage ring showcases a magnificent oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 14.46 carats, set in a rich 14K yellow gold bezel.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Oval Cut Ruby and Pear Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 3.25 Exquisite in its design and timeless in its elegance, this vintage Tiffany & Co. ring is a stunning example of fine craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 0.40 Carat Vintage Style 14K White Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning vintage-inspired target ring showcases a 0.40 carat GIA certified round brilliant diamond at its center, graded H color and SI2 clarity, providing a bright white and ey...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.30 Carat Emerald 0.70 Carat Ruby 0.58 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1990.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G, Clarity: VS Tested As: 18ct Gold Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box Comments: There is a slight chip at the back of the ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond cluster ring from the Victorian era.
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,691Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Style Red Ruby White Diamond Yellow Gold Every Day Fine Stacking Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings Avaliable) (Available Rings with Tsavorite and Orange Sapphire also) Diamond 12-RND17-0,05-4/6A Ruby 2-Oval-0,42 4/3A Weight 1.52 grams Size...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Oval Red Ruby and Golden Citrine Baguette Diamond Ring in 20K Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This vintage two-stone diamond ring is truly a work of art.
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$2,028Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage-Inspired 1Ct Ruby & 1.18Ct Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring showcases an oval-cut ruby weighing 1 carat, surrounded by brilliant round and baguette-cut diamonds totaling around 1.18 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby Wedding Band. Calibre Cut Ruby Channel Set Eternity Band Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Material: Platinum Ring Size: 4.5 This elegant vintage eternity band features calibre cut rubies set continuously around the platinum mounting.
Ruby, Platinum
$1,176Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Style 14K Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring Gift for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage-inspired cluster ring features four marquise-cut natural rubies totaling 0.88 carat, each measuring 5.5 x 3 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Ruby Diamond Engagement Estate Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Make a statement of elegance with this 18K Estate White Gold Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring. This exquisite vintage piece features a natural round ruby measuring 6 mm in diameter, acce...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$984Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Inspired Round Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This vintage-inspired halo ring features a round-cut ruby totaling approximately 0.60 carats, elegantly set in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Baguette Diamond and Natural Ruby Ring with GIA Cert.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stunning and high quality are the words that come to mind with this Vintage Baguette Diamond and Ruby Ring. Crafted in an incredibly rich 18K Yellow Gold, the design features a ribbo...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Synthetic Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine vintage gold ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 2.18 CTW No Heat Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Foliate Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an cushion cut ruby weighing 1.30 carats - transparent medium purplish red in color Bezel set in an octagonal form head bead set with an old European cut diamond halo Flank...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G&K, Clarity: SI Total Remaining Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.28ct Marked: 'PLAT' Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Mid-Century Platinum Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A standout collectible piece for ruby lovers and vintage jewelry connoisseurs.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby and Diamonds Cluster Flower Bouqet Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The gems are effortlessly placed around the wrapped band creating an ultra-luxe look. This ring is in great vintage condition as it is from 1972.
Diamond, Ruby
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 2.5 grams Ring Size: D (41.5) Band Width: 1mm Face Dimensions: 12mm x 10mm Central Ruby Weight: Approx. 0.68ct Remaining Ruby Dimensions: 4 (2mm x...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Oscar Heyman 1980's Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Channel Band Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wide band centers split rows of channel set diamonds and rubies arranged as pointed form Diamonds weigh approximately 1.07 carats total - G color with VS2 clarity Sapphires weigh app...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring and Earring Channel Set 18K Gold Jewelry Set
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring and Earring Jewelry Set in 18K and 14K Yellow Gold / Channel-Set Princess Cut Cluster Ruby and Diamond Jewelry Set.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Textured Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Ruby and Textured Diamond Cluster Ring Description: This vintage cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a central 4.63-carat oval cabochon ruby with...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman 1980's 3.60 CTW Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Vintage Bombé Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval mixed-cut rubyweighing 0.70 carat - transparent purplish red in color with medium saturation Prong set in basket with a bombé shaped surround pavé set with round br...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1970s 0.30 Carat Round Cut Rubies & Diamond Two‑Stone Ring in White Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This vintage ring from the 1970s showcases a graceful two‑stone design centered around a pair of vivid round‑cut rubies.
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Vintage Large Enameled Alligator Ring in 18 Karat Gold and Rubies, Rare, 1960s
Located in Honolulu, HI
Rare Vintage enamel large double Alligator ring from the 1960's.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Ring Ruby and Diamonds circa 1950 Yellow Gold 18 Carat and Platinum
Located in Paris, FR
18 Carat yellow Gold, Platinum Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1950-60 4 Cabochon Rubies and 5 Diamonds, the central one is bigger. Central diamond: between 0.50 and 0.60 carats, eme...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 1.6 carats. The ruby held in this ring is a deep pink colour and the sparkle of the diamonds compliment the stone beautifully. T...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14K Gold Vintage Pink Ruby Diamond Mid Century Bombe Dome Ring Channel Set 7.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Stunning vintage bombe dome ring, circa 1970s, featuring three rows of channel set, square cut natural rubies with vivid pink colour, interspersed with two rows of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.4 grams Size: K (50) Band Width: 3mm Face Dimensions: 15mm x 15mm Ruby Dimensions: 2 (4mm x 3.5mm) Rose Cut Diamond Dimensions: 24 (2mm-1mm) Tes...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.5 grams Ring Size: Q (58) - Resizable Band Width: 4.4mm Face Dimensions: 18.5mm x 13.5mm Ruby Dimensions: 1 (3.5mm x 3mm), 2 (3mm), 2 (3mm x 2mm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Angel Skin Coral Ruby Ring 1970s Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish angel skin coral & ruby flower cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s). Cabochon cut coral measures 8mm x 6mm (estimated at 1.25 carats each - 7.50 cara...
Coral, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Swirl Motif Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 6.25 Gorgeous, one of a kind rose gold swirl ring with ruby and diamond accents. This colorful, artsy ring is embellished with natural purplish-red rubies and bright whit...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Solid White Gold Star Burnish Sapphire Ruby & Diamond Bezel Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquiries.) Ring Width: 14.3mm (0.56") (top of the ring - north to south) - 17.7mm (0.69")(ruby to ruby, east to west) - 3.7mm (bottom ...
Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Diamond Ruby Star Ring Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Estate Fine Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond & ruby cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ruby Ring 18k White & Rose Gold Center 1.09 ct (#1)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Art Deco Style Colorful Ring - Statement and Bold Center Diamond surrounded with Red Ruby, sides have white Diamonds All stones are Natural 18k White & Rose Gold 8.60 grams Natural...
Ruby, Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 1.20ctw High Quality Ruby & Diamond 4 Row Wavy Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.02 Grams Size: 6.5 (Fitted on a finger, please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Overall Width: 9.3 (0.37") (top of...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage All Seeing Eye Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS7 / 2.3 gr.
Located in SE
All Seeing Eye Ring with chained shoulders featuring fancy Marquise cut natural Ruby 5.5mm x 2.75 mm /ca 0.2ct and Six eight- cut Diamonds Ø 1mm /0.005ct each, all enclosed inside a ...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.
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