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majestic 3 stone ring with diamond and ruby in 18k yellow gold
Located in Berlin, BE
that marries elegance with opulence. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this ring features a unique design
Category

Vintage 1970s French Aesthetic Movement Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Multi-Gem Diamond Gold Floral Design Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage cocktail ring with is crafted in 18K matte yellow gold, weighs 10.3 grams and
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
and band are finely engraved. This ring is modelled in 9ct gold. Ring Size: T or 9 1/2 Band Width
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
ring is modelled in 18ct gold. Hallmarked London 1978. Ring Size: N or 6 1/2 Band Width: 4mm Weight
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Gold

Vintage Estate 14K Yellow Gold Square Cut Ruby Wide Eternity Band - Size 6 1/4
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 14K Yellow Gold Square Cut Ruby Wide Eternity Band - Size 6 1/4. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Bulgari Carved 8.95ct Ruby and 6.94ct Sapphire, Diamond Cocktail Ring.
By Bulgari
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
, Ring size us 5.5 / 50 / K½ / 16.25 / 10 Diamonds: approx. 2.00cts total. Ruby, 8.95ct sapphire 6.94ct
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring Large Wide Band Over 7 Carat Vintage Estate Heirloom
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This captivating cocktail ring commands attention, centered by a luscious red ruby of 5.27 cts, the
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

English GIA "NO HEAT" Vintage 2.20ct Pigeon Blood Red Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful Classic VICTORIAN revival Trilogy Diamond Ring with Three SUPER RARE Gorgeous Ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s English Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Carl F. Bucherer Gold Snake Ring
By Bucherer
Located in Litchfield, CT
verve, this chic snake ring by Bucherer features a flexible tubogas body, a diamond-set head and vibrant
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Multi-Colored Australian Pearl Two-Color Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
luise multi-colored ring in 14 kt white and yellow gold with an Australian south sea pearl 14 mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Vintage 18kt. Yellow Gold Coiled Snake Ladies Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
18kt. yellow gold coiled snake ladies ring set with ruby eyes. Made in the United Kingdom, London
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold

Lalaounis Yellow Gold and gem set Large Double Lion Head Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Lalaounis 18K Yellow Gold Double Lion Head Bypass Ring, Hand textured and Having a White
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Revivalist Art Deco Diamond Multi Gemstone Engagement Ring Cocktail Statement
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
: Art Deco Style Year: 1970s Metal: 18K White Gold Gemstones: Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds, Black Onyx
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Massive 1970s Virgilio of Taxco Modernist Gemstone Cocktail Ring
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A gold and multigem cocktail ring by Virgilio of Taxco. The 1 3/4" x 1 1/2" 14k freeform mount
Category

Vintage 1970s Mexican Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, Green Sapphire, ...

Zolotas Yellow Gold and Ruby Ring
By Zolotas
Located in New York, NY
Authentic vintage Zolotas ring, crafted in 18 karat Yellow Gold and set with three ruby cabochons
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Marquise Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
18k Ring with 1 Marquis Diamond weighing 0.51 carats, 16 round rubies weighing 1.43 carats an 14
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Enamel Ruby Diamond Gold Dome Ring
Located in Verona, IT
18kt yellow gold, red enamel, diamonds and ruby dome ring. The natural burmese ruby weights 1ct.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1970 s Ruby and Diamond Flower Cluster Bark Effect Ring in 18ct Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Such a gorgeous classic 1970's designed ring with a bark effect detail around the 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

1970s Mario Buccellati ruby diamond Gold ring
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Cremona, Lombardia
'70 Mario Buccellati 18 kt withe and gold ring " pizzo segrinato e traforato " with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Attractive Tutti Fruitti 1970 s Gold Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Superb, bold, 18k yellow gold Tutti Fruitti cluster / cocktail ring, with a cascade of multi color
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Dome Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Gold Diamond Ruby and Enamel Snake Ring
Located in Verona, IT
18kt yellow gold, green enamel, diamonds and ruby cabochon snake ring,
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1970s Ruby Gold Ram s Head ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
A gold ring shaped as a the head of a ram with ruby eyes. Possibly Greek with Portuguese Import
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek More Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Pair of Ruby Gold Band Rings
Located in Houston, TX
These are a pair of ruby and gold bands size 6.5.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage circa 1970 Certified 1.2 ct Ruby and 2 ct Diamond Entourage Cluster Ring
Located in Berlin, Berlin
raised gallery, the ring face shows off the 1.2 ct ruby and 2.0 ct Top Wesselton brilliants in a shape
Category

Vintage 1970s German Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Dome Bombe Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
A vintage 18K yellow gold ruby and diamond bombe ring. This spectacular retro ring consists of a
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Nashua, NH
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring. The ring is set with three round cut rubies
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1970s English Buff Cut Rubies, Sapphires and Diamonds Gold Flip Ring
Located in New York, NY
One Ladies 18kt High Polish Yellow Gold Flip Ring Embellished With [14] Buff Cut Rubies Weighing
Category

Vintage 1970s English Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1970s Arthur King Ruby Diamond Gold Ring Set
By Arthur King
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Vintage 1970s Arthur King 18k gold ring set with approx. 0.30ct diamond and ruby. Each ring size is
Category

Vintage 1970s British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

VAN CLEEF ARPELS Pink Gold, Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Verona, IT
18kt pink gold, ruby and diamond dome ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, 1970's
Category

Vintage 1970s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

BUCCELLATI Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous Cabochon Ruby & 18K Gold Ring Signed by Buccellati; Flanked by Diamonds Mounted in 18K
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring 2.03 Carat 10.4g
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby & Diamond Ring 2.03ctw 10.4g Beautiful ruby & diamond ring Very
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

David Webb gold and cabouchon rubies, emeralds and sapphires ring
By David Webb
Located in Roma, IT
18k gold and cabouchon rubies, emeralds and sapphires ring by David Webb
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Frankfurt, DE
Three rubies 1.57 cts.and eight brillant-cut diamonds 0.57 cts. (Top Wesselton/if-vvs) in cluster
Category

Vintage 1970s German Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1970s Free Form Chatham Ruby Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
1970s 18k yellow gold free form ring, decorated with chatham ruby, pearls and diamonds. Ring is a
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

1970s Large Citrine Diamond Ruby Gold Free Form Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
1970s vintage 14k yellow gold free form ring, set with an approx. 19.5ct citrine, surrounded with
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Ruby Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant yellow gold ring set with an oval cut ruby and brilliant-cut diamonds. Ruby weight: 0.40
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Waltham 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Ring 12.7g
By Waltham
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Waltham 18k Yellow Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Ring 12.7g Size 6 For sale is a
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Vintage Jade Ruby 10 Karat Gold Snake Cocktail Ring
Located in Crownsville, MD
Gorgeous vintage circa 1970s 10K yellow gold natural jade and ruby snake ring. Size 7. In very good
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Jade, Ruby, 10k Gold

Vintage 1970s Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Large in size and in character, this ring holds a deep red domed Cabochon Ruby in the centre
Category

Vintage 1970s British Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Agoura Hills, CA
Classic Van Cleef Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring. Circa 1970's
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby Diamond Gypsy Trilogy Ring 18 Carat Gold, London, 1972
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This stunning Vintage Gypsy ring has been modelled in 18ct Yellow Gold and set with a trilogy of
Category

Vintage 1970s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

DAVID WEBB Gold Diamond Ruby White Enamel Snake Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York , NY
Authentic DAVID WEBB 18K Gold Diamond White Enamel Snake Ring. Width on top - 3/4", weight - 18g
Category

Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby and Brilliant Cut Diamond Geometric Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
An unusually designed vintage ruby and diamond ring that was made in swinging London in the 1970’s
Category

Vintage 1970s British Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18k Gold Boodles Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Plaque Ring Circa 1977
By Boodles
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A splendid vintage 18k white gold Boodles ring set with the finest quality round faceted ruby and
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Classic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring. Circa 1970's
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Bold Enamel Gold Snake Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Splendid 18k gold large snake cocktail ring, with yellow and green enamel details and ruby accent
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Opal, Garnet, Ruby and Diamond Hand Ring, circa 1973
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A Georgian inspired 9ct yellow gold vintage opal, garnet, ruby and diamond hand ring dating from
Category

Vintage 1970s English Georgian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Ruby and Diamond Sweetheart Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A pretty 18 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond sweetheart ring. The two entwinned hearts are set
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

White Gold Mouawad Cocktail Ring
By Mouawad
Located in Paris, IDF
A white gold Mouawad ring set with three pear-shaped color stones : emerald, ruby and sapphire. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1.10 Carats Diamonds 1.30 Carats Ruby 18 Carats White Gold
Located in Paris, FR
Charming white gold ring set with a central brilliant-cut diamond of approximately 0.45 carats and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

AGL Certified Ruby 3.17 Carat and Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring
Located in Red Bank, NJ
18 karat yellow and white gold oval ruby and diamond cocktail ring, containing an AGL certified
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Chaumet Paris Rubellite Gold Ring
By Chaumet
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular Chaumet Paris 18k heavily textured gold ring centering a large faceted modified
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Rubelite, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond Band, 1.10 Carat, 18 Karat Gold, Hallmarked London 1974
Located in Preston, Lancashire
A fine quality ruby diamond band ring surmounted with 1.10 carats of the most gorgeous rubies and
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold

Harry Winston Flower Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Winston flower ring featuring vibrant emeralds with a ruby center, flanked with high
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond and Gems Ring Quartet
Located in Lakewood, NJ
; diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire. Rings sizes are 5. Dealer ref. 5429 _ TMW Jewels Co. is a family
Category

Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

NARDI Tulipani Rings
By Nardi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
...they are 18K yellow gold tulips, one has rubies,one has sapphires, and one has emeralds. Each has a
Category

Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Yellow Gold Cocktail Dress Coral Ruby Emerald Diamond Butterfly Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
: 0.80ct. Rubies: 1.20ct. Length: 4.3 cm Width: 3.0 cm Ring Size: BE 55 / NL 17.5mm / US 7 Free resizing
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artist Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Coral, Emerald, 14k Gold

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Gold Ruby Ring 1970 For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact gold ruby ring 1970 you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 1136 antique edition and 2 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a gold ruby ring 1970 from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic gold ruby ring 1970 over the years, but those made by Van Cleef Arpels, David Webb and Bulgari are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also mixed cut cut and oval cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a gold ruby ring 1970, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Gold Ruby Ring 1970?

Prices for a gold ruby ring 1970 can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $100 and can go as high as $660,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,462.

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.