Vintage 1.80ct Ruby Ring with Diamond Halo Accents 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A refined vintage ring crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, centered with an oval ruby-tone gemstone of approximately 1.8 carats displaying a rich, velvety purple-red hue.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
The piece is finished with a trio of calibrated triangular-shaped rubies above and below the centre stones in a distinctive yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 2.63ctw Invisible Ruby Baguette Diamond Crossover Band
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6 Width: 13.05 mm Weight: 8.96 grams Ladies 18K yellow gold four-across, diamond and ruby vintage band with a half-rou...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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 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
$1,951Sale Price|70% Off
Vintage 18kt. gold star ruby cabochon ladies ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18kt. yellow gold star ruby cabochon ladies ring accentuated with six round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Estate 14K Two-Tone Gold Ruby & Diamond Double Horse Head Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold and sculptural equestrian statement piece crafted in solid 14k yellow and white gold. This bypass-style ring features intricately detailed dual horse heads facing one another,...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Engagement Ring, Calibrated Rubies and Diamond Paving Art Deco Style
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Details: • Metal: 18K yellow gold • Rubies: Calibrated, total approx. 1.20 ct • Diamonds: Paved, total approx. 0.53 ct • Weight: 6.26 g • Ring size: EU 54 / US 6¾ (resizing offered) ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Burmese Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Burmese Ruby, 5.19 carats (AGL Certified) Accent Stones: Pavé-set rubies and round diamonds Ring Size: 5.5 Certification: AGL
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
GRS Certified Van Cleef and Arpels 8.85 Carat No Heat Oval Ruby 18K Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Stone Details: ✔ Stone: Ruby ✔ Weight: 8.85 carats ✔ Color: Vivid Orangy-Red ✔ Cut: Oval, step-cut ✔ Treatment: None ✔ GRS Cert #: GRS2017-128960 Ring Details: ✔ Metal: 18K Gold ✔...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Citrine Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Studio City, CA
18k yellow gold cocktail ring set with an emerald cut citrine, measuring 19mm x 13.9mm x 9.5mm, and further accented with channel set round cut rubies; overall weight 11.4 gm.
Lid-Style Nugget Ring in 14K Yellow Gold with Four Round Rubies, 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This stylish ring is expertly crafted in 14K yellow gold, designed in a distinctive lid-style nugget pattern that exudes both character and elegance.
Ruby
Vintage Red Carpet 5 Stone Ruby Engraved Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Red Carpet Vintage 5-Stone Ruby Statement Gold Band Ring. Finely Hand crafted 14K Yellow Gold engraved mounting.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby Diamond Ring 14K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamonds are set in 14 Karat White Gold atop Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Rubies Emeralds Multi-Color Sapphires, Pearls Rose Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion ring in 9kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, multicolor sapphires and pearls. This elegant object combines solid 9 kt gold and solid 8...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 9k Gold, ...
1.75ct Burma Ruby 2.00ct Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 14k yellow gold ring. The ring is centered with a lovely oval cut Burma ruby that weighs approximately 1.75ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k 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
Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cluster Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Cluster Ring in14kt yellow gold composed of diamonds, rubies ,sapphires and emeralds, with a carved gold base. diamonds 0.06kt gems 9.57kt ita 15.5/ french 55.5/ 7.34 tot weight 10.7...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
Cartier 18k Gold Ruby Ellipse Bypass Band Ring, 1995
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Cartier ring in 18k yellow gold, set with two oval rubies in a bypass design.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Verney Paris Gold 14 Carat Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold ring by Verney Paris, set with approx. 4.50ctw in diamonds and center approx. 14ct ruby ( stone measures 12.5 x 11.9 x 8.8mm).
Diamond, Ruby, 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
Vintage 18K Gold Calibré Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring, 5 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
This is a piece that relies on proportion and construction rather than weight—refined, deliberate, and unmistakably late 20th century in its design language. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold R...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold This striking vintage cocktail ring showcases a bold domed design adorned with vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Synthetic Ruby Asymmetric Cocktail Ring in Gold & Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It comes with an appraisal card, verifying its authenticity and current appraisal value. Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Gemstone: Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Ruby Count: ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Square Cut Ruby & Round Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Arched Wedding Band
Located in Santa Monica, CA
From the Bracken Jewelers modern estate jewelry collection in Santa Monica, California. This ruby and diamond wedding band in 18K yellow brings color to any stack. Two bead set diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K Gold Invisible Set Ruby Diamond Crossover Bombe Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, this sculptural crossover bombe ring is set with approximately 5.00 carats of vivid invisibly set rubies, creating a seamless field of saturated crim...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century 18K Yellow Gold Natural Burmese Red Ruby & Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Denver, CO
A natural Burmese red ruby weighing approximately 1.73 carats and measuring 7.61 x 7.1 mm sits at the center of this vintage trilogy band crafted in the 1950s flanked by two Old Euro...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring in 18k Gold, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
A bold statement of vintage glamour, this 1970s cocktail ring is masterfully crafted in luxurious 18k gold and showcases a dazzling .12ct center diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Dome Ring 18k Gold French Diamond Ruby
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CIRCA: 1980s MATERIALS: 18K Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Diamond & Ruby WEIGHT: 6.5 Grams MEASUREMENTS: 3/8" x 9/16" RING SIZE: 6.25 HALLMARKS: French Gold Mark
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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
Antique 1895 Birmingham 18ct Gold Ruby and Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
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
Marquise Diamond and Pear-Shaped Ruby Three-Stone Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: Platinum & Yellow Gold Gemstone: Center Marquise Diamonds .57CT Brilliant Cut Diamonds .85CT Side Pear Shaped Rubies 1.51CT Measurement: Ring Size 5
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
This characterful, vintage flower ring, features a central diamond surrounded by oval cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Natural Yellow Quartz Ruby and Diamond Pendant, Earrings and Ring Jewelry Set
Located in Pasadena, CA
The earrings are crafted in 14K gold, accompanied by a matching 18K gold pendant and an 18K gold ring, completing the elegant suite.
English Vintage 18k Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Snake Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage ring is crafted in rich 18k yellow gold and designed in an elegant three snake motif, with each serpent forming a graceful, sculptural coil across the finger.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Franklin Mint Ruby Eternity Ring 14K Gold Band Vintage Size 10.5
By Franklin MInt
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Franklin Mint Ruby Eternity Ring 14K Gold Band Vintage This pretty vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow and White Gold by Franklin Mint.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,000Sale Price|20% Off
OSCAR HEYMAN Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 2.64 Ctw In Diamonds And Rubies
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
This rare ring has been crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Handcraft Ruby 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Amazing 18 karat white gold cocktail ring.Handmade by artisans assembled with ruby,white and yellow diamonds Ring weight 9.70 grams Diamonds total weight 4.02 karat Ruby weight 1.02...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro 1940s Diamond and 0.25ct Ruby 14K Rose Gold Ring, 1.70ct Old European Cut
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The pairing of a substantial antique-cut diamond with a compact ruby accent gives the ring a sense of restrained glamour rather than maximalist sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose 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
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
Oval Cabochon Ruby Ribbed Solitaire Ring
Located in New York, NY
It is a size 5. Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Oval Cabochon Ruby 3.47CT Measurement: Ring Size 5
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 2.40 Carat Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow & White Gold Cocktail Ring set with 2.40 Carats Natural Cabochon Ruby & Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring 20K Gold Vintage Estate Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ruby Ring 20K Gold Vintage Estate Vintage This amazing vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 20K Yellow Gold (carefully tested and guaranteed) and set with natural Earth m...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 11.67 Carat Ruby, Citrine and Black Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Ruby: 9.65 Carats — Natural Red Ruby Citrine and Black Diamond Accents: 4.02 Carats Total Gemstone Weight: 11.67 Carats Ring Weight: 0.62 t oz (19.32 grams) Metal: 8K Gold
Citrine, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold
AGL Certified 1.65 Carat Oval Ruby Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful AGL certified 1.65 carat oval Myanmar, Burma, ruby and diamond engagement ring set in 18k yellow gold crafted by Repossi Jewelers of Monaco.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 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
Vintage Rolex-Style 18K Gold Diamond & Ruby Link Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Gemstones: 26 Round Near-Colorless Diamonds 1 Round/Oval Red Ruby Mounted in Center Material: 18K Yellow Gold Approximate Dimensions: Ring Size: 8 Flexible Link Construction May Al...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1990s Baroda-Style 18kt Gold Tourmaline, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond Ring
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
This exceptional 1990s cocktail ring, set in 18 kt gold with a faceted green tourmaline flanked by pear emeralds, calibré cut rubies, and brilliant-cut diamonds, reflects not only b...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 1.4 Carat Natural Ruby, Diamond and Pearl, circa 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, 1.40 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond & 12.5mm Pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k 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
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
Marquise Ruby Diamond Waterfall Ballerina Ring Retro Cocktail Fashion Gold
Located in New York, NY
The remainder of the ring is 10 Karat Yellow Gold. The rubies are a wonderful vivid red color.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 4.5 Carat Natural Ruby and Baguette Diamond, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, approximately 4.5 Carat Natural Ruby & Diamond.
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
Retro Gold 1.15 Carat Natural Marquise Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold 2 Carat Natural Marquise Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1960.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Hisako Matsui Ruby Sapphire 18K Gold Textured Floral Ring
Located in 台東区, JP
A distinctive floral ring by Japanese jewelry designer Hisako Matsui, crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with approximately 0.25 carat of sapphires and 0.19 carat of rubies.
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Structured retro tank 1940's ruby and diamond ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
The diamonds are set in white gold, contrasting beautifully with the yellow gold mount, which is engraved along the sides with a characteristic retro motif.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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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