Skip to main content

Gold Ruby Ring 1970

to
52
339
237
585
582
575
2
2
1
1
1
20
19
15
14
9
Sort By
Vintage 1.17 Carat Rubys, Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.17 Carat Rubys, Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds Floral Cluster Ring. The ring features a
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1.45 Carat Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Stackable Rings 18k
Located in Miami, FL
Multi-Gemstone Vintage 1.45 Carat Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Stackable Rings 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.85ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A vivid oval ruby is flanked by round brilliant diamonds in this three stone ring from the 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1977
Located in London, GB
A vibrant natural ruby is set between two diamonds in this beautiful trilogy ring dated c.1977. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Yellow Gold Cabochon Sapphire Snake Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Sapphire cabochon: 6 ct Size: 8 Weight: 21.67 g. The ring depicts a realistically modeled snake
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.90ct Ruby and 2.95ct Diamond Bombé Ring by CF Carlman, Stockholm, 1971
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
1.90ct Ruby and 2.95ct Diamond Bombé Ring by CF Carlman, Stockholm, 1971 Bold, colorful, and
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

NARDI Venice Unusual Turban Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With Color Gemstones
By Nardi
Located in Miami, FL
damage to the gold. The 10 gemstones are secured in the settings. This ring was carefully inspected to
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Baroque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Gold

18K yellow gold ring, gemstone and natural diamonds
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
18K yellow gold ring, with a central gemstone and two natural diamonds on the sides. Total weight
Category

Vintage 1970s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s Frascarolo Bull Ring
By Frascarolo
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and black enamel with Single cut Diamonds and Round cut Rubies as
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 1.50 Ct Red Ruby 1.60 Ct F VVS Diamond 18 Kt
Located in Napoli, IT
This very charming vintage ring is 1970 circa Skilfully hand crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

AGL Certified Red Sapphire Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
AGL Certified Red Sapphire & Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring 1 round cut red sapphire surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Tannler of Zurich Snake Ring
By Tannler of Switzerland
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Tannler, Zurich. This charming seventies double snake ring mixes ancient
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Cocktail Ring In 18kt Gold Platinum With 3.10 Cts Gems And Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring Designed by David Webb (1925-1975). Very beautiful and colorful cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Modernist Ring in 18Kt Yellow Gold, Sapphires and Ruby
Located in Cattolica, IT
Un anello vintage di epoca 1970 in stile modernista realizzato in oro massiccio 18 kt. Questo
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
Stylish dress ring set with calibrated natural Burma Rubies and Diamonds. Set in 18ct white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Vintage Ruby Turquoise Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
Vintage ruby and turquoise gold ring This magnific vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, Gold

Natural Ruby Old Cut Diamond Ring 14kt Rose Gold
Located in FLEMINGTON, AU
in solid rose gold and adorn with natural rubies and old cut diamonds. This emblematic ring is a
Category

Vintage 1970s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold, Diamond and Ruby Ring, 1970s
Located in Bologna, IT
An incredible vintage ring, with a particular shape, crafted in 18K solid gold throughout. It
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

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

Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Oscar Haymen Ruby and Diamond ring set in 18ct Gold. 10 natural Rubies encased with 2 rows of
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Greek Motif Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
A one of a kind 18k Yellow gold, Greek motif diamond ruby ring, circa 1970. Very fine rubies.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Certified Retro Ruby Diamonds 18 Carats White Gold Ring
Located in Paris, FR
(US: 5 3/4) Ring weight: 6 g French work circa 1970 18 karat white gold, 750/1000th (eagle head
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Marguerite diamond ruby ring in 18-karat white gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Marguerite diamond ruby ring in 18-karat white gold. The ring features a central significant old
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Vintage Flip Ring with Diamonds and Rubies 14K White Gold
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This is an amazing ring with a unique flip design showcasing rubies one side and diamonds on the
Category

Vintage 1970s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Regal Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Elegant, white gold, diamond and ruby ring, with 2.28 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds, set
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

4.93 Carat Ruby Cabochon Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Ruby Cabochon Ring in Rose Gold This magnificent piece features a 4.92 Natural Ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
/SI2 clarity. 35 rubies weigh approximately 1.90 carats total weight. Ring measures 18mm at widest
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Boucheron Oval Pink Coral Emerald Ruby Gold Cocktail Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Paris, FR
Boucheron engraved yellow gold ring with one oval pink coral peau d'ange, 3 cabochon emerald drops
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Vintage Ruby and Turquoise Ladies Ring
Located in Jackson Heights, NY
18K Yellow Gold Weight= 6.2 gr Size= 7 Ruby= 1/2 Ct total Turquoise= 2 mm Year= 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold

18 Karat Vintage Mario Buccellati Ruby and Diamond Ring Yellow Gold
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Mario Buccellati Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. The Cabochon Ruby weighs
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Frascarolo Yellow Gold, Enamel, Ruby and Diamond Horse Ring
By Frascarolo
Located in Torino, IT
1970s Exquisite and recognizable Frascarolo’s Ring featuring a perfectly structured three
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Flower Design Ring
By Kurt Gaum
Located in Chicago, IL
Kurt Guam 18K yellow gold " flower design" cluster ring prong set with 21 full cut round diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Karat Cushion Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
A beautiful classic 18 karat two tone cluster style ring showcasing a cushion shape ruby center
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond Eagles Head Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in London, GB
Gold tests for 18k . A very distinctive Ring for a man or a woman. Condition: Good Weight: 7.5g
Category

Vintage 1970s Spanish More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

David Webb 1970s Ring Diamonds, Ruby, Gold, Platinum and Enamel
By David Webb
Located in London, GB
David Webb 18k gold,platinum,diamonds,ruby,and green enamel ring.The green enamel body features the
Category

Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Vintage Ruby Diamond Cross Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A cool vintage cluster ring dating from the 1970s. It's modelled in 18 karat yellow gold and set
Category

Vintage 1970s English Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1.08 Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This two-tone vintage ring features a natural ruby set in 18k yellow gold prongs. The weight of the
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Round Pearl Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
Vintage Pearl, Rubies and Diamonds Ring This classic elegant vintage 18k white gold ring with a
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, White Gold

Toliro 18 Karat Ruby and Diamond Wide Modern Ring
By Toliro
Located in Pikesville, MD
modern elongated geometric ring features 14 round brilliant diamonds and 14 well saturated round rubies
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1970s Certified Untreated No Heat 1.4 Carat Burma Ruby Gold Domed Ring
Located in Berlin, Berlin
, an untreated Burma ruby, is the focal point of attention in this vintage ring dating to the 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s German Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Round Diamond and Ruby Vintage Cluster Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
approximately G color, SI1 clarity. All diamonds and rubies are set in white gold baskets, sitting nicely atop a
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Asymmetrical Ruby and Opal Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Retro ring has a combination of 5 Rubies, 6 Opals and 3 Diamonds weighing in at 2
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage Rubies Diamonds 18 Carats White Gold Wedding Band
Located in Paris, FR
White gold wedding band set with a full circle of alternating rubies and diamonds. Total estimated
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hallmarked Vintage 9ct Yellow Gold 3 X Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
! This is one of the Best Ruby Bridge Rings we have had in the Collection. This...
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Trefle Double Flower Diamonds Rubies Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef Arpels Trefle Double Flower Ring with cabochon Rubies and .60 carats of Diamonds F
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Double Head Snake Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
This super vintage 9k yellow brushed gold old cut diamond and ruby ring is beautifully crafted in
Category

Vintage 1970s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold

Vintage J Rossi 18 Karat Two-Tone European Cut Ruby and Diamond Fashion Ring
By J Rossi
Located in Mansfield, OH
Vintage J Rossi 18 Karat 2 tone European Cut Ruby and Diamond fashion ring. This unique creation is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Stunning Cocktail Ring with One big Natural Untreated Ruby 11.21crt and Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Style: Vintage Period: ca. 1970 Material: 18K white gold Diamond(s): 18 brilliant cut diamonds with
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
Circa 1975, this 18 karat yellow gold dramatic cocktail ring features Merlot colored fancy cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Natural Rudy Diamond Retro Ring 14kt Rose Gold
Located in FLEMINGTON, AU
The classic style of Circa 60-70''s was this round ruby and diamond bow style cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

18k 2.50 carats ruby and 0.92 carats diamond pinwheel cluster. Florida estate.
Located in Birmingham, MI
ring is in impeccable shape, circa 1970, fabricated in 18k white and yellow golds. Diamond weights
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Vintage Platinum, Diamond and Emerald Ladies Ring
Located in Jackson Heights, NY
total Ruby= 0.60 Ct total Year= 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1.25Ct Ruby 0.53Ct Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring - Vintage Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.25 carat natural ruby and 0.53 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.70Ct Ruby 0.56Ct Diamond, 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring - Vintage Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.70 carat natural ruby and 0.56 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby Diamond Gold Starship Ring
Located in New York, NY
A whimsical and large cocktail ring made in 18kt yellow gold, resembling the shape of a Star-Ship
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold

0.42 Ctw Ruby Diamond Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring, Small Ruby Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. This ring features a prong set, oval cut ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

0.42 Ctw Ruby Diamond Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring, Small Ruby Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. This ring features a prong set, oval cut ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This fine 1970s Diamond & Ruby Ring is centrally set with a faceted oval cut ruby weighing 3.34cts
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Gold Ruby Ring 1970", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.