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Vintage Estate 14K White Gold Square Cut Ruby Eternity Band - Size 6
Located in Great Neck, NY
vintage ruby eternity band is crafted in white gold. The ring features gorgeous natural red rubies set
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Vintage 1970 s 2 Headed "Dragon" Ring with gemstones in Its Mouth
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2 Headed "Dragon" ring with a sapphire and ruby in its mouth. This ring has different kind of
Category

Late 20th Century American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful ruby and diamond three-stone ring. This vintage piece has been crafted
Category

Vintage 1970s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Multi-Gem Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Victorian-Inspired Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This vintage 1970s era diamond and ruby three stone ring was designed in the style of a Victorian
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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 Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
whilst the shank is in 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Oval Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
In the centre of this three stone ring is a wonderfully deep red ruby weighing 0.72 carat. It is a
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Kunz Yellow Gold Snake Ring
By Kunz
Located in Litchfield, CT
ring, by the renowned Genèvan firm Kunz, is visually arresting and smartly au courant. It is sleek, fun
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cabochon Gemstone 14k Yellow Gold Thick Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Cabochon Gemstone 14k Yellow Gold Thick Band Ring. Featuring one cabochon cut sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Egyptian Revival Rose Cut Diamond 18k Rose Gold Snake Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This circa 1970s snake ring is crafted in solid 18 karat rose gold, crowned with a natural rose cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Egyptian Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

3.15 Carats Fancy Yellow Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Platinum 18 Karat Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
1970's. Ring size: 6 1/2 and sizable. Measures: North to South 19.5 mm and sits 10.5 mm high. Total
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sa...

Gérard Gold, Cabochon Colored Stone and Diamond Floret Cluster Dome Ring
By M. Gérard
Located in New York, NY
M. Gérard Gold, Cabochon Colored Stone and Diamond Floret Cluster Dome Ring Made in France, circa
Category

Vintage 1970s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Gemstone 18K Yellow Gold Triangle Ring Set
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Gemstone 18K Yellow Gold Triangle Ring Set. Featuring one round
Category

Vintage 1970s French Band Rings

Materials

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

1970s Harem Princess Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stunning combination of rubies and opals presented in this 1970's "princess" harem cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold

Lion Ring by Ilias Lalaounis
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Paris, FR
Lion Ring by Ilias Lalaounis 18K Gold, Black Enamel, Ruby, Rose Cut diamonds Greece, Circa 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek Greek Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

Agate, Amber, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Multi Row Gemstone Ring
Located in London, GB
, ruby, emerald and sapphire, framed with twenty-four rose-cut diamonds, mounted in 14ct gold. The total
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Band Rings

Materials

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

Multi Gemstone Diamond Curved Dome Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow gold (stamped 14K) angled dome ring set with twelve (12) 1.5mm round rubies
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
separated into three rings again). Featuring ruby, sapphire, and emerald with diamonds, together they create
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Moonstone and Nephrite Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, nephrite, moonstone and ruby ring. The ring is composed of carved
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Jade, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold

Vintage Acrostic Dearest Multistone 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
9ct gold and has line detail engraved all the way around it. Made in London, England. Ring Size: W 1
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 9k Gold

Convertible Ballerina-Style 4.50 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring/Pendant
Located in London, GB
This sensational circa 1970s ruby and diamond cocktail ring converts to a pendant! This unusual
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1970 Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
Flashback to the Disco Era! Have fun with this whimsical ruby ring - in 14 karat yellow gold, size
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lalaounis 1970 Greece Band Ring in 18Kt Yellow Gold Sterling with Round Ruby
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
jewelry house of Lalaounis, back in the 1970's. This geometric vintage ring has been carefully crafted in
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Big, Bold 1970 s Gold, Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This bold 14k yellow gold vintage cocktail ring embodies the spirit and iconic styling cues of the
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

BOUCHERON Paris 1970 Deco Ring 18Kt White Gold With 1.75 Ctw Diamonds Rubies
By Boucheron
Located in Miami, FL
iconic Parisian jewelry house of Boucheron, back in the 1970. This ring was carefully crafted with art
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond Ring, Oval Ruby Ring, 14K Gold, Square Diamond Ring, July Birthston
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold oval and diamond ring. This ring features a horizontal prong set
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Lalaounis 1970 Double Chimeras Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.96 Ctw In Rubies
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Miami, FL
, there are no damage to the gold. The rubies are This ring has been carefully inspected to guarantee the
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek Hellenistic Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dinh Van 1970 Geometric Ring In 18Kt Gold With 1.05 Ctw Diamonds Ruby Sapphires
By Jean Dinh Van
Located in Miami, FL
patriotic colors, made in Paris, circa 1970’s. This ring was crafted in solid yellow gold of 18k, with the
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Medusa Coin Ruby Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
mounted in an organic 18 carat yellow gold mount with 3 asymmetrically positioned natural rubies. This
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Ruby Sapphire gold Double Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
A fashionable double band ring of 18 kt gold that elegantly sits raised from the finger. The gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Bulgari Vintage Yellow Gold Hematite Ruby Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stylish vintage 18k yellow gold ring by Bulgari features ruby and hematite. Rubies are cabochon cut
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

Hematite, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Pyramid Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
ring in fourteen karat 14K yellow gold. In size 6-1/2 and resizable. Gift boxed.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Gold Ruby Diamond Sculptural Horse Head Ring
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970's 14k gold, ruby and diamond horse head ring, creator unknown. One diamond in the forehead
Category

Vintage 1970s American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Ruby Diamond Gold Dolphin Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a dolphin with round cut rubies eyes and rubies and diamond set bifurcated tail
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
By Luise Gioielli
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
14 carat gold ring in US size 8.5 / EU size 17. Corolla with a ruby in the center surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Ruby Diamond Bypass Band Ring, 18KT Yellow Gold, Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 18 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond bypass band ring. This July birthstone ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS ,ONGOING PROMOTIONS AND ITEMS ON SALES. Fantastic ring in 18 kt white gold structure
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gold 2.54 Carat Natural Emerald, Ruby Sapphire Cocktail Diamond Ring, circa 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring set with 18 Natural Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphires
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1970s Ruby Diamond Cluster 18kt Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
cluster ring, masterfully handcrafted in 18 karat white gold circa 1970. The striking leafy design
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Lalaounis emerald ruby 18k yellow gold ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Lalaounis 18k yellow gold ring showcases a 1.70-carat cabochon cut emerald, accented
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1.75 Carat Ruby and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.75 carat ruby and 0.72 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sapphires Emeralds Rubies Diamonds Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Elegant cocktail ring in 14 kt gold, with a diameter of 2.3 cm x 1.5 cm height, embellished with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Retrò Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
mounted with an oval ruby surrounded by diamonds. Laterally, gold engravings. This ring was totally
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Retrò Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
covered by the seller (customs duties included). Amazing retrò ring in 14 karat white gold structure
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Huge Ruby Cabochon 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This huge Ruby Cabochon ring is in good condition. Some of the rubies do have some brusing and
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

1970s Natural Ruby Diamond Gold Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning gypsy ring is made in 18k yellow gold and bezel-set with 2 round brilliant-cut F-G
Category

Vintage 1970s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Watermelon Tourmaline Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Gold Owl Ring
Located in New York, NY
. The unique look is finished off with cabochon ruby eyes and gold dots at the tips of the ears. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Andrew Clunn Chalcedony Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Andrew Clunn
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage unique cocktail ring by Andrew Clunn made of 18k yellow gold, featuring chalcedony and
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Ilias Lalaounis Gold Ram s Head Ring with Ruby Eyes
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This 1970's Classic Lalaounis ram's head ring features ruby eyes and a single diamond. Size 6
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ladybug Shape Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS AND ONGOING PROMOTIONS. Gorgeous ladybug shape ring in 9 karat rose gold and silver
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS AND ONGOING PROMOTIONS. Fantastic ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Rose Gold Eternity Ring Guards Band, Pair
Located in New York, NY
This pair of fabulous estate ring guards is made is 14k rose gold and set with an estimated 33
Category

Vintage 1970s American Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Black South Sea Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Bold 18k Estate 1970s Black Pearl Ruby Diamond Ring Fabulous 18k Rose gold 1970s Handmade Black
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Australian Large Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Graceful ring in 14Kt gold composed of a central pearl surrounded by a crown od rubies and diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Bypass Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond, Ruby & Sapphire Bypass Ring Size 7 Metal: 14 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1970s Jean Mahie Gorgeous Hand Wrought Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Jean Mahie
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring is Hand made sophisticated stylish created by Jean Mahie in the 1970's. Made of
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 22k 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.