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.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Oval Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A refined vintage ring crafted in solid 14K white gold, centering an oval faceted ruby weighing approximately 2.71 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White 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 Diamond and Ruby Platinum Cocktail Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Diamond and Ruby Platinum Vintage Art Deco Revival Ring. Centering a securely Hand set .88 Carat Old European Cut Diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant red ruby is enveloped by glittering round brilliant diamonds in this 1950s cluster ring. The ruby is an oval cut stone weighing 1.00 carat. Claw set into 18 carat white gol...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,425Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Solid Natural Ruby Vintage Style Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Striking look with this Natural Ruby Vintage Style Band Ring, designed to showcase rich color in a continuous flow.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Bochic Capri Vintage Ruby & Diamond Ring, 18K Gold & Silver, 1998
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Elegant, bold, and effortlessly glamorous, this spectacular Bochic “Capri” Ring captures the spirit of the Italia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines the timeless elegance of diamonds and the rich color of rubies in a beautifully crafte...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.95ct Burma Ruby And Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Vintage Burma ruby and diamond cluster ring, the oval faceted ruby estimated to weigh 1.95 carat, accompanied by CAG report stating to be of Burmese origin with no indication of heat...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Diamond & Ruby Ring in 18k Two tone Gold.
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Custom made 18k yellow & white gold Ring size: 9.75 Diamond: 0.08ct, VS clarity, F color Ruby: 0.1ct Retail: $2500
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.00ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
This vintage trilogy ring from the 1960s boasts a vivid, 2.00 carat, ruby at its centre flanked by two round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1978 0.40ct Ruby & 0.60ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine vintage ruby cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum 3.85ctw Oval Cabochon Crisp Star Ruby Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring Width: 15.4mm (0.60") (top of the ring - north to south), 2.3mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 8.3mm rise off the finger Stamp: PT850 - 2.51 - D1.34 Condition: Vintage.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Bypass 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
An elegant 14 karat yellow gold bypass ring comprised of graceful open teardrops each terminating in two oval cut rubies trailing a row of three round brilliant white diamonds. Each ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Hammerman Brothers Diamond Ruby Dome Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
=Mint condition -18k Yellow Gold -Ring size: 5 -Diamonds: 1.00 ct -Rubies: 0.5ct -Comes with generic box
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold Victorian Style Ruby & Diamond Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Carved Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1980’s Gorgeous, Victorian style carved ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.80ct Ruby Ring with Diamond Halo Accents 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A refined vintage ring crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, centered with an oval ruby-tone gemstone of approximately 1.8 carats displaying a rich, velvety purple-red hue.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage OEC Diamond and Buff Top Ruby Hexagon Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Diamond and Buff Top Ruby Platinum Hexagon Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Ruby and Pearl Vintage Style Owl Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Ruby and Pearl Vintage-Style Owl Ring combines whimsical charm with elegant craftsmanship.
Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin Vintage Ring. Diamond and Ruby Sapphire Ring 18K Yellow Gold 1980
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage French ring boasts a bold and sophisticated design, featuring a striking combination of cabochon-cut rubies, sapphires, and dazzling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 9.95ct Aquamarine and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k yellow gold cocktail ring showcases a stunning 9.95ct aquamarine as its centerpiece, accented by a halo of vibrant rubies totaling 0.24tcw.
Aquamarine, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring with Certification
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An Exceptional Burmese Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold (c. 1980–1990) A masterclass in vintage elegance, this striking cluster ring centers on a vivid, purplish-red Burm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$825Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Solid Gold Natural Ruby Vintage Style Heart Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Passionately charming, this Ruby Vintage Style Heart Ring captures timeless romance and vibrant elegance.
Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,082Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 5, 89 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This beautiful and bright cocktail ring is set in the center with one large natural Pear Cabochon Cut Ruby with a vibrant and rich color, weight 5,89 ct. surrounded by 0,50 of colorl...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Platinum 1.09ctw Baguette Ruby & Round Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel Set - White Color - 0.09ctw (exact - stamped) (5) Natural Genuine Rubies - Straight Baguette Cut - Channel...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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 1.70Ct Thai Ruby and 1.68Ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring 1975
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.70 carat Thai ruby and 1.68 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our unheated gemstone ring collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Two-Tone Ruby & Halo Diamond Ring in 13k Gold
Located in New York, NY
A delicate vintage ring crafted in 13K two-tone gold, showcasing an oval ruby center encircled by a shimmering diamond halo.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Oval Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
Main Stone: Oval-shaped ruby weighing approximately 0.65 carats Accent Stones: Two round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.20 carats Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Setting: Mo...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 21K Yellow Gold 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage ring is crafted in 21K yellow gold and features a richly hued ruby at its center.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Vintage 0.30ct Ruby & 0.28ct Diamond Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage unisex 0.30 carat ruby and 0.28 carat diamond, 18 carat rose gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse unisex ring collection This fine and impressive vintage ru...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby Diamond 18 karat Gold Three Eternity Rings
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A gorgeous set of three stackable full alliance ruby and diamond eternity rings. The center ring is a 14 karat gold eternity ring set with a row of calibrated rubies and the other tw...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold GIA “Pigeon Blood” Ruby Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1950s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 grams Ruby Details: GIA Report number: 7235084065 Color: VIVID RED, PIGEON B...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Baguette Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A sculptural and sophisticated vintage swirl ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing a vivid pear-shaped ruby weighing approximately 1.12 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Sapphire, Amethyst & Ruby Ring 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Sapphire, Amethyst & Ruby Ring 18K Gold & Silver Center Natural Amethyst — 12 Carats • Origin: Zambia • Oval • Saturated purple luminous, glowing d...
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 6 Row Ruby and Diamond 11mm Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! 6 Row Ruby and Diamond Scattered 12mm Band Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Cluster Ring Diamond Ruby 1.75ct Burma
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 18k white gold cluster ring showcases a vivid 1.75-carat natural ruby of Burma origin.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Design Cluster
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ruby Ring circa 1960's Flower Design Cluster setting Center Stone Oval shape 6 x 4 mm Ruby Gemstone All stones are natural Ruby Finger size 7.5 14k Yellow Gold approx 3.20 g...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 1940s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This impressive vintage 1940s twist ring is fine quality set with a ruby and a very high color graded old cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby Tulip Flower Ring - Vintage 1980s ring
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Bulb Height: 10mm Weight: 5 grams Diamonds & Gemstones are Natural. Not enhanced, simulated o...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,965
Antique Ruby Bombe Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 14.0 grams Band Width: 2mm - 1mm Size: I (48) - Resizable Face Dimensions: Approx. 18mm x 15mm Total Ruby Weight: Approx. 0.40ct Marked: French 18...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Calibré Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring, 5 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural crossover ring composed of meticulously set calibré-cut rubies, arranged in two opposing bombé forms that meet in a soft, fluid intersection. The rubies—totaling approxi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s 1.25 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond Ring with Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Marquise cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.25 carats, Square cut Rubies weighing approximately a total of 1.20 carats, and Round Brilliant cut Di...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Platinum Stamped, Diamond & Ruby Buckle Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Buckle Style Cocktail Ring Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This exquisite platinum buckle-style cocktail ring is adorned with natural Baguette-cut, Emerald cut, Old European...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1950s 2.68 Carat Ruby and 3.50 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Oval cut Ruby weighing approximately 2.68 carats, accented by Round Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 3.50 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,228Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Sapphire Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.13 ct. The diamond is has G-H color vvs-vs clarity. Totally is Sapphire and Ruby 0.30 carat. Ring size is US ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$750Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Half Eternity Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring features vibrant oval rubies beautifully set with sparkling diamonds placed between each stone.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring Flower 14K White Gold Band Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring Flower 14K White Gold Band Vintage This lovely estate ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White and set with sparkling natural diamonds and natural rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.00ct Oval Ruby and Baguette Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Ruby and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely Hand set 1.00 Carat Oval Ruby, surrounded by Baguette Diamonds, weighing approx. 1.32tcw. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
English Vintage 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Snake Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The total weight of the ring is 8.6 grams. This is a distinctive vintage statement ring with timeless symbolism.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Floral Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Zurich, CH
A beautifully crafted vintage ruby and diamond ring in 18K white gold, showcasing an elegant floral-inspired design rich in colour and character.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A symphony of curves, color, and brilliance. This striking statement ring dazzles with vibrant red baguette-cut rubies. The flowing design is accentuated by shimmering diamonds, all ...
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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