18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring — Marquise Center Ruby
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This elegant cluster ring is crafted in 18K white gold and features a vivid marquise-cut ruby at its center, framed by a halo of sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Mixed-Cut Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Ruby and Mixed-Cut Diamond Ballerina Ring Description: This magnificent cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and centers on a significant 3.29-carat oval caboch...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oscar Heyman Bros Ruby and Diamond Floral Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman Bros Ruby and Diamond Floral Ring Description: A beautifully sculpted ring by Oscar Heyman Bros, crafted in 18K yellow gold and designed in a floral motif of alternatin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Octagonal Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Octagonal Halo Ring Description: This exquisite estate ring features an Art Deco-inspired aesthetic, meticulously crafted in a two-tone blend of 14k white ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This bold and glamorous cocktail ring features a vivid, oversized ruby at its center, accented by two radiant flanks of tapered baguette-cut diamonds set in 18K white gold.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Mixed-Cut Diamond Cluster Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Mixed-Cut Diamond Cluster Ballerina Ring Description: This vibrant cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a central 0.99-carat cushion-cut ruby with...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Dome Ring, 6.00ct Rubies, 1980s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Bold and luxurious, this 18K yellow gold ruby and diamond dome ring makes a striking statement with its rich color, substantial gold presence, and elegant diamond accents.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 5.5 GAI Certified- This lovely ring features one round ruby (7 mm) and 18 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Ruby, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic band ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a frame of diamonds and sapphires.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18K Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18k White Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Ruby and Diamond Studded Band Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
It is a colorful piece between the bright red rubies, white diamonds and 14k yellow gold. This wears great on its own or stacked with other rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.75 GAI Certified- This stunning ring features one oval ruby (7 mm x 5 mm) and 106 round brilliant cut diamonds set in beautifully de...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage Red Ruby and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Stylish and Finely detailed Vintage Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring. Centering set a securely nestled Ruby, weighing approx. 0.44 Carat, surrounded by Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.59 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the central diamond air a smaller 10pt diamond. The ring is modelled in 18 carat gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing band ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central sapphire surrounded by a frame of diamonds and rubies.
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Oval Ruby and Diamond Double Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Ruby and Diamond Double Halo Cocktail Ring Description: This striking cocktail ring is crafted in a combination of platinum and 14k gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ruby, Diamonds, Yellow Gold and White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt yellow gold structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a structure in 9 kt white gold studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,300
18K Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold ruby and diamond ring of sculptural domed form, pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, intersected by polished gold ribs framing vivid pear-shaped rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Oval Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A 1.25 carat Oval Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage White Gold 1.1ct Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 4.1 Grams Stone: 1.1ct Ruby, Diamond baguettes (0.23tcw) Measurements: 14.15 x 21.4 x 5.7mm Ring Size: 8.5 Hallmark: 18K 750 Metal: XRF Tested, Ranges 15-17k White Gold Item...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Target Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly wonderful diamond and ruby target ring. This vintage ring has been handcrafted in platinum and features a central old European cut diamond of Approximately 0.80 ...
Diamond, Platinum
1.53 Carat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This is a Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring. This ring showcases an unheated, 1.09 carat, oval cut prong set Ruby at the center.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Estate Ruby and Pave Diamond East-West Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This elegant estate ring showcases a natural emerald-cut ruby weighing approximately 0.75 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Approximately 6 Carats Rubies
Located in Plantation, FL
An impressive vintage ruby and diamond cluster cocktail ring crafted in solid 14 karat gold, showcasing a vibrant and dimensional floral burst design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1.7ct ruby, Italy 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a geometric band, a 1.7 carat ruby and 0.6 carat diamonds / Made in Italy 1970s Ring size US 9
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$40,000
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring Details: In white gold, set with a cushion cut ruby of approximately 3.60 carats accented by round brilliant cut diamonds, the diamonds all totalling 3....
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
This characterful, vintage flower ring, features a central diamond surrounded by oval cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1.60 Carat Ruby and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.60 Carat Ruby & Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring. The ring features marquise Ruby’s weighting approx 1.50 carat and round diamonds weighing approx 0.10 carat.
Diamond, Ruby
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with four central coral surrounded by a frame of diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
0.30 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderfully crafted ruby and diamond cluster ring. A pear shaped natural Burmese ruby possessing a playful pinky undertone sits at the centre of the piece and is frame...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.80 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly beautiful ruby and diamond cluster ring. At the centre of the face we find an oval faceted natural Burmese ruby possessing a mid pinky red colour tone.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
The centre stone on this gorgeous vintage ring is a transitional cut diamond, which was popular around the 1950s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This stunning and breath-taking ring features a total of 2.60 carat's worth of wonderful rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.59 Carats Ruby and Diamonds White Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Ring Size: UK - M, US - 6 1/2 1.59 Carats Ruby 10/0.70 Carats Diamonds
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by four coral, diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Lapis, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central lapis surrounded by rubies and diamonds.
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Edwardian Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Three Row Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold three row ring. The ring features 5 rubies, 5 diamonds and 5 sapphires, each of which graduate in size to the centre.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold 6.62ct Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Bold yet refined, this ruby and diamond ring offers a distinctive combination of color, texture, and classic fine jewelry styling.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garnet, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central garnet surrounded by leaves studded with diamonds and flowers of rubies.
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Natural Unenhanced Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Burmese ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby to centre in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 2.43 carats, flan...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Pearl, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by a flower of rubies and diamonds.
Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Perfect as a statement piece or right-hand ring, this design beautifully marries the warmth of yellow gold with the fire of rubies and the icy brilliance of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Square Ruby and Diamond Signet Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Handsome 18 Karat Yellow Gold Square Top Ring Featuring 17 Channel and Bezel Set Square and Oval Rubies Totaling 1.00 Carat, Accented By 16 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds of VS Clarity...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by a frame of leaves and flowers studded with rubies and diamonds.
Topaz, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
White Gold Star Ruby and Baguette Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Star Ruby and Baguette Diamond Gypsy Ring Description: This architectural gypsy-style ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a central 2.00-carat oval caboc...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by rubies and leaves studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$1,102Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18kt Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Fully Hallmarked 0.45ct Ruby
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18kt Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Fully Hallmarked 0.45ct Ruby A charming vintage ring crafted in 18kt yellow gold and fully hallmarked with English assay marks.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Band Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a band of diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Stone, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central flower of diamonds and a central ruby on a stone surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Yellow Gold Synthetic Star Ruby and Diamond Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Brilliant Cut Diamonds .04CT Synthetic Star Ruby 2CT Measurement: Ring Size 9
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an synthetic ruby and diamond cluster ring crafted at a time when the Art Deco style was at the height of design.
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold
Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three central sapphires surrounded by a frame of diamonds, rubies and little sapphires.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by petals of rubies and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Certified Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Certified Ruby & Diamond Three Stone Ring Set in Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Weight: 2.51 Cts Diamond Weight: 1.59 Cts Ring Size: 5.75 Re-sizable free of Charge
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Three-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A Three-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold. The rubies are cushion-shaped and the diamonds are brilliant-cut.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French Invisibly-Set Ruby and Diamond Bombé Ring
Located in New York, NY
This bombé ring, made in Paris circa 1980, features rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this vintage ring showcases a vivid 2.85 carat oval ruby, flanked by two VS2 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.42 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 4.75 GAI Certified- This lovely ring feature one cushion cut ruby (6 mm) and four round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 18K yel...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring 1.60ct Oval Ruby
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage platinum ruby and diamond cluster ring, centered by a richly colored oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 1.60 carats, radiating vivid crimson hues.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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