Vintage Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This fabulous diamond and ruby ring will definitely be turning some heads.
Vintage 1970s Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This fabulous diamond and ruby ring will definitely be turning some heads.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Cabochon Ruby & Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow and white gold with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 4.00 carats and a Cabochon Sapphire weighing approximately 4.00 carats, surrounded by approxim...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Carved Aquamarine and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and centered by a carved aquamarine accented with rubies.
Aquamarine, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 3.15ct Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is a bold and highly eye-catching gemstone design, centered by a substantial 3.15 carat ruby accented by 1.01 carats total weight of diamonds graded J color and I1 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Vintage GIA Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Details Designer: Buccellati Origin: Italy Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: Approx. 1.70 Carats GIA Report Number: 12329392140 Accent Stones: White & Fan...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
The centre stone on this gorgeous vintage ring is a transitional cut diamond, which was popular around the 1950s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Raymond Yard 4.63 Carat Ruby Ring
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum featuring an AGL and GIA certified Oval cut Ruby of Burma origin that is Non-heat treated and weighs 4.63 carats along with Trillion cut side Diamonds on e...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Yellow Gold Ring with Rubies and Sapphires, 1994
Located in BILBAO, ES
- Year: 1994 - Metal: Yellow Gold - Gold Weight: 11.7 grams - Ring Height: 14 mm - Gemstones - 12 Sapphires - 6 Rubies vintage ruby sapphire ring, yellow gold gemstone...
Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage Inspired White Sapphire & Ruby Vintage Style Floral Cluster Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Vintage white sapphire and ruby ring is a classic design that would be a wonderful addition to your fine jewelry collection.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive French vintage ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.0 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ladies Vintage Ring
By SEAWAVEDIAMONDS
Located in New York, NY
1.0Carat Ruby and Diamond Ladies Vintage Ring -Metal Type: 18K White Gold -1.0Carat Oval Cut Ruby -0.52Carat Baguette Side Natural Diamonds -Size 6.75 Made in New York City
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This stunning and breath-taking ring features a total of 2.60 carat's worth of wonderful rubies. The centre stone is 0.60 carat and is expertly claw set. It is then haloed by a circl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.60 Carat Ruby and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.60 Carat Ruby & Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Ruby
Vintage Ruby, Diamond and Platinum Crossover Ring, Circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A vintage, hand made, ruby and diamond crossover ring, set with a pear shape ruby, weighing approximately 1.27ct and a pear shape diamond weighing approximately 0.80ct, in claw setti...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 18K White Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold vintage ring centered around an impressive oval cabochon ruby weighing approximately 14.36 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby & Diamond Cluster Vintage Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Ring Summary ♥ Main Stone: Ruby & Diamond Approx. Carat Weight: 65cttw Ruby Carat Weight: .50ct Stone Cut: Oval & Round Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 3 grams Diamonds & ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s French Platinum Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bilateral Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1940s French 0.90 carat ruby, 0.90 carat sapphire and 0.80 carat diamond, platinum hinged bilateral ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
VINTAGE 18k Yellow Gold, Wood, Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Ring Vintage 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 1970s 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond, Wood & Ruby Cocktail Ring Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer cocktail ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$1,064Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This 14k yellow gold ring features a vivid ruby cluster design accented with round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990 Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in BILBAO, ES
- Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold - Weight: 15 grams - Rubies: 18 stones — approx. 2.00 carats total - Diamonds Baguette Cut: 6 stones — approx. 0.58 carats total - Diamonds Carré Cut:...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 0.28 carat ruby and 0.39 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold twist design cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 6.5 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 2.2 Grams Ring Height: 5.46 mm Gemstone Specificat...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$964Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, Vintage Inspired Ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k gold ring with ruby and diamonds. July birthstone ruby ring. Round ruby ring Metal: 14k solid gold Total weight 2.60 g depends from size Gemstones: Round cabochon cut ruby, 0...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage architectural synthetic ruby 14k yellow gold solitaire ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage solitaire ring is a beautifully geometric design from the 1970’s, centered by a synthetic round brilliant cut ruby weighing approximately 0.60 carat.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Floral Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 0.73 carat ruby and 0.48 carat diamond, 18 carat yellow cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage EFFY Designer Marquise Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
By Effy
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage EFFY Designer Marquise Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,480Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Rare Tiffany 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Rare Tiffany 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring A truly rare vintage piece by Tiffany & Co., crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and set with a magnificent GIA-certified Burm...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.70 carat ruby sapphire 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage ring is a colorful and sculptural jewel from the 1970’s, crafted in warm 14k yellow gold with a beautiful combination of ruby and sapphire.
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 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
Retro Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Rose Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Rose Gold Diamond & Ruby Retro Ring showcasing a bold Retro-inspired design with a generously sized top measuring approximately 20 x 24mm.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 2.73ct Ruby and 0.18ct Diamond Platinum Ring, Circa 1980
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 2.73 carat ruby and 0.18 karat diamond, platinum ring; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Men's 1.00tcw Ruby & Diamond Band Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A striking vintage band ring crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, weighing 8.1 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18k White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.24 carat ruby and 0.12 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage Iconic BMW Circle Diamond and Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! A rare branded piece of Automotive Lifestyle Jewelry. Featuring the iconic BMW roundel logo Hand set with .60tcw Diamonds and .12tcw Rubies. Hand-crafted 18K 750 Go...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,064Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this truly vintage ring features a vivid cluster of natural rubies arranged in an ornate flora...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14ct White Gold, 1980s Diamond & Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Snake Ring 14ct Gold Stamped Circa 1980s This striking 1980s snake ring is expertly crafted from 14ct white gold, showcasing a mesmerising design that captures the essenc...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unheated 1.02ct Burma Ruby & Diamond 18k Ring - Vintage, Exquisite!
Located in bangkok, TH
An Exquisite Estate Unheated Burma Ruby and diamond Platinum Ring dating from c.1975 and featuring a gorgeous Unheated ruby from the famed mines of Mogok in Burma. The ruby is an exq...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Vintage Style Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embodying geometric elegance and timeless passion, this striking Natural Ruby Vintage Style Engagement Ring pays beautiful homage to a bold Art Deco era inspired craftsmanship.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond cluster ring, 9k yellow gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
A really pretty vintage glass filled Ruby and Diamond cluster ring!
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold 1.63ct Burma Ruby Signet Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This striking vintage signet ring features a vivid 1.63 carat Burma ruby bezel-set in rich 14K yellow gold.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum 12.0ct Aquamarine and 1.10tcw Ruby Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This striking vintage statement ring is crafted in luxurious platinum and showcases a stunning 12.0ct aquamarine as its centerpiece.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 0.70tcw Ruby & Diamond Floral Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A charming vintage ruby and diamond floral ring crafted in solid 14K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring GIA Certified
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A captivating vintage treasure, this platinum ring centers on a 2.98 carat oval Burma ruby, certified by GIA Burma origin and noted as heated.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
1.16 Carat Diamond Ruby Vintage Style Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Gorgeous vintage art deco style design ring, the main diamond weighs 1.16 carat and is graded F-G in color and SI2 in clarity (eye clean).
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Target Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly wonderful diamond and ruby target ring. This vintage ring has been handcrafted in platinum and features a central old European cut diamond of Approximately 0.80 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Ruby Vintage Solitaire Ring - 14k Round Scrollwork
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .06ct Cut: Round...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and designed with a striking cluster of rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.30 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Flower Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.30 Carat Ruby & Diamonds Flower Cluster Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A dramatic and sculptural vintage statement ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, centering a vivid oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 1.89 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.04ct Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring, 1990s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At the heart of this vintage ring sits an oval cut ruby weighing 1.04 carats, its rich red hue radiating warmth from the elongated, faceted cut.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 0.40ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
This unique diamond and ruby ring was crafted in the 1950s. At the centre a 0.40 carat round brilliant diamond sits. The rub over set diamond is F colour and Si1 in clarity. Surround...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 14K Ruby Floral Bypass Ring with Diamonds Accents
Located in Miami, FL
A charming vintage floral bypass ring crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, set with richly hued natural rubies arranged in two blooming flower clusters.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a richly colored ruby at its center, framed by a sparkling halo of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,961Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1.50ct Ruby Cluster Ring with 12 Round Rubies in Silver Palladium Alloy
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This cluster ring embraces a sculptural, almost botanical composition where each element feels deliberately placed rather than densely packed. The setting rises in soft tiers, allowi...
Ruby, Palladium, Silver, Rhodium
Vintage 1940s Ruby Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage European 0.42 carat ruby and 0.21 carat sapphire, 0.30 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow and white gold cocktail ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Style Sapphire, Ruby & Diamond “Day & Night” Flip Ring
Located in London, GB
A beautifully designed 18ct yellow gold vintage-style “flip” or “day and night” ring, offering exceptional versatility and timeless elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.70 Carat Thai Ruby Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ruby ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
This timeless vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a richly hued ruby as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Vintage Burmese ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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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