Antique Georgian 12k Gold & Silver Diamond Ruby Floral Branch Vine Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Rose Cut - Pave Set - 2-3ctw (approx.) (3) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Cut - Pave Set - Pinkish Red Color Material: 12k Yellow G...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
5.15 Carat Ruby Sapphire Diamond Opal Gold Silver Victorian Moth Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid 1880's Victorian moth Brooch. Set with rubies, diamonds, sapphires and opals in a 11-12 yellow gold and silver setting.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian 9k Rose Gold Seed Pearl and Ruby Fleur De Lis Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully detailed antique Victorian brooch crafted in 9K rose gold, designed in the timeless fleur-de-lis motif symbolizing elegance and heritage.
Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Opal, Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Butterfly Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.6 grams Diamond Details: .70ct, total weight. Antique single cut. G-H Color, VS Clarity. Opal...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Silver Ruby and Diamond Brooch Bezel Setting
Located in Marcianise, IT
A true work of art that tells a story of elegance and masterful goldsmithing, destined for those who appreciate the value and prestige of antique jewelry. Brooch total weight 33.40 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Shell 0.72 Carat Ruby and 0.78 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique shell, 0.72 carat ruby and 0.78 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cameo brooch; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry col...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian 6.00 Carat Diamond, Pearl and Ruby Oyster Shell Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
A fascinating oyster shell brooch featuring an assortment of diamonds, rubies and a single large natural pearl in the centre.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
$6,524Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Snake Brooch in 14kt Gold, Platinum & Silver with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Braintree, GB
A striking antique brooch crafted in 14 karat yellow gold with a silver front, modelled as a sinuous snake entwined in a looping openwork form.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum, Silver
15ct Gold, Early Victorian Emerald & Ruby Bow Shaped Brooch with Locket Back
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Bow Brooch 15ct Gold Circa 1860s This stunning early Victorian brooch is crafted from 15ct yellow gold, showcasing a fabulous bow design that is both timeless and elegant.
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.8 CT Sapphire Old Mine Diamond Ruby Insect Bug Fly Brooch Victorian Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a Museum Quality antique Victorian - Art Nouveau Insect, Bee, Fly Brooch Pin set with Sapphires, Diamonds and Rubies in silver atop 12 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Russian Ruby Diamond Sapphire Stick Pin Brooch
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique pin with 3 natural gem stones ruby sapphire and old mine cut diamond pin was made during the late imperial russian era 1917/1920s in 14k gold hall marked 583 gold standard an...
Vintage 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Safety Pin Brooch, Circa 1910-1930
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian 18 karat gold safety pin with central square rubies and diamonds / Made in Italy 1910-1930s Length 4.5cm
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
0.49 Carat Diamond and Ruby 9k Yellow Gold Swallow and Moon Brooch Circa 1870
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The head of this impressive bird brooch is embellished with a 0.02ct round faceted cut ruby representing the eye.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Hedges & Co. Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Maroon Enamel 14K Antique Pansy Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional pansy flower featuring painted matte enamel petals Opaque purple, maroon, yellow, and white with vein detailing Bead set with rose cut diamonds along petal ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Brooch with ruby and rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold brooch set with ruby and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.50 ct – F/G – SI Detailed description The brooch measures 4.2 cm by 3.9 cm wide Weight: 12.5 grams Set with: - 4 x ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
French Belle Epoque Ruby Diamond Floral Pattern 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Charming antique brooch of round shape, it is decorated with floral patterns delicately chiseled and set with rose- cut diamonds and a small ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,160Sale Price|20% Off
ART NOUVEAU 1915 Enameled Flower Brooch In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
The pistils and the stem are mounted with twenty-nine natural gemstones, such white colorless European cut diamonds and a intense vivid red ruby. It is fitted at the reverse with a v...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Antique French 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise Diamond Ruby Turtle Pin Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Turquoise - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Blue Color - 16x14.3mm (approx.) (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Single Cut - Pave & Bezel Set - H/I Col...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Fine Pearl Diamond Rubies 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Two fine pearls, one of which is pendant, and a small curved motif set with calibrated rubies complete the piece. On the back, a pin with hooks allows this Art Nouveau jewel to be wo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
Antique 1.17 Carat Ruby 1.56 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Bar Brooch Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.17 carat ruby and 1.56 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold bar brooch; part of our diverse collection of antique Edwardian brooches.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Bracelet Brooch Earrings Set Gold 585 Opals Freshwater Pearls Rubies, circa 1880
Located in Vienna, AT
Beyond that, the bracelet's middle area is stunningly decorated with opals placed in a manner of the impression of a flower's blossom. The oblong brooch is covered with opal, freshwa...
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Antique French Ruby, Emerald, Diamond Pearl Crown Coronet Brooch 18K Gold c.1900
Located in London, GB
Diamond is known to be the birthstone for April, emeralds for May, pearls for June and rubies for July. The brooch is marked with French hallmarks of a juxtaposed boar and eagle hea...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 15ct Gold Old Cut Opal & Ruby Cross Design Jabot Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (4) Natural Genuine Ruby- Old Round Cut - Pave Set - Nice Red Color - 2.5mm to 3.6mm (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Opal - Round & Oval Cut - Pave Set - White Base w/ N...
Opal, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.20 Carat Diamond Pearl and Ruby Yellow Gold and Silver Fox Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.20 carat diamond, pearl and 0.02 carat ruby, 14 karat yellow gold, silver set 'fox' brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry c...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Nouveau 14k Gold & Platinum Diamond Ruby Enamel Work Floral Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (4) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Pinkish Red Color - 0.14ctw (approx.) (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds- Round Brilliant & Old European ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
4.84tcw 14K Victorian Natural Ruby & Diamond Antique 1890's Gold Pendant/Brooch
Located in Jupiter, FL
From the Victorian era, this piece can be worn as a pendant or brooch. Crafted in 14K rose gold, a true vintage find.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.02 Carat Ruby 0.25 Carat Diamond Snake Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a beautiful Victorian snake pin brooch crafted in 14K gold and 950 platinum. Circa 1880.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Georgian French Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Snake Knot Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized swirling knotted snake suspending an apple charm from mouth Gold body is deeply grooved with scales and accented by silver-topped head Accented by grooved faci...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Gold Arrow Brooch with Pearl and Ruby, Circa 1870, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as an arrow sourrounded by a scroll Mounted in yellow gold 55 mm long
Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Ruby 1.63 Carat Diamond 9k and 14k Yellow Gold Bicycle Brooch Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive rare antique 0.04 carat ruby, 1.63 carat diamond, 9 and 14 karat yellow gold, platinum and silver set bicycle brooch; part of our diverse antique jewe...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver
Colombian emerald, diamond and ruby cannetille brooch, circa 1830.
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald, diamond and ruby cannetille brooch. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural Colombian emerald with minor oil with a weight of 2.70 carats in an open bac...
Victorian Low Karat Gold Brooch Swallow in Flight Seed Pearls Ruby Diamond 1880s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Victorian Low Karat Gold Brooch Swallow in Flight Seed Pearls Ruby Diamond 1880s American In Good condition, no damage, no missing stones 3.8 gram 1.5 inch long 3/4 inch wide
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique Victorian 9K Rose Gold and Silver Ruby, Diamond and Pearl Insect Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique gold, silver, ruby, diamond, and pearl brooch, comprising one round cut ruby, twenty-six diamonds, and two pearls, set in silver, to an 9 karat rose gold bar and fittings.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rare Egyptian Revival Pharoah Brooch Lapis Diamond Ruby Pearl Enamel Art Deco
Located in New York, NY
The brooch weighs 11 grams.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Georgian Era Peacock Brooch Opal Ruby Emerald Diamond & Sapphire
Located in Montgomery, AL
This brooch is so intricate and thought out! He is accented by an array of gemstones, including a hidden sapphire behind the head! Brooch Details Material: 14K Gold & Silver Top Era...
Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian brooch with ruby and rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 18k gold 13.8 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold branch brooch set with ruby and diamonds totaling 0.60ct - H/I - SI - dimensions 5.5 cm x 3.0 cm detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 5.5 cm by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Ruby 0.10 Carat Diamond 15 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Brooch
Located in London, GB
Unusual and fine antique Victorian brooch handcrafted in 15 karat yellow gold composed of 3 decorative floral section featuring an approximate 0.10 carat diamond old European round c...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
J. E. Caldwell Art Nouveau Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Wolf Head Brooch
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized wolf head with dimensional features Engraved and grooved with flowing fur texture throughout Accented by round cut rubies flush set as eyes Weighing approximat...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage gold swords crown shield ruby glass designer brooch
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with glass • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 44 ❤️❤️ VINT...
$11,459Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 12kt Gold and Silver Bird Brooch with Rose Cut Diamonds and Ruby Eyes
Located in Braintree, GB
An exquisite and whimsical example of Victorian jewellery design, this antique bird-shaped brooch is crafted in a combination of 12 karat gold and silver.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Brooch with pearl, ruby and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold/ silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold and silver brooch/pendant with pearls, ruby, and old mine-cut diamond, totaling approximately 0.80 ct – N/O, G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch/pen...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Arts & Crafts 12k Gold GIA Sapphire Ruby & Emerald Swirl Leaf Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 12k Rose Gold Total Weight: 12.00 Grams Overall Height: 57.30mm (2.25") Overall Width: 16.51mm Thickness: 6.42mm (not including the pin) Backing(s): Straight Pin Acro...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
4.9 Carat Art Deco Ruby Emerald Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Art deco brooch depicting a Serpent battling a Griffin. Round and marquise shape diamonds weighing approximately 4.90 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18KT Gold Cabochon Emerald and Ruby Three-Leaf Clover Brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
An unusual antique brooch designed as a stylised three-leaf clover in 18KT gold, set with three substantial natural cabochon emeralds, each forming one leaf, with an oval cut natural...
18k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Floral Pin Brooch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Floral Pin Brooch. This gorgeous Art Nouveau rose cut diamond brooch is crafted in 14k yellow gold with green ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s English Antique Ruby Pearl Rose Cut Diamond Bow Gold Silver Bar Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Antique English Victorian/Edwardian Ruby, Pearl, & Rose Cut Diamond Bow Brooch (c. 1890) Capture the timeless romance and elegance of the Victorian era with this exquisite, all orig...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Diamond Pearl and Ruby Oak Leaf and Trefoil Clover Brooch, Art Nouveau, ca 1910s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A large diamond, pearl and ruby Art Nouveau brooch in platinum and yellow gold, ca. 1910s.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Snake, Hammer and Stars Brooch, 9k Gold and Silver, Diamond, Ruby, Pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful and rare antique snake and hammer brooch. Victorian design at its very finest this brooch incorporates so many beautiful materials and so much symbolism in a small but m...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Butterfly Brooch Pin 2ct Ruby 1.5 ct Diamond 10K Gold Silver / 3.9gr.
Located in SE
Old European Butterfly brooch dating from ca. 18th century with 2 natural Rubies and 29 sparkling rose cut Diamonds set in Silver , 10K Rose and Green Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Silver
Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 9K Rose Gold & 15K Yellow Gold Horseshoe Bar Brooch
Located in London, GB
Introducing an elegant antique bar brooch from the 1910's, showcasing a delicate, lucky horseshoe at the centre.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
ART DECO brooch with ruby and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 5.9 gr
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold brooch with ruby and old mine cut and rose cut diamond 0.50 ct F/G - VS/SI detailed description the brooch is 7.0 cm wide and 1.3 cm high weight 5.9 grams set...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau Stick Brooch Gold 585 Rubies 0.30 ct Diamonds 0.20 ct Vienna c. 1902
Located in Vienna, AT
Golden Art Nouveau Stick Brooch with Rubies and Diamonds. Gold (14 ct / 585) / Diamonds (vintage cut / 0.20 ct) / Rubies (vintage cut / 0.30 ct) WEIGHT: 4.0 grams (= 0.14 OZ / 0.1...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Victorian 9KT Gold and Silver Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Floral Brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
A Victorian floral brooch in 9KT gold and silver, dating to the 1890s, designed as a naturalistic flower spray set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold
$18,000Sale Price|20% Off
Dragonfly brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
This is a truly spectacular statement brooch. Made of 18kt gold, silver and set with rubies, blue sapphires, emeralds, demantoid garnets and sparkling single cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Synthetic Ruby and 1.48 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Bar Brooch Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive ruby and diamond brooch has been crafted in 15k gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Mouse Ruby Eyes with Long Tail Brooch Pin
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.3 grams Pin Measurements: 2.5 inches Condition: Excellent
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Portrait Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Antique Portrait Brooch Pendant A brooch featuring a porcelian portrait of a bearded man with a crown. Surrounded are round garnets and antique diamonds. Made circa 1910 Measureme...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
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.