1.30 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Gem Report
Located in Pasadena, CA
The ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold, ring size is approximately size 5.5.
18k Gold
Second Etruscan Revival Figural Ram Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Ruby Eyes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This striking figural ring is sort of a modified ouroboros -- the ancient round symbol of a snake eating its own tail -- only here the snake has the head of a ram. This whimsical ma...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,367Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style 0.40 Carat White Modern Round Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has a 0.25 Carats Modern Round Cut Ruby. This Ring is available also in 14 or 18K Yellow or White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Mid-Century Natural Red Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Set in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1950s-60s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Cabochon & Diamond Three Stone Estate Ring Size 6
Located in Addison, TX
Details: • Estate Ruby & Diamond Ring • Solid 18K Yellow Gold • Oval Ruby Cabochon Center Stone • Ruby Measures: Approx. 8.28 mm • Estimated Ruby Weight: Approx. 2.25 ct • Smooth Cab...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
TIFFANY & CO. Retro 1940s 14k Yellow Gold, Ruby & Diamond Tank Cocktail Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Tiffany & Co. Retro 14k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Ruby Tank Cocktail Ring 1940s Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring.
Diamond, Ruby
Retro 78.0ct Citrine Cocktail Ring with 0.25ct Ruby and Diamonds in 14K Gold, Ci
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Thick shoulders of rose and yellow gold flank the stone in bold, architectural volumes, each set with a vertical channel of calibré-cut rubies stepping down alongside round brilliant...
Citrine, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,823Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style White Rose Cut Diamond Oval Cut Ruby 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 and Sterling Silver.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
14k White Gold 1.09ct Burmese Ruby and 1.25ctw White & Pink Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 14k white gold ring features a 1.09ct oval Burmese ruby center stone set in warm rose gold prongs, creating a rich focal point with vivid red color.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Contemporary Ruby and Diamond “Trefle” Ring, 18KY Gold Size 6
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Material: 18k yellow gold comes with original box Artist: Van Cleef & Arpels Circa: Contemporary Country: France Size: 6 (this ring can be resized Materials: 32 round brilliant...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine, diamond and synthetic ruby cocktail ring, circa 1945.
Located in London, GB
Aquamarine, diamond and synthetic ruby cocktail ring, circa 1945. A yellow gold ring set with one central octagonal emerald-cut aquamarine in a claw setting with an approximate total...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Stunning 5.48CT Ruby & Diamond 18K Gold Ring GIA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Cocktail Ring Stunning 3.48CT Oval Ruby Deep Red, Clean & Brilliant GIA Report 2.00CT Baguette Diamonds G-H Color SI-I Clarity 18kt Yellow Gold The Top is19mm x 16m...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby Diamond Ring 18 Karat Natural Baguette Ruby and Natural Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Statement Impressive bold and Royal. 18k Yellow Gold approx 12.50 grams Finger size 8 (can be resized) Taper Baguettes Natural Ruby Approx 2.10 carat AA Natural Round Diamonds appr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18KT Gold Carved Emerald and Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
The carved emerald is flanked by two round natural Burma rubies, creating a strong colour contrast. The sculptural white and yellow gold mount reflects the bold cocktail ring design...
White Gold
Vintage 1.00 Carat Diamonds & Ruby Band Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.00 Carat Diamonds & Ruby Band Ring 18k Gold. Very high quality ring featuring approx 1 carat of rubies and fine diamonds. The ring is a size 6.5 and is made in 18k solid go...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,220Sale Price|20% Off
Burma Ruby Invisible Setting Ring 18 Karat Gold Ruby Cocktail Bowtie
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ring, never used. Special Natural Ruby from Burma Unique Invisible setting Square Natural Ruby's and center Round Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Approx 13.0 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This vintage 1970s era ring is set in hand-engraved 18 carat yellow gold with an enticing combination rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Ring, 1.53 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire, with Rubies and Diamonds
By effe
Located in New York, NY
This 18KT. yellow gold ring centers an oval Blue Sapphire flanked on either side by oval Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.38 Carat Ruby and 2.46 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
ASBA Collection Fine Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Band Set in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Gatos, CA
This Three Row Band from ASBA Collection features stunning Fine Ruby and Rose Cut Diamonds set in 18K Yellow Gold. The low profile design offers effortless wearability. With 9 Round ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Marquise Ruby Ring 14K Gold Vintage Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Marquise Ruby Ring 14K White Gold Vintage Cocktail This nice vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Large Enameled Alligator Ring in 18 Karat Gold and Rubies, Rare, 1960s
Located in Honolulu, HI
This stunning ring is masterfully crafted in 18k yellow gold with amazing details, and the enamel work is is just gorgeous.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,094Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style 0.75 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Oval Cut Ruby Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has 0.60 Carats of Oval Cut Rubies. This Ring is available also in 14 or 18K Yellow or White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a vintage 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. Each ruby features a rich red hue and the centre stone is slightly large than the other two.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 0.80 Carat Total Round Ruby Wave 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
Key Details - Round rubies = approximately 0.80 carats total weight - 18K yellow gold - Ring size: 6.75 - Total weight: 3.84 grams Purchase includes ring box and complimentary resi...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ring Ruby Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Rose White Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 3.5gr
Located in SE
Ring of unusual design with three twisted bands of solid 18K Rose, White and Yellow Gold joined together decorated with Rubies ,Sapphires and Diamonds .
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Blue Sapphires, Pearl 14 Karat White and Yellow Gold
Located in Marcianise, CE
Retro cocktail ring in 14k yellow gold structure, mounted with a big south sea pearl (15mm) in the centre, surrounded by 5.73 ct of rubies, emeralds and blue sapphires, and enriched ...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Ruby,...
GIA Certified Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Made with exceptional detail, this ring is perfect for any collection. Ring size: 6 Metal: 18 Karat yellow gold Stamp: (maker's mark) 18K Gross weight: 12.00 grams GIA, 2025, Repor...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Silver Diamond Ruby Topaz Cameo Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Cameo ring in 9kt yellow gold and silver embellished with oval rubies and a crown of diamonds and topazes.
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Mellerio ruby and diamond dress ring, French, circa 1945.
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in London, GB
Tested yellow gold and platinum, signed 'Mellerio dits Meller’, numbered 'G25.B', indistinct maker's mark, French, circa 1945.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18ct Gold, 1950s Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Ruby Cluster Ring 118ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1950s This exquisite vintage cluster ring, crafted in 18ct yellow gold, is a true statement piece that embodies the eleg...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 2.38 Carat Total Oval & Round Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
Key details: - 2.38 carat oval ruby centerpiece - 6 round ruby side stones - 18K yellow gold Purchase includes ring box and complimentary resizing.
Ruby, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds and Rubies in a Swirl Pattern
Located in Stamford, CT
14Kt Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring With Diamonds & Rubies in a Swirl Pattern.
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Wide Pave' Eternity Band with Diamonds, Sapphires and Rubies in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Indulge in opulent elegance with our Wide Pave' Eternity Band, a radiant symphony of diamonds, sapphires, and rubies set in lustrous 18k yellow gold. Embracing the finger with a luxu...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gianmaria Buccellati 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This Gianmaria Buccellati ring pairs three vivid rubies with diamonds in delicate white gold openwork, framed by sculpted yellow gold borders.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K Gold Lapis Coral Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An extraordinary Italian cocktail ring of remarkable scale and craftsmanship, masterfully executed in richly textured 18 karat yellow gold.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 2.50 Carat European Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
There are 2.00 carats of full-cut diamonds and 1.00 carat of deep red rubies set around the center diamond in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, French, circa 1940
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Marked yellow gold, numbered '0543', French, circa 1940, accompanied by official signed certificate of authenticity from Mauboussin Paris.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Rud Murbach Sixties Mod Sapphire Diamond and Ruby Ring
By Rud Murbach
Located in Litchfield, CT
Finely made in polished eighteen-karat yellow gold, this jewel is in excellent condition.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Etruscan Revival 14K Gold Ruby Granulation Wide Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A substantial vintage 14K yellow gold and ruby wide band ring, circa 1970, designed in the Etruscan Revival tradition.
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
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Marked 18 carat yellow gold, maker's mark 'VCA', numbered 'NY5K619-1', French, circa 1960, accompanied by VCA pouch.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
French Art Deco Style Ruby Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold, Diamond, and Ruby Half Eternity Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed gold, diamond, and ruby half eternity band ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Cluster Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
This stunning and impressive gemstone cluster ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold featuring ten round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approx. 0.80 carats, G-H color, VS clarity,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 7.0 Gram Natural Opal Ruby Statement Ring Size 6.5
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 7.0 Gram Natural Opal Ruby Statement Ring Size 6.5 Size 6.5 Center Opal 5mm by 7mm, sides 4.5 mm round sides 11mm wide & 21 mm long on top 14K yellow gol...
Opal, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1978 0.40ct Ruby & 0.60ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine vintage ruby cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Midcentury Synthetic Ruby Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in 1950, this mid-century gem from American jewelry manufacturers Budlong Docherty & Armstrong, Inc features an emerald-cut synthetic ruby measuring approximately 2.00 carats...
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 10K Gold Ruby Illusion Diamond Cluster Ring Sz 5.25 White Gold Accents
Located in Addison, TX
Details Metal: 10K Yellow Gold with White Gold Accents Purity: 10K Hallmark: THL Ring Size: 5.25 Total Weight: 3.2 Grams Main Stones: 12 Natural Round Rubies Total Ruby Weight: Appro...
Ruby, 10k 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
Ring, 18KT Gold Star Ruby and Diamond Cluster, Signed RJ, 2.40 ct Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
This one is a rich pinkish red, set in a white collet and ringed by eight round diamonds in tall white claws, the cluster standing proud of the finger. 18KT gold star ruby and diamon...
Diamond, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Oval Red Ruby and Golden Citrine Baguette Diamond Ring in 20K Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Crafted from 850 yellow gold, this ring has a warm, rich tone that perfectly complements the colors of the rubies, citrine, and diamonds.
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
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 1970s 0.50 Carat Cabochon Ruby and 0.69 Carat Diamonds Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14K yellow gold with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 0.50 carat, accented by six Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.60 carat. C...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Eighties Ruby & Diamond Hypermodern Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, Switzerland. This modernist ring is edgy, sleek, and colorful. In the Art becomes fashion landscape of the stylistically turbulent eighties, it is an edgy example...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Carved Ruby Emerald and Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Carved Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond Ring A yellow gold ring by David Webb featuring one carved ruby, 20 round-cut emeralds, and 40 round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Synthetic Ruby and Sapphire 0.48 Carat Zircon 0.10 Carat Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage multi-gemstone ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Zircon, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Important Diamond and Ruby Dome Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
The dome is separated by a double row of mix cut rubies, with matched color. The ring is set in 18 karat yellow gold and has a guard inside the shank allowing for smaller size finger.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-Century Bombé Ring with 1.91ct Fancy Yellow-Brown Diamond & Rubies
Located in Great Neck, NY
The Epitome of a True 60's Mid Century, Cocktail Ring A dazzling vintage treasure, this Antique 14K Yellow Gold Bombé Cocktail Ring showcases a rare 1.91 ct Fancy Yellow‑Brown Diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k G...
Contemporary 14K Yellow Gold Red Ruby & Rectangular Baguette Diamond Band
Located in Lexington, KY
Contemporary 14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Band - 14k yellow gold - 7 = .40 cttw square cut ruby - 8 = .18 cttw G color VS2 clarity baguette cut diamond - Size 6.5 - 3.06 grams
Diamond, Ruby, 14k 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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