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Antique Inspired Multi Gem Acrostic Yellow Gold "Darling" Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
carats 1 Garnet 0.14 carats 18k yellow gold chain 18" with 16" loop 1 Ruby 0.04 carats (in Aril Jewels
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Aquamarine, Diamond, Garnet, Jade, Labradorite, Ruby, In...

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
iridescence in reds, greens, blues and gold. Set in 18 carat yellow gold claw collets Two main transitional
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
iridescence in reds, greens, blues and gold. Set in 18 carat yellow gold claw collets Two main transitional
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Zaffiro Black Tourmaline Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Boston, MA
, this ring is made of both 18 karat and 22 karat gold. Ring measures 22mm across the top from north to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold

Patriotic Art Deco Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire Ring in White Gold
Located in Boston, MA
An art deco period diamond, ruby, and sapphire ring in 18 karat white gold. Beautifully hand
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

5.31 Carat GRS Certified Unheated Red Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Grenoble, FR
Weight of the ring: 8.6 grams Diamond weight 2.25 carats, VVS/VS-F Size of the ring; 20 X 18 mm Gemstones
Category

2010s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

GIA Certified Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Brij Nivesh
Located in Hollywood, FL
A Beautiful Handcrafted Ring in 18 Karat White Gold with Natural No Heat GIA Certified Ruby of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Baguette Ruby Solitaire Stacking Band, 0.15 Carat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat yellow gold stacking band with prong set baguette shape Ruby. Perfect to stack with other
Category

2010s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Hoop Earring
By Brij Nivesh
Located in Hollywood, FL
Pieces : 24 Pieces Weight : 0.29 Carat Earring Details Gold : 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gold wt: 6.97 Grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Alessa 2MM Tennis Bracelet Red Ruby 18 Karat Rose Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
-VS clarity set in 18 karat gold. We certify this item with a limited lifetime guarantee. Consult our
Category

2010s Emirian Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Alessa 3MM Tennis Bracelet Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Essentials Collectio
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
standards. Our colorless diamonds are F-G color, VVS-VS clarity set in 18 karat gold. We certify this item
Category

2010s American Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Ruby and 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
ruby sit a pair of shimmering diamonds. This ring is 18ct gold and made in Birmingham England. Ring
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
, the brilliant-cut diamond, with marquise-shape ruby and single-cut diamond petal surrounds. Estimated
Category

1990s British Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Carat Gold, Ruby and Diamond Leo Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold ring representing a lions head with textured fur all around the shank with ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Carat Gold Diamond and Ruby Row Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold rowring set with an oval cut ruby (app. 0.95 ct) with on both sides two cushion
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Certified dazzling natural ruby and diamond ring beautifully set in 18ct gold. Rubies in total
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds a bright square cut ruby measuring 10pts and a diamond either side sat in a
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
the triple coil gold band broadening at the head, this inset with cabochon cut ruby and three
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

French Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Gypsy Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A classically styled gypsy ring, rendered in 18 karat yellow gold and set in the center with a 1
Category

Vintage 1950s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.38 Carat Diamond and Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
rubies and 0.88 carat diamonds. The ring is made in 18 karat white gold 10.15 g gross weight. The ring
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

8.86 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Offered here is a unique Ruby & diamonds ring set in 18kt two ( 2 ) tone gold. The ring measures
Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
beautiful 18ct Yellow Gold and has delicately engraved shoulders. Ruby total 1.3ct. Ring Size : O or 7 1/4
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Ruby and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Don't these rubies pop next to the gold!? The five rubies in this ring are so bright and beautiful
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby, 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This show stopping ruby ring catches the light beautifully. This ring in sure to get you noticed
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, Platinum

1.35 Carat Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
0.31ct, all mounted in 18 carat white gold. The ring is beautifully finished with an 18 carat yellow gold
Category

2010s English Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The design of this ring is absolutely show stopping! The rubies total 1.30ct and the diamonds .26ct
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 18carat gold ring holds a glossy ruby cabochon stone with sparkling diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
lovely size next to the large ruby. The stones are set in platinum and the band is modelled in 18ct gold
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sat at the centre of this fabulous cluster ring is a deep pink ruby set in a claw setting and is
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

24.70 Carat Tsavorite and Ruby Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new tsavorite and ruby ring in 18 karat gold. The tsavorite weighs 24.70 carat and ruby
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.97 Carat Oval Diamond and Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
by 1.05 carat diamonds and 2.63 carat rubies. The ring is made in 18 karat 13.08 g gross weight white
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.93 Carat Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18k yellow gold Ruby: 0.93 carat oval cut ruby Diamonds: 36
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The rubies in this ring are the most gorgeous deep pink colour and there are five of them set in a
Category

Vintage 1940s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1.49 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
Our 1.49 carat oval ruby ring is a stunning masterpiece of elegance and simplicity. It showcases a
Category

2010s Thai Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.75 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18k yellow gold Ruby: one oval cut 0.75 carat ruby Diamonds: 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

10.21 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
A remarkable showcase of preciousness and elegance, our stunning 10.21 carat ruby cabochon ring is
Category

2010s Thai Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

10.21 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
A remarkable showcase of preciousness and elegance, our stunning 10.21 carat ruby cabochon ring is
Category

2010s Thai Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.09 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
This exclusive ruby and diamond ring was made with the finest quality materials, to ensure that it
Category

2010s Thai Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

5.09 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
This exclusive ruby and diamond ring was made with the finest quality materials, to ensure that it
Category

2010s Thai Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.2 Carat Certified Ruby and 2.0 Carat Diamond Cocktail 18 K Gold Ring Estate
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Ring Gold: 18 carat White gold Weight: 7 gram Diamonds: approximate 2.0 Carat , 8 Brilliant
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Carat Gold Diamond and Ruby Victorian Horse Shoe Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold Victorian ring featuring a little horse shoe set with diamonds and rubies, England
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Triple Cluster 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
is set with 22 wonderful diamonds. Modelled in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Ring Size: I or 4.5
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
in 18ct gold. Ring Size: H 1/2 or 4 Band Width: 4mm Weight: 2.5
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Diamonds in this five stone ring are so bright and sparkly and total approx 25pts. The rubies
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three rubies totalling 1.3ct and four diamonds totalling
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Late Georgian Emerald, Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
is a pair of rose cut diamonds and then rubies. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold and made in
Category

Antique Early 1800s British Georgian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold

1.3 Carat Natural Oval Burma Ruby and 1.3 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
1.3 Ct Natural Burma Cabochon Ruby & 1.3 Ct Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring very clean
Category

Early 2000s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Art Deco panel ring holds a square cut central ruby measuring 25pts and is surrounded by a
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Love Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This style ring holds so much sentiment and was very popular in the Edwardian era. The two hearts
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

Edwardian Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Love Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This style ring holds so much sentiment and was very popular in the Edwardian era. The two hearts
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

1.5 Carat Natural Heart Shape Ruby and 3.5 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 3.5 Ct Diamond Ring Ruby Heart 1.5 Ct 18 Karat Yellow Gold: 9.7 Grams Not Stamped but i
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1.58 Carat Ruby and Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.58 Carat Ruby & Diamonds 18k Gold Statement Ring. The ring features approx 0.33 Carat
Category

Vintage 1960s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald 18 Carat Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds collections of four stones all the way around. The rubies are a deep red
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat white gold is a 1.00 carat oval Ruby plus pave diamonds for a total diamond weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Graff 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 1.10 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
By Graff
Located in Southampton, PA
This Graff ring is made of 18K yellow gold and set with a total of approximately 1.10 carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum/18 Karat Yellow Gold and 0.60 Carat Ruby Band Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This gorgeous band is made in 18k yellow gold with platinum accents. The ring holds a single ruby
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1980s 4.80 Carat Burmese Ruby and 2.80 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
natural Burmese ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pierced decorated mount
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold

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18 Carat Gold And Ruby Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 18 carat gold and ruby ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect 18 carat gold and ruby ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 18 carat gold and ruby ring over the years, but those made by LB Exclusive, Royaal Stones Ltd and Roman Malakov are often thought to be among the most beautiful. An oval cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also round cut and cushion cut versions for sale. Most of our 18 carat gold and ruby ring for sale are for women, but there are 487 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 18 Carat Gold And Ruby Ring?

On average, a 18 carat gold and ruby ring at 1stDibs sells for $4,813, while they’re typically $331 on the low end and $1,100,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Ruby in Jewelry Design

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.

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.