Vintage 18K Gold Bypass Ring with Diamond & Ruby Accent Stones
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural vintage bypass ring crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, styled in a fluid, sweeping form that wraps gracefully around the finger.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent K18 Gold Ruby Sapphire Emerald Band Ring
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in 台東区, JP
A refined band ring by Yves Saint Laurent, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and accented with vibrant rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels French 1980's Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Buckle Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed buckle motif ring centering rows of prong set round cut rubies Weighing approximately 3.18 carats total - transparent medium purplish red in color Surrounded by b...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Ruby & Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Diamond Ballerina Ring, A ballerina ring with center oval ruby approximately 1.50 ct surrounded by 24 tapered baguette diamonds approximately 1.85 ct and 12 brilliant diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
COCKTAIL Ring with opal, ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with a heart-shaped pink opal, ruby, and brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.50 ct – G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 5.5 - EU 16 (50) Detailed description The top of the ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
1.50 Ctw. Diamond and 1.22 Ctw. Ruby Three Row Estate Ring, 18K
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful diamond, ruby and diamond three row ring. The ring is made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marchak Cabochon Emerald, Carved Ruby and Diamond Ring, French, circa 1950
By Marchak
Located in London, GB
Marked yellow gold, signed 'Marchak - Paris', French, circa 1950.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 1.70 Cts. Ruby and Diamond Fashion Cocktail Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
14 kt yellow gold ruby and diamond ring featuring a center 0.50 ct oval cut ruby surrounded by 4 sections adorned with 1.20 cts tw of micropave diamonds
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 1.45 Carat Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Stackable Rings 18k
Located in Miami, FL
Multi-Gemstone Vintage 1.45 Carat Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Stackable Rings 18k. There are 4 rings in total with a switchable X center diamonds that you can switch the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman Vintage Cocktail Ring Gold Platinum Ruby Diamond Estate Jewelry
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning Oscar Heyman vintage cocktail ring, crafted in 18k gold and platinum, featuring a bold arrangement of rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Macri Classica Model Ring ca 1960s
Located in Napoli, NA
Gorgeus florentine ring in 18 kt yellow gold set with 0,90 carats purple-red rubies.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.00 Carat Diamonds & Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 2.00 Carat Diamonds & Ruby Engagement Ring. Beautiful diamond settings with white baguette diamonds in both sides with beautiful Ruby gemstones surrounding the diamonds and a...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Milk Aquamarine Gold Silver Fashion Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion retrò ring in 9K rose gold and silver structure composed of 3.80 g of milk aquamarine in the center (15 mm X 22 mm) surrounded by 9K rose gold and silver flowers and leaves d...
Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Aquamarine, Silv...
Ruby and Diamond Domed Band
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Domed Ring Featuring a Bezel Set 0.15 Carat Round Ruby Accented by 8 Round Diamonds of SI Clarity and H Color Totaling an Additional 0.20 Carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Vivid Ruby Round 18k Tricolour Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring 49
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Cut Ruby 18k Tri Colour/Multi Tone Gold Solitaire Ring. Stunning multi tone gold ring set with a fine vivid red ruby. Looks much brighter and more vivid in per...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.42 carat Ruby and Baguette Diamond Ballerina Engagement Ring 14K
Located in beverly hills, CA
GIA Certified Ruby and Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Ballerina Engagement Ring containing 1.42 carat round Ruby with 1.87 carat tapered diamonds baguette setting s...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Horovitz Alexandrie Turquoise Ring Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Vintage Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Made of 18 karat yellow and white gold, turquoise, diamonds and rubies, the Retro ring features an approximately 1.05-carat transitional Old European cut diamond (H color, SI1 clarit...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1975
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Marked 18 carat yellow gold and platinum, signed 'Cartier', numbered '51115', French, circa 1975, accompanied by IAJA Expertise report #XP2253-050325.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
1960s Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handmade in 18k yellow gold with a rope-twist finish. Eight round-cut rubies weighing approximately 1.86 total carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Ruby with Diamond Lattice Shoulders Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Ruby with Diamond Lattice Shoulders Ring Description: This ring is crafted in solid 18kt yellow gold and features a vibrant 1.54-carat oval-cut ruby at its center.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Citrine Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Large Citrine diamond and ruby silver and gold cocktail ring. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #R-DJ69F. Scroll down for detailed specifications. This ring showcases a very large and vibrant ci...
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Champaign Diamond Ring. 0.10ct Old Diamond Ruby Halo Silver 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Brown Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.10 Carats Center Diamond Color: Brown / Champagne Center Diamond Cut: Old Mine Cut Secondary Stones: Ru...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
18k Yellow Gold Carved Rubellite Tourmaline Morganite and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Striking, feminine, and full of fine jewelry appeal, this is a standout gemstone ring with lasting decorative charm. Weight: 19.0 Grams Stone: 4.65ct Morganite, Rubellite Tourmaline...
Diamond, Morganite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Double Trefle 18k Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Double Trefle Flower Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural No Heat Siam Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, mid 20th Century.
Located in London, GB
Vintage ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set with a natural unenhanced cushion shape old cut Siam ruby to centre in an open back yellow gold claw setting with an approximate we...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring by Boucheron, circa 1945
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Marked 18 carat yellow gold and platinum, signed 'Boucheron Paris’, indistinct maker's mark, French, circa 1945, accompanied by Gemmological Certification Services report #79194-53.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,467Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18K Gold Multi-Gemstone Flower Cluster Ring, Natural Ruby, Emerald
Located in Marcianise, IT
A magnificent and highly vibrant vintage multi-gemstone statement cluster ring, masterfully crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.85ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 0.85 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1970s Size: M
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.75 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Double Row Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A special engagement ring showcasing a lively oval cut ruby, set an 18k yellow gold mounting accented with two rows of step-cut baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Sapphire Emerald and Diamond Band Ring by Kern
By René Kern
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
The ring is made in 18k yellow gold by the famed German jeweller René Kern in Düsseldorf .
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.25 Carat Emerald Cut Ruby and Diamond Side-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Flanking the center gemstone are three graduating baguette diamonds on either side. Made in 18k yellow gold. Ruby weighs 1.25 carats. Diamonds weigh 0.20 carats total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.95ct Burma Ruby And Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1970 ca. Top size: 17 x 15 mm Ring size: 7 ¼ Weight: 6,28 gr The ring, dating back to the 1970s and featuring an 18k yellow gold and platinum setting, features a splendid o...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
1950s French 2.05 Carat Diamond and Oval Cut Ruby Color Doublet Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine French vintage cluster ring been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The feature oval cut ruby colored doublet* is bezel set in subtle relief in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Two-Tone Burma Rose-Cut Ruby and Diamond Floral Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k Two-Tone Burma Rose-Cut Ruby and Diamond Floral Halo Ring Description: This vintage-style cluster ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow and white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Accent Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Elegant Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Accent Ring in 18K Gold An enchanting blend of classic warmth and refined elegance, this delicate solitaire-style ring centers on a vibrant 1.12-c...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
.60 Carat Oval Pink Red Ruby Diamond Bead Set Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
A masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. This stunning piece features a dazzling .60ct oval pink red ruby, its oval shape radiating a vibrant hue that captures the heart at firs...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Yellow Gold Oval Star Sapphire Cabochon and Scalloped Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold Oval Star Sapphire Cabochon and Scalloped Diamond Halo Ring Description: This striking vintage cocktail ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and features a prominent...
Diamond, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 10k Yellow Gold Crest Craft US Army Airborne Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage military ring is crafted in 10k yellow gold and was produced by Crest Craft, featuring the U.S.
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14kt Gold Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby Dragon Harem Ring
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Absolutely beautiful details on this 14kt yellow gold harem ring . Ring has hollow dome top with genuine stones and is topped with a small dragon . Marked 14kt and faded Chinese mark...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Diamond and Multi-Colored Rainbow Sapphire Criss-Cross Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This colorful 18 karat yellow gold ring features an impressive 2.50 carats total of sparkling natural corundum sapphires in various shades of the rainbow and rubies.
Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Thai No Heat Cushion-Cut Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
GIA certified Thai no heat cushion brilliant cut ruby and diamond vintage cocktail ring, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Large Red Ruby Ellipse Oval Cut 18k Gold Bypass Split Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Oval Cut Red Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Split Bypass Ring. Large ruby size.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$607Sale Price|55% Off
18K Gold 0.50ct Oval Thai Ruby & 0.12ct Diamond Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Please consider any applicable import duties or taxes in your country when making your offer—we’re happy to work with you to find a fair and satisfying arrangement Product Details: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Kutchinksy ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1970.
Located in London, GB
Tested platinum and yellow gold, signed 'Kutchinsky', circa 1970.
Diamond, Ruby
18K Gold 13.50ctw GIA Oval Cabochon Dual Ruby w/ Diamond Elongated Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This large, gorgeous cocktail ring was crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features two magnificent, GIA certified, natural rubies neatly bezel set at the center of the elongated de...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Burmese Ruby White Enamel Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful antique ruby and white enamel ring. This vintage ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold and an impressive 11.2 grams.
Ruby, 18k Gold
BVLGARI Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A BVLGARI Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Stunning Diamond and Ruby Antique Ring Size 5 1/4"
By Tara Shaw-2
Located in New Orleans, LA
A lady's ruby and diamond ring set in 18 Karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Gemstone Cocktail Ring 6g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' 18k yellow gold and gemstone cocktail ring. Stamped 750 and weighs 6 grams.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s 14K Gold 20ctw Natural No Heat Sapphire Ruby Cluster Ring GIA
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A captivating vintage cluster ring circa the 1950s, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and showcasing an impressive mosaic of natural, untreated sapphires.
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.66 Carat Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Unusual 18K Yellow gold Cluster Ring centered with a Sparkling Old Mine cut Diamond weighing 1.66 carat, graded K color with SI clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold 0.80ct Squared Ruby & 0.06ct Diamond Mystery Split-Shank Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A striking study in color and geometry, this 18k gold ruby and diamond ring showcases a modernist aesthetic with exceptional gemstone precision.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
David Webb Ruby Diamond Bombé Domed Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
David Webb ruby and diamond bombé-style domed cocktail ring in 18k yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Tri-Floral Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Floral-Trio with Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire Flowers with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18...
Vintage Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ring Ø 7.5US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Vintage ca 1960s -1970s European ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with claw set diamond cut natural Red Ruby and six diamond cut Diamonds set into faceted clusters .
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$630Sale Price|55% Off
18K Gold 0.29ct Squared Ruby & 0.20ct Diamond Contemporary Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Please consider any applicable import duties or taxes in your country when making your offer—we’re happy to work with you to find a fair and satisfying arrangement Product Details: ...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Ruby, 2.65 Carat, Burma, No Heat, and Diamond Ring, France
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A ruby and diamond ring in 18k yellow gold, France.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby Diamonds Emerald Cut Band 2.85 CTTW 18 Karat Yellow Gold 9.5 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat yellow gold 5 section band featuring alternating Rubies weighing 1.50 carats and Diamonds weighing 1.35 carats. More Vintage Bands in Stock Message for Pictures & Details.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Certified Ruby & Diamond Three Stone Ring Set in Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Weight: 2.51 Cts Diamond Weight: 1.59 Cts Ring Size: 5.75 Re-sizable free of Charge
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1980s Fancy Diamond 6.45cts Ruby 18K Gold Cabochon Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite ring with cabochon ruby is flanked by triangular-cut fancy yellow diamonds and framed by brilliant round diamonds. The beautiful cabochon ruby, weighs approximately 2...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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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