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Rossella Ugolini 24k Yellow Gold Plated Ruby Eye Black Enamel Snake Ring
Rossella Ugolini 24k Yellow Gold Plated Ruby Eye Black Enamel Snake Ring

Rossella Ugolini 24k Yellow Gold Plated Ruby Eye Black Enamel Snake Ring

By Rossella Ugolini

Located in Rome, IT

yellow gold-plated segments and black enamel accents. The ring depicts a snake with ruby ​​eyes sinuously

Category

2010s Italian Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold Plate

Art Deco Revival Rose Cut Diamond Emerald Ruby Platinum Snake Cocktail Ring
Art Deco Revival Rose Cut Diamond Emerald Ruby Platinum Snake Cocktail Ring

Art Deco Revival Rose Cut Diamond Emerald Ruby Platinum Snake Cocktail Ring

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

An alluring Art Deco-style diamond snake ring. Centered by a 150-year-old hand-faceted rose-cut

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum

Double Headed 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring Diamond and Ruby Unisex
Double Headed 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring Diamond and Ruby Unisex

Double Headed 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring Diamond and Ruby Unisex

Located in Wallkill, NY

Double Headed Snake Wedding 14K Ring with 4 bezel set diamonds in each head. Rubies make up the

Category

Antique 1890s Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Coiled Snake Ring, Early 20th Century
Antique Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Coiled Snake Ring, Early 20th Century

Antique Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Coiled Snake Ring, Early 20th Century

Located in New York, NY

Striking, large antique Edwardian diamond, ruby and 18K yellow gold coiled snake ring Early 20th

Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.73 Carat Tsavorite Garnet & Ruby Eye Pavé Snake 18K Black Gold Cocktail Ring
1.73 Carat Tsavorite Garnet & Ruby Eye Pavé Snake 18K Black Gold Cocktail Ring

1.73 Carat Tsavorite Garnet & Ruby Eye Pavé Snake 18K Black Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Miami, FL

: Prong set as snake eyes in raised head About the Setting: The ring is sculpted as a fully realized

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium

Victorian Gold Snake Ring
Victorian Gold Snake Ring

Victorian Gold Snake Ring

Located in Litchfield, CT

and ruby eyes, this ring has the look of jewelry from the ancients. Stylish, mystical, and easy to

Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.35ct Ruby and Yellow Sapphires Pave' Snake Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold Ring
1.35ct Ruby and Yellow Sapphires Pave' Snake Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold Ring

1.35ct Ruby and Yellow Sapphires Pave' Snake Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold Ring

By FERRUCCI

Located in New York, NY

Ruby Pave' Snake 18k Yellow Gold Ring, with Yellow Sapphires, hand picked, totalling approximately

Category

2010s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Emerald Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Snake Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Emerald Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Snake Ring in 14K Yellow Gold

Emerald Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Snake Ring in 14K Yellow Gold

Located in Bangkok, TH

Inspired by the mythical serpent, this captivating ring features emeralds as piercing eyes and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Snake Ring
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Snake Ring

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Snake Ring

Located in London, GB

red rubies at the eyes and a single emerald at the nose add vibrant contrast to the piece. Condition

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

18kt White Gold Snake Ring with 1.28ct Black and 2.83ct White Diamonds
18kt White Gold Snake Ring with 1.28ct Black and 2.83ct White Diamonds

18kt White Gold Snake Ring with 1.28ct Black and 2.83ct White Diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

ca. 1.28ct Ruby: 2 Rubies for the eyes of the snake Material: 18kt white gold Ring Size: 57 EU / 8

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Snake Ring Black Enamel Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
Snake Ring Black Enamel Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring

Snake Ring Black Enamel Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring

By J DAUPHIN

Located in Los Angeles, CA

J Dauphin Blue Sapphire Marquise Double Snake Ring Diamond Ruby Gold A sculptural Victorian revival

Category

2010s Indian Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass...

Antique Victorian Snake Ring of 18k Gold, Circa 1880
Antique Victorian Snake Ring of 18k Gold, Circa 1880

Antique Victorian Snake Ring of 18k Gold, Circa 1880

Located in Lewisburg, PA

A captivating antique snake ring from the late Victorian era (circa 1880–1900), featuring a

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 14K Gold Snake Bracelet with Pearls & Ruby Eyes, Circa 1860
Antique 14K Gold Snake Bracelet with Pearls & Ruby Eyes, Circa 1860

Antique 14K Gold Snake Bracelet with Pearls & Ruby Eyes, Circa 1860

Located in North Hollywood, CA

gorgeous snake head decorated with Pearls and Ruby eyes and a heart locket hangs from its mouth. This is

Category

Antique 1850s English Artisan Link Bracelets

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

Snake Ring Tanzanite Gold Plated Silver Cocktail Ring J Dauphin
Snake Ring Tanzanite Gold Plated Silver Cocktail Ring J Dauphin

Snake Ring Tanzanite Gold Plated Silver Cocktail Ring J Dauphin

By J DAUPHIN

Located in Los Angeles, CA

J Dauphin Four Snake Head Ring with Tanzanite - 14k Gold Plated Silver - Cocktail Ring A 14k gold

Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tanzanite, Gold Plate, Silver

Vintage Enameled Diamond Snake Ring 18 Karat Gold
Vintage Enameled Diamond Snake Ring 18 Karat Gold

Vintage Enameled Diamond Snake Ring 18 Karat Gold

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Enamelled Old Mine Cut Diamonds Snake Ring. The ring features red ruby cabochon eyes as

Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage Enamel Snake Ring 18k Yellow Gold Large Coiled Serpent Cocktail Jewelry
Vintage Enamel Snake Ring 18k Yellow Gold Large Coiled Serpent Cocktail Jewelry

Vintage Enamel Snake Ring 18k Yellow Gold Large Coiled Serpent Cocktail Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

). Two rubies are set into the eyes and total an estimated 0.02 carats. For centuries the snake

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

18K White Gold 2.25ct Diamond and Sapphire Snake Ring MF10-013025
18K White Gold 2.25ct Diamond and Sapphire Snake Ring MF10-013025

18K White Gold 2.25ct Diamond and Sapphire Snake Ring MF10-013025

By LB Exclusive

Located in Southampton, PA

diamonds. Ruby-set eyes bring focus and character to the serpent. Intentional in its layering, the design

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Snake Serpent Ring
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Snake Serpent Ring

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Snake Serpent Ring

By David Webb

Located in New York, NY

, showcasing a bold pattern of white enamel accented with brilliant diamonds and ruby eyes that bring the piece

Category

20th Century American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Early 1900's 9K Yellow Gold Snake Ring, Cabochon Star Sapphire
Early 1900's 9K Yellow Gold Snake Ring, Cabochon Star Sapphire

Early 1900's 9K Yellow Gold Snake Ring, Cabochon Star Sapphire

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This is an early 1900 snake ring. Although it is only 9K Yellow gold the head is set with a Star

Category

Vintage 1910s English Aesthetic Movement Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

JEAN-PIERRE BELIN Serpenti Diamond Ruby Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Ring
JEAN-PIERRE BELIN Serpenti Diamond Ruby Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Ring

JEAN-PIERRE BELIN Serpenti Diamond Ruby Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Ring

Located in New York, NY

This gorgeous vintage Jean-Pierre Belin Serpenti ring features a snake design crafted in 18k yellow

Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold

9K White Gold Natural Aquamarine & Sapphire Womens Band Snake Ring Customizable
9K White Gold Natural Aquamarine & Sapphire Womens Band Snake Ring Customizable

9K White Gold Natural Aquamarine & Sapphire Womens Band Snake Ring Customizable

Located in Chesham, GB

" inches) deep Sapphires making the eyes. This stunning ring is made entirely of solid 9K White Gold and is

Category

2010s British Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold

Solid 9K White Gold Natural Amethyst & Precious Diamond Snake Customizable
Solid 9K White Gold Natural Amethyst & Precious Diamond Snake Customizable

Solid 9K White Gold Natural Amethyst & Precious Diamond Snake Customizable

Located in Chesham, GB

This snake ring is made from Solid 375 9ct 9K Gold with Natural Amethyst and Diamond. Choose from

Category

2010s British Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold

750 18kt solid white gold Paolo Piovan Gioielli Diamond Boa Ring
750 18kt solid white gold Paolo Piovan Gioielli Diamond Boa Ring

750 18kt solid white gold Paolo Piovan Gioielli Diamond Boa Ring

By Paolo Piovan Gioielli

Located in Antwerp, BE

recently made and dramatic styles: an icy diamond Cobra ring with ruby eyes that is poised to strike from

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Zorab Creation Elegance Meets Serpent Embraced in 22.38 Carat Rubellite Ring
Zorab Creation Elegance Meets Serpent Embraced in 22.38 Carat Rubellite Ring

Zorab Creation Elegance Meets Serpent Embraced in 22.38 Carat Rubellite Ring

By Zorab Creation

Located in San Diego, CA

Sauvage Collection- One of a kind The Serpent's Embrace: Our Snake Ring is more than just a piece

Category

2010s Aesthetic Movement Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, Rubelite, Ruby, Black Spinel, 18k Gold, Pa...

Sterling Silver Pave Set Diamond Double Coiled Serpent Ring
Sterling Silver Pave Set Diamond Double Coiled Serpent Ring

Sterling Silver Pave Set Diamond Double Coiled Serpent Ring

Located in Fairfield, CT

Sterling silver ring. This stunning ring is a slithering and coiled snake motif with a pave set

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

14k White Gold Diamond Set Quadruple Coiled Serpent Ring
14k White Gold Diamond Set Quadruple Coiled Serpent Ring

14k White Gold Diamond Set Quadruple Coiled Serpent Ring

Located in Fairfield, CT

14k white gold ring. This gorgeous ring is a coiled snake motif with a crosshatched patterned body

Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Sapphire Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Triple Coil Flexible Bracelet
Vintage Sapphire Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Triple Coil Flexible Bracelet

Vintage Sapphire Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Triple Coil Flexible Bracelet

Located in London, GB

A vintage sapphire and ruby 18 karat yellow gold snake triple coiled flexible bracelet, Circa 1890

Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Retro Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb 18K Gold Platinum Ruby Diamond Snake Clip-On Earrings, 1990
David Webb 18K Gold Platinum Ruby Diamond Snake Clip-On Earrings, 1990

David Webb 18K Gold Platinum Ruby Diamond Snake Clip-On Earrings, 1990

By David Webb

Located in North Hollywood, CA

ear with Diamonds surrounding the Ruby and two Ruby eyes. These earrings are clips but if you prefer

Category

1990s Artisan Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

18K Gold Diamond And Emerald Snake Serpent Wrap Ring
18K Gold Diamond And Emerald Snake Serpent Wrap Ring

18K Gold Diamond And Emerald Snake Serpent Wrap Ring

$4,875

H 1.26 in W 0.87 in D 1.07 in

18K Gold Diamond And Emerald Snake Serpent Wrap Ring

Located in Norwood, NJ

18K yellow gold, emerald and diamond statement ring in the form of a serpent/snake with ruby eyes

Category

20th Century Italian Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold

Antique Garnet, Beryl and Gold Snake Necklace, Circa 1840
Antique Garnet, Beryl and Gold Snake Necklace, Circa 1840

Antique Garnet, Beryl and Gold Snake Necklace, Circa 1840

Located in London, GB

An early Victorian garnet, beryl, ruby and gold snake necklace, with cabochon-cut ruby eyes, with

Category

Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Beryl, Garnet, Ruby, Gold

Victorian 14 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Snake Bar Brooch
Victorian 14 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Snake Bar Brooch

Victorian 14 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Snake Bar Brooch

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

diamonds, rubies (for eyes), cultured pearl. Circa 1890. Weight: 5.01g Length: 5.5cm IMPORTANT: As a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold

French 19th Century Sapphire Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet
French 19th Century Sapphire Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet

French 19th Century Sapphire Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet

Located in Poitiers, FR

the eyes of ruby. Slip on by rolling it. Total weight of the sapphire : 2.30 carats approximately

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Natural Saltwater Pearl, Ruby and 0.68Ct Diamond, Platinum Pendant
Antique Natural Saltwater Pearl, Ruby and 0.68Ct Diamond, Platinum Pendant

Antique Natural Saltwater Pearl, Ruby and 0.68Ct Diamond, Platinum Pendant

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

head, flanked with two rubies representing the eyes. The body of the snake is further embellished with

Category

Antique 1880s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum

Victorian 15k/Sterling Diamond, Ruby, Pearl "Rod of Asclepius" Pendant Necklace
Victorian 15k/Sterling Diamond, Ruby, Pearl "Rod of Asclepius" Pendant Necklace

Victorian 15k/Sterling Diamond, Ruby, Pearl "Rod of Asclepius" Pendant Necklace

Located in Narberth, PA

diamond. Delicate deep red ruby cabochons represent the serpent's eyes, and the tail features delicate

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Victorian Green Enamelled Serpent Bangle
Victorian Green Enamelled Serpent Bangle

Victorian Green Enamelled Serpent Bangle

Located in London, GB

A Victorian green enamelled serpent bangle, with diamond-set head, nose and brows and cabochon ruby

Category

Antique 1850s Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Enamel

Victorian Diamond Serpent Brooch
Victorian Diamond Serpent Brooch

Victorian Diamond Serpent Brooch

Located in London, GB

diamonds set in silver to a yellow gold mount and brooch fitting, two cabochon-cut ruby eyes rubover-set to

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace
A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace

Located in London, GB

form the remarkably lifelike body of the serpent. The head of the serpent features glowing ruby eyes

Category

Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Link Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Gold

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Snake Rings With Ruby Eyes For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of snake rings with ruby eyes. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Our selection of items includes 263 vintage examples as well as 146 contemporary versions. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 18th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of snake rings with ruby eyes to choose from, but Victorian and contemporary snake rings with ruby eyes are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by J DAUPHIN, David Webb and Ilias Lalaounis are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Browse our collection of 282 ruby versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for round cut snake rings with ruby eyes and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and rose cut alternatives. When shopping our range of snake rings with ruby eyes, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.

How Much are Snake Rings With Ruby Eyes?

Prices for snake rings with ruby eyes start at $220 and top out at $66,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,625.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Ruby in Jewelry Design

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.

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.