Rubies Sapphires and Diamond 18Kt Yellow Gold Vintage Dome Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
Crafted in 18 Kt yellow gold with a romantic woven pattern. This ring is in excellent original condition.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 11.04ct Ruby and 0.21tcw Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ruby and diamond halo ring has a bold presence centered around its impressive 11.04ct ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Channel Set Ruby and Marquise Diamond Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6 (resizing available for a fee) Ring Height: 4.8 mm tall Total Weight: 3.1 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 5...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k 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
IGI Certified Italian Cocktail Ring Yellow Gold Ruby and Natural Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Expertly handcrafted in 18-karat yellow gold, the ring showcases a magnificent natural ruby, bezel set, weighing approximately 0.75 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 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
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
Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 18k Yellow Gold One Oval Ruby Weighing .50 Carats Approximately [bright with no imperfections visible to the naked eye] Ten Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Pink Sapphire and Diamond Caged Dome Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.9 Grams Diamond Count: 8 brilliant cut Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.24 carat Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Clarity: VS Rub...
Pink Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Size 6, 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted from highly polished 14K yellow gold, the warm metal provides a luxurious contrast to the vivid red rubies and bright white diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1.29 Carat Cabochon Cut Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage cabochon cut ruby ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold. The ring is ornamented with a feature bezel set 1.29 Ct cabochon cut ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seven Row-Patterned Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Seven Row-Patterned Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The diamond weight is 1.47 carats, and the weight of the rubies is 1.97 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Channel Set Ruby and Marquise Diamond Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.5 (resizing available for a fee) Ring Height: 8.6 mm tall Total Weight: 3.5 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones:...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Bombé Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A beautifully sculpted vintage bombé ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, showcasing approximately 4.50 carats of richly saturated rubies arranged in an intricate domed composition.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Peridot and Ruby Accent Ring, 3.50ct
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted in solid 14 karat yellow gold, the ring has a total weight of 6.3 grams, giving it a substantial yet comfortable feel.
Emerald, Peridot, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby Diamond ring 14KT yellow gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning cocktail ring with rubies and diamond in 14KT yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby
Lion Head Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous retro vintage ring features a lion head design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with a red ruby and round diamonds weighing an estimated 0.14 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Emerald, Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage cluster ring is crafted in rich 18k yellow gold and showcases a vibrant, multi-gemstone composition with bold presence.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart-Shaped 1.40ct Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural 1.40 ct Heart-shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring features one heart shaped Natural Red Ruby, weighing 1.40 carats, accented with Round Bri...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Two Tone 14k White and Yellow Gold 1.41ct Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A timeless expression of classic elegance, this vintage two-tone ring is crafted in 14K yellow and white gold. At its center rests a richly colored oval-cut ruby, securely held in wh...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Wide Band Ring, circa 1980s
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold vintage ruby and diamond cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, circa the 1980s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold 1.79ct Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 18k yellow gold ring is centered by a vivid 1.79 carat Mozambique ruby, a gemstone prized for its lively color and growing importance in the modern ruby market.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Big Cabochon Ruby and Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Ring
Located in Crema, Cremona
18kt yellow and white gold ring with estimated over 10 cts cabochon ruby and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 0.74ct Ruby and 0.60tcw Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the setting provides warmth and sophistication, perfectly complementing the rich red tones of the ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Crossover Band Ring - VHK#326A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Crossover Band Ring - VHK#326A Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Band Ring, 2.1ct, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat yellow gold band ring with a central ruby of 2.0 carat and surrounding diamonds in round and baguette cut for a total of 2.1 carat / Made in Italy 1960s-1970s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s 14k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring, Germany
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.65 carat diamond and 0.28 carat natural ruby, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set five stone/cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone ...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 19k Yellow Gold 1.33tcw Ruby Connected Stack Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring features 1.33ctw of rubies set across a connected stack design crafted in rich 19k yellow gold.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Honeycomb Band Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful vintage 18 karat yellow gold band ring. The center oval Ruby weighs 1.33 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Ruby and White Diamonds - Micheletto
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Description: A stunning 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring a vivid ruby and sparkling white diamonds.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 1.50tcw Burmese Ruby and Diamond Half Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features Burmese rubies totaling approximately 1.50 carats, accented by diamonds totaling approximately 0.15 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century Diamond and Ruby 18 karat Yellow and White Gold Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The "Mid Century DIAMOND and RUBY 18KT Yellow and White Gold Ring" is a piece of jewelry that combines elements of mid-century design with exquisite gemstones and high-quality gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Ruby and White Diamonds - Micheletto
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Description: A beautifully crafted 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring a captivating ruby and dazzling white diamonds.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chunky 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Chunky 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring most incredible chunky ruby stones with diamonds surrounding, truly excellent!
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Star Ruby and Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking vintage ring is crafted in rich yellow gold and designed with bold, sculptural presence. As its center sits a large cabochon gemstone, displaying a deep wine-red to plu...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Retro Bezel Square Ruby and Diamond Bordered Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This handsome retro style ring is set with four square faceted, pinkish red color rubies, approximately 0.28 TCW, bezel set, and bordered with a frame of round ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Le Vian Red Ruby Flower and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Le Vian
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Le Vian Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 5.1 Grams Diamond Count: 11 brilliant cut Diamond Color: J-L Diamond Clarity: SI2-I1 Diamond Ca...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Flush Set Ruby Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage band ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and accented with 0.25ctw of flush-set rubies.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3 Carat Marquise Ruby and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful dome-shaped ring features a centering marquise-shaped deep purplish-red ruby, weighing approximately 3 carats, encircled by 64 round diamonds, weighing approximately 4...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 11.8 grams Diamond Details: .25ct total weight, Round Brilliant, Na...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby 2.00 Carat and Diamond Ballerina Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
An impressive ballerina cocktail ring crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold, featuring a richly colored natural ruby weighing approximately 2.00 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified Cocktail Ring Yellow Gold with Diamonds and 11.50ct Ruby
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Length: 1,75 cm Top Width: 1,8 cm Top Height: 0,9 cm This IGI certified cocktail ring is a magnificent expression of high-jewelry artistry, expertly crafted in 18kt yellow gold ...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1960s Ruby and Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. An elegant antique ring, it's called You and Me by its 2 main stones held in claws at the top.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage French 1.30 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive diamond and ruby ballerina ring has been crafted in 18ct yellow gold with an 18ct white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brutalist Style Ruby Dome Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
It is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The total weight of ruby is approximately 1 carat.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal & Ruby Chevron Ring – 14k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
Features: Genuine opal with vibrant ruby accents (~0.60 ct total ruby weight) Solid 14k yellow gold (4 grams) Teardrop-shaped chevron design Ring size: 7 (can be resized upon req...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cartier Ring with Rubies Circa 1992
By Cartier
Located in Sewickley, PA
A timeless Cartier 18K yellow gold ruby band ring featuring a sleek, polished rounded profile accented by flush set round rubies spaced evenly around the band.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
COCKTAIL RING 18K Yellow Gold 1.07 Cwt. Cushion Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional estate-tier tailored cocktail ring, masterfully centered with a vibrant 1.07-carat natural ruby plaque.
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Handcraft Ruby 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Ruby Diamond and Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.83 carat natural ruby and 0.30 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold, platinum set, three stone/trilogy ring; an addition to our vintage jewelry and estate j...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Ruby Designer Band Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Add a touch of luxury to your collection with this 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Pave Ring. Featuring a stunning natural ruby weighing 1 carat, this ring is surrounded by 44 brill...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baguette Ruby Center and Double Diamond Row Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.0 Grams Ring Size: 7.25 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 11 red rubies Ruby Carat Weight: 0.50 carats Diamond Ca...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Ruby Filigree Flower Opal Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K Yellow Gold Opal & Ruby Filigree Flower Ring Exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Opal & Ruby Filigree Flower Ring featuring a natural 8 × 6 mm opal accented by 6 natural round rubies (2 mm...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond Ring, Italy 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat yellow gold ring, with 3.7 karats of emerald and rubies in Cabochon cut, and 2 karats of diamonds in Baguette cut, Italy 1960s Ring size US 6
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BUCCELLATI Aquamarine Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage Gianmaria Buccellati cocktail ring is crafted in 18k brushed and textured yellow gold with white gold accents.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy, 1970s
Located in Marcianise, IT
Elegant and full of vintage charm, this ring is a true piece of fine artisanal jewelry. Crafted in 14-karat yellow gold with a top setting in 800 silver, it features a refined combin...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond & Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring contains 12 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.25 carats total and 36 round mixed cut rubies mounted in yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Floral Cocktail Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold with Diamonds and Natural Rubies
Located in Milano, MI
An important and charming jewel, perfect for those who love unique statement pieces and wish to wear a ring of sophisticated, everlasting style. Main Features: Type: Floral cocktai...
Diamond, 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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