Antique Victorian Yellow Gold 1.25ctw Oval Ruby & Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Total Carat Weight: 1.25 (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 3.40 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Introducing a stunning 18ct Gold Art Deco Plaque Ring, a true statement piece for any jewellery lover.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 1910s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Three Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.43 carat natural ruby and 0.56 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1930s French, Diamond and Ruby Cross Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Made primarily of 18-carat yellow gold, the ring is further adorned with exquisite platinum detailing, creating a harmonious contrast that exemplifies the classic Art Deco style.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Art Deco Calibrated Ruby and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Target Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Step into the elegance of the Art Deco era with this stunning original target ring, crafted from 18ct yellow gold and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Dainty Ruby & Diamond Pinky Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are thrilled to offer this vintage beauty!! Ring Details Material: 18K Yellow Gold Base; Platinum Top Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Length: 13.1mm Head Width: 12mm Head Height: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Byzantine Ruby and Blue Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents an elegant 18 Karat Yellow Gold ring featuring a stunning 0,58 brilliant cut Blue Diamond accompanied on the two sides by two Pear cut Rubies with a tota...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an absolutely fabulous cluster ring originally crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. At the centre of the face we find a single chunky old mine cut diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Dinner Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This ring is currently a size 4 & 1/2. Complimentary sizing available upon request.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Ruby Square Ring 14k Gold Sz 6.5 Gemstone Engagement
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed Edwardian era diamond & ruby square ring crafted in 14 karat rose gold (circa 1900s to 1910s).
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Edwardian Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Antique Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine Cushion DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring A distinctively stunning 1900s delight measuring 3/4 inch long and exotically lovely...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Edwardian 1.18Ct Ruby and 0.66Ct Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Edwardian 1.18 carat ruby and 0.66 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse Edwardian rings col...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Ruby Pearl Sapphire and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.0 grams Size: M 1/2 (53) Face Dimensions: 18mm x 8.5mm Ruby: Approx. 0.15 carats Sapphire: Approx. 0.15 carats Pearl: 5.5mm x 5.5mm x 3.2mm Test...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Estate Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stones: Three Old European Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: Approximately 1 Carat Color/Clarity: I-J / VS1-2 Accent Stones:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Three-Row Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.0 grams UK Ring Size: M 1/2 (53) Face Dimensions: 17mm x 9mm Rubies: Approx. 0.90 carats Diamonds: Approx. 0.50 carats, Colour: G-H, Clarity: VS...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.39ct Ruby and 0.63ct Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.39 carat ruby and 0.63 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and silver set kite shaped cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and jewelry collectio...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Edwardian 0.62 CTW Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Scroll Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut ruby weighing approximately 0.32 carat total - transparent medium red Prong set and flanked north to south by old European cut diamonds Prong and bezel set w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
20th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. A delightful antique You and Me ring, set with a wave-shaped gold wire framing a brilliant-cut diamond and a claw-set ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Suzy Levian 14K Yellow Gold Pear-Cut Ruby and White Diamond Vintage Look Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Jewelry Type: Fine Stone Shape: Round Band Width: 1-2 mm Number of Gemstones: 1 Stone: Gemstone Accent Stone Treatment Code: N Diamond Color: White Stone Properties: Natural Gemstone...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
ART & CRAFT 1890 Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Jade Rubies & Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
Jade: Mount in the center in a bezel setting, with 1 oval cabochon cut (19 x 12 x 3 mm) carved from natural green jadeite jade, with a total weight of about 8.65 carats. Rubies: Mou...
Jade, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian English sapphire ruby diamond 18k yellow gold five stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Flanking the sapphire are 2 cushion cut rubies with an approximate total weight of 0.40 carat, adding vivid red contrast and romantic charm to the design.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby And Diamond Five-Stone Ring, Circa 1900.
Located in New York, NY
The details are as follows : Ruby weight : 2 carats approx Gold weight : 3.75 grams Ring size : 5.75
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French 19th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, horse head hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique, Royal Gold Ring with Rose Cut Trillion Diamond, Rubies and Ornaments
Located in Berlin, DE
Ring set with a large rose-cut diamond of approximately 2 carat, additional diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby
Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian period, this wonderful daisy cluster features a central ruby surrounded by a cluster old cut diamonds. The vibrant natural ruby is an old cut stone weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 0.80ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Each stone is claw set into beautifully aged silver with a contrasting basket and band of 15 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.80 Metal: 15ct Ye...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 2.02 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Gold Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of alternating pattern of prong set cushion cut rubies and old mine cut diamonds Rubies weigh approximately 1.13 carats total - transparent medium purplish red Natural Burm...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
The entire ring would have been made by hand in the 1890s. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.15 Colour: G Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1890s Size: M ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Heart Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Pear Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size: N 1/2
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1.35ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond & Ruby Stone Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: 1.35ct Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: N 1/2
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.40 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: I 1/2
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 2.30ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 2.30 carat old cushion cut diamond is enveloped in a ring of rubies in this beautiful Edwardian target ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
It has beautiful detailing on the shoulders and is intricate in design. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Oval Cut Carat Weight: 0.20 Main Total Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A 0.20 carat ruby is set on each end of the ring, and are separated from the emerald by four old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
French Napoleon III Natural Pearl Ruby Diamond Duchess Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This gorgeous ‘Duchess’ antique ring is claw set with 2 rubies separated by a small bezel set rose- cut diamond with a natural baroque pearl above.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This was typical of the Edwardian era. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.60 Total Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: S 1/2
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 Total Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: M 1/2
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 1.40ct Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring is crafted from 18 carat yellow gold and features elegant detailing across the gallery.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Marquise-Shaped Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Ruby Carat Weight: 0.35 centre Stone Shape: Oval Age: Victorian, 1890s Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Size: R1/2
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Marquise Shape Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Marquise shape ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set centrally with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1....
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.90ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Ruby & Diamond Stone Shape: Oval Carat Weight: 0.90ct & 0.20ct Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: L 1/2
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 0.30ct Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring, C.1880s
Located in London, GB
Expert handcrafted detailing is shown on the shoulders of this 18ct yellow gold Victorian ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Oval Cut Carat Weight: 0.30 Colour: G Clarity: VS2 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian 1900s Antique Toi et Moi Burma Ruby and Diamond Platinum 18K Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edwardian 1900s Antique 1/2 Ct Burma Ruby and 1/3 Ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring in Toi et Moi Style 3.3 gram 18 Karat yellow Gold Platinum topped lady's ring circa 1900s, Edward...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring, Circa 1920's
Located in New Orleans, LA
Classic Art Deco Ruby and Diamond cocktail ring in 14K gold and platinum.
AUSTRIAN HUNGARIAN 1915 Enameled Beetle Watch Ring In 18Kt Gold & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds: Mount in flush settings, with 20 old European rose cut diamonds, with a total weight of about 0.90 carats. Rubies: The eyes are mount in bezel settings, with 2 round facet...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique American 14k Gold Edwardian 1900s Multicolor Natural Sapphire Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique American 14k Yellow Gold Multicolor natural Sapphire lozenge Ring Edwardian era, American made Marked 'K14’ , Acid tested 14K gold 15 pieces of approximate 1/2 Carat each Sa...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
C1910 Multi Gemstone set Harem Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
This 14k gold Edwardian harem ring contains an array of cushion cut diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies, and green demantoid garnets.
Diamond, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold,...
Antique American Edwardian era 14k Gold 1900s MultiColor Natural Sapphire Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique American 14k Yellow Gold Multicolor Natural Sapphire Ring Edwardian era, American made Marked 'K14’ gold, acid tested 14K gold Top lozenge measures 3/4 inch long and 1/2 inc...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Target Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Surrounding the central diamond are 0.66 carat total of square cut rubies held by the same yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 0.80ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring is crafted by hand 18 carat yellow gold, with intricate carvings adorning the gallery and shank.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18kt Gold & Platinum Set with Diamonds & Synthetic Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Period: Antique Set Includes: Ring + drop earrings Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Stones: Synthetic Rubies & Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 6 1/2 (sizable) Earring M...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1890 Victorian Red Enamel Rubinstein Gold Medal Pin with Ruby
Located in Lexington, KY
Below the striking portrait is a white enamel music sheet in a 2/4 time signature, with the music note "C" embellished with a round ruby.
Ruby, Enamel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
EDWARDIAN 1900 Fabulous Butterfly In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds, Rubies & Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
Rubies: Mounted in bezel settings, with 2 well matched round faceted cut of natural vivid red rubies, with a combined weight of about 0.36 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
French Augis Plus Qu’Hier 18K Yellow White Gold Enamel Ruby Love Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
The word "plus" is symbolised by a white gold plus sign, and the word "moins" by a minus sign set with two rectangular cut synthetic rubies with a total carat weight of approximately...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
French 1900 Edwardian Natural Pearls Necklace In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds: Mounted in millegrain settings, with 12 European rose cut diamonds, 0.16 carats, I/J color, SI-1 clarity. Ruby: Mounted in bezel settings, with 1 round faceted cut of natu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Brooch Black Onyx Ruby 1920s Vintage Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The brooch is made of platinum, Old European cut and single cut diamonds (I-J color, VS clarity, total weight approximately 3.30 carats) and accented with ruby and black onyx. This r...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
19th Century French Natural Pearl Sapphire Diamond Ruby Insect Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
18 carats rose gold brooch, eagle's head hallmark and silver.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapph...
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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