Vintage 1982 18ct Yellow Gold ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This fabulous acrostic ring features enchanting Amethyst, dazzling Diamond, opulent Opal, ravishing Ruby, and exquisite Emerald gemstones, each meticulously set into a lovely yellow ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1945 Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Snake Ring with Ruby & Sapphire Accents
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage, 18 karat yellow gold snake ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 5.25- This elegant ring features one genuine oval ruby (7 mm x 5 mm) surrounded by 16 rose cut diamonds a...
Multi-gemstone, Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bypass Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bypass Band Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.88ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold, Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive vintage ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,200Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Ruby Red Coral Amethyst Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
We can ship every piece of our 1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Ring is made of 9K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.12 Carats of White Modern Round Cut Diamonds.
Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Textured Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Ruby and Textured Diamond Cluster Ring Description: This vintage cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a central 4.63-carat oval cabochon ruby with...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
80s Portuguese Ruby Diamond Ring 19k Yellow Gold Cocktail Sz 10.5 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 19k yellow gold (circa 1980s). 4 oval cut rubies measure 5.5mm x 3.5mm. 28 single cut diamonds total an estimated 0.28 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar He-man Brothers Retro 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamond & Ruby Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Birmingham, AL
Designer Oscar Heyman Brothers Retro Ring. The ring is made in 18K Yellow gold and has a platinum top that holds three rows of 31 pave set diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Radiant-Cut Ruby and Diamond Vertical Ring
Located in New York, NY
Radiant-Cut Ruby and Diamond Vertical Ring Description: This architectural statement ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a vertically oriented 1.33-carat radiant-c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,462Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Handcrafted White Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Band "Flower" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Size ITA: 18 USA: 8 1/4 This Ring is available also in 14 or 18K Yellow or White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
14k Gold Vintage Pave Diamond and Ruby Fox Head Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This striking ring features a sterling silver fox head with 27 pave rose-cut diamonds that are bead set (approximately .5mm to 1mm each) and 2 ruby eyes (approximately 1.5 mm each). ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
Marquise Ruby and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Brilliant Cut Diamonds .93CT Marquise Cut Rubies 2.22CT Measurement: Ring Size 6.50
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Invisible Setting Ruby and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Invisible setting Square Natural Ruby's and center Oval Diamond 18k Yellow Gold 8.0 grams. Total Ruby 5.25 carat AAA very nice red. Center oval Diamond approx 0.50 carat H-I ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Oval Cabochon Opal Cocktail Ring with Rubies in Textured 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This piece is in very good estate condition and has been professionally cleaned and polished. Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Opal and Rubies Opal Total Carat Weight: 1.66 CT...
Ruby, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Certified Vintage Style 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Pasadena, CA
This certified ruby and diamond cocktail ring features a natural oval shaped ruby weighing approximately 0.70 carat, surrounded by diamonds totaling approximately 1.65 carats.
Double Lion Head Ruby Eyes 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The band gently curves around the finger in a wrapped design, showcasing diagonal sections of deep red enamel interspersed with polished yellow gold sections to create a striking str...
18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and OEC Diamond Gold 1960s Mid Century Modern Cluster Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Ruby and OEC Diamond Gold 1960s Bombay Cluster Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Flower Dome Ring Size 5.5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Simpsonville, SC
This dome ring is crafted from rich 18k yellow gold, providing a lustrous foundation for the array of gemstones that embellish its surface.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold 2.45 Carat Natural Yellow Diamond & Red Ruby Cocktail Ring circa 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold 2.45 Carat Natural Yellow Diamond & Red Ruby Cocktail Ring Circa 1950.
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
18K Ruby, Diamond and Enamel Cheetah Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamonds, 22 stones - single cut round - 1.4 mm - approximately .18 total carats - rubies, 2 stones - round cut - 1.5 mm Ring Size 6.5 Width: 21.4 mm Weight: 11.70 dwts.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Ruby Diamond Band Sz 7 Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ring Estate Stacking Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby & diamond band crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,462Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style White Brilliant Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has a 0.63 Carats Ruby. Size ITA: 15 USA: 7 1/4 This Ring is available also in 14 or 18K Yellow or White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage 2.42 Carat Oval Burma Ruby GIA and Diamond Gold Statement Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Hand crafted 18K Yellow Gold mounting. Ring size 5, we offer ring resizing.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Flower Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Sz 8.5 Wide Cigar Band
Located in Torrance, CA
Metal & Hallmark: 14k yellow gold. The ring is not hallmarked though it has tested positive for 14k gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,114Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau 0.50 Carat White Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold "Aries" Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
We can ship every piece of our 1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.35 Carats White Modern Round Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1940s Ruby Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Patriotic Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Vintage Herbert Rosenthal, Ruby and Diamond Bee Ring, 18K Yellow and White Gold
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
The dimensional bee is rendered in richly textured 18K yellow gold, accented with polished white gold details and an exuberant combination of diamonds and deep red rubies.
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Princess Cut Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Princess Cut Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A fine ring with a classic design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a beautiful arrangement...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,500Sale Price|20% Off
8.87 Carat Cabochon Ruby Domed Cocktail Ring with Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 8.5 This exquisite 18-karat yellow gold dome ring boasts a captivating 8.87-carat natural ruby cabochon and 0.72-carat round brilliant cut diamond accents.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring with Rubies and Diamonds, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring with Rubies and Diamonds made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1 Carat Ruby Pompadour Engagement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamond Halo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Details: • Metal: 18K yellow gold • Ruby: approx. 1.00 ct (7 mm x 5 mm), oval faceted, intense raspberry-red hue • Diamonds: brilliant-cut, approx. 0.20 ct total • Ring size: EU 54 /...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,377Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style White Diamond Blue Sapphire Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has 0.60 Carats of Marquise Cut Rubies. This Ring is available also in 14 or 18K Yellow or White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co square ruby ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s).
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Tiffany & Co square ruby ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s). 7 rubies are estimated at 0.05 carats each and total an estimated 0.35 carats.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Alternating Band, 0.30ctw, Size 6
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This band is made of 14 karat yellow gold with a high polish finish. Within the top half of this band are alternating rubies and diamonds, each measuring 1.50mm channel set.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 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 Retro 64 Carat Emerald-Cut Aquamarine and Ruby Gold Statement Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Hand crafted in 14K Yellow Gold mounting with an Openable Shank. Ring size 6.75, we offer ring resizing.
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage Natural
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage This beautiful vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold and it is also numbered inside of the shank.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.80 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
All stones here have been set in platinum whilst sitting atop a slim, smooth 18ct yellow gold band. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.0 grams Ring Size: P (56.5) - Resizable Ba...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14 Karat Yellow Gold 3 Row Ruby & Diamond Band Ring Size 5.75-6 #21773
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold 3 Row Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 5.75-6 JAGi Certified- This vibrant ring features a distinctive checkerboard style design with three rows of alternating 22 nat...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,700Sale Price|20% Off
Retro / Vintage 1970s Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold
Located in London, GB
These exquisite quality rubies blaze red in contrast to the cool white brilliant diamond, held in 18ct yellow and white gold for contrast and definition.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 6.00 Carat Spinel Cabochon, Rubys and Diamonds Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Retro 6.00 Carat Spinel Cabochon, Rubys and Diamonds Ring 18k solid Gold. Very impressively made by designer. The square Rubys and sapphires on the side of the ring are channel set a...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Vintage Cocktail Cluster
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Vintage Cocktail Cluster This vintage diamond and ruby ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 1.6 carats. The ruby held in this ring is a deep pink colour and the sparkle of the diamonds compliment the stone beautifully. T...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Shield Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Shield Ring Description: This geometric shield-style ring is crafted in solid 18k gold and features a vertical, elongated bezel mounting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Ribbon Bow 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond Ribbon 18k Yellow Gold Bow Celeste Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Mauboussin Deep Red Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Ribbon Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Mauboussin Deep Red Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Ribbon Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2 Carat Oval Burma Ruby & Diamond Halo Set in 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18KY ~2 Carat Oval Cut Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring circa 1990s; DR-0.50ct G-H Color VS-SI clarity, 10.28g size 7 This 18K yellow gold ring features an approximately 2-carat oval-cut...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Pavé Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Pavé Dome Ring Description: This statement dome ring is crafted in solid 18kt yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,205Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Emerald Ruby Blue Sapphire White Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
We can ship every piece of our 1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.30 Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14...
Vintage 2.5 Carat Coral RBC Diamond and Ruby Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Hand crafted 18K Yellow Gold mounting. Ring size 9, we offer ring resizing.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This principle stone is then framed by single row of round faceted rubies possessing a rich pinky colour tone. Finally, an array of round brilliant cut diamonds around the outer edge...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,377Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Blue Sapphire Ruby Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold "Butterfly" Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
We can ship every piece of our 1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Ring is made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl...
Diamond Ruby Emerald Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Precious ring in 14kt gold and details in white gold composed of a central pearl surroundes by a crown of diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Ring Size: US 7.5 - ITA 16 - French 56 - ...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Diamond, Ruby, and Tourmaline Ring Size 7.25-7.5 Certified #26022
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow and White Gold Diamond, Ruby and Tourmaline Ring Size 7.25-7.5 JAGi Certified- This striking 18K yellow and white gold wrap style ring features a colorful pairing of ruby...
Ruby, Tourmaline, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$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 Ruby and Diamond Horizontal Cluster Dress Ring in 9 Carat Gold
Located in London, GB
This striking ruby and diamond cluster ring is crafted in 9 carat gold, with five oval cut rubies, of approximately 1.00ct combined, running horizontally across the finger.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Marquise Diamond and Ruby Solitaire Gold Band Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Accented on either side with .40tcw Diamonds. Hand crafted in 18K Yellow Gold. Ring size 6.5, we offer ring re-sizing.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,462Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Peridot Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail "Snakes" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
We can ship every piece of our 1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Ring is made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver.
Diamond, White Diamond, Peridot, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Si...
2.20 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k white and yellow gold ring with a center approx. 2.20ct ruby (measuring 8 x 7.6 x 4.1mm), surrounded with approx. 0.76ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.