$4,392Sale Price|20% Off
Ludwig Müller Style 18kt Gold Diamond Ruby Enamel Figural Brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
The brooch depicts a man in costume, decorated with blue enamel, diamonds, and rubies. Dimensions - Weight: 13 g Height: 5.6 cm Width: 1.6 cm Specifications Style: In the manner of...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Ruby and Diamond Dangly Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Necklace Specifications: Type: Ruby Diamond Dangly Necklace Metal: 18k White Gold Total Weight: 16.5 Grams Pendant Length: 3" Ruby Carat Weight: 2.5 carats Diamond Carat Weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate 18K WG Link Bracelet with 1.88ct Diamonds 7.5ct Sapphire and 6ct Ruby
Located in New York, NY
Featuring a dazzling array of gemstones, including 3 carats of X-shaped sapphires, 4.5 carats of baguette-shaped sapphires, and an impressive 6 carats of baguette-shaped rubies, this...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roberto Coin 18K YG Cuff Bracelet Earrings & Ring Set 0.18ct Diamonds 0.08 Ruby
By Roberto Coin
Located in New York, NY
Style: Cuff Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone 1: 0.02 Carat Ruby Number of Stones: 1 Shape: Round Brilliant Gemstone 2: 0.12 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 6 Color: I Clarity: SI...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 3ctw Oval Cut Ruby Halfway Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Slide this 14k yellow-gold band onto your hand and watch eleven oval rubies—totaling a full 3 carats—ignite in a continuous blaze of red.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 3ctw Oval Cut Ruby Halfway Ring Band
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Slide this 14k yellow-gold band onto your hand and watch eleven oval rubies—totaling a full 3 carats—ignite in a continuous blaze of red.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,324Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary 18K White Gold, Natural Diamond & Ruby Cockail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Three (3) carats of vibrant, well-matched rubies, in a combination of pear-shaped (goccia) and classic round cuts, create a burst of color at the vortex of the ring's design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.01ct Diamond 2.39ct Ruby Oval Band Ring 14K Rose Gold GIA Tamir By Merkaba
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Details Metal: 14K rose gold Diamonds: 2 oval diamonds, 1.01 carats total, D color, VS2 to SI1, GIA reports available Rubies: 3 oval rubies, 2.39 carats total Ring size: 6.5 (complim...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch, circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Meticulously crafted in 18K yellow gold, the piece features an elegant leaf motif design adorned with lush, vivid rubies totaling 3 carats. The rubies' rich red hue is beautifully co...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Royal Ruby Diamond Fancy Blue Diamond Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An absolutely stunning piece of fine jewelry! It features 3 oval-shaped rubies with a rich vivid red color, weighing a total of 3.37 carats.
Blue Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Brooch with Marquise-Cut Center Diamond
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Crafted in luminous 18K white gold, this bold and elegant brooch features a striking Art Deco-inspired design centered around a 0.52-carat marquise-cut diamond. The piece is richly s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pradera Jewels 18k Yellow Gold Ring & Diamonds and Rubies
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K yellow gold ring weighing 4.40 grams, silver weighing 4.57 grams, 119 diamonds with a total weight of 1.41 carats, and 3 treated corundum rubies. Irama Pradera is a Young design...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Bochic Capri Vintage 20ct Blue Sapphire & Ruby Earrings in 18K Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Sapphire, Ruby & Rose Cut Sapphire Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver From the “Capri” collection Natural Blue Sapphire 3 carats Round shapes ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire Bangle Set In 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Gemstone Details Natural Blue Sapphire — Approximately 5 Carats Natural Yellow Sapphire — Approximately 5 Carats Natural Red Ruby — Approximately 3 Carats Natural Green Sapphire — A...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold...
$1,882Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Diamond, Ruby & Sapphire Bangle Set In 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Diamond, Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire Bangle Set In 18K & Silver Blue Sapphire - 5 Carats Yellow Sapphire- 5 Carats Red Ruby - 3 Carats Green Sapph...
Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Picchiotti 18kt Yellow Gold 2.10ct. Ruby & 2.10ct Diamond Baguette Band Ring
By Picchiotti
Located in New York, NY
Set in 18 karat yellow gold this ring features 3 oval rubies set across the top . Three baguette diamonds flank the rubies on either side of this band style ring. 3 Rubies =2.10 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pradera Jewels 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Brooch with Diamonds & Rubies
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K yellow gold brooch weighing 2.68 grams, silver weighing 4.57 grams, 119 diamonds with a total weight of 1.41 carats, and 3 treated corundum rubies. Irama Pradera is a Young desi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
12.00 Carat Emerald 8.00 Carat Round Diamond 5.2MM Pearl 14K Gold Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Title: 12.00 Carat Emerald 8.00 Carat Round Brilliant G SI1 Diamond 2.00 Carat Pearl 0.20 Carat Marquis Shape Ruby 14 Karat Two Tone Gold Pin Brooch Style: Pin Metal: 14 Karat Two To...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire Bangle - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire Bangle Set In 18K Gold & Silver open and close hinge and safety locks Natural Red Ruby - 3 Carats Natural Blue Sapphire - 4 Car...
Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Diamond, Ruby & Multi-Color Sapphire Bangle 18K Gold &Sil
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Diamond, Ruby & Multi-Color Sapphire Bangle Set in 18K Gold & Silver Gemstone Details: Blue Sapphire: 5 Carats Yellow Sapphire: 5 Carats Red Ruby: 3 Carats Gr...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
14K Gold Edwardian Graduated Curb Link Bracelet with Ruby, Diamond & Sapphire
Located in Venice, CA
It measures 4.25 x 4 mm, and is .3 of a carat. The ruby and sapphire are both natural, with slight inclusions.
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
Pradera Jewels 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Pendant with Diamonds & Rubies
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K yellow gold pendant weighing 0.68 grams, silver weighing 4.57 grams, 119 diamonds with a total weight of 1.41 carats, and 3 treated corundum rubies. Irama Pradera is a Young des...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Moonstone Ruby Necklace Antique 14 Karat Gold Museum Quality Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The rubies total approximately 2.5 to 3 Carats. The necklace is 19.5 inches long.
Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
$1,252Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire Bangle Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire Bangle Set In 18K Gold & Silver open and close hinge and safety locks Natural Red Ruby - 3 Carats Natural Blue Sapphire - 4 Car...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,383Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire Bangle Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire Bangle Set In 18K Gold & Silver open and close hinge and safety locks Natural Red Ruby - 3 Carats Natural Blue Sapphire - 4 Car...
Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
Tutti Frutti Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Diamonds Baroque Pearls Dangle Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
In these classic Tutti Frutti Style earrings the tops are 2 White Gold and Diamonds wavy bars, 26 round full cut diamonds weighing 0,26 carats,and 3 pairs Rubies ,Emeralds and Blue ...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$880Sale Price|35% Off
Bochic “Orient” Neoclassical Bull, Ruby & Sapphire Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Neoclassical Bull, Ruby & Sapphire Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Fantastic Oriental-style ring Iconic Neoclassical Collection Natural Dark Blue Sapphire - 3 carats N...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Beautiful 0.45ct Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamonds Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Main stone: 3 stones Ruby Main stone carat weight: 0.15ct Shape: Round brilliant Color grade: Red Clarity grade: N/A Main stone: 2 stones Sapphire Main stone...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Amethyst & Multi Gem Brooch Pendant 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Pink Ruby, Amethyst & Multi Gem Brooch Pendant Set 18K & Silver Can be worn as a brooch and a pendant Natural Pink Ruby - 3 carat Garent, Amethyst, White...
Amethyst, Garnet, Ruby, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Unique Oval Red Ruby Ring in White Gold with White Diamond Surround
Located in London, GB
Ring Size: UK - L, US - 5 3/4 3.04 Carat Ruby
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,576Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Ruby & Multi Sapphire Serpent Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Ruby & Multi Sapphire Serpent Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Rubies - 3 carat Natural Blue sapphire - 2.40 carat The earrings from the "Orien...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Lemon Quartz & Mix gems Necklace - 18K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Lemon Quartz & Mix gems Necklace Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Rubies - 3 Carats Rose Quartz - 3 Carats Mix Gems - 7 Carats White Pearls The B...
Aquamarine, Freshwater Pearl, Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Georgios Collections Yellow Gold 18 Karat Diamond and Ruby Byzantine Bracelet
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
The bracelet features 2 Brilliant cuts White Diamonds total weight of 0.20 Carat and 3 round-cut Rubys total weight of 0.41 Carat.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$959Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Amber, Ruby & Emerald Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Amber, Ruby & Emerald Brooch or Pendent Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby - 3 carat Natural Emeralds - 2 carat Can be worn as a pendent...
Amber, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Sapphire, Ruby & Multi Gem Brooch - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Sapphire, Ruby & Multi Gem Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby - 3 carat Natural Tsavorite - 1 carat Natural Sapphires from Sri Lanka - 12 carat ...
Garnet, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sa...
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & White Topaz Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Red Ruby & White Topaz Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural White Topaz - 3 carat Natural Red Rubies - 5.40 carat The earrings from the "Orient" ...
Ruby, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Opal, Multi Sapphires & Ruby Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Opal, Multi Sapphires & Ruby Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Red Ruby - 3 carat Multi color Natural Sapphires from Sri Lanka 4 carat Natural Blue ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
14k White Gold Glass Filled Ruby Diamond Pendant on a Classic Box Chain Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Pendant Design: Ruby Pendant with Diamonds Material: 14k White Gold Gemstone Details: This pendant features 1 Ruby gemstone, weighing approximately 3 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Antique Pigeon Blood Burmese Burma Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Necklace French
Located in New York, NY
The pendant hangs from an 18 Karat Gold chain. Burmese Rubies 3 Oval and Round Faceted Natural Burmese Rubies The central ruby: 3.92 x 3.34 x 2.52mm and .26 Carats.
Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Chaumet Paris Retro Ruby and Diamond Wide Bracelet with Brooch Clip in 18K Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Dallas, TX
Both terminal ends of the bracelet are set with numerous sparkling old-European round diamonds totaling approximately 5 carats. The highly decorative strap-end of the bracelet also f...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$892Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Natural Ruby, Sapphire & Green Jade Brooch or Pendent Set In 18K
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Natural Ruby, Sapphire & Green Jade Brooch or Pendent Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Multi Sapphire 3 carats Natural Green Calcite 15 carats Natural Ruby 3 ca...
Jade, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k ...
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Multi Sapphire Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Red Ruby & Multi Sapphire Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Multi Color Sapphire - 3 carat Natural Red Rubies - 5.40 carat The earrings from t...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sap...
Vintage Gem Set Floral Pendant/Brooch
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Total Weight: 11.3 grams Dimensions: 40mm x 45mm x 8mm Total Diamond Carat Weight: Approx. 1.00 Carats Ruby: 3 (2.5mm) Peridot: 4 (2mm) Citrine: 9 (2.4mm)...
Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Ruby, Silver
Vintage Italian 18K Gold Gem set Figural Bee Brooch with Pearl and Amethyst
Located in Miami, FL
Likely Italian, circa 1950s–1960s 18K yellow gold Cultured pearl Oval amethyst approximately 0.50 carat 3 rubies approximately 0.03 carat total 3 emeralds approximately 0.03 carat to...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
VCA Retro Ludo Clip, 1950s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
It has fine round brilliant solitaire diamonds, weighing approximately 3 carats, and ruby carrés. The clip has an iconic ludo design and is marked VC&A NY and numbered 7732.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,424Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Sapphire & Multi Gem Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Diamond, Sapphire & Multi Gem Ring Set In 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Natural Cabochon Blue Sapphire - 16 carat Natural multi color Sapphires a...
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire,...
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Multi Sapphire & Citrine Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Multi Sapphire & Citrine Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Citrine 12 Carats Natural Sapphires 3 Carat Natural Ruby and Mix Gems 2 Carat Sig...
Citrine, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$959Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Sapphire & Multi Gem Ring Set In 18K Yellow Gold & Silve
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Sapphire & Multi Gem Ring Set In 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Natural Cabochon Blue Sapphire - 16 Carat Natural multi color Sapphires and Rubie...
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Go...
Wendy Brandes Full-Finger Hinged Barbed Wire Motif Ring In Platinum and Diamonds
By Wendy Brandes
Located in New York, NY
Platinum, satin finish. 27 diamond rounds totaling 0.12 carats. 3 ruby rounds. Approx. 2" long. Made in New York City.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Aquamarine & Sapphire Earrings 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Aquamarine & Multi Sapphire Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Multi Color Sapphire - 3 carat Natural Red Rubies - 5.40 carat The earrings fro...
Aquamarine, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gre...
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.