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Gold Ruby Ring 1970

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IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring is a dazzling statement piece
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bvlgari Bulgari Band Ring 18k Gold Cabochon Ruby Diamond AGL Certificate
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Bulgari band ring made 18k gold, featuring cabochon ruby and diamonds. The ring comes
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Seventies Modern Ruby Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Italy. This Italian design ring features a sleek visual narrative underscored
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Seventies Modern Ruby Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Italy.   This Italian design ring features a sleek visual narrative underscored
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Seventies Modern Ruby Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Italy. This Italian design ring features a sleek visual narrative underscored by
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Bulgari Cabochon Sapphire Ruby Ring Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari 18 karat yellow gold and 4.49 carat cabochon ruby ring paired with a 4.53 carat cabochon
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Seventies Modern Ruby Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Italy. This Italian design ring features a sleek visual narrative underscored
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Seventies Modern Ruby Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Italy. This Italian design ring features a sleek visual narrative underscored
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Triple Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The sparkle of this ring is impossible to catch in a photo! It is simply stunning! The rubies at
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Solitaire Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful 3-stone ring . 1.20 ct oval ruby. 4 diamonds, approximately 0.10carats each, G color, Vs
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Diamond Ruby Ring 14K White Gold Vintage Estate
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This gorgeous vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold and set with natural Earth
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Handcraft Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emeralds Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring. Handmade by artisans assembled with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.70tcw Ruby Diamond Floral Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A charming vintage ruby and diamond floral ring crafted in solid 14K white gold. The center ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White 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
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A dramatic and sculptural vintage statement ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, centering a vivid oval
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rudolf Trudel 18 Carat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
By Trudel
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A small 18 carat gold ring set with a facetted oval natural ruby (app. 1.27 carat, unheated Burma
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White and Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Gorgeous ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with rubies and sapphires surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage cocktail ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a vivid oval-cut ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Retrò Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS AND ONGOING PROMOTIONS. Beautiful retrò ring in 14 karat rose gold and silver
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Tsavorite, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with rubies, emeralds and sapphires on
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage 9 Carat Gold and Ruby Lions Head Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is a gorgeous lion head with ruby eyes. Modelled in 9 carat yellow gold. Fully
Category

Vintage 1970s British Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, Chalcedony, 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Cocktail ring in 14k white gold structure, mounted with a central chalcedony surrounded by a rich
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Bold 1970s 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage cocktail ring crafted in richly textured 14K yellow gold, centered with a vivid
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s 0.50 Carat Cabochon Ruby and 0.69 Carat Diamonds Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14K yellow gold with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 0.50 carat, accented
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Pearl, Sapphires, Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic retrò ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a yellow pearl surrounded by a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Topaz, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Magnificent ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Tiffany Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Oversized Dome Cluster Ring Circa 1970s
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Oversized Dome Cluster Ring Circa 1970s A striking and rare
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ruby Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Design Cluster with Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ruby Ring circa 1970's Flower Design Cluster Center Stone round shape 5.0 mm Ruby Gemstone
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1.18 Carat Ruby and 1.38 Carat Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive vintage ruby cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated frame is
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Buccellati Ruby Ring (Approx. 7.40-Carats) Diamond Halo, 18k Yellow Gold
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
wearable art. The juxtaposition of the bold ruby and the intricately engraved gold elevates the ring from
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Handcraft Citrine 14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald And Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
, we will be happy to satisfy your every need. 14 karat yellow gold cocktail ring. Handmade by
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, Stones, Pearls, Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful retrò ring in 9 karat rose gold and silver structure mounted with flower shape white
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage Ruby and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The mix of rubies and opals makes the perfect pretty and feminine colour way. The rubies measure
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, Gold

Bulgari Sapphire and Ruby Dome Shaped Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
cabochon ruby. Made in Italy, circa 1970. Ring size: US 6.5
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Dome Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k 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
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Pearl, Green Agate, Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Agate, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

1.12 Carat Ruby and 1.33 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive vintage ruby cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated frame is
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Yellow Topaz, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Retrò Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic restrò ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central topaz and laterally two
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s 2.50 Carat Ocal Cut Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with an Oval cut center Ruby weighing approximately
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Gorgeous retrò ring in 14 karat rose gold structure mounted qith a gold flower in the central part
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Vintage Ruby and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The mix of rubies and opals makes the perfect pretty and feminine colour way. The rubies measure
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1970s
Located in Wailea, HI
18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Circa 1970's A Vibrant Red Oval Ruby weighing 1.38 carats
Category

Late 20th Century American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Bulgari Burmese Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Burmese ruby and diamond ring. A natural unenhanced oval old cut Burmese ruby is set
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s Opal, Ruby and Diamond Ring Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white and yellow gold with an Opal center stone surrounded by Round cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Aquamarine Sapphires Rubies Emeralds Diamonds Rose Gold and Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver, (length 3.1 cm x 2.7 cm width), studded with 0.50 ct
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold

Vintage Cabochon Ruby Single-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Ring Size: G 1/2 (46) Band Width: 8mm - 4mm Ruby Weight: Approx. 1.80ct Hallmarked: 18ct Gold 1979 Box
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Signed DRA Vintage 14K Gold Pearl, Ruby Diamond Floral Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A signed DRA vintage 14K gold floral cocktail ring centered with a luminous 6.55mm cultured pearl
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three Diamonds and two Rubies. The three diamonds total 60pts
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Vintage 1970s Cabochon Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow and white gold with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 4.00 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1.30Ct Ruby and 0.39Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our vintage ruby jewellery collections. This fine vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Double Tulip Ring w Rubies Sapphires Diamonds Round Clusters in Gold
Located in Austin, TX
This lovely tulip ring has two gemstone flower clusters accented with diamonds in a very unique
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Rubies, Oval Emeralds, Navette Blue Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Unique fashion design cluster ring realized in 18K white gold mounted with 7.12 ct of different
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

ETERNITY Ring In 18Kt White Gold With 1.10 Ctw In Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An eternity ring band with Natural Rubies. This is a beautiful eternity ring carefully crafted in
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1.36 Carat Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Band Ring The ruby stones are channel set and give it a very luxurious look
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Estate 2 Carat Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
: Excellent METAL: 18k Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 4 total ct - Ruby 2 ct RING SIZE: US 9 - IT 20 - FR 60 - UK S
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Mid-20th Century Five Stone Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-20th century five stone Burma ruby ring, with graduated round cut ruby, approximately 1.3cts in
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Custom-Made Diamond Ruby White Gold Floral Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This elegant estate ring features a floral cluster of 20 marquise-cut faceted 2.0mm rubies and 11
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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.