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
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
Coral, Rubies, Tourmaline, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral with three tourmaline surrounded by a crown of rubies, diamonds and tourmaline.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
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
Vintage 1950s 2.68 Carat Ruby and 3.50 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Oval cut Ruby weighing approximately 2.68 carats, accented by Round Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 3.50 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Boucheron Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1970
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Boucheron ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set centrally with seven round old cut natural unenhanced Burmese rubies in open back claw settings with an approximate weight of 2.50 carats...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Round Diamond and Ruby Halo Art Deco Style Target Ring
Located in New York, NY
Round Diamond and Ruby Halo Art Deco Style Target Ring This ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features a classic "Target" design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning cluster holds a bright pink ruby at the centre measuring 20pts and around the outside is a halo of sparkling diamonds totalling approx 40pts.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$2,660Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco Inspired Ruby and Diamond Retro Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamond; clarity: SI2-3 diamond; color: G-H metal:14k gold type:ring weight:7.2 GR size: 7.5 US
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold Ring with Natural Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Main Features: Type: Vintage ring Material: 18ct white gold (hallmarked 750) Center Stone: Heated natural ruby (≈ 2 ct) Diamonds: Marquise- and brilliant-cut (≈ 0.50 ct total) Dimen...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Boucheron Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, French, circa 1940
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Boucheron ruby and diamond cocktail ring. Centrally set with two rows of square step cut natural unenhanced rubies in open back rubover and channel settings, fourteen in total with a...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central flower of sapphires and emerald surrounded by a frame of diamonds, sapphires and rubies.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Platinum Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 6.75 #21766
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Platinum Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 6.75 JAGi Certified- This exquisite eternity band features a seamless circle of alternating 10 natural rubies and 10 round brillian...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.98 Carat No-Heat Ruby and Diamond Ring 18K WG
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fiery, rare, and undeniably captivating—this 1.98 Carat Ruby Ring is a true symbol of passion and prestige.
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds, sapphires and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring 1.25CT Size 6.75
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring (Size 6.75) is a striking piece that combines vibrant color with classic elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring 1.25CT Size 6.75
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring (Size 6.75) is a striking piece that combines vibrant color with classic elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring with Certification
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An Exceptional Burmese Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold (c. 1980–1990) A masterclass in vintage elegance, this striking cluster ring centers on a vivid, purplish-red Burm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring 1.25CT Size 6.75
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring (Size 6.75) is a striking piece that combines vibrant color with classic elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring 1.25CT Size 6.75
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring (Size 6.75) is a striking piece that combines vibrant color with classic elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Multi Row Pavé Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Multi Row Pavé Ring Description: This cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features a central 1.76-carat round ruby with a deep purp...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Important Diamond and Ruby Dome Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
An important dome ring Circa 1970 featuring pave diamonds set in a honeycomb fashion.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.25- This lovely ring features one oval cabochon ruby (7 mm x 5 mm) and 41 round brilliant cut diamonds set...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Bowtie Designer Ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ring, never used. Unique Burma Natural Ruby Gemstones Unique Invisible setting bowtie design Square Natural Ruby's and center Oval Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold 10.0 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Oval Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A refined vintage ring crafted in solid 14K white gold, centering an oval faceted ruby weighing approximately 2.71 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Round Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.1 Grams Ring Size: 6.75 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 round red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.25 carats Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an impressive Art Deco ruby and diamond navette ring. At the centre of an open marquise-like shaped design we find three milgrain set old cut diamonds in a diagonal line form...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,778Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary 20th Century Diamond, Ruby, and Pearl Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This contemporary ring from the 20th century is crafted in 18K gold and features Diamonds, a ruby, and a pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Amethyst, Rubies, Diamonds, Spinel, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central amethyst surrounded by flowers of rubies, hydrothermal spinels and diamonds.
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Spinel, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 11 grams Stone: 4.7tcw Rubies, 0.15tcw Diamonds Measurements: 18.7 x 30.4 x 11.5mm Ring Size: 5 Hallmark: 750 (18k) BR-1445-110224-05
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
White Gold Oval Ruby and Asymmetrical Floral Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Oval Ruby and Asymmetrical Floral Diamond Cluster Ring Description: This multi-directional cluster ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and centers on a vibrant 1.50-c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Festive Elegance: The "Merry Christmas" Ruby & Emerald Ring
By Terrell and Zimmelman
Located in Wailea, HI
Whether worn as a festive statement or a year-round pop of color, this ring is a true conversation starter. Specifications Center Stone: 1 Oval Cut Ruby (approx. 0.94 cts) Accent ...
Ruby, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Cabochon Ruby and Pear-Cut Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Cabochon Ruby and Pear-Cut Diamond Gypsy Ring Description: This architectural gypsy-style ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and centers on a prominent 3.10-carat ov...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Lattice Dome Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 14.9 Grams Ring Size: 7 Ruby Specifications: Center Ruby Count: 1 Cabochon red ruby, 44 small Rubies Ruby Measurements...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The pearl’s deep, lustrous tones are beautifully complemented by vibrant rubies totaling approximately 0.84 carats and sparkling diamonds totaling approximately 0.73 carats.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Platinum Cocktail Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Diamond and Ruby Platinum Vintage Art Deco Revival Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Stunning Diamond and Ruby Antique Ring Size 5 1/4"
By Tara Shaw-2
Located in New Orleans, LA
A lady's ruby and diamond ring set in 18 Karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.40 Carat Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A unique and chic engagement ring style showcasing a color-rich ruby, set in an intricately-designed ring accented with brilliant and step-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 Total Weight: 7.8 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: Ruby, emerald, diamond Emerald Carat Weight: ~0.70 carats ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three Diamonds and two Rubies. The central diamond measures 40pts and the two outer diamonds measure 20pts each.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Tiffany & Co. Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
The ring also features Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.35 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 18k gold ring with ruby and diamonds, France 1970s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Vintage gold ring with ruby and diamonds, France. A French 1970s-style ring crafted from 18-karat yellow gold (0.750).
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond, Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: US 6.5 Approximate Weight: 7.1 grams 78 Diamonds ~ 0.74 Carat Approximate Measurement: Band Width - 4.6mm Hallmark: 585 and Maker’s mark
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three Diamonds and two Rubies. The three diamonds total 60pts and the rubies total 50pts.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Vintage 1.70Ct Thai Ruby and 1.68Ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring 1975
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.70 carat Thai ruby and 1.68 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our unheated gemstone ring collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamond Ruby Sapphire White and Rose Gold Grapes Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE TO ITEMS WITH FIX PRICE, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS ,ONGOING PROMOTIONS AND ITEMS ON SALES. Wonderful ring in 14 kt white and rose gold, in the shape of t...
Brown Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Marquise Diamond and Pear-Shaped Ruby Three-Stone Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Diamond and Pear-Shaped Ruby Three-Stone Cluster Ring Description: This multi-stone ring is crafted in platinum and white gold, featuring a central 0.57-carat marquise-cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 7 #23314
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 7 JAGi Certified- This stunning ring features one oval cut natural ruby accented with 46 sparkling brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Snake Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion snake ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a coral on the head, two rubies as eyes and all the body is studded with diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Baguette Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A sculptural and sophisticated vintage swirl ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing a vivid pear-shaped ruby weighing approximately 1.12 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Triple Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The rubies at the centre of each cluster are a deep, rich pink colour and are all round cut, the diamonds total 20pts each and surround each ruby adding so much sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
White Diamonds Rubies Rose Gold and Silver Cheetah Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Gorgeous ring in 9K rose gold and silver structure. It has cheetah shape, the body studded by rubies and two white diamonds as eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubyes Sapphires Emeralds Diamonds Rose and White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 14 kt rose gold, it is a rose 4 cm long, 3.3 cm wide, with petals all enriched with sapphires, rubies and emeralds from ct 19.18 and a frame of 0.77 ct diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Retro 14kt Gold Ring with Diamonds and synthetic Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
Alongside this mesmerizing centerpiece are six Diamonds, weighing approximately 0.10 carats, and three round cut Synthetic Rubies, adding a touch of color and allure to this magnific...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$180,800Sale Price|20% Off
15.5 Carat Star Ruby Cabochon on Bombé Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent ring features a centering 15.5 carat star ruby set on a sculpted gold and diamond bombé 14K yellow gold mounting making for a magical statement piece.
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 0.40 Carat Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
A 0.40 carat diamond is surrounded by a halo of marquise cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1960-70s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a central ruby of 1.8 carats surrounded by double rows of diamonds for a total of 3.00 carats / Made in Italy 1960s-1970s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.35 Carat Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamonds Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a 8.358 Carat Natural Cabochon Ruby and 0.81 Carat Diamond accents.
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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Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.