Vintage 18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1950s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.9grams Ruby Details: Natural Rubies, .90ct total weight, Red color Di...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat White Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 9ct white gold ring are ten 10pt Rubies and among the illusion setting detail there are six diamond points set within them. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Face Width: 7m...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Arty Red Ruby Oval Cabochon Statement Ring
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Red Ruby Cabochon Stone Statement Chunky Modernist Ring, Size 6, Silver Black Tone Very good condition.
Silver Plate
Victorian Ruby Pearl Sapphire and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.0 grams Size: M 1/2 (53) Face Dimensions: 18mm x 8.5mm Ruby: Approx. 0.15 carats Sapphire: Approx. 0.15 carats Pearl: 5.5mm x 5.5mm x 3.2mm Test...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Floral Cocktail Ring Ruby, Emerald, Sapphires
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This beautiful ring includes 6 Colombian emeralds (0.45 ctw), 6 rubies (0.7ctw), 6 blue Sapphires (0.7ctw), and 30 full-cut and single-cut diamonds (0.54ctw).
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Ruby Red Charm Crystals Halo Silver US 7 Ring
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Rectangle Ruby Red Crystals Elegant Charm Halo Ring, US 7, Silver Tone Good condition.
Silver Plate
18k white gold five stone ring ruby and diamonds, 1.30 ct.
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A refined five-stone ring crafted in 18-karat (750/000) white gold, centered by a natural oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 0.90 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby Eternity Band Size 6 1/2
Located in Montgomery, AL
A striking vintage ruby eternity band crafted in 14K yellow gold, with vivd round rubies encircling the entire ring.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an impressive Art Deco ruby and diamond navette ring. At the centre of an open marquise-like shaped design we find three milgrain set old cut diamonds in a diagonal line form...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
1.29c Carat Ruby and 0.60 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique and vintage 1.29 carat ruby and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, white gold set, three stone/trilogy ring; an addition to our ruby je...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$562Sale Price / item|25% Off
Ruby and Diamond Milgrain Halo Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ideal as a vintage ruby engagement ring, this 9k gold halo ring offers lasting elegance and sentimental beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
1990 Synethic Ruby Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stunning synthetic ruby and emerald cocktail ring circa 1990. This gorgeous jumbo ring features a synthetic ruby at the center surrounded by silver circular rhinestones and bronze an...
Vintage 1.84 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster, circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1980s, this classically designed cluster ring features a wonderful red ruby in the centre. The gemstone is full of life and ahs a weight of 1.84 carat. It is set within...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian 0.50 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: H, Clarity: VS Total Ruby Weight: Approx. 0.60ct Total Remaining Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.30ct Marked: French 18ct Assay Mark (faded) Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ruby and 14k Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This impeccably designed ring can be yours today! Don't miss your chance to get your hands on this large Ruby stone in an oval cut.
1980s Silver 925 Synthetic Ruby Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing our sensational 1980s Silver 925 Synthetic Ruby Ring, a dazzling and glamorous piece that embodies the bold and extravagant style of the 1980s.
Silver
Vintage Solid Gold GIA 1.91ctw Burma Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Width: 7.4mm (0.29") (top of ring, north to south), 15mm (0.59")(east to west, diamond to diamond) - 1.9mm (bottom of shank) Height: 5.3mm rise off the finger Condition: Vintage.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Cocktail Ring Pink Ruby & Spessartine-Orange Garnet 18K White Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ruby and Garnet Cluster Ring Vintage but never used- new condition Natural Ruby is pink-ish Center Spessartine-Orange-Red Garnet 18k White Gold 13.5 Grams Cluster Ruby Total approx...
Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: H-I, Clarity: SI Tested As: 18ct Gold Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k white gold Italian Diamond and Ruby ring in Buccellati style
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A handmade 18k yellow gold cocktail band ring set with 12 brilliant cut diamonds and an oval cut natural Ruby with original engraving.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920s A striking Art Deco ring set with six French-cut rubies and seven single-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum Vintage Engagement RG with OGI Ltd 3.70ct Natural Ruby, 0.90ct Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your engagement with this exquisite vintage-inspired ring, crafted to captivate hearts and ignite everlasting love.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.70 Carat Siam Ruby and 3.02 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.70 carat Thai ruby and 3.02 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Bold 1970s 14K Yellow Gold Ruby Cocktail Ring with Diamonds, 1.15ct
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage cocktail ring crafted in richly textured 14K yellow gold, centered with a vivid 1.15-carat round-cut ruby in a secure bezel setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Frascarolo Bull Ring
By Frascarolo
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and black enamel with Single cut Diamonds and Round cut Rubies as the eyes. Signed by Frascarolo Circa 1970s Size 3, resizable
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
1.40 Carat Ruby and 0.55 Carat Diamond, Platinum Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.40 carat ruby, 0.55 carat diamond and platinum half eternity engagement ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage ruby eternity rings.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2 Carat Burma Ruby Art Deco 18k White Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
The choice of 18k white gold provides a luxurious and durable setting that beautifully complements the deep hue of the rubies. This vintage ring perfectly captures the sophisticated ...
Ruby, White Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G, Clarity: VS Total Remaining Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.04ct Tested As: Platinum Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box Comments: As this is a vintage ring we have left the natu...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 2.63ctw Invisible Ruby Baguette Diamond Crossover Band
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6 Width: 13.05 mm Weight: 8.96 grams Ladies 18K yellow gold four-across, diamond and ruby vintage band with a half-rou...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Retro 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Retro 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Men's 3 Stone Ring 14 Karat Yellow White Gold Ruby Diamond circa 1940's
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 3 stone Ring for Men Circa 1940's 14 Yellow and White Gold It can been more Clean however we didn't want to touch it.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Retro 14K Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1940s
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Retro Ruby and Diamond Gold Vintage Ring. Centering a Securely Hand set 1 Carat Cabochon Ruby, accented by Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.30tcw an...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified Italian Cocktail Ring 18kt Yellow Gold with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Combining classic gemstone elegance with vintage-inspired charm, this Italian cocktail ring is a distinctive expression of timeless luxury and refined craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Border Ring
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring Description: This ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a vintage-inspired marquise design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18ct Gold Natural Ruby & Diamond Chequerboard Style Ring Hallmarked London 1971
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked London 1971 Makers Mark J & P This stunning vintage ring showcases a captivating design crafted from 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$265Sale Price / item|30% Off
Natural Pink Ruby Round Cut Engagement Ring in Handcrafted 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Reddish Pink Ruby Ring Women’s 925 Sterling Silver Handcrafted Round Cut Ruby Engagement Ring Handmade Artisan Jewelry Vintage Silver Band Gift for Her
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pear-Shaped Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This piece offers a striking contrast of colors and an elegant, vintage-inspired aesthetic. It is a size 5.50. Details: Metal: 14K White Gold Gemstone: Pear Cut Diamond French Cut...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18ct White Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous ruby and diamond cluster ring set in 18ct white gold is the dream vintage ruby engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Asscher Cut Diamond & Ruby Art Deco Style Statement White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Indulge in the timeless elegance of our Asscher cut diamond and ruby art deco style engagement ring. This exquisite piece features an eye-catching Asscher cut diamond at its center, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
9.38 ctw Art Deco Style Diamond & East African Ruby Platinum Cluster Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking expression of timeless elegance, this Art Deco style cluster ring is centered around a vivid red cushion-cut East African ruby, radiating exceptional color and presence.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 8 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 8ct gold band has a ruby, emerald and sapphire set within it with diamonds in between. The three coloured stones measure 5pts each and the diamonds measure 3pts each. Ring Siz...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
13.66 ctw Oval Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Tysons, VA
Bold and captivating, this vintage style cocktail ring showcases a magnificent 12.78 carat oval-cut ruby, celebrated for its rich and vibrant red hue.
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Oval Thai Ruby and 1.56ct Diamond 18k White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.13 carat Thai ruby and 1.56 carat diamond, 18k white gold cluster ring; part of our ruby jewellery collection.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
3.45 Carat Ruby and 0.30 Carat Diamond, Yellow Gold Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage ruby ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
COCKTAIL RING - Invisible Set Ruby Dome & Pave Diamond Terminal 18K Gold.
Located in Miami, FL
Currently a ring size 7, this vintage treasure remains in pristine, showroom condition.
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 1.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: H, Clarity: VS Marked: 'PLAT' Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Fine Quality Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Los Gatos, CA
This exquisite Vintage Fine Quality Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring Set is crafted in 18 kt white gold and features a striking contrast between the rubies and diamonds for a remarkab...
18k Gold
Vintage White Topaz and Ruby 9 Carat Gold Full Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A shining halo of topaz and rubies is the show stopping detail on this ring. Set in a chunky 9carat gold band which compliments the topaz perfectly. Topaz total 80pts and the rubies ...
Ruby, Topaz, Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous half eternity band holds a 5 pt square cut ruby in-between 2pt diamonds. The rubies have a gorgeous rich pink colour and the diamonds are bright and sparkling. Ring S...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ring Moi et Toi 14k Gold Sz 7 Synthetic Ruby
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era diamond & synthetic ruby 'moi et toi' ring crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1920s to 1930s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly outstanding ruby and diamond dress ring crafted during the Art Nouveau period.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990 Silver 925 Synthetic Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Super fun and unique vintage cocktail ring featuring an array of synthetic rubys offset by silver rhinestones and gold engravings.
Silver
Diamond & Ruby Eye Pave Set Double Headed Snake 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Finely detailed vintage style double headed snake curving design with curled over tail ring crafted in 18k rose gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.12 Carat Ruby and 1.33 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.12 carat ruby and 1.33 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail engagement ring; part of our varied range of vintage ruby rings.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
1.60ct Cushion Diamond, GIA Certified, with 1.23ct Ruby Accent Vintage Inspired
Located in Houston, TX
This Shaftel Diamonds engagement ring is part of one of our unique collections of engagement rings. This particular ring features a beautiful 1.60ct cushion cut diamond, J VS2, set i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,400 / item
Ruby Filigree Three Stone Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The refined silhouette brings together rich color and delicate craftsmanship, creating a distinctive Ruby Filigree Ring inspired by enduring vintage romance.
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Diamond & Red Pink Ruby Art Deco Style Floral Halo White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Vintage Total weight: 4.00 g.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 0.65 Carat Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: H, Clarity: VS Total Ruby Weight: Approx. 1.20ct (0.60ct each) Tested As: 18ct Gold & Platinum Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold 1/2 Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This half eternity band holds five rich red square rubies totalling 10pts and in between these stones are diamonds measuring a total of approx 15pts. The band is modelled in 18ct go...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Diamond & Red Pink Ruby Floral Cluster Engagement 14K White Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Look at this stunning ruby and diamond floral cluster ring! Set in rose gold, this vintage inspired ruby and diamond ring features a unique floral design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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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