Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Bull With Ruby Eye and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Distinctive and expressive, this is a memorable vintage figural ring with strong decorative appeal. Weight: 6.6 Grams Stone: 0.06ctw Ruby, 0.05ctw Diamond Measurements: 20.17 x 18.2...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring – 2.31 ct
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite 14k white gold ring showcases a vibrant 1.70 ct ruby at its center, beautifully accented by 0.61 ct of smaller rubies and sparkling 0.25 ct of round diamonds.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring is a dazzling statement piece that exudes sophistication and luxury.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Size 6, 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This vibrant ladies' ring features a striking combination of five rich red rubies totaling 0.30 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k gold ring with rubies and diamonds, circa 1970s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
The geometric ring is decorated with two faceted square rubies and 6 brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of approx. 0.24ct Jeweler's size: 10 (European size 50) - ask about t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Charming 0.50 Carat Diamond Ruby Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
The center diamond is accentuated by ruby and diamond accents.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
White Agate, Pearl, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central white agate with a flower of diamonds and a pearl on it, surrounded by a frame of diamonds and rubies.
Agate, Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Cabochon-Cut Ruby Jade and Diamond 18K Gold Ring and Earrings Set
Located in Miami, FL
18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Jade and Diamond Ring and Earring Set: Set in 30.2g of 18K Yellow Gold (17.2g earrings, 13g ring), centering three cabochon-cut rubies (30ct total), and adorne...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Multi-Row Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1.50ct & 2.00ct
Located in New York, NY
The center displays a vibrant wave of approximately 1.50 carats of fiery, round-cut rubies, beautifully framed by sparkling rows of approximately 2.00 carats of round brilliant-cut d...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,480Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Snake Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Estate Platinum Ring with 0.55ct Oval Ruby and 20 Diamonds, 20th C.
Located in Derby, NY
Crafted in platinum weighing 9.14 grams, this ring offers exceptional durability and a lustrous white finish that complements both the ruby's warmth and the diamonds' sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$3,369Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Burma Ruby 3.7 Carats AGL Graded No Heat and Diamond Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This ruby and diamond ring features a 3.70 carats no heat Burmese oval ruby, surrounded by round diamonds weighing approximately 2.70 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1.6ct, Italy 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18 karat white gold band, one large ruby of 1.4 karats, and brilliant diamonds on the contour for a total of 1.6 carats, Italy 1960s-1970s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-century Star 3.0ct Ruby and 0.5ct Diamond Palladium Ring, circa 1950s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The center ruby weighs approximately 3.0 carats. Ring size: 5.25.
Diamond, Ruby
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage 14kt Yellow Gold 1.20 ct Diamond & Ruby Ring 9.6 Grams Size 5 14k Rose & White Gold Ladies Vintage Retro Style Ruby and Diamond Ring - Size 5 This is a 14k rose and w...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon-Cut Ruby Jade and Diamond 18K Gold Ring and Earrings Set
Located in Miami, FL
18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Jade and Diamond Ring and Earring Set: Set in 30.2g of 18K Yellow Gold (17.2g earrings, 13g ring), centering three cabochon-cut rubies (30ct total), and adorne...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Round Ruby and Diamond Bypass Toi et Moi Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Round Ruby and Diamond Bypass Toi et Moi Ring Description: This elegant Toi et Moi (You and Me) style ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a classic inter...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1960s Ruby and Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : In the spirit of antique Belle Epoque rings, this ruby-diamond ring sits perfectly on the finger.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Exuding an elegant and timeless beauty, this charming piece will make the perfect ruby and diamond engagement ring. At its heart lies a breathtaking vibrant red cushion shaped ruby, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby & Diamond Ring by Hammerman Brothers
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The bombe style ring features two panels of diamonds and two panels of 'mystery' set red rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 5.22 Carat Natural Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.22 Carat Natural Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases a luxurious harmony of natural rubies, vivid emeralds,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.50ct, Size 7.5
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with ruby and brilliant cut diamond. 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75(56) detailed description: top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide by 1.1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified Italian Cocktail Ring Yellow Gold Ruby and Natural Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
A timeless and collectible piece, this Italian ruby and diamond cocktail ring combines classic glamour, fine gemstones, and superior craftsmanship in a design destined to remain eleg...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Domed Band
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Domed Ring Featuring a Bezel Set 0.15 Carat Round Ruby Accented by 8 Round Diamonds of SI Clarity and H Color Totaling an Additional 0.20 Carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, centering a Diamond weighing approx. 0.17 Carat surrounded by Rubies, approx. 1.36tcw.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Spanish Vintage DIAMOND and RUBY 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Spanish Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Ring with claw setting is a luxurious and exquisite piece of jewelry that combines the timeless beauty of diamonds and rubies wi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Channel Set Ruby and Marquise Diamond Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6 (resizing available for a fee) Ring Height: 4.8 mm tall Total Weight: 3.1 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 5...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, Circa 1990, 0.60ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring, circa 1990, takes the classic alternating-stone band and gives it a vivid twist, trading an all-diamond row for a rhythm of ruby and diamond in cool white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1920s Ruby and 1.88 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive ruby and diamond marquise ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Pink Sapphire and Diamond Caged Dome Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.9 Grams Diamond Count: 8 brilliant cut Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.24 carat Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Clarity: VS Rub...
Pink Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Large Citrine Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Large Citrine diamond and ruby silver and gold cocktail ring. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #R-DJ69F.
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 11.04ct Ruby and 0.21tcw Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ruby and diamond halo ring has a bold presence centered around its impressive 11.04ct ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.30Ct Ruby and 0.39Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.30 carat ruby and 0.39 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our vintage ruby jewellery collections.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Swiss Vintage Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Swiss Vintage Ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines precious gemstones with a classic yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,012Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Totally is ruby 1.28 carat. Ring size is US 4.3 We can make any size.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, Italy Circa 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with three rubies for a total of 3 karats and brilliant diamonds for a total of 2.5 karats mounted in Pave setting, Italy 1960-1970s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Opal 1.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is further embellished with diamonds and rubies displaying fine colour and brilliance.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.15ct Ruby
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive ruby and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Mid Century ruby diamond 18k yellow gold and platinum band ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Two vivid round brilliant cut rubies, weighing approximately 0.50 carat, alternate with three round brilliant cut diamonds across the top of the ring, each stone set flush into the p...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Enamel, Sapphires, Rubies, Emerald, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
The ribbons are surrounded by diamonds, rubies and sapphires. This elegant object combines solid 9 kt gold and solid 800 silver in a sophisticated design.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Enamel
14 Karat Rose Gold 1.25 Carat Diamond and Ruby Retro Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This diamond is highlighted by seven rubies and five diamonds, with a carat weight of 0.70, an H-J color and a VS-SI clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Rubies Sapphires and Diamond 18Kt Yellow Gold Vintage Dome Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
Vintage cocktail ring ( circa 1950s to 1960s ) set with a cluster of blue sapphires and rubies in a high rising dome mount and one diamond at the top.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,387Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Emerald And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Emerald And Ruby Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
White Gold Old European Cut Diamond and Calibré Ruby Target Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Old European Cut Diamond and Calibré Ruby Target Ring Description: This Art Deco-style target ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and centers on a 0.65-carat Old Euro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Ruby and Trillion-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Ruby and Trillion-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring Description: This classic and sophisticated three-stone ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1980s Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Halo Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Halo Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Cut Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Cut Ruby Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Topaz, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by a frame of diamonds,emeralds, rubies and sapphires.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage 1980s 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Swirl Ring, 0.50ct Ruby
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage ruby and diamond swirl ring is a charming 1980’s design, centered by a cushion brilliant cut ruby weighing approximately 0.50 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Rare Rouleaux 18K White Gold Onyx, Ruby And Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Size: US 5 Metal: 18K White Gold Diamonds: Approximately 1.86 Carats Total Weight Onyx: Approximately 5.00 Carats Total Weight Rubies: Approximately 1.50 Carats Total Weight Signed C...
Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Ruby Bypass Cocktail Ring with Baguette and Round Diamond Accents
Located in New York, NY
Oval Ruby Bypass Cocktail Ring with Baguette and Round Diamond Accents Description: This striking bypass-style cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features two prom...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Bypass Ring with Rubies and Diamonds, 1990s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage bypass ring showcases a graceful, flowing design set with 6 baguette cut rubies totaling approximately 0.30 carat, offering a rich red hue that draws the eye.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 0.92 Carat Burmese Ruby and 0.51 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 0.92 carat ruby and 0.51 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cluster ring; part of our vintage estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.48 Carat Ruby and Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum and 18 Karat
Located in Wailea, HI
3.48 carat Ruby and Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum and 18k A Lively 3.48 carat Cushion Cabochon Ruby [bright with no imperfections visible to the naked eye] Twi Round Brilliant ...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
COCKTAIL RING 18K Yellow Gold 1.07 Cwt. Cushion Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional estate-tier tailored cocktail ring, masterfully centered with a vibrant 1.07-carat natural ruby plaque.
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$2,901Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Totally is ruby 0.60 ct. Ring size is us 7 We can make any size.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 18k Yellow Gold One Oval Ruby Weighing .50 Carats Approximately [bright with no imperfections visible to the naked eye] Ten Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,527Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Totally is ruby 0.80 ct. Ring size is US 7.25 We can make any size.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k 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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.