Suzanne Belperron Aquamarine, Ruby and Diamond Brooch, 18k
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in New York, NY
A Suzanne Belperron Aquamarine, Ruby and Diamond Brooch made in 18k gold, circa 1955-1969.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby
Tiffany & Co. Small Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Small Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch A small textured bird on a single branch with a round-cut ruby for the eye; marked Tiffany & Co., personalized marks (HWR, CHM, ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Alligator Brooch 1970s
Located in Towson, MD
One 1970s 18 karat yellow gold diamond and ruby three-dimensional alligator brooch, a sculptural animal jewelry piece of exceptional weight and surface detail, measuring 2.5 x 1 inch...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Dragonfly Diamond Ruby 18K Platinum Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Details Metal: Platinum with 18K White Gold Armature Period: Circa 1990s Diamonds: Approx. 5.50 carats total Full-Cut & Baguette Cut Color: G–H Clarity: VS1–VS2 Rubies: Approx. 0.20 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$5,450
Ruby Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18K yellow gold stylized leaf pin features two serrated tropical-style leaves, set with rubies and mixed cut old European, modern and rose-cut diamonds set on the stems and veins of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
WEYERSBERG brooch with coral and ruby - 37.0 grams - 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
WEYERSBERG 18k yellow gold brooch set with white coral and ruby – 37.0 grams detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 6.3 cm long by 6.2 cm wide weight 37.0 grams ...
Coral, Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Pin Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined 1960s pin brooch, crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, exemplifying the elegant and balanced design aesthetic of the period.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Herbert Rosenthal 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Bee Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 11.7 grams Gemstone: Diamond 2.50 cttw - approximately - stones in mounting Ruby 0.08 cttw Dimensions: 26.5mm x 33.1 mm 15.4 mm Period: 1960's
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Butterfly Diamond Sapphire Emerald Ruby Yellow Gold 18k Brooch
Located in Geneva, CH
Butterfly diamond, sapphire, emerald and ruby yellow gold 18K brooch. Height: approximate 4.00 centimeters.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiger Eye Ruby Enamel 18k Yellow Gold Hummingbird Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
A beautifully crafted hummingbird brooch, exquisitely detailed in rich 18k yellow gold.
Ruby, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
French 18K YG Emerald Ruby and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous mid 20th century French dragonfly brooch expertly crafted in richly textured 18K yellow gold, designed with sculptural rope-twist detailing and vibrant gemstone accents.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Ruby Pearl Starfish Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
The brooch is beautifully dimensional, with finely textured gold surfaces that capture light from every angle.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.25 Carat Ruby Gem Tulip Brooch Pin 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 0.25 Carat Ruby Gem Tulip Brooch Pin 18k Gold. Very elegant design of the Tulip flowers with Ruby gemstones makes this brooch very creative.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Rachel Koen Ruby Diamond Floral Long Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunningly beautiful diamond gemstone brooch features a pop of color with round cut rubies, diamonds, and green chrysoprase all studded in a floral pattern design crafted in 18k...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin Paris Leaves Brooch 18k Gold , Ruby and Diamonds
By Mauboussin
Located in istanbul, TR
The Mauboussin brooch is a fine jewelry piece crafted from 18k rose gold, featuring 10 round diamonds and a ruby as the secondary stone.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian ruby diamond 18k yellow gold golf club brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian brooch showcases vibrant calibre cut rubies framed by delicate rose cut diamonds in a graceful 18k yellow gold and platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Bulldog Brooch
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Handcrafted with careful attention to detail, this piece reflects the bold gold styling and refined diamond workmanship popular in the 1990s. Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Clown Pendant Brooch of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This playful vintage clown (circa 1950) is crafted in 18k gold with natural ruby and diamond accents, its articulated body designed for movement and charm.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Elephant Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Brooch
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
The sparkle of diamonds is contrasted with the rich colors of the rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, giving the brooch both depth and a sense of dynamic energy.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bird Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Handcrafted in glowing 18k yellow gold, this brooch features a graceful bird adorned with 3.27 carats of vivid rubies, a 0.31-carat sapphire, and 0.93 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage Emerald Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: 2 Emeralds Cut: Round Brilliant Weight: Approximately 0.2 Carats Color: Green Accent Stone: Ruby Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Weight: Approximately .05 Carat Color: Red Acc...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold, Ruby Diamond Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
Fashionable vintage 18K yellow gold, ruby and diamond dragonfly brooch.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$18,000
Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Brooch A white gold floral motif brooch composed of pear-shaped and oval rubies, accented with round cut and baguette cut diamonds Accompanied by an AGL certifica...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby Enamel Ladies Face Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage gold brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The brooch has been modelled in the form of a stylized ladies profile.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K Rose Gold Fancy Diamond & Ruby Fish Brooch
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Fancy Diamond & Ruby Fish 18K Rose Gold Brooch 15 Fancy Diamonds 1.53 CT 2 Green Garnet 0.14 CT 6 Pink Sapphires 0.11 CT 105 Rubies 1.56 CT 18K Rose Gold 11.72 GM The Ruby gems...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Vintage Cherny 18K Gold, Diamond, Emerald & Ruby Figural Bird Brooch
By Cherny
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maker: Rudi Cherny Marks: Marked to the reverse for Cherny / 18K. Fineness: Marked 18k for gold fineness. Gemstone Measurements: 1 round ruby: ca 1.5 mm diameter 10 round cut diam...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond Ruby Black Onyx 18K Gold Turtle Brooch-Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating brooch intricately designed in the shape of a turtle, featuring 1.88 carats of round white diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18K Cartier Ruby and Diamond Cartier Nautial Club Flag Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier’s fascination with symbolism and aristocratic leisure is distilled here into a composition that feels both graphic and deeply sophisticated. Crafted in 18K yellow gold and p...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Ruby Flower Ribbon Brooch - VHK#286A
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Ruby Flower Ribbon Brooch - VHK#286A Item Details: 1970s Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight:8.7 grams Ruby Details: Natural Ruby,...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Emerald Ruby and Pearl Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Pin this brooch to a blazer, gown, or scarf for instant sophistication.
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Chalcedony Pearl Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Snail Brooch
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
The snail brooch evokes an oceanic spirit. Soft blue chalcedony is carved as the shell.
Chalcedony, Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.65ct Diamond and Ruby Brooch MF36-020326
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This radiant brooch will instantly add a touch of luxury to any ensemble.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin 50ct Diamond 14ct Burma Ruby Flower Brooch, 18k Gold
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
This brooch is a true masterpiece, combining the timeless beauty of diamonds and rubies with the elegance of 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Ruby Pearl Heart Brooch Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Ruby Pearl Heart Brooch Pin Approximate Dimensions: 3.4 cm (Length) 3.3 cm (Width) 3.85 - 4.45 mm (Pearl) Approx. 0.3 carat (Ruby) 7.5 grams in weight...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Bambi Diamond Ruby Enamel Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond count: 27 Diamond total carat weight: ~0.27 Diamond color: G-H Diamond clarity: VS Gemstone: 1 red ruby Brooch Measuremen...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K Yellow Gold, 6.75 ct. Ruby, and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Brooch is a testament to luxury and craftsmanship. This captivating piece is designed as a resplendent flowerhead, exuding timeless elegance and grac...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Elephant Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Fashioned in 18K yellow gold with French assay marks, the stylized form is adorned with a ruby cabochon on the forehead, a bright emerald eye, and a saddle of channel-set rubies fram...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French Ruby and Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The brooch has been realistically modelled in the form of a bird perched on a branch.
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,110Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Emerald Brooch/Pendent - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Lemon Topaz & Emerald Brooch/Pendant in 18K Gold & Silver A striking and highly versatile jewel, this Bochic “Orient” brooch/pendant is a beau...
Emerald, Ruby, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
18K Yellow Gold Diamond, Ruby, and Citrine Dragon Head Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and exquisitely detailed 18K yellow gold dragon head brooch, showcasing masterful sculptural artistry and a dramatic sense of movement.
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Diamond Panther Brooch with Sapphires and Rubies
Located in Macau, MO
This is a magnificant panther diamond brooch in 18K yellow gold, set with 354 pieces of white diamond totalling 6.97 carats in weight, 112 pieces of blue sapphire weighing 5.95 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond, Tsavorite & Ruby Owl Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in BILBAO, ES
-Creator: Taka, Singapore - Metal: 18K White Gold - Stone: Diamond, Black Diamond, Tsavorite, Ruby - Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut -Stone Details: 70 Diamonds – 1.44 ct 2 Bl...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, White Gold
Diamond Lizard Brooch Ruby Eyes 18K Gold Taka Singapore
Located in BILBAO, ES
lizard brooch, diamond lizard brooch, ruby eyes brooch, animal jewelry, diamond brooch, taka singapore jewelry, luxury brooch, 18k gold brooch, pavé diamond brooch, reptile jewelry, ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Sapphire Brooch Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Bow Brooch with Rubies and Sapphires Circa 1940s–1950s Charming and full of vintage allure, this bow-shaped brooch from the 1940s–1950s is crafted in rich 1...
Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Amethyst Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Penguin Pendant Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating brooch meticulously designed in the shape of a penguin, adorned with fancy-shape amethysts and round diamonds. The body features vibrant purple amethysts, weighing 2.65...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 4.19tcw Ruby Diamond & Tahitian Pearl Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This vintage brooch is an especially striking and impressive designer piece, combining 4.19ctw of rubies, 1.09ctw of diamonds, and a large 14 x 16mm Tahitian pearl in a richly sculpt...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Ruby Yellow Blue Sapphire Flower Brooch Pin 15.45cttw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A lively brooch beautifully crafted in deep 18K yellow gold and bezel set with approximately 5.25cttw in rubies, 5.10cttw in blue sapphires and 5.10cttw in yellow sapphires.
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Floral Bouquet Brooch, 18k
Located in New York, NY
An Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Floral Bouquet Brooch made in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
Antique Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent Brooch 18K Gold - c.1880
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this exquisite antique Victorian 18ct gold ruby & diamond brooch c.1880. Celestial jewellery was increasingly in vogue during the Victorian era as rene...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Ruby Diamond Brooch Platinum on 18K Gold Calibre cut Rubies, c1920
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A finely composed Art Deco ruby and diamond brooch, dating to circa 1920, showcasing the clean geometry and precision typical of the period. Set in platinum and 18ct gold, the piece ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Meister Zürich Lucky Ladybug Ruby Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
This charming Meister Zürich ladybird brooch is crafted from 750 yellow and white gold and beautifully set with 6 ruby cabochons totalling 0.55 ct. The design is further enhanced by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Ruby Hummingbird Pin / Brooch Enameled
Located in Wallkill, NY
Delicate hummingbird with spectacular enamel work on the Body and the head. Look at those Ruby Eyes. Measures 1.63"top to bottom x .60" at its widest. Hummingbird motif has been wi...
18k Gold, Enamel
Ruby and Diamond Brooch/Pendant set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.69 carats and Diamond 1.37 carats Brooch/Pendant set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 5.3 cm Length: 3.5 cm Total Weight: 18.65 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Ruby & Diamond Swirling 18K Gold Brooch Pin
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A plume of feathers unfurls outward from a ruby-set center, each marquise-shaped leaf outlined in a rope twist yellow-gold and studded with crisp pavé diamonds. A ring of round rubie...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
RETRO Brooch with emerald, ruby and sapphire 18k gold 12.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
RETRO 18k rose gold brooch set with ruby, sapphire, and emerald – 12.3 grams detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 3.7 cm long by 2.9 cm wide weight 12.3 grams s...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Herbert Rosenthal Ruby Eyes Large Bee Pin/Brooch
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Lexington, KY
The piece is solid 18K yellow gold with two small inset ruby eyes. 18k Yellow Gold Herbert Rosenthal Ruby Eyes Large Bee Pin/Brooch 18k yellow gold .05 carat ruby(each) Herbert ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Napoleon III Brooch - Victorian 18K solid Gold, Ruby & Pearl
Located in Antwerp, BE
Total weight : 3,3 gr Total diameter : 3 cm Total Width with pin length: 3,25 cm Thickness : 1 cm Condition : Very Good - antique Material : 18K yellow gold - half pearls - old ...
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
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.
Vintage brooches, which refer to decorative jewelry traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
While jewelry trends come and go, brooches are indeed back on the radar thanks to fashion houses like Gucci, Versace, Dior and Saint Laurent, all of which feature fun pinnable designs in their current collections. Whether a dazzlingly naturalistic Art Nouveau dragonfly, a whimsical David Webb animal, a gem-studded bloom or a streamlined abstract design, these jewels add color and sparkle to your look and a spring to your step.
Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones. Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.
At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric. Chanel, of course, has never abandoned this style, producing gorgeously baroque CC examples since the 1980s.
Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.
Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches for sale on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.
The care that went into crafting this jewel, with its lifelike carved petals and diamond accents, matches the sentiment it represents.
For starters, it is one of the jewelry designer’s most celebrated works.
Though it sparkles with more than 27 carats of diamonds, this multifaceted gem delivers more than just dazzle.
Stellene Volandes takes us on a glittering, engrossing tour through the centuries.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.