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
Marquise Ruby Diamond Wedding Engagement Band Ring Stacking 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
The five Rubies and eight Diamonds are set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold - just a romantic wonderful combination.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
Vintage 1950s 2.68 Carat Cabochon Cut Star Ruby Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 2.68 carat pink star ruby and 0.08 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold solitaire style cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Retro Opal Ruby Flower Ring Antique Wedding Engagement Cocktail Ring Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
The ring is 10 Karat Rose Gold. The ring shank has a wonderful design with two leaves on either side of the flower.
Ruby, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose 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
Fine GCI-Certified 3.17 ct Natural Unheated Ruby and Diamond Ring – 18K Gold
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
It does not affect the brilliance or overall balance of the composition. The yellow gold prong setting enhances the warmth of the ruby, while the 18K white gold shank offers a refine...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 18k 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
18ct Rose Gold South Sea Pearl and Ruby Cocktail Ring by Ohliguer
Located in Brisbane, AU
• Featuring a luminous Australian South Sea pearl • OHLIGUER's signature sculptural talon claws • Set with over one hundred natural rubies throughout the knots and band • Individua...
South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 0.85ctw Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Leaf Band 18k Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A vibrant vintage 18K yellow gold gemstone and diamond band ring, styled in an elegant leaf motif with alternating rows of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
Buccellati Diamond Sapphire Ruby 18K Gold Floral Eternity Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Buccellati Italian 18K Yellow and White Gold Floral Sapphire and Ruby Statement Ring This captivating vintage Buccellati ring embodies Italian elegance and craftsmanship, sh...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
ct 2, 40 Diamonds and ct 3, 62 Emeralds Rubies Pearl Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
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...
Vintage Men's 1.00tcw Ruby & Diamond Band Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A striking vintage band ring crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, weighing 8.1 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 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
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
Vintage Retro 14k Gold & Platinum 1.75ctw Diamond w/ Ruby Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Total Carat Weight: 1.75 (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ Platinum Top Total Weight: 11.03 Grams Overall Width: 13.2mm (0.51") (top of the ring - north to south), 2.8mm...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Diamond Sapphire Ruby Dome Band Ring 18k Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Sapphire Ruby Dome Band Ring 18K Gold Vintage This gorgeous vintage ring is made in solid 18K Yellow Gold (carefully tested and guaranteed) and set with Natural Diam...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, With GIA Gem Report. 2.42 CT.
Located in Honolulu, HI
The scalloped design around the diamonds resembles a flower shape around the center ruby. The ring is masterfully crafted in 18k yellow gold and the sides of the ring are set with on...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.54 Carat Cushion Cut Ruby in 14K Yellow Gold Wide Band
Located in Miami, FL
Featuring a cushion cut richly saturated red ruby framed by 10 round cut white diamonds. Details: Item Type: Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Size: 6 (adjustable) We...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mens Emerald Diamond Ruby Ring Vintage 14K Gold Band
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This beautiful vintage ring for a man is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold and White gold for the top.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roberta Flack's Personal African Woman Goddess Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold COA
Located in New York, NY
The diamonds and rubies are natural mined gems. The ring is 14 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Bulgari Burmese Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Burmese ruby and diamond ring. A natural unenhanced oval old cut Burmese ruby is set horizontally to centre in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 2.80...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Princess Cut Ruby Diamond Ring Stacking Stack 14 Karat Gold Wedding Engagement
Located in New York, NY
The Rubies and Diamonds are set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold - just a romantic wonderful combination.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Ruby Diamond Wedding Engagement Band Ring Stacking 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
The Rubies and Diamonds are set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold - just a romantic wonderful combination.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman Diamond Ruby Platinum 18K Gold Checkerboard Vintage Band Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a band ring centering a curving concave channel With two rows of square step cut rubies and diamonds Bead set in platinum as alternating checkerboard pattern Rubies weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
Three-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A Three-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold. The rubies are cushion-shaped and the diamonds are brilliant-cut.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Levian, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Ring signed by Levian made in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
70s Ilias Lalaounis Ring Ruby Stacking Band Sterling Silver 18k Gold Signed
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish & finely detailed vintage Ilias Lalaounis ruby ring, crafted in sterling silver & 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s).
Ruby, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
COCKTAIL RING - Invisible Set Ruby Dome & Pave Diamond Terminal 18K Gold.
Located in Miami, FL
Sweeping past this velvet-red channel, the bypass terminals are configured as twin high-polish yellow gold tear-caps completely blanketed with 30 round brilliant-cut diamonds totalin...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, 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 time...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1980's Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Vintage Ballerina Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut diamond weighing approximately 0.93 carat - G color with VS2 clarity Prong set at an angle in yellow gold atop a cluster of round and oval cut rubies Weighing a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
A basket and band of contrasting 18 carat yellow gold completes this beautiful piece. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Round Carat Weight: 0.40 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 196...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Zolotas vintage diamond 18k yellow gold rams head ring
By Zolotas
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 18k yellow gold with a richly textured finish, this Zolotas ring is hallmarked with purity and maker's marks and weighs 14.19 grams, a bold, solid weight for a ring of thi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,913Sale Price|33% Off
Rare Tiffany & Co. Red Ruby & Diamond 18k Gold & Platinum Flower Cluster Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ruby & Diamond 950 Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Flower Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Large Cabochon Burmese No Heat Ruby Diamond Gold Ring GIA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Large 11ct Burmese No Heat Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage KAT FLORENCE Designer NO HEAT Rubies and Diamond Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Hand set in 18K Yellow Gold mounting. Wow! Ring size: 12, we offer ring resizing.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine, ruby and diamond cocktail ring, circa 1950.
Located in London, GB
Tested as yellow gold and platinum, circa 1950.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby
Vintage 5mm Pearl & Ruby Floral Cluster 18K Gold Twisted Shank Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage floral cocktail ring showcases three creamy 5mm cultured pearls and five rubies in a textured 18K yellow gold leaf motif.
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 1.85 Carat Natural Oval Gem Ruby and Diamond circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring 1.85 Carat Natural Oval Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Circa 1960.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby & Diamond Ring by Hammerman Brothers
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from 18 karat yellow gold and set with rubies and diamonds, this ring was manufactured by the North American firm Hammerman Brothers.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
17.0 Carat Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a lustrous 17.0 carat cushion cut red ruby, set in a beautiful wavy design accented with tapered baguette diamonds. Made in 18k yellow gold. Ruby weighs 17.0 carats total....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman Trilliant Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum 18K Gold Triangle Halo Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a trilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 0.60 carat - G color with VS2 clarity Bezel set in platinum with a recessed halo surround of square and kite cut rubies Weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Unenhanced Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1945
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring. Centrally set with a round old cut natural no heat ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.50 carats, further set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 7.75ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1970
Located in London, GB
The elegantly scrolling work of the gallery and the band have both been made from 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Cabochon Cut Carat Weight: 7.75 Metal: 18ct White...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Textured Gold Bombe Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Textured Gold Bombe Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Emerald and Ruby Heart Ring with Diamonds, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A Emerald and Ruby Heart Ring with Diamonds made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
4.08 Carat Turquoise Ruby Diamond Gold Midcentury Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's Oval turquoise and rubies with round diamonds in a 14k yellow gold cocktail ring setting. 6 round diamonds approx. total weight .18cts, G, VS 7 oval rubies approx total weig...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
8.25 Carat Oval Burma Ruby Marquise Princess Diamond in 18K Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18K yellow gold statement ring features an oval-cut Burma ruby center with marquise ruby accents totaling 6.10 carats and 2.15 carats of princess-cut diamonds in G-H color VS-SI clar...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.25 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Buckle Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Ruby and diamond Buckle style cocktail ring. Solid 18k yellow gold and Platinum under fine white well cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum
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
Large Cabochon Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
It is a size 6.50. Details: Metal: Gold and Tapped with Silver Gemstone: Old Mine Diamonds 2.20CT Cabochon Ruby 27.12CT Measurement: Ring Size 6.50
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Ring 18k Gold Platinum Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Oscar Heyman diamond & ruby ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 0.60 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.60 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, 18ct White Gold Age: 1950s Size: O
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bulgari Natural No Heat Burma Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The Bvlgari ring features an oval-shaped burma ruby no heat measuring 9.85 x 7.00 x 4.28 mm and weighing 3.20 carats, flanked by oval-shaped sapphires approximately 0.75 carat, accen...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Princess Cut Ruby Diamond Wedding Engagement Band Ring Stacking 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
On either side of the rubies are a row of sparkling white Diamonds. The Rubies and Diamonds are set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold - just a romantic wonderful combination.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
14ct Gold & Platinum Ruby Rose Diamond Ring, German Mid-Century
Located in London, England
Set in 14ct yellow gold with a platinum-topped setting (hallmarked 585), the ring features a striking stacked composition of carré-cut rubies and twinkling rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
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.