How do I care for a ruby ring?

Clean the metal and stones gently using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemical dips that might affect the setting. Store the piece separately from harder gems to prevent scratching the gold or platinum band over time.

Are all these rubies untreated?

Selected pieces specify unheated stones originating from sources such as Mogok or Burma. Gem reports often accompany these specific examples. Other pieces feature natural rubies without explicit mention of unheated status, reflecting diverse origins across the listed eras.

What metals are used in these rings?

The selections utilise 18ct yellow gold, standard 18k gold, and platinum. Yellow gold dominates the Victorian and Edwardian examples. Platinum appears alongside gold, particularly in pieces from the Art Deco period where white metal settings were favoured.

How can I tell an Art Deco ring?

Art Deco rings often feature geometric cluster shapes, checkerboard patterns, and platinum work framing the central ruby and diamonds. These designs emerged around the 1920s and 1930s. They contrast with the organic floral motifs seen in earlier Victorian and Edwardian three-leaf clover or cluster styles.