Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Baguette Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, centered with an oval ruby weighing approximately 1.27 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Synthetic Ruby Ring, 10.5g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies lab grown ruby ring with diamonds and pink topaz in 14k yellow gold setting.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines the timeless elegance of diamonds and the rich color of rubies in a beautifully crafte...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Impressive Mid-Century Ruby Diamond and Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
This stunning Mid-Century ring, crafted around 1945, showcases a beautiful arrangement of rubies and diamonds meticulously set in lustrous 14-karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold diamond and ruby cluster cocktail ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby Cocktail Ring Natural Rubies Ring Yellow Gold Solid
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare find!!1 Natural oval ruby cocktail ring with natural rubies and small diamonds in 10KT yellow gold, vintage cocktail ring that looks amazing in hand!
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold
Ring Ruby Sapphire circa 1950 Yellow Gold 18 Carat, Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Lovely 1950s ring drawing a knot of twisted 18 Kt (750°/ooo) yellow gold wires set with lines of sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.29c Carat Ruby and 0.60 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage 14kt Yellow Gold 1.20 ct Diamond & Ruby Ring 9.6 Grams Size 5 14k Rose & White Gold Ladies Vintage Retro Style Ruby and Diamond Ring - Size 5 This is a 14k rose and w...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Oval Ruby Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold Oval Ruby Solitaire Cocktail Ring Description: This vintage solitaire cocktail ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and features a prominent 2.07-carat oval ruby wit...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.1 Grams Ring Size: 6.75 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 round red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.25 carats Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage ring designed in a cluster motif, featuring a central large pearl surrounded by smaller pearls and vibrant round cut rubies, set in a gold mount. Some noticeable g...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Lattice Dome Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 14.9 Grams Ring Size: 7 Ruby Specifications: Center Ruby Count: 1 Cabochon red ruby, 44 small Rubies Ruby Measurements...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Retro 14kt Yellow Gold Ruby and Sapphire Floral Crossover Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
Retro 14kt yellow gold ruby and sapphire floral crossover ring cira 1940 set with seven (7) round rubies and seven (7) round sapphires prong set into a 14kt (stamped) yellow gold flo...
Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and showcases a striking 14.32mm Tahitian pearl as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond, Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
The gemstones are framed and flanked by a glittering field of brilliant-cut diamonds in a pavé setting, extending partway around the band for maximum sparkle. Crafted in 14K yellow g...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Baguette Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A sculptural and sophisticated vintage swirl ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing a vivid pear-shaped ruby weighing approximately 1.12 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.25- This lovely ring features one oval cabochon ruby (7 mm x 5 mm) and 41 round brilliant cut diamonds set...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18kt Yellow Gold 1940's Ring with Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Yellow Gold Ring With Diamonds And Ruby Diamonds: 6 brilliant cut diamonds Ruby: 6 round cut ruby Material: 18kt yellow & white gold Ring size: 58.9 EU / 8.75 US (can be re...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 Total Weight: 7.8 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: Ruby, emerald, diamond Emerald Carat Weight: ~0.70 carats ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Thick Diamond and Ruby Ring Bezel Set
Located in Sewickley, PA
This vintage-inspired ring is crafted in warm yellow gold and features a striking bezel-set round ruby at its center. the vivid red gemstone is beautifully framed by two sparkling di...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring 1.25CT Size 6.75
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring (Size 6.75) is a striking piece that combines vibrant color with classic elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring 1.25CT Size 6.75
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring (Size 6.75) is a striking piece that combines vibrant color with classic elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring 1.25CT Size 6.75
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring (Size 6.75) is a striking piece that combines vibrant color with classic elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring 1.25CT Size 6.75
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring (Size 6.75) is a striking piece that combines vibrant color with classic elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Five Row Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Five-Row Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Ruby weight: 3.84 carats, Diamonds: 1.54 carats, Ring Size US 6, Total Weight: 12.60 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby, Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 8 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Diamond Details: .10ct, Transitional Round, J color, I1 Clarit...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1980s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 15.8 grams Diamond Details: Natural Diamonds, Round Brilliant, H Color...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Marquise Band Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Marquise Band Ring Stunning 14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Marquise Band Ring featuring 1 marquise-cut ruby, 16 princess-cut rubies, and 32 brilliant r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Tambetti Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Tambetti
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tambetti 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.75- This spectacular ring features three genuine cabochon rubies (6 mm x 5 mm) and four round brilliant cut diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AGL Certified 2.00ct Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in yellow gold and stamped 750, the ring measures approximately 22mm by 20mm across the top and weighs 9.7 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Band Floral Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Stunning 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Filigree Ring featuring an 8×6 mm natural oval ruby, accented with sparkling round and baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solitaire Natural Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
This exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring is the perfect blend of luxury and elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s 14k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Twist Ring, 0.24ct
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive ruby ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Filigree Estate Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Elegant 14K yellow gold filigree ring featuring a vivid oval ruby accented with brilliant round and baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Finally, the ring is complemented by a high polish 18 carat yellow gold split shoulder shank and has a gross weight of 6.74 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold GIA No Heat 2.16ct Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is a bold and highly distinctive gemstone piece, centered by a 2.16ct GIA-certified no heat ruby in a richly sculptural 18k yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Square Cut Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A vintage ruby, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising one round brilliant cut diamond, four small round cut diamonds, and eight square cut rubies, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring with AGL Certificate
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold vintage ruby and diamond ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, stamped 750, centered with an oval ruby weighing approximately 2.00 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Waltham K18 Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Geometric Ring
By Waltham
Located in 台東区, JP
A distinctive geometric ring by Waltham, expertly crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and accented with brilliant diamonds and a vivid ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Multi-Row Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1.50ct & 2.00ct
Located in New York, NY
Highlighting timeless elegance and dynamic brilliance, this striking ring features a swooping, multi-row design meticulously crafted in rich 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.15ct Ruby
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive ruby and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Bull With Ruby Eye and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Distinctive and expressive, this is a memorable vintage figural ring with strong decorative appeal. Weight: 6.6 Grams Stone: 0.06ctw Ruby, 0.05ctw Diamond Measurements: 20.17 x 18.2...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
22K and 18K Yellow Gold Estate Ruby Emerald Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Magnificent Estate 22K/18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire Ring. This exquisite ring brings together the rich hues of natural rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, set in 22K and ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Red Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.4 Grams Ring Size: 6.25 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 oval red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.52 carats Ruby M...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1980
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant French vintage ring showcases a richly colored oval ruby, glowing with deep, vibrant red tones that draw the eye.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and regal statement piece, this vintage ring showcases a magnificent oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 14.46 carats, set in a rich 14K yellow gold bezel.
14k Gold
0.87ct Ruby 1.61ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Make an unforgettable statement with this magnificent architectural cocktail ring, meticulously crafted in rich 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Edwardian Ruby & Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Refined yet full of character, this Edwardian 18k yellow gold ring showcases a vivd blue sapphire nestled between two vibrant rubies.
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby 1ct & Diamond Ballerina Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Ruby Designer Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K Yellow Gold Diamond, Emerald & Ruby Designer Ring Exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Diamond, Emerald & Ruby Designer Ring featuring 41 brilliant round diamonds, 2 natural round emeralds,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spanish Vintage DIAMOND and RUBY 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Spanish Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Ring with claw setting is a luxurious and exquisite piece of jewelry that combines the timeless beauty of diamonds and rubies wi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Swiss Vintage Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Swiss Vintage Ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines precious gemstones with a classic yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Lion Head Bypass Ring 18K Yellow Gold and Ruby
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Chicago, IL
With a brushed finish, this ring is beautifully crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and sits comfortably on the hand.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.75ctw Diamond and Ruby Band Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.25, Baguette
Located in McLeansville, NC
This 14k yellow gold diamond and ruby band ring is a stunning and luxurious piece of jewelry.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.30Ct Ruby and 0.39Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.30 carat ruby and 0.39 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our vintage ruby jewellery collections.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral Ruby Emerald and White Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The stones are mounted in a 14k yellow gold ring. The area of the ring with the stones measures .97" top to bottom and .60" left to ring .40" deep.
Coral, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal 1.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.65 carat opal, 1.10 carat ruby and 0.22 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and and white gold set cluster ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry c...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Swirl Ring, 0.50ct Ruby
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant, colorful, and full of vintage charm, it is perfect for someone who appreciates ruby jewelry, diamond accents, and timeless yellow gold craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Diamonds, Lapis Lazuli and Rubies Cocktail Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 18K yellow gold diamonds, Lapis lazuli and rubies cocktail ring.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, 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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