1980s Cabochon Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
14 karat yellow gold and 800 karat silver cocktail ring. Handmade by artisans assembled with old cut diamonds, ruby and emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Toi et Moi Crossover Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
Crafted in warm 18 carat yellow gold, this charming vintage cocktail ring features a graceful toi et moi crossover design, bringing together two vivid natural cabochon gemstones.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 21k Yellow Gold 4.12tcw Star Ruby Cluster Floral Motif Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage ring is crafted in 21k yellow gold and showcases a cluster of star rubies arranged in a delicate floral motif.
Star Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous vintage ring focally featuring a captivating cabochon ruby, elegantly set in a rich 18ct yellow gold mount.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Terrell & Zimmelman 1.15 Carat Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring by Bill Bates
By Terrell and Zimmelman
Located in Wailea, HI
Terrell & Zimmelman 1.15 Carat Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring by Bill Bates This exceptional 18k yellow gold estate ring represents a rare opportunity to acquire original, uns...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$21,200Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Carved Jade, Diamonds And A Ruby Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Discover the enchanting allure of this Vintage David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Carved Jade, Diamond, and Ruby Ring. This extraordinary piece features a beautifully carved round...
Diamond, Ruby, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow gold Mauboussin Burma no Heat Ruby Flower Retro Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
A striking embodiment of retro elegance, this 1950 Mauboussin ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold and adorned with vibrant rubies totaling 3.0 carats.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, White and Yellow Diamond Flower Dome Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 6 brilliant cut (5 white diamonds, 1 yellow) Red Ruby Count: 1 Pink Sapphire Count: 5 Ring Size: 8.25 (resizable) To...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring 14k Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Size: Approx. 5.75 Metal: 14k Yellow and White Gold. The stones are set in white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Channel-Set Band Ring, Size 6.75
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Beautifully crafted in 14K yellow gold, this elegant ladies' band features a timeless alternating pattern of vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Three Stone Ring Gold Ruby and Diamond Engagement
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CIRCA: Late 20th Century MATERIALS: 18k White & Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: 1.5 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond GEMSTONE 2: 0.8 Carat Oval Cut Ruby WEIGHT: 6.6 grams RING SIZE: 6.25
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro GIA 1.51 carat diamond ruby 14k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Their rich rosy color forms a vibrant frame around the center stone, creating beautiful contrast, depth, and a bold floral-inspired cluster silhouette. Crafted in warm 14k yellow gol...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Invisible Set Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring — 2.28ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
A solid panel of rich red rubies anchors this 18K yellow gold ring. The stones are invisible-set edge to edge, so the color reads as one unbroken field.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Ruby and Diamond Buckle Ring in 18K Yellow Gold – Art Deco Style
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning 1940s vintage buckle ring captures the bold elegance of the Art Deco era, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage sapphire ruby emerald pearl 14k yellow gold multi-band ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vibrant vintage multi-band ring is a playful and distinctive 1980’s design, beautifully combining sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and cultured pearls in warm 14k yellow gold.
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring in an Art Deco Style Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold ruby and diamond ring, containing 1 oval cut ruby of fine quality weighing .50pts. and 12 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighing .35pts. in an "Art Dec...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Zolotas Cabochon Ruby 22 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Finish Gypsy Ring
By Zolotas
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A bold and richly crafted statement ring, this Zolotas cabochon ruby gypsy ring is fashioned in luxurious 22 karat yellow gold with a hand-hammered finish that enhances its artisanal...
Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1940s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark, and platinum, dog head hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond and Ruby Target Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage diamond and ruby ring crafted in 14K white gold, designed with a bold, geometric flair characteristic of the 1940s Retro era. At its center rests a brilliant round...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Ruby Heart Shape Eternity Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 0.25 Carat Ruby & Diamond Connected Heart Ring 14k Gold. Beautiful design throughout very high quality details showing hearts connecting with diamonds and ruby gemstones in t...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Gold Rope Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Ruby and RBC Diamond Gold Rope Cluster Halo Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diabolo Invisible Mystery Set Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Invisible Set Ruby Diabolo Ring by Cartier.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Pearl Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7.75 Complimentary Resizing Gram Weight: 10.9 grams Metal Type: 18 karat yellow gold
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
JEAN-PIERRE BELIN Serpenti Diamond Ruby Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous vintage Jean-Pierre Belin Serpenti ring features a snake design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with emerald eyes, ruby nose, and diamond scales.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby & Diamond Basketweave Cocktail Band Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Details: • Metal: 18K yellow gold • Gemstones: Natural marquise-cut rubies and round brilliant-cut diamonds • Ruby Weight: Approximately 2.56 carats total • Diamond Weight: Appr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Baguette & RBC Diamond Gold Halo Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Ruby and Baguette & RBC Diamond Gold Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set .90 Carat Ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.60ct Oval Cut Ruby Cocktail Ring in 14k Yellow Gold, 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The oval cut stones bring a refined and romantic feel, giving the ring an elegant presence on the hand. Simple, vibrant, and full of vintage character, this ruby ring is perfect for ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 18K Gold Filigree Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
Ring Size: 54 (EU) Resizable: This ring can be professionally adjusted to your perfect fit by our goldsmith. • Material: 18K Yellow Gold, 4.10g • Diamonds: 0.850 ct total, mix of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K yellow Gold Vintage Ring with Onyx Ruby Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A unique Ring consisting of an inverted Onyx Cabochon that is set with 20 natural Rubies and 7 small brilliant cut Diamonds. Add a touch of Vintage glamour to any ensemble with this...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.30 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.30 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Ring. The ring features baguette cut Ruby gemstones along with round brilliant cut diamonds for a total carat weight of 1.30 approx by formula. T...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rosior 0.54ct Ruby & Diamond Band Ring in 19.2K Yellow Gold
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Rosior Band Ring set in 19.2K Yellow Gold with: - 1 Oval Cut Ruby weighing 0,54 ct; - 12 Princess Cut Diamonds Weight in 19.2K gold: 8.30 g.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 35.7ct Ruby Cabochon & 2.2ct Diamond Ring Size 10 20.9g
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18k Yellow Gold Features Appx a 35.7ct Centered Ruby measuring 23.26 x 17.22 x 8.26 mm Accented by Appx 2.2ct Diamonds Ring Size: 10 (sizeable)...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spectacular Retro 1940s Aquamarine and Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1940s, 14k, American. This classic Retro ring features a superb 40.50 carat aquamarine accented by .70 carats of fine rubies. The look is confidently American, colorfully Ret...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Classy wide solid 18 Karat yellow gold ring channel set with square rubies and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage ruby sapphire 18k yellow gold architectural hammered ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the ring has a warm, luxurious glow that beautifully complements the colorful stones.
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Moonstone and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous cocktail ring perfect for making a statement. This vintage piece has been crafted from a warm 18ct yellow gold and focally features a large pear shaped caboch...
Moonstone, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Oval Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
Main Stone: Oval-shaped ruby weighing approximately 0.65 carats Accent Stones: Two round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.20 carats Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Setting: Mo...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s Italian 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant Italian cocktail ring from the 1990s, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Detailed Frog Diamond and Ruby Eyes Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Ring size 5.75, we offer ring resizing. Beautifully Hand crafted in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jack Gutschneider Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring - Size 7
By Jack Gutschneider
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Jack Gutschneider Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring in size 7 is a luxurious and elegant piece of vintage jewelry.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Celestial Ruby Diamond Ribbon Bow Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfield, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels Celestial Ruby Diamond Ribbon Bow Ring 18K Yellow Gold This vintage ring by Van Cleef & Arpels is made in 18K yellow gold and features a geometric bow-inspired de...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Marquise Cut Rubies & Pearl Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Introducing our Vintage Marquise Cut Rubies & Pearl Ring in 14K Yellow Gold, a timeless piece that combines classic charm with graceful elegance.
Pearl, Ruby, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Flanking this focal stone on either side is four straight baguette-cut diamonds with their white colour providing a sharp contrast to the vibrant ruby. The band possesses a contraste...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Trillion Diamond Three Stone Ring Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Material: 14K Yellow Gold - durable and elegant Center Stone: Oval Ruby- 2 carats, vibrant red hues Side Stones: 2 Trillion-Cut Diamonds - total 0.7 carats, sparkling brilliance R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Fox Head Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow gold fox head ring. The fox head features an array of brilliant round cut diamonds and rubies playing the part of the foxes eyes and has a plain 18ct yellow go...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Toi-Et-Moi Crossover Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage ruby, sapphire and diamond toi-et-moi crossover ring set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.44 Carat Thai Ruby in Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
GIA 1.44 Carat Thai Ruby in Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring An elegant 18K yellow gold ruby and diamond cluster ring centered by a GIA-certified 1.44 carat natural ruby of Thai...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,500
Retro Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Gemstones: Pear-shaped rubies: Approximately 2.80 carats Diamond pavé: Approximately 0.80 carats Square-cut rubies: Approximately 0.50 carats Ring Size: 7...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.35 CTW Natural Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby and Sapphire Engagement Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with 1.00 Carat Pear Shape Gemstones and 0.35 Carat Natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage FOUGERAY Ruby and Diamond Ring with GIA
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9.3 grams Ruby Details: Natural Ruby, Heated, Red, 2.00ct, with GIA Report#5234141063 Diamon...
Yellow Gold
VINTAGE 18k Yellow Gold, Wood, Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Ring Vintage 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 1970s 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond, Wood & Ruby Cocktail Ring Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer cocktail ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$13,000Sale Price|23% Off
Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Ruby and diamond ring in 18k yellow gold, 1960s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
KURT WAYNE Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 4.22 Ctw Vivid Rubies And Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
The ring has been masterfully crafted with substantial weight in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Floral Rice Pearl and Ruby Cluster in 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Ring, Size 7
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a ladies pearl-cluster diamond in a floral-themed design crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. In the center of the ring, aligned all in the same direction are 13 rice white pearl...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Filigree Band Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, Circa 1980
Located in Perugia, IT
Pierced band ring in 18 k yellow gold with ruby and diamonds. Expertly crafted by master Florentine goldsmiths who were themselves inspired and inspired by master Buccellati, the rin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1952 Ring Ruby solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 7.75US / 3.2 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Retro Ring for every day with carved shoulders decorated with emerald cut lab made rosy Red Ruby 11 mm x 9 mm x 4.65 mm deep / circa 4 ct . Swedish hallmarks, 18K and make...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Festive Elegance: The "Merry Christmas" Ruby & Emerald Ring
By Terrell and Zimmelman
Located in Wailea, HI
Festive Elegance: The "Merry Christmas" Ruby & Emerald Ring Embrace the vibrant spirit of the season with this striking "Merry Christmas" cocktail ring, a masterful celebration o...
Ruby, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bristol 14k Gold Ruby Eternity Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The band is beautifully crafted from a blend of 14k yellow and white gold, creating a harmonious contrast that enhances the ruby's brilliance.
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby Ballerina Ring Double Halo Baguette & Round Diamonds in Yellow Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
18K yellow gold ballerina ring with one center, slightly oval, brilliant-cut ruby 1.30 carats.
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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