Emerald-Cut Ruby and Tapered Baguette Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Emerald-Cut Ruby and Tapered Baguette Diamond Ballerina Ring Description: This dramatic ballerina-style ring is crafted in a striking combination of yellow and white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.38 Carat Ruby and 2.46 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage English 0.38 carat ruby and 2.46 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold flower cluster ring; part of our vintage jewellery and estate jewelry col...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunner holds 6 rubies and 7 diamonds. The rubies are a bright, rich pink tone and the diamonds are so bright and sparkly.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Art Deco Natural Diamond and Ruby Rectangular Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1920s, this dazzling gem features fifteen Old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50 carats, J-K color VS-SI1 clarity, lined in a bold geometric pattern emb...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1940s Ruby Diamond Flower Cluster Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
An unusual Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, ca. 1940s. Centring an old-cut diamond of ca. 0.85ct (ca.
Diamond, Ruby
IGI Certified 10.14 Carat Natural Diamond, Ruby and Rough Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This extraordinary statement ring showcases a striking combination of brilliant natural diamonds, vivid rubies, and rare rough diamonds totaling 10.14 carats.
Diamond, Ruby
Vintage 0.60 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant red ruby is the star of this vintage ring. The ruby is old cut, and is 0.60 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Mid-Century Ruby and 1.25ct Diamond Ballerina Ring, 1.5ct Ruby, 14K Two-
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The center ruby weighs approximately 1.5 carats, while the accent diamonds total approximately 1.25 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, French, circa 1940
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Mauboussin ruby and diamond cocktail ring. Set to centre with four round old cut diamonds in open back individual grain set box collets with an approximate combined weight of 0.80 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Sculptural 1960 18kt Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
The combination of diamonds and rubies not only elevates the ring's sophistication but also symbolizes passion and love.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring. Centrally set with five rectangular tallow cut natural unenhanced rubies in open back channel settings with a combined approximate weight of...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Origin: Italy Period: 1990s Style: Cocktail / Statement Ring Metal: 18K Yellow Gold with white gold diamond settings Ruby: Oval faceted, approx. 2.5 carats Diamonds: 20 round brillia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 22K Gold Diamond Ruby and Silver Snake Ring
Located in Venice, CA
The gold is hand hammered with a beautiful texture, and the head and tail are made of silver that is welded to the gold. In the head, a ruby is bezel set with its pointed facets faci...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Silver
Gold Oval Ruby and Three-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Gold Oval Ruby and Three-Stone Diamond Ring Description: This classic three-stone style ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and features a prominent central oval-cut ruby showc...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: US 6.5 Approximate Weight: 12.7 grams 58 Diamonds ~ 0.90 carats 32 Rubies ~ 3.00 carats Approximate Measurements: Ring Top - 20.6mm wide Band Width - 7.9mm Hallmark: 750
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Fly Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion fly ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a sapphire on the head, a ruby as body and wings are studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1.70 Carat Old Euro Diamond and Ruby 18K Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
Discover refined elegance with our exquisite Ruby and Diamond Ring. This captivating piece showcases a central 1.7 carat square-cut diamond, known for its pristine white color and VS...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Gold Rope Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Ruby and RBC Diamond Gold Rope Cluster Halo Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.60ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, hallmarked 1973
Located in London, GB
This charming Vintage cluster ring centres around a deep red ruby. The 0.60 carat ruby is an oval cut stone claw set into 18 carat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 0.68 carat ruby and 0.24 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Five Row Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in 1920, this exquisite Art Deco ring features a central, slightly raised row of eleven seamlessly set carre-cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.00 carats, FG color VS clar...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Coral, Tsavorite, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing band ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by flowers and leaves studded with tsavorite, diamonds, and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage Ruby and Baguette & RBC Diamond Gold Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Ruby and Baguette & RBC Diamond Gold Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set .90 Carat Ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Bypass 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
An elegant 14 karat yellow gold bypass ring comprised of graceful open teardrops each terminating in two oval cut rubies trailing a row of three round brilliant white diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.10ct Ruby and Diamond Seven Stone Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Seven tapering rubies take centre stage in this unique vintage piece.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant red ruby is enveloped by glittering round brilliant diamonds in this 1950s cluster ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1975
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier ruby, sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. Set with five octagonal emerald-cut diamonds in open back claw settings with a combined approximate weight of 1.00 carats, further s...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three sapphires surrounded by diamonds, emeralds and rubies.
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by a frame of two flowers of coral, sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, Topaz, 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 tipaz surrounded by four flowers of coral, diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage 0.76ct Ruby and 0.32ct Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring, circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful emerald, ruby, and diamond yellow gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
BVLGARI Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A BVLGARI Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Magnesite, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central magnesite surrounded by rubies, sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a flower of sapphires and ruby surrounded by a flower of diamonds and, externally, rubies, emeralds and leaves stud...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Marquise Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Ring Size: 4.5 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 marquise red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.16 carats R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Oval Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
A striking and sophisticated statement piece, this bold ruby and diamond ring showcases a rich red oval ruby of approximately 0.65 carats, beautifully illuminated by two round brilli...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Ruby and 1.63 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.72 carat ruby, 1.63 carat diamond and platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse ruby jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Baguette Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The contrast between the deep red ruby, bright white diamonds, and warm yellow gold gives the ring a bold yet elegant vintage presence.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set of 2 Natural Sapphire/Ruby and Diamond Rings
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of Two Natural Ruby/Sapphire and Diamond Rings. Ruby Size 6, Sapphire 5.75 These lovely ring each feature one oval gemstone (ruby and sapphire, 5 mm x 4 mm each) and six round b...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 1.70 Cts. Ruby and Diamond Fashion Cocktail Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
14 kt yellow gold ruby and diamond ring featuring a center 0.50 ct oval cut ruby surrounded by 4 sections adorned with 1.20 cts tw of micropave diamonds
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Pear-Shaped Ruby and Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pear-Shaped Ruby and Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring Description: This elegant bypass-style ring is crafted in platinum and features a "Toi et Moi" (You and Me) design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby and diamond three stone ring, circa 1990
Located in London, GB
Ruby and diamond three stone ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Mozambique ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 2.05 carats, flank...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1950s Diamond and Ruby 15K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond V Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold contour band featuring a 5.5mm x 4mm cabochon ruby accented by 2 round brilliant cut diamonds of VS clarity and H color totaling 0.20 carats. Finger size 6.5. In...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unheated 19.91ct Burma Star Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
19.91 ct Burma Unheated Star Ruby and Diamond Ring in Platinum Ruby Ring features an oval Cabochon Star Ruby weighing 19.91 carats originating from Myanmar (Burma) surrounded by a ...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
2.32ct Oval Ruby and Diamond Platinum Dress Ring with Reversed Diamond Shoulders
Located in London, GB
Ruby and diamonds come together in an intricate design with a subtle twist. At the centre sits a 2.32ct oval ruby, showing a rich pinkish-red tone, securely held in a four claw, ope...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Sapphire Emerald and Diamond Band Ring by Kern
By René Kern
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Ruby Sapphire Emerald and Diamond Band Ring by René Kern, ca. 1980s A very chic and wearable three band ring, each centring bright step cut ruby, sapphire and emerald (ca. 1.5 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines the timeless elegance of diamonds and the rich color of rubies in a beautifully crafte...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Impressive Mid-Century Ruby Diamond and Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
This stunning Mid-Century ring, crafted around 1945, showcases a beautiful arrangement of rubies and diamonds meticulously set in lustrous 14-karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
A tailored three stone ring featuring a center ruby weighing approximately 0.35 carat illuminated by two European cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.40 carat total mounted in 14 k...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire And Ruby Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald And Ruby Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Retrò ring in 14 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage Detailed Frog Diamond and Ruby Eyes Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Awesome Finely detailed Gold Frog Gold Ring. Accented with Hand set Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.46tcw and Ruby Eyes, approx. 0.10tcw.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Art Deco Ruby, Diamond and Platinum Ring, Circa 1940
Located in London, GB
A late Art Deco ruby, diamond and platinum ring, set with two rows of round brilliant-cut diamonds, in claw settings, flanked by baguette-cut rubies, in channel settings, in a wide s...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Kurt Wayne 18 Karat Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The shank supports a gallery with a central pear-cut ruby and 10 small round cut diamonds. A high-level ring from the famous New York jewelry designer!
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Estate 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring - VHK#302A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring - VHK#302A Item Details: Year: 1970s Ring Size: (Sizable) 5.5 Metal Type: 14k yellow gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8.6 grams Dia...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral, 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 flower of sapphires and ruby surrounded by petals of coral and leaves of diamonds.
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Coral, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k 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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