1.40 Carat Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made in 18k yellow gold. Ruby weighs 1.40 carats. Diamonds weigh 2.75 carats total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10ct Gold 1970s Diamond Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Dearest Ring 10ct Gold Circa 1970s Makers Mar S A This 10ct yellow gold vintage dearest acrostic ring is a true beauty.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 10k Gold
Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 1.50 Carat Natural Ruby, Diamond and Pearl, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, 1.50 Carats of Natural Rubies and Diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Oscar Heyman Brothers ruby and diamond ring, American, circa 1940
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Marked 18 carat yellow gold, maker's mark for Oscar Heyman Brothers, numbered '34426', American, circa 1940.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Princess Baguette Diamond Bufftop Ruby Wide Cocktail Ring 7.60ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A substantial and deliberately composed cocktail ring in 18 karat yellow gold, designed for a collector who appreciates both structure and saturation.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ct 2, 40 Diamonds and ct 3, 62 Emeralds Rubies Pearl Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Cocktail ring in 14k white and yellow gold mounted with diamonds, rubies, blue sapphires and a gold flower with blue sapphires surround the central pearl.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yel...
Boucheron Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1970
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Tested platinum and yellow gold, marked ‘BOUCHERON PARIS/49531’, French, circa 1970.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Yellow Gold
1980s Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Halo Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Halo Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1895 Birmingham 18ct Gold Ruby and Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in London, GB
Crafted in rich 18ct yellow gold, the gently domed band is set with a central old-cut diamond framed by two deep rubies, each nestled in hand-carved star and lozenge-shaped settings ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sapphire Cabochon and Round Diamond 3 Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold ring featuring an oval cabochon sapphire estimated to weight 1.00 carat accented by 2 round diamonds of VS clarity and H color totaling approximately 0.20 carats.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, French, circa 1940
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Tested yellow gold and platinum, signed 'Boucheron - Paris', French, circa 1940.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Cert. 3.93 Carat No Heat Ruby & Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA-certified 3.93 carat oval cabochon-cut purplish red ruby with no heat treatment in 18K yellow gold wide band ring featuring 1.00 carat channel-set diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Style Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This vibrant yellow gold ring will add colour to any occasion.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 1.10 Carat Round Natural Ruby & Diamond Gem circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring set with five Round Brilliant Natural Rubies (approx 1 carat) & 8 Natural Diamonds (approx .10 Carat) F-G in color and VS-SI in clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
18k Gold Ruby Diamond Ring 1ct Vintage Halo Cocktail 11.2g Size 7 3/4
Located in Tucson, AZ
This striking vintage cocktail ring features an eight prong set vibrant round-cut ruby of approximately 1 carat, surrounded by a halo of clean white natural diamonds atop a radiant s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Butterfly Mask Ring with Diamonds
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow g...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond cluster ring is crafted in 18kt yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Lapis Oval Cabochon Multi-Color Stone Halo Cocktail Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bold and vibrant, this 14K yellow gold ring features a captivating oval cabochon-cut lapis lazuli at its center.
Turquoise, Ruby, Lapis Lazuli, Coral, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Unenhanced Siam Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Vintage ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set with a natural unenhanced cushion shape old cut Siam ruby to centre in an open back yellow gold claw setting with an approximate we...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Yellow Gold
GRS Cert. 13.86 Carat No Heat Ruby Eiseman Signed Vintage Ring
By Eiseman
Located in Miami, FL
This 18K Yellow Gold ring features a 13.86 Carat cabochon pear cut Ruby and 1.75 Carats of round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Free Form Rectangular Ruby Set Ring With Melted Patterning, Size 7.75
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This unusual yellow gold ring is a free form rectangle profile, decorated with a melted style patterning and open shoulders, and set with three vertical round f...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Men’s 4 Carat Sapphire and Ruby Statement Ring 14 Karat
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Men’s 4 Carats Sapphire & Ruby Statement Ring. The ring has a sparking beauty made for the true men that like to stand out in the crowd. There are 4 natural blue sapphires & ...
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Two Vintage Alliance Rings 0.8ct natural Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS6.25
Located in SE
A pair of matching Alliance Rings, 18K Yellow Gold with claw set natural Rubies and Sapphires of old European diamond cut.
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage GIA 1.04 carat old mine cut diamond ruby 18k gold three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in warm 18k yellow gold during the 1970s, the ring blends vintage character with a timeless three stone composition symbolizing past, present, and future.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic Vintage Ruby, Tanzanite & Fancy Sapphire Candy Ring Set 18K Gold & Silve
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic Vintage Ruby, Tanzanite & Fancy Sapphire Candy Cocktail Ring Red Natural Ruby Cabochon 11 Carats Oval shape tanzanites Color - deep purple 14 Carats Round brilliant fancy N...
Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Silver, 18k Gold
8.76 Carat Burma No Heat Star Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Burmese origin with strong six-ray asterism and elegant two-tone prong design. Ring size 6, adjustable. Details: Item Type: Statement Ring Metal: Platinum (PT900) Weight: 7.93 gram...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Carrera Y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamonds Eagle Head Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Two oval Ruby cabachons are set as eyes. The detail of the feathers continues all the way around the ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$959Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Sapphire & Multi Gem Ring Set In 18K Yellow Gold & Silve
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Sapphire & Multi Gem Ring Set In 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Natural Cabochon Blue Sapphire - 16 Carat Natural multi color Sapphires and Rubie...
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Go...
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
3.17 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A unique and modern design showcasing a vibrant emerald cut ruby, set in a ribbon style mounting. This is achieved by flanking the center stone with inverted tapered baguette diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Cabochon Ruby & Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow and white gold with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 4.00 carats and a Cabochon Sapphire weighing approximately 4.00 carats, surrounded by approxim...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Gold & Platinum 2.15ctw GIA Burma VIVID RED Ruby & Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a classically styled ruby and diamond three stone engagement ring crafted in solid platinum, and features a gorgeous, GIA certified, ruby solitaire neatly prong se...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Cabochon Ruby and Sapphire "Vous et Moi" Bypass Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Ruby and Sapphire set by Outer Rails of Brilliant-Cut Diamonds and Channel Set with Ruby and Sapphire Baguette Cut Gems. Signed - VCA Made in France
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Enamel Snake Ring 18k Yellow Gold Large Coiled Serpent Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage enamel snake ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1960s to 1970s).
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1.10tcw 14K Natural Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Art Deco Style Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elegantly displayed is a vintage ruby and diamond ring. Expertly handcrafted in gleaming 14K yellow gold; this ring features numerous natural rubies that lay horizontally across the ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marchak Natural Unenhanced Star Ruby Carved Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Marchak
Located in London, GB
Marked yellow gold with white gold, signed Marchak, Paris, circa 1960.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
COCKTAIL Ring with opal, ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with a heart-shaped pink opal, ruby, and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct – G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 5.5 - EU 16 (50) Detailed description The top of the ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Gold and platinum ring with untreated ruby and old brilliant-cut diamonds 1.80ct
Located in Chorzów, PL
A beautiful vintage ring crafted from 18-karat yellow gold (0.750 fineness) with platinum elements in a diamond setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Alliance Ring Diamonds Rubies solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.25 /2.5 gr
Located in SE
Alliance Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with 9 pave set brilliant cut Diamonds and Rubies Ø 1.75 mm / ca 0.02ct. each.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Bulgari Burma Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
Complementing the AGL-graded ruby is a 4.58-carat old cut oval diamond of H color and SI1 clarity, accompanied by a GIA report, and two tapered baguette cut diamonds totaling 0.80 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Retro 18K Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds and Rubies - '40s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A bold expression of 1940s glamour, this Retro cocktail ring is crafted in richly polished 18K yellow gold, weighing an impressive 33.40 grams.
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
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
18K YG Baroque Pearl Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking and sculptural cocktail ring crowned by an impressive South Sea baroque cultured pearl, framed by a vibrant floral cluster of diamonds and richly colored gemstones cabocho...
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera y Carrera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Woman with Diamond Parrot Headress Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow g...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 3.25 Carat Natural Oval Gem Ruby and Diamond circa 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, approximately 3.25 Carats of Natural Rubies & Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Marquise Diamond and Ruby Convertible Ring, circa 1950.
Located in London, GB
Marquise diamond and ruby convertible ring. Set to centre with a marquise shape brilliant cut diamond, D colour, IF clarity, with a weight of 1.62 carats in an open back rubover sett...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Snake Ring 18k Yellow Gold Large Coiled Serpent Cocktail Sz 10 Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage snake ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s to 1980s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamonds Cluster Flower Bouqet Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
There is something so effortless about a clustered ring. This ring features a yellow 18k gold wrapped band that still has a bright and bold color.
Diamond, Ruby
Vintage 1960s 5.00 Carat Cabochon Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 5.00 carats and pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 3.0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
18k Two-Tone Burma Rose-Cut Ruby and Diamond Floral Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k Two-Tone Burma Rose-Cut Ruby and Diamond Floral Halo Ring Description: This vintage-style cluster ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow and white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s French 2.05 Carat Diamond and Oval Cut Ruby Color Doublet Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine French vintage cluster ring been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The feature oval cut ruby colored doublet* is bezel set in subtle relief in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Schlumberger For Tiffany & Co. No Heat 6 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
A closer look reveals the prestigious Tiffany & Co. and Schlumberger stamps on the shank, a testament to its authenticity and unparalleled craftsmanship, making this piece a timeless...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Multistone Modernist 3 Piece Stacking Ring Set Size 6 #18864
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone 3 Piece Stacking Ring Set Size 6 JAGi Certified- This unique 3 piece stacking ring set features three round brilliant cut diamonds, one round cabochon ...
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1.17 Carat Rubys, Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.17 Carat Rubys, Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds Floral Cluster Ring. The ring features a total carat weight for the gemstones and diamonds of 1.17 Carat. The ring measures...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Snake Ring, Circa 1960
Located in London, GB
A vintage sapphire and diamond 18 karat yellow gold and platinum snake ring, circa 1960. This exceptional ring is designed as a pair of snakes, both excellently hand carved, one hea...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1.60ct Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
The glistening round brilliant diamonds total 1.60 carat total are set, with 1.20 carat total in rubies set amongst them in a double row. Crafted entirely from 18 carat yellow gold w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.50 Ctw. Diamond and 1.22 Ctw. Ruby Three Row Estate Ring, 18K
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful diamond, ruby and diamond three row ring. The ring is made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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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