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 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 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1977
Located in London, GB
A vibrant natural ruby is set between two diamonds in this beautiful trilogy ring dated c.1977.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.25 Carat Old Cut Diamond and Ruby Oval Platinum Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
The old European-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.25 carats, framed by French calibré-cut rubies within an oval border of small old European-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1940s Mauboussin Paris Platinum Burma Ruby Diamond Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Mauboussin Paris ruby and diamond ring, finely crafted in platinum and centered with an oval cabochon Burma ruby weighing approximately 2.60 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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
$2,901Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1980s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.75 carats (G-H color, VS-SI1 clarity) and natural rubies totaling approximately 0.60 carat...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Marchak Natural Unenhanced Star Ruby Carved Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Marchak
Located in London, GB
Star ruby carved emerald and diamond ring. Set with a natural unenhanced oval cabochon star ruby displaying strong asterism with an approximate weight of 30.00 carats in a raised ope...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1980s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.20 carats (H-I-J color, SI1-SI2-SI3 clarity) and natural rubies totaling approximately 0.2...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,527Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage ring in 14k gold, circa 1990s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.68 carats (G-H color, VVS-VS clarity) and natural rubies totaling approximately 0.80 carat...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Cut Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1980s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.65 carats (F color, VS1 clarity) and natural rubies totaling approximately 2 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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
$1,497Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Heart Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage heart ring in 18k gold, circa 1960s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.18 carats (H-I color, SI1-VS clarity) and natural rubies totaling approximately 0.18...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,965Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1980s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.38 carats (G-H color, VVS-VS-SI1 clarity) and natural rubies totaling approximately 0.52 c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
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
Diamond, Ruby, 18 Karat White and Rose Gold Double Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful double-ring in 18k white and rose gold. This ring is realized with two rings one in 18k rose gold with a central ruby, and the other one made in 18k white gold with a centr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Channel Set Ruby and Marquise Diamond Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.5 (resizing available for a fee) Ring Height: 8.6 mm tall Total Weight: 3.5 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones:...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,387Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Emerald And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Total weight: 5.9 grams Ring size: US 6.75, resizable to any size on request Condition: very good Totally ruby 0.30 ct.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Wide and Tailored 18k Gold Band Ring with Diamonds and Vivid Rubies
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This sleek 18K yellow gold ring is centered around four rows of round brilliant cut diamonds and vivid, square cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.20ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful wine red ruby sits central to this vintage three stone ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
$2,387Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1980s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.35 carats (G-H color, SI1-SI2 clarity) and natural rubies totaling approximately 1.50 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.5 #20702
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Flower Ring Size 6.5 JAGi Certified- This stunning ring features one oval cabochon cut ruby (8.3 mm x 6.9 mm) and 62 round brilliant cut diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Chunky 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Chunky 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring most incredible chunky ruby stones with diamonds surrounding, truly excellent!
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1.40 Carat Ruby and 0.55 Carat Diamond, Platinum Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.40 carat ruby, 0.55 carat diamond and platinum half eternity engagement ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage ruby eternity rings.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Late Deco 0.80ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
A luscious red ruby is flanked by transitional cut diamonds in this three stone ring from the 1940s.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamonds, Rubies, 14 Karat White and Rose Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant vintage ring in 14 kt white and rose gold structure, realized with 4 intense rubies framed by a white gold structure studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow and White Gold, Ruby and Invisible Set Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Adding the weight of these two diamonds, the ring's total approximate diamond weight is 2.00ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Star Ruby and Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking vintage ring is crafted in rich yellow gold and designed with bold, sculptural presence. As its center sits a large cabochon gemstone, displaying a deep wine-red to plu...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, Circa 1980, EU 18¾
Located in Heemstede, NL
An eye-catching vintage ring in 18k yellow gold, set with six vivid round-cut rubies and subtle diamond in the middle.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
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
14k Gold Vintage Pave Diamond and Ruby Fox Head Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This striking ring features a sterling silver fox head with 27 pave rose-cut diamonds that are bead set (approximately .5mm to 1mm each) and 2 ruby eyes (approximately 1.5 mm each).
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby Center and Diamonds Surrounding Cluster Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Ruby Center and Diamonds Surrounding Cluster Ring 18k White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Alternating Half-Eternity Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Six princess-cut red rubies alternate with five princess-cut diamonds across the face of this vintage 14k white gold anniversary ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Star Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 3.75-4 Certified #26198
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 3.75-4 JAGi Certified- This striking ring features four oval cabochon cut natural star rubies, six round cut natural rubies, and five round...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$61,200Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar Heyman 3.87ct Oval Ruby and Baguette Diamond Platinum Ballerina Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
This is an amazingly beautiful ruby and diamond ballerina ring created by iconic designer, Oscar Heyman!
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Two Tone 14k White and Yellow Gold 1.41ct Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Flanking the ruby on each side are tapered rows of baguette-cut diamonds, channel-set within white gold shoulders.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Platinum 3 Stone, 1.63 Carat Ruby and .61 Carat Diamond Ring
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Classic 3 stone platinum ring. This ring centers a round brilliant diamond weighing 0.61 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
8.76 Carat Burma No Heat Star Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS certified 8.76 carat unheated star ruby cabochon ring set in platinum with 0.88 carat baguette cut diamonds.
Diamond, Star Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White and Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Gorgeous ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with rubies and sapphires surrounded by diamonds and,between of them, leaves in rose gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Seven Row-Patterned Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Seven Row-Patterned Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The diamond weight is 1.47 carats, and the weight of the rubies is 1.97 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring, 5.50 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 18K White Gold Rubies: 28 Marquise-Cut Rubies – approx. 4.50 carats Diamonds: 8 Round Brilliant Diamonds – approx. 1.00 carat Total Gem Weight: approx. 5.50 carats Weight: 8...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Marquise Ruby and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful dome-shaped ring features a centering marquise-shaped deep purplish-red ruby, weighing approximately 3 carats, encircled by 64 round diamonds, weighing approximately 4...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Cut Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
No hidden fees. 💎 A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1990s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.14 carats (F-G color, VS1-SI1 clarity) and natural rubies totaling app...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 8.40 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 8.40 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemston...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
0.94ct Diamond and 0.64ct Ruby Cluster Ring, 14K White Gold, Circa 1960s
By Art Carved
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The layered arrangement with diamonds concentrated at the center, rubies ringing the outer edge; creates a clear visual hierarchy, with the ruby border acting as a bright red frame a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 6.22 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 6.22 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the captivating harmony of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
1.44 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Coronet Cluster Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Lovely coronet set cluster engagement ring featuring a 1.44ct natural oval red ruby, claw set in the centre of ten round brilliant cut diamonds with an approximate total diamond weig...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and RBC Diamond Platinum Double Halo Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Ruby and RBC Diamond Platinum Solitaire Double Halo Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
IGI Certified 2.32 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.32 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the elegant harmony of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemstones...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Cut Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
No hidden fees. 💎 A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1990s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.20 carats (H color, SI1-SI2 clarity) and natural rubies totaling appro...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Heart-Shaped 1.40ct Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural 1.40 ct Heart-shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring features one heart shaped Natural Red Ruby, weighing 1.40 carats, accented with Round Bri...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct White Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous ruby and diamond cluster ring set in 18ct white gold is the dream vintage ruby engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 0.74ct Ruby and 0.60tcw Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Featuring a vibrant 0.74ct ruby at its center, this vintage ring exudes classic elegance and rich color.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 carat white gold ring, 4 ruby hearts and diamond paving
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Luminous 18 carat white gold ring Set with four rubies of very pretty sustained color, for about 2 carats, surrounded by a paving of sparkling diamonds for 0.50 carat for all.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 1.64 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Eagle Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.64 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Eagle Motif Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a powerful eagle motif surrounded by natural diamonds and vi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
$1,965Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Ruby And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
No hidden fees. 💎 A vintage ring in 18k gold, circa 1990s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.30 carats (G color, VS1 clarity) and natural sapphires totaling approx...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Retro 14K Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1940s
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Retro Ruby and Diamond Gold Vintage Ring. Centering a Securely Hand set 1 Carat Cabochon Ruby, accented by Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.30tcw an...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Wide Band Ring, circa 1980s
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold vintage ruby and diamond cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, circa the 1980s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century Diamond and Ruby 18 karat Yellow and White Gold Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The "Mid Century DIAMOND and RUBY 18KT Yellow and White Gold Ring" is a piece of jewelry that combines elements of mid-century design with exquisite gemstones and high-quality gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,684Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
A vintage band ring in 18k gold, circa 1960s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.18 carats (F color, VVS1 clarity). Total weight: 5.3 grams Ring size: US 8.25, resiz...
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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