1950s Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Retro brooch, it forms a large amati gold leaf set on one side with two rubies and a diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1960s Star Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This vintage bracelet, designed in the shape of a snake, is crafted from flat gold wire.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pendant natural 1.28ctw Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Yellow Gold / 2.8gr
Located in SE
Vintage European pendant in solid 14K Yellow Gold , openwork flower ornament decorated with natural Rosy Red Rubies and Diamonds.Bail hallmarked 585 Measures 26 mm long ( with bail...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Mabe Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Ring and Matching Slide Enhancer Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Elegant pear shaped mabe pearl centrally set in a scalloped diamond and channel set ruby frame that is mounted in 14k yellow gold suite containing: A ring that measures 1.13" tall x...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
French 1960s Retro Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This vintage gold brooch stylizes a draped fabric held together by a link.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1940s Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch watch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum dog's head hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Diamonds Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Cross in 18 karat yellow gold. Flat, it is carried out in smooth gold and decorated on its top in setting star of 5 rose- cut diamonds and in the center, of a cushion- cut ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1944 Pendant with natural 4ct. Ruby solid 18K Yellow Gold / 3.8gr
Located in SE
A pendant in solid 18K Yellow Gold , flower shaped with filigree ornaments around natural Rosy Red Ruby 11 mm x 9 mm x 5.25 mm deep / ca.4ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Large Genie Lamp 14K Yellow Gold Red Ruby Kinetic Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A large vintage 14 karat (14K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as three interlaced hoops suspending a kinetic genie lamp with a red ruby set in the spout.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Azurite-Malachite, Ruby, Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
From renown New York jewelry designer David Webb we offer a pair of 1970s 18K gold ear clips of hand carved azurite-malachite set with a cabochon ruby framed in a surround of gold wi...
Diamond, Malachite, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Augis French Plus Hier Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow") - a li...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Baroque Pearl Sapphires Rubies Yellow Gold Butterfly Articulated Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 14 karat yellow gold, shell hallmark. Important brooch in the shape of an insect, the bottom of the body is represented by a baroque pearl, the top and the head are paved w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yell...
French Pearl Ruby Tourmaline 18K Yellow Gold Transformable Antique Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
This necklace can also be clipped to the back of an older pendant made of a gold plate finely engraved with arabesques and decorated with half pearls, rubies and gold stylized charac...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18...
$524,281Sale Price|20% Off
Adler Genève Set 18k Gold Necklace, Ring, Earrings, Bracelet, Ruby, Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent Adler Genève Set 18 kt. Yellow Gold Necklace, Ring, Earrings, Bracelet With GRS Certificate Necklace Ruby: Natural Siam Ruby, vivid red, Brilliant / step cut, heart sha...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1950s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Clip Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pair of earrings in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Feminine, each ear clip represents a flower with turbulent petals edged with a pattern set with small 8/8 cut diamonds.
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 18K Gold Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Guard Charm
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold soldier-like guard stands at attention. His body is simplified into geometric shapes and detailed with rubies and sapphires of various sizes, all bead set. His face con...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,872Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style Emerald Ruby Sapphire Turquoise Yellow Gold Butterfly Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. These Earrings have 0.45 Carats of Modern Round Cut Emeralds.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k G...
French 1960s Ruby Sapphire Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bouquet Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Lovely retro brooch, it represents an openwork basket of flowers in twisted yellow gold. The petals of the flowers are set with g...
Ruby, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Augis More Than Yesterday 18K Yellow White Gold Enamel Ruby Love Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow and white gold and ruby love charm pendant with a black enamel rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tom...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1950s Emerald Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bird of Paradise
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold. Magnificent bestiary brooch, it represents a bird of paradise set with a line of calibrated emeralds, round rubies sprinkled on its plumage and modern...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,497Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style Emerald Ruby Sapphire Turquoise Yellow Gold Butterfly Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
These Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. These Earrings have 0.45 Carats of Modern Round Cut Emeralds.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k G...
Vintage 2.53 Carat Ruby 0.48 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1980
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage ruby pendant has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Augis Plus Qu’Hier 18K Yellow White Gold Enamel Ruby Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow and white gold and synthetic ruby love charm pendant with radiating ground and a black enamel rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("Mor...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
French Je T'aime Flower Heart 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Love Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold love letter charm pendant designed as a convex heart with an engraved flower set with a natural untreated ruby weighing approximately 0.10 carats ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960's Ruby Sapphire Pearl 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Record Player Pendant Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional yellow gold antique-style record player Comprise of a fluted horn and boxy turntable atop pearl feet With additional pearl beads strung along wire siding Ra...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Augis Plus Qu’Hier Ruby Halo 18K Yellow Gold Love Medal Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow") - a line taken ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,434Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau White Diamond Emerald Ruby Tsavorite Yellow Gold "Elephant" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Elephant Pendant is made of 14K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. This Pendant has 0.35 Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold,...
Large Augis French Plus Qu’Hier Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow") - a li...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Emerald Ruby Diamond Double Panther Head Bangel Bracelet
Located in Westport, CT
A magnificent 18K yellow gold double panther head bracelet featuring two sculptural panther heads in a matte finish against a polished gold band.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Ruby Bracelet Diamond Gold Platinum Burmese Ruby GIA, French
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The French vintage bracelet is made of 18 karat yellow gold, rubies and diamonds. The rubies are carved and are accompanied by a GIA Gemological Report # 5231888363, dated March 12, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum
Large Augis French Plus Qu’Hier Ruby Diamond Halo 18K Yellow Gold Love Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A large French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow") ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Vintage Bird Home Sweet Home 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Jade Pendant
Located in London, GB
A large vintage 14 karat (14K) yellow gold 'Home Sweet Home' charm pendant designed as a house and ruby diamond tree with a jade and diamond bird singing on a fence.
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Augis French More Than Yesterday Ruby 18K Yellow White Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow and white gold and ruby love charm pendant with a black enamel rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tom...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1950s French Ruby Emerald Chrysoprase Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Lovely retro brooch, it represents a bird of paradise, the feathers being set with alternating rubies and emeralds, the belly a...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
1950s Retro Diamonds Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bird of Paradise Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark and platinum. This splendid bestiary brooch represents a bird of paradise whose body is set with antique brilliant-cut diamonds,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Plique à Jour Enamel Ruby Emerald en Tremblant Flower Gold Brooch Matching Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
the flower closed is 1" diameter and open 1.17" diameter. It is 14k gold. The matching ring is cobalt cloisonné enamel (but not plique-à-jour enamel) and the rubies and emeralds do...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Augis French Plus Qu’Hier Heart Ruby 18K Yellow White Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow and white gold, enamel and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Part of Set
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Diamond Cocktail Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
2.14 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
14k yellow gold ruby and diamond bracelet. Double row of ruby baguettes are channel set in a link with a cross bar of pave set round diamonds in white gold separating links and secur...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,107Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Yellow Gold Flowers Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Necklace is made of 14K Yellow Gold but we can make it also in 9 or 18K Yellow or White Gold.
Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ga...
Marquise Ruby and Diamond Alternating Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
It showcases 9 marquise-cut rubies, each individually bezel-set in yellow gold to highlight their vibrant red hue.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Hans Hansen Sapphire Ruby Diamond and Gold Bracelet circa 1965
By Hans Hansen
Located in New York, NY
A rare, vintage, cabochon sapphire, ruby, diamond, and 18 karat gold bracelet, by Hans Hansen, c. 1965. A collectors bracelet, a gem set design from the iconic Danish silvermsithy ...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18K Gold Diamond And Emerald Snake Serpent Wrap Ring
Located in Norwood, NJ
18K yellow gold, emerald and diamond statement ring in the form of a serpent/snake with ruby eyes.
Multi-gemstone, Gold
David Webb 18K White Gold Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire Door Knockers Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb "door knocker" earrings are a breathtaking masterpiece that beautifully showcases the designer's iconic style and attention to detail. Crafted by the renowned jewelry ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold, Ruby, Sapphire, and Pearl Figural Purse Charm or Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, large gold and multi-gemstone charm charm. In 14 karat yellow gold.
Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Elegant Vintage 18 K Yellow Gold Brooch Meister Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very elegant floral stlye brooch in 18 K yellow Gold made by internationally well-known swiss jeweller Meister Zurich.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
Roberto Coin 18K YG Cuff Bracelet Earrings & Ring Set 0.18ct Diamonds 0.08 Ruby
By Roberto Coin
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Roberto Coin Detailed Description: Vintage Style Embrace elegance with this stunning vintage cuff by designer Roberto Coin, crafted from 18K yellow gold. This exquisite pie...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Ruby & Diamond Swirling 18K Gold Brooch Pin
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A plume of feathers unfurls outward from a ruby-set center, each marquise-shaped leaf outlined in a rope twist yellow-gold and studded with crisp pavé diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Ruby And Diamond Earrings Day & Night Vintage Jewelry
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These vintage earrings are crafted in 18k yellow gold and showcase a vibrant arrangement of cabochon rubies paired with round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage 0.80ct Ruby & 0.58ct Diamond White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.80 carat ruby and 0.58 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold pendant and chain; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine an...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Ruby Diamond Milgrain Pendant 17" Chain Necklace Royal Jewelry
Located in Addison, TX
Details Brand: Royal Jewelry (RJM) Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Necklace Weight: 3.3 Grams Hallmarks: 14K, RJM Style: Pendant Necklace Design: Drop / Chandelier Pendant Chain Length: 17 In...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22K Gold Leopard Head Brooch - Emerald, Ruby, Diamond & Baroque Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
This luxury brooch features a striking leopard head motif adorned with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, finished in rich 22K and 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxembourg Creation Yellow Gold Set Earing/Pendant/Ring Emerald Sapphire Diamond
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Chain not included This exceptional handmade jewelry set, crafted in Luxembourg in 18-carat yellow gold, is a unique creation distinguished by its sculptural, organic design and vib...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Earrings natural 1ctw. Ruby 0.25 ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold / 4.2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine vintage European cluster Flower studs in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural Rubies and Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Earrings natural 0.8ctw. Ruby 0.28ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold / 2.2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine vintage European halo studs in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold decorated with natural Ruby and Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1960's Citrine Amethyst Ruby 14K Gold Vintage Love Bird Pendant Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a heart-shaped twisted rope frame centering two lovebirds perched on a branch Featuring mixed-oval cut citrine and amethyst prong set in baskets as bodies Each measuring ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Diamond Burma Ruby Bombe Earrings GIA Certified in 18 Karat Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional and highly collectible 1980s Bulgari earrings of bombe design, each centering on a vivid-red Burma ruby (approximately 2.5 carats each) and showcasing another 6 carats of...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Ruby & Diamond Gold Floral Bow Brooch Circa 1950
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Featuring three diamond set classic flower clusters, a pave set curved leaf with rubies set vines flowing through to adorn this yellow gold ribbon bow brooch.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Vintage Natural Coral Multi Layer Bead Necklace 14 KY Gold, Diamond & Ruby Clasp
Located in New York, NY
A vintage piece. two lion faces studded with diamonds and rubies are holding the center diamond ring. Natural ruby over two ct Diamonds approximately 1 ct 8 layers of Natural Coral ...
Coral, Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
French 1960s Jade Rubies 18 Karat Rose Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. A large round yellow gold pendant, its setting consists of openwork gold wires and is adorned in the center with a heart-shaped ja...
Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.