Top 10 Best Vintage Ruby Ring Options
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Rubies are gorgeous, passionate gemstones. Their rich, red hues showcase depth and vibrancy, and they have been popular in rings and other jewelry for centuries. This gives ruby lovers many outstanding options for vintage ruby rings, from stunning antique engagement rings to cocktail rings and other signature pieces. What are some of the top vintage ruby ring choices available today?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- Why We Love Vintage Rubies
- Top 10 Vintage Ruby Ring Designs
- Vintage Ruby Solitaires
- Cluster Rings
- Twin Rings
- Heart Shapes
- Stacking Bands
- Wedding Bands
- Art Nouveau
- Retro Rings
- Art Deco Rings
- Victorian Rings
- Choosing Your Perfect Vintage Ruby Ring
Why We Love Vintage Rubies
Rubies have enjoyed nearly universal popularity in jewelry design through the ages, and therefore can be found in a wide range of vintage designs and antique pieces. These brilliantly red gems are spectacular as either bold center stones or colorful accents, and are versatile for different shapes and types of metals. This ensures rubies can be a part of any design you may love, from any vintage ring era.
The symbolism of the ruby also gives these stones great appeal. Rubies are widely recognized as symbolizing passion, love, and romance, but also represent prosperity, success, good luck, strength, and royalty. They are the official July birthstone, and also signify the fifteenth, fortieth, and eightieth wedding anniversaries. With so much symbolism in the gem, it is no surprise that ruby is highly sought after for all sorts of vintage ring options.
Top 10 Vintage Ruby Ring Designs
There is great variety available in ruby rings, from vintage engagement rings to antique cocktail rings and more. Which styles will be suitable for your fashionable preferences?
1. Vintage Ruby Solitaires
Also called halo settings, these flower-like gemstone arrangements may use a stunning ruby as the center of the design, with diamonds, pearls, or other gemstones encircling the center to make it appear larger.
2. Cluster Rings
Also called halo settings, these flower-like gemstone arrangements
may use a stunning ruby as the center of the design, with diamonds, pearls, or other gemstones encircling the center to make it appear larger.
3. Twin Rings
These trending ring designs are also known as toi-et-moi (you-and-me) or duet settings, and include two gemstones of equal or nearly equal size set together. This can represent two people and is a unique choice for an engagement or promise ring.
4. Heart Shapes
Rubies are a natural choice to be cut into heart shapes, showcasing the passion and romance these gemstones symbolize. Heart-shaped rubies may be used as nostalgic solitaires or even set as accents in more elaborate antique ring designs.
5. Stacking Bands
Small rubies can easily be set in thin bands to be stacked together with other bands for the ultimate in a customizable ring. This could be a lovely wedding band or anniversary ring, and can be easily expanded over the years.
6. Wedding Bands
A vintage wedding band may be set with rubies to further symbolize the romance of the ring. This can coordinate beautifully to a ruby engagement ring, or the wedding band may be worn on its own for unmatched flair.
7. Art Nouveau
Rubies are a popular choice for Art Nouveau rings to add a burst of brilliant color to the design. This draws attention to the unique features of the ring and adds the gemstone’s symbolism to the distinctive design.
8. Retro Ring
Retro designs are wistful and lovely, and rubies make stunning accents to bows, ribbons, and floral motifs. Smaller rubies are often used in these elaborate rings so as not to take away from the full effect.
9. Art Deco Rings
The Art Deco period was one of bold colors and sharp geometry, and rubies were great to add that pop to different ring designs. Multiple rubies were often incorporated to preserve the symmetry characteristic of the design era.
10. Victorian Rings
The romance and femininity of the Victorian era is beautifully accented by rubies, and these vintage ruby rings often have floral designs, exquisite filigree, and other amazingly delicate details that help show off a beautiful stone.
Choosing Your Perfect Vintage Ruby Ring
With so many options for vintage ruby rings, it is important to try on several styles to see what suits your finger best. This will help you narrow down which antique eras you may prefer and which just aren’t quite your jewelry vibe. Because vintage rings differ significantly from modern styles, it is also important to be familiar with different gemstone cuts and shapes and how they reflect light and add luster to the stone. Working with a reputable jewelry can help you ensure the integrity and authenticity of the ring, and feel more comfortable with such a significant purchase.
Ultimately, choose the ring design you love best and that offers the character and symbolism you prefer. Vintage ruby rings have already withstood the proverbial test of time, and whichever one you choose, you will be adding a new chapter to its already beautiful and luxurious history.
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
Contact Suzanne
If you love vintage jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of vintage engagement rings.
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