18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Ballerina Ring, Circa 1970
Located in Wailea, HI
18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Ballerina Ring, Circa 1970 This striking estate ring offers a bold, architectural reimagining of the classic "Ballerina" style, epitomizing the...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal & Ruby Cocktail ring in 14KT yellow gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Unique Opal and Ruby cocktail ring in 14KT gold. The ring looks very intersting with glimses of ranbow colors in the opal and stunning pinkish red rubies to balance it off. The ring ...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Retro Buckle 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold retro ring designed as a buckle with a double-level spray of pear-shaped natural rubies.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Band Ring Size 6.5 #14594
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Band Ring Size 6.5 JAGi Certified- This lovely band features 45 round brilliant cut diamonds and 35 natural rubies set in classic 18K y...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Citrine 14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald And Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Do not hesitate to write to us, we will be happy to satisfy your every need. 14 karat yellow gold cocktail ring. Handmade by artisans assembled with citrine,emeralds and ruby Emera...
Citrine, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Bold Ruby Marquise Cluster Ring Floral
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking vintage ring is crafted in warm yellow gold and showcases a dazzling cluster of vivid rubies arranged in an elegant marquise-inspired floral design.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Band Fashion Ring Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Stunning 14K yellow gold fashion ring featuring a natural odd-shaped ruby surrounded by brilliant round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.39Ct diamond and 0.42Ct ruby, 18k yellow gold and 18k white gold set cluster ring; part of our vintage jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Multi-Band Ring with Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat yellow gold ring made of 5 bands with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and small diamonds / Made in Italy 1960s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A symphony of curves, color, and brilliance. This striking statement ring dazzles with vibrant red baguette-cut rubies. The flowing design is accentuated by shimmering diamonds, all ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Heart Shaped Blue Sapphire Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
A romantic 14K yellow gold sapphire diamond ruby ring centered with an heart shaped sapphire, approximate 2.90 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Square Ruby and Diamond Signet Ring, 1980s, Size 11
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Bold and sophisticated, this 18K yellow gold men's ring features 17 square- and oval-shaped rubies totaling 1.00 carat, arranged in a distinctive combination of channel and bezel set...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Triple Flower Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This beautiful yellow gold ring is a triple flower motif, set with a round faceted red ruby (approximately 0.12 CTS), a round faceted green emerald (approximate...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with a 9.0ct Ruby and Diamond Accents
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Here is a 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring featuring a 9.0ct Oval Ruby Cabochon Center stone, accented by White Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.31ct Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White & Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
The wonderful ruby is accompanied by 3 round brilliant cut diamonds on either side weighing approximately 0.42ct total, all mounted in 18 carat white gold atop an 18 carat yellow gol...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GCS 3.5 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Yellow Gold Engagement Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
It is surrounded with 7 marquise cut diamonds and with 6 round cut diamonds. The ring is fully made in 18kt yellow gold and it is marked with the Owl.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold Star Ruby and Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century, Unisex
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant 10K gold star ruby ring features a captivating oval cabochon ruby at its center, displaying a rich purplish-red hue with a soft, luminous glow. Star rubies are prized fo...
Diamond, Star Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,328Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style White Diamonds and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
We can ship every piece of our 1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold and 14K White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1980
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant ladies’ ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and showcases a vibrant arrangement of marquise-cut rubies paired with delicate diamond accents.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ring Ruby and Diamonds circa 1950 Yellow Gold 18 Carat and Platinum
Located in Paris, FR
18 Carat yellow Gold, Platinum Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1950-60 4 Cabochon Rubies and 5 Diamonds, the central one is bigger.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
3.45 Carat Ruby and 0.30 Carat Diamond, Yellow Gold Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage ruby ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1980s Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with 18k white gold settings.
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and Ruby Gold Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
The ring is Hand crafted in 14K Yellow Gold. Measuring approx. 1.0” L x 0.7” W x 0.5” H.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow and White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Expertly handcrafted in solid 18K yellow and white gold, this ring has a substantial feel and luxurious finish, showcasing intricate detailing and vintage sophistication.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Greek Lion with Ruby Eyes and Diamond Collar Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is designed as a sculptural Greek lion rendered in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold A Cushion Cut Burmese Ruby weighing 1.50 carats approximately Twenty Two Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing .50 carats approximately...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 2.84 Carat Thai Ruby and 1.45 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#54
Located in Hicksville, NY
Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#54 Item Details: Year: 1940s Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: .0 grams Di...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 2.70 carat ruby sapphire 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage ring is a colorful and sculptural jewel from the 1970’s, crafted in warm 14k yellow gold with a beautiful combination of ruby and sapphire.
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s 14K Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Flip Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: grams Diamond Details: Side Stone Details: Ruby, Sapphire and Diamonds.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.5 #21404
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.5 Elegant and timeless, this Tiffany & Co. ring features three red ruby gemstones and two round brilliant cut diamonds set...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage architectural synthetic ruby 14k yellow gold solitaire ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Its vivid red color and bright faceting create a bold focal point with polished vintage character. Crafted in warm 14k yellow gold, the architectural setting gives the ring clean lin...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.80 Carat Cabochon Ruby and Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Classic gent's ring designed in an 18 karat brushed gold finish. The ring is set horizontally with 3 oval cabochon rubies. The rubies are accented with 4 horizontally set baguette d...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,064Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This 14k yellow gold ring features a vivid ruby cluster design accented with round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Synthetic Ruby and 10k Yellow Gold Graduation Ring 1971
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage ruby and 10 karat yellow gold graduation ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Yellow Gold
Vintage Estate 14K Yellow Gold Cat's Eye Moon Stone and Ruby Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 14K Yellow Gold Cat's Eye Moon Stone and Ruby Halo Ring.
Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold 1.63ct Burma Ruby Signet Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This striking vintage signet ring features a vivid 1.63 carat Burma ruby bezel-set in rich 14K yellow gold.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D, 1.20 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Dome Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold center princess cut diamond weighs 1.20 carats with 1.85 carats of rubies Dome Ring
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18KT Yellow Gold Ring with Pear and Baguette 0.90Ct Diamond 0.51Ct. Ruby
By Effevi
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18 karat yellow gold ring. This " V" shaped ring is set with 2 pear shaped diamonds and 1 pear shaped ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.50 Carat Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Dome Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Ruby and diamond ring. Alternating 4 princess cut diamonds and 5 square cut rubies in at 18k yellow gold setting. 5 square cut genuine red rubies, VS approx. .50cts 4 princess cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with a flower of rubies and a flower of sapphireswith a central diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990 Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in BILBAO, ES
Crafted in 1990, this bold 18 karat yellow gold ring showcases a striking multi-band design set with vivid rubies and structured diamond rows.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Diamond Burma Ruby 18k White Yellow Gold Ring. GIA
Located in New York, NY
This stylish retro unisex band is made in 18k white gold and features 5 emerald-cut 5.6mm x 4.93mm x 3.05 rubies set yellow gold and surrounded by round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Natural 19.83 ct Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
19.83 carats Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring features a 19.83 carat Oval shaped Natural Ruby Cabochon with Purplish Red color surrounded by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D, 1.61 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Dome Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold 1.61 carats total weights of diamonds surrounded by 1.98 carats of rubies Dome Ring Sophia D by Joseph Dardashti LTD has been known worldwide for 35 years and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
GIA Unheated 3.64ct Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Certified Unheated 3.64 carats Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring features a GIA certified 3.64 carat Natural Ruby Cabochon, which has not b...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring - VHK#1017
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring - VHK#1017 Item Details: Year: 1980s Ring Size: 6 Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 10.7 grams Diam...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,064Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this truly vintage ring features a vivid cluster of natural rubies arranged in an ornate flora...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Nesting Rings
By effegi
Located in New York, NY
A very easy to wear set of rings. Both rings are designed in 18 karat fluted yellow gold, with pave diamonds an a oval ruby and sapphire cabochon center.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zolatas Ruby 22 Karat Yellow Gold Coiled Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous vintage Zolotas ring in style of Archaeological Revival features a timeless coiled snake design intricately crafted in 22k yellow gold and bezel-set with a pair of cabo...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
French Ruby Constellation Dome Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A distinctive French constellation ring crafted in solid 18-karat yellow gold and set with seven natural round rubies.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
$1,997Sale Price / item|34% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Princess Cut Invisible Set
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold ruby and diamond ring, containing 6 princess cut ruby of fine quality weighing .91pts. invisible set and 28 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighing .40p...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$48,000Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold 1970s Ruby, Diamond and Emerald Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold 1970's Ruby, Diamond and Emerald Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1980s 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Revival Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant and distinctive French Art Deco Revival ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, dating to the 1980s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Picchiotti 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamond, Ruby, and Black Onyx
By Picchiotti
Located in New York, NY
Set in 18 karat yellow gold this ring features two rows of square cut rubies along with two sections of pave diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,875Sale Price / item|25% Off
"Love" Ring with Ruby Heart and Diamond Set in 14k Yellow Gold
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold "Love" ring with 1 heart shape cut ruby weighing .40ts. and 28 round full cut diamonds weighing .25pts. spelling out "love".
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1980s Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
This vintage yellow gold ring is shaped like a band engraved with radiating motifs on the top and adorned with a faceted oval ruby in a bezel setting.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier vintage ruby emerald sapphire 18k yellow gold ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signed and dated 1994, this vintage Cartier ring brings together five square and pear shape gemstones totaling approximately 0.80 carat in a bold, graphic arrangement. The interplay ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Princess Cut Ruby and Diamond 3 Row Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Bold and elegant, this vintage band ring features a striking three-row design crafted in rich 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning and rare vintage bypass ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 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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