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Vintage Ruby Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classic five-stone ruby ring. This vintage piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow
Category

20th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Diamond and Ruby Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful vintage five-stone ring from the Art Deco period, circa 1920. The central ruby measures
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Burmese Ruby Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous five-stone ruby ring. This antique piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.40ct Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A trio of old cut diamonds are set between a pair of vibrant rubies in this Victorian five stone
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.95ct Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian era this five stone alternates between glistening diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Solid 10K White Gold Ruby Five Stone Ring Engagement Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Pink Tourmaline, Turquoise or any combination. If I don't have the stones in
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond & Ruby Five-Stone Band - 18k Round .60ctw Wedding Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .26ctw Cut: Round Color: Pinkish Red Total Carats: .60ctw Style: Five-Stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond & Ruby Five-Stone Band - 18k Round Brilliant .54ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
: .54ctw Style: Five-Stone Band Measurements Face Height (north to south): 1/8" (2.9mm) Rise Above
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond five stone ring. The rubies are a lovely mid
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

2.04 Carat Emerald Cut Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Showcasing color-rich 2.04-carat natural rubies. Two perfectly matched baguette diamonds elegantly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Natural Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Five Stone Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
sleek and lustrous yellow gold band accentuated by small round diamonds between each five stones. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold

Antique Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, 1911
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring features 3 round rubies accompanied by two old cut diamonds all mounted in a
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Five-Stone Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined and elegant five-stone ring taken from the Victorian period. Crafted from a
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Five-Stone Ruby Band, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Horizontal Five Stone Ruby Band in 18K Yellow Gold with a decorative antique-style mounting. Each
Category

2010s Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
fashion to comprise this beautiful and colourful five stone ruby and diamond ring. This ring, which dates
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This ruby and diamond five stone is beautifully made and show cases top quality stones. The natural
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Sparkling pink rubies and white diamonds make up this five stone ring. The centre ruby weighs 0.40
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

14K White Gold Five Stone Diamond Ruby Engagement Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stone Engagement Band Made With Rubies and Diamonds in 14K White Gold. This ring is entirely handmade
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1900 Hallmarked Birmingham- date letter has
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and 15 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This victorian Ruby ring is adorned with five wonderful rubies set in smooth settings. All set in a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
. The two oval cut rubies weigh 0.15 carat each. All the stones are claw set within an 18 carat yellow
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
ring. Set with alternating, natural rubies & diamonds. The centre stones in pretty square settings
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
. It has beautiful detailing on the shoulders and is intricate in design. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby Diamond Five Stone English 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Traditional Victorian half hoop mount, beautiful hand carved details exalting the fabulous Diamond & Ruby
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Carré cut ruby and diamond platinum five stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage platinum five-stone ring showcases three carré cut rubies totaling 1.32 carats and two
Category

20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
15pts and the two outer diamonds measure 10pts each. The rubies total 30pts. The stones are set in
Category

Vintage 1980s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
40pts and the two outer diamonds measure 20pts each. The rubies total 50pts. The stones are set in
Category

Vintage 1960s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
and the rubies total 50pts. The stones are set in simple claw settings and sit quite flush within the
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Five Stone Ruby Oval and Round Victorian Ring, 18K Yellow
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Five Stone Ruby Oval and Round Victorian Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The Ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ruby and Opal 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Either side of the glistening opals int his ring are gorgeous deep red rubies. The central ruby
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
and the rubies total 30pts. The stones are set in simple claw settings and the shoulders have engraved
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring - 14k Marquise .79ctw Five-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .63ctw Cut: Marquise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1910s 0.45Ct Ruby 0.60Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
design. The tapering shoulders of this five stone ruby and diamond ring integrate with the main setting
Category

Vintage 1910s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The three rubies in this five stone are a gorgeous red/pink and Total 20pts. The rose cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
stunning 18ct gold Victorian five-stone ring, featuring alternating natural rubies and diamonds, each stone
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Knife Edge 1.90 Carat Ruby Fishtail Mounting Anniversary Five Stone Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Beautiful yellow gold 1.90 Carats Natural Burmese Ruby Fishtail Mounting Anniversary Antique Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ruby And Diamond Graduating Five Stone Ring English c.1900
Located in Firenze, IT
lternating cushion cut rubies and old-cut diamonds, claw setting, between scrolled shoulders
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Ruby with Diamond Halo Five Stone Ring 18 Karat in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold Oval Ruby With Diamond Halo Five Stone Ring This stunning Ruby Diamond Halo Ring is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian Era 1880s Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring 18 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Exquisitely crafted in 18 carat gold with crimson rubies and sparkling diamonds, she is our Bell
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

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

Vintage .96 Ct Natural Ruby .60 Ct Diamond G VVS Five Stone ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Gipsy Five Stone This beautiful Retro five stone ring is 1940/45 ca Suitable for either sex, comes
Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.33 CTW Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering five graduated round cut rubies bead set east to west Weighing approximately 0.75 carat
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Half Hoop Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
five wonderful rubies with lovely rose cut diamond points. All set in a beautiful 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

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

Natural Ruby Diamond Vintage Style Five Stone Band Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
lifetime. Five stone ring is an excellent unique gift for a loved one at any stage of the relationship or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold

Vintage 5-Stone Ruby and Diamond Gold Band Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely crafted Five Stone Ruby and Diamond Band Ring. Centering securely nestled
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring in 14ct Rose Gold
Located in London, GB
Fabulous antique five stone ruby and diamond eternity or engagement ring set in 14ct gold. With
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Burmese Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian five stone Burmese ruby ring, consisting of five cushion-cut rubies graduating from the
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A Five Stone Ruby And Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A five stone ruby and diamond ring, the three faceted rubies weighing approximately a total of 0.35
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Fine Victorian Five-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A fine Victorian five-stone ruby and diamond ring, the ring alternately-set with three old
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Victorian Style Five-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian style five-stone ruby and diamond ring, the ring alternately-set with three graduating
Category

2010s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.00 Carat Natural Ruby Five-Stone Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A supreme Victorian ruby ring. The line of graduating line of natural, untreated rubies display the
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Ruby Five Stone and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
quality craftsmanship and stones used. This ring features five bright and beautiful Rubies with a cluster
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Burma Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Everlasting Beauty! A simply stunning Edwardian era five stone ring A bright and vivacious display
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Certified Burma Rubies English Victorian Five-Stone Rare Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Spectacular and rare Victorian five stone English ring set with Natural, untreated, unheated Burma
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau 1908 Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Essex, GB
the centre of a finely carved and crafted gallery, with a pair of natural rubies either side. With
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Essex, GB
cut diamonds are inter-spaced with two bright bright pinkish red rubies. Beautiful heart-shaped
Category

Early 20th Century British Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ruby and Diamond Half Hoop Five Stone 18k and Platinum Ring 1.1ctw
Located in Joelton, TN
A Ruby and Diamond half hoop ring, three round faceted rubies and two old cut diamonds claw set in
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Spectacular Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Rare Victorian Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Natural Burmese Rubies and Diamond five stone ring Could be an outstanding engagement ring Crafted of
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Signed Cartier Vintage Trembleuse Brooch Moveable Flower That Opens or Closes
By Cartier
Located in Antwerp, BE
this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural! Precious stones: Five rubies with an estimated weight
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, Ye...

Ruby Five-Stone Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
BERNARDO ANTICHITÀ PONTE VECCHIO FLORENCE Set with a row of oval-cut and cushion-shaped rubies
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ruby Five Stone Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Unusual Georgian five stone ruby ring set in 18K yellow gold. The ring is a size 5 1/2 and can be
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

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Ruby Five Stone For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact ruby five stone you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 100 antique edition and 12 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a ruby five stone may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular piece, 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing ruby five stone — no matter the origin — is easy, but Roman Malakov, Five Star Jewelry and Emeralds Maravellous each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and old european cut cut versions available here, too. Finding a ruby five stone for sale for women should be easy, but there are 36 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Ruby Five Stone?

On average, a ruby five stone at 1stDibs sells for $2,250, while they’re typically $396 on the low end and $84,685 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.