$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
Vintage 1940s Ruby Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive ruby, sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
Antique 1.15 Carat Burmese Ruby and 1.36 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring, 0.60 Carat Ruby Center, Size 7
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant ladies' ring is crafted in 10K yellow gold and features a beautiful oval genuine ruby as the centerpiece.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Vintage Synthetic Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine vintage gold ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1.80 Carat Baguette Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Set in lustrous 14k yellow gold, this cocktail ring is a celebration of opulence, making it the perfect statement piece for any occasion.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 6.95Ct Burmese Ruby and 4.80Ct Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 6.95 carat Cabochon Burmese ruby and 4.80 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, platinum set cluster ring; part of our diverse collection of Burmese rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
5.00 Carat Cabochon-Cut Ruby, Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Centering a roughly ~3.00 Carat Cabochon-Cut Ruby, accented by around ~2.00 Carats Round-Brilliant Cut Diamonds, and set in an 18K Yellow Gold and White Gold blend, this ring is a tr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Ring Lab Grown Ruby IGI Certified
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Vintage Yellow Gold Ring with Lab Grown Ruby is a captivating piece of jewelry that combines timeless elegance with modern sophistication.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the ring showcases a crossover design with alternating baguette-cut rubies and diamonds over pave set round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nino Verita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold ring was designed by Nino Verita of Italy.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Timeless Elegance: Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Timeless Elegance: Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Indulge in classic sophistication with this stunning ruby and diamond ring, set in luxurious 18K yellow gold
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1960s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Delicate vintage yellow gold ring with a round setting on top, adorned with an oval ruby held in place by four prongs.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 4 Star Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Hand crafted 18K Yellow Gold and Silver mounting. Ring size 9.5, we offer ring re-sizing.
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1980s 4.70 carats Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
14 Karat yellow gold and 800 karat silver cocktail ring. Handmade with ruby and rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Late-20th Century Tailored 18k Yellow Gold, Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely and stylish late-20th century 18k yellow gold cocktail ring is transverse set with one center oval faceted deep red ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lovely Traditional 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Cocktail Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
By Rothschilds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful Late-20th Century 18k yellow gold ladies cocktail ring is set with one center cushion shaped brilliant cut natural ruby weighing exactly 1.15ct and with 46 brilliant ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Burmese 2.52 Carat Ruby and 3.64 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A classically designed 18 karat yellow gold ring set with a vibrant 2.89 carat oval Burmese ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Channel Set Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Channel Set Band Curve Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Carved Jade, Diamond, Onyx Ruby Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
This gorgeous ring features a round-shaped plaque of hand-carved jade with an ornate oriental design, onyx, diamonds accented with 2 rubies, one on each side of the ring crafted in 1...
Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Domed Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold GIA No Heat
Located in Wailea, HI
Introducing the stunning Domed Ruby and Diamond Ring, crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold and certified by GIA as having no heat treatment.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring Ruby 2.3 Carat in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Baguette Diamonds Vintage
Located in Paris, FR
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Ring and Diamonds vintage ring Gadrooned yellow gold ring holding a Ruby of 2.30 Carats set with 4 double claws supported by a Baguette Diamond on either side of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$52,140Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Carved Emerald, Ruby And Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Behold the resplendent elegance of an Estate David Webb Cocktail Ring, a true testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that define the brand. This captivating piece is an exquisit...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond cluster ring, 9k gold, Glass filled Ruby
Located in NEWARK, GB
A really pretty vintage glass filled Ruby and Diamond cluster ring! It features a lovely pinky red ruby with a faceted oval cut where the facets catch the light beautifully.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Butterfly Heart Ring with Rubies & Diamonds
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The Butterfly Heart Ring is a charming blend of elegance and whimsy, crafted from radiant 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Snake Ring Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Accents
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier 18K Snake Ring Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Accents This Cartier snake ring is made in 18K yellow gold and designed as a coiled serpent wrapping gracefully around the f...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Handcraft Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby 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, Yellow Gold, Silver
18K Yellow and White Gold, Ruby and Invisible Set Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This very finely constructed 18k yellow and white gold Late-20th Century fashion ring is topped with a dome of eighteen invisible set Princess Cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Gemstone Ring Band
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Elegant 14K yellow gold ring featuring a vibrant trio of natural gemstones,ruby, emerald, and sapphire accented with four brilliant round diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Cabochon and Round Diamond 3 Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold ring featuring an oval cabochon ruby estimated to weigh 1.00 carat accented by 2 round diamonds of VS clarity and H color totaling approximately 0.20 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Carré-Cut Ruby Wide Band Ring
Located in BILBAO, ES
- Year: 1991 - Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold - Gold Weight: 12.5 grams - Ring Width (Top): 13 mm - 12 Carré-Cut Rubies - Total Ruby Weight: approximately 0.84 carat - Excellent condi...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Ruby 9 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Do not hesitate to write to us, we will be happy to satisfy your every need. 9 karat yellow gold and silver cocktail ring. Handmade by artisans assembled with ruby,and old cut diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, 2.31 Carat Ruby and 1.10 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold ring designed with alternating rows of round brilliant cut diamond and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Shape Sapphire and Ruby Ring with Emerald-Cut Diamonds, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Pear Shape Sapphire and Ruby Ring with Emerald-Cut Diamonds made in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wide 18K Yellow Gold Etruscan Revival Band Ring with Ruby Center and Diamonds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This dramatic and highly detailed 18K yellow gold Etruscan Revival ring embodies wonderful style, quality materials, and exquisite workmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Sabbadini 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 6.26 Carat Ruby and .75 Carat Diamond Ring
By Sabbadini
Located in New York, NY
Created by the famed jewelers Sabbadini of Italy, this 18kt yellow gold ring is in their classic style. Vibrant invisibly set square cut rubies highlight the center bezel set oval ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An unusual and highly decorative Georgian ring dating to the late 18th century, set with a principal natural ruby and a principal pear-shaped diamond within an asymmetrical cluster o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Ruby Ring. 7.40ct Oval Cut Burma Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold 1970
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 7.40 carats Center Ruby Cut: Oval Cut Gemstone Origin: Burma Secondary Stones: Diamonds Stone Setting: Bezel-set Jewelry Type...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Burma Ruby Filigree Three Stone Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Material: 14K Yellow Gold - durable and elegant Center Stone: Burma Ruby - 7mm x 9mm, genuine gemstone Side Stones: 2 Burma Rubies - 4mm x 5mm each, total ruby weight 2.3 carats Ring...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels GIA 7.03ct Ruby & 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels GIA Certified 7.03ct Ruby and 18K Yellow Gold Ring A masterpiece of vibrant elegance, this Van Cleef & Arpels ring showcases a magnificent 7.03-carat GIA-certified...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold and Ruby Italian Buckle Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This is a trendy, Italian version of a buckle ring, with a billowy shape and two-tone white and yellow gold details.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Green Enamel, Ruby and Macle Diamond Elongated Oval Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k yellow gold ring. This pretty ring features an elongated oval, green enamel center, decorated with a round faceted, pinkish red color ruby center, approximately 0.47 CTS, prong s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Diamond and Ruby Details Center Rubies: Natural, Red, Straight Baguet...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.51 Carat Ruby and 0.39 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Ring Circa 1980
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.51 carat ruby and 0.39 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold full eternity ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage ruby rings.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 2.28 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage French ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, Enamel, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion retrò ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with two rubies as eyes,diamonds on the head and enamel on the body.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Three Stone Oval and Pear Shaped Ruby Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Setting
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Elegant 14K yellow gold right hand ring with 24 pavé set round brilliant-cut diamonds 0.50 carats total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Curnis Unique Apple Masterpiece 18k White and Yellow Gold Ring Rubies Diamonds
Located in Bergamo, BG
Key Features: Material: 18k white and yellow gold Design: Apple-shaped, pavé of rubies and diamonds Diamonds: 1.18 carats total, brilliant-cut natural diamonds Rubies: 13.65 carats ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...
$35,359Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3.0 Carat Burma Ruby Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Oval Shape Ruby
Located in Brooklyn, NY
GIA Certified natural Burma 3.0 carat Ruby ring in 18K Yellow Gold, with side two round diamond 0.10 carat.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald 3 Band Ring
Located in Heemstede, NL
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this vintage ring features three beautifully combined bands that come together as one.
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
0.90 Carat Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Bow-Motif Fashion Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
It is channel set with one fine rich red natural ruby, 18 round brilliant cut and 12 baguette cut natural diamonds in 14k yellow gold
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old-euro-cut Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Long Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
This unique 14K yellow gold old-cut cocktail ring, featuring a Ruby and Diamond design, will sit comfortably and attractively on your finger.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Ruby Emerald Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This rare Cartier ring features an elegant openwork wide band design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with round red rubies and green emeralds.
Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This yellow gold ruby and diamond ring features a classic cluster of gemstone design with vibrant color and sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby
14k Yellow Gold Simple Burnished High Bezel Set Ruby Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This pretty and simple ring is a burnished yellow gold, set in the center with a round faceted ruby, approximately 0.23 CTS, set into a high bezel and finished ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Navette Shaped Ruby Cluster Bypass Style Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This lovely navette shaped bypass cluster ring is set with round faceted, pinkish red color rubies, prong set, approximately 1.39 TCW and decorated with a yello...
Ruby, 14k 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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