Antique French Victorian 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Pearl and Diamond Swan Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian pearl, diamond, ruby, silver and yellow gold brooch, comprising one round cut ruby, five rose cut diamonds, and sixty-seven seed pearls, in silver and 18 karat yellow gol...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Butterfly Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Butterfly Pin. This incredible Georgian diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, and pearl butterfly pin is crafted ...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique English 15 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Bar Pin
Located in New Orleans, LA
This antique ruby and diamond bar pin is in its original box.
Early Ruby Bead Cluster Dress Clip by Miriam Haskell
By Miriam Haskell
Located in New York, NY
Early Miriam Haskell unsigned dress clip. Composed of varied ruby glass beads and rhinestone rondelles.
4" length x 1" top x 1.75" cluster
Excellent condition
Antique 18ct Gold French, Victorian Cherub Miniature Brooch Mother of Pearl Back
Located in Brighton, GB
Don’t forget to explore more of our curated antique treasures on Instagram @ruby_lovestuesday. Please note that while the antique box is for display purposes only, your cherished bro...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 15K Gold and Silver Diamond Swallow and Ear of Wheat Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, ruby, silver, and yellow gold brooch, comprising fifty-four rose cut diamonds, and one cabochon ruby, in silver and 15 and 9 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Silver Rose Cut Diamond Sapphire Ruby Butterfly Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold Silver Rose Cut Diamond Sapphire Ruby Butterfly Pin. This incredible Victorian rose cut diamond, ruby, and sapphire butterfly pin is crafted in 1...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
“Antique Russian 14k Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Stick Pin, Circa 1920”
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...
Antique Victorian Swan Brooch Diamonds and Seed Pearls set in Silver and Gold
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Swan Brooch Gorgeous Diamonds & Seed Pearls set in Silver & Gold Check Out Her Beautiful Little Ruby Eye Victorian Circa 1880 Measures 4.5cm x 2cm All of our items a...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Antique Guilloche Ruby Enamel, Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lapel Watch
Located in New York, NY
It features a circular pendant composed of 18kt yellow gold with crescent moon and star inlaid in starburst guilloche ruby enamel with rose cut diamonds. The watch pendant, inscribed...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Goose Stickpin of 18k Gold with Baroque Pearl
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming antique stickpin, designed as a whimsical goose formed from a baroque pearl, set with a vivid ruby eye and detailed enameled tail feathers, all mounted on an 18 karat gold...
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Edwardian Diamond Snake Barrette
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This Tiffany & Co. diamond and ruby snake barrette mounted in platinum and gold was created in the Edwardian era. The undulating, arched shape designed as two snakes with ruby eyes p...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Griffin Pin of 14k Gold with Gem Accents, Circa 1910
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Rendered in solid 14k gold, the mythical creature grasps a sword with a pearl-adorned hilt, accented by a vivid emerald, a diamond, and a ruby eye. Measuring approximately 1.2 inche...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Heart and Riding Crop Stickpin of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming and symbolically rich antique stickpin from 1900, crafted in 18k gold and featuring a romantic heart rendered in platinum and set with sparkling diamonds. The heart is tho...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau Greenman Stickpin of 14k Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A captivating treasure from the Art Nouveau era, this exceptional stickpin embodies the imaginative spirit and masterful artistry that defined turn-of-the-century fine jewelry. Ren...
Diamond, Ruby
Antique Lizard Stickpin of 18k Gold, Circa 1880-1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking and highly detailed antique stickpin (circa 1880-1900), featuring a sculptural lizard crafted in solid 18k gold, richly embellished with rose cut diamonds, a vivid emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Diamond Fox Stickpin of Silver and 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A fine example of late Victorian animal jewelry, this antique stickpin (circa 1880) features a finely modeled fox head in silver, its surface pavé-set with sparkling rose cut diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Rosecut Diamond Snake Stickpin of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A captivating antique stickpin dating to circa 1900, masterfully crafted in 14k gold. The design features an entwined pair of serpents—ancient symbols of wisdom and eternal love—each...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Bull Stickpin of 14k Gold and Platinum, Circa 1890
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Powerful and refined, this fine antique stickpin (circa early 20th century) showcases a meticulously modeled bull’s head in warm 14k gold, crowned with sleek platinum horns and set w...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum
Raymond Yard Art Deco Cartoon Chickadee
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in Riverdale, NY
Calibre rubies are used to detail the piece. 5/8" x 7/8" high. 1929 USA.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Yellow Gold Diamond and Turquoise Butterfly Pin
Located in New York, NY
The body showcases an aged turquoise stone, adding a pop of color. Two ruby eyes bring a touch of vivid contrast, enhancing the brooch's charm.
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Antique French Diamond Clown with Knife Stickpin, Circa 1800-1830
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A rare survivor of the early 19th century, this antique stickpin (circa 1800–1830) depicts a whimsical yet formidable jester or clown, its figure brought to life with diamond and rub...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Yellow Rhinestone Brass Dress Clip with Filigree, 1930s
Located in Milford, DE
This bold Art Deco dress clip from the 1930s features a striking triangular design crafted in antiqued brass-tone metal with intricate openwork and repoussé detailing. Three vibrant ...
Ruby, Gold, Brass
Antique French Diamond Fox Stickpin of Silver and 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A rare jewel of early 19th-century craftsmanship, this antique stickpin (circa 1830) features a finely detailed fox head pavé-set with glittering diamonds, its keen gaze enhanced by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Byzantine Woman Stickpin of 14k Gold, Circa 1910
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Rich in detail and artistry, this antique 14k gold stickpin (circa 1910) portrays a finely painted enamel portrait of a Byzantine woman, her regal presence enhanced by a crown set wi...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Cartier Art Deco Jade Jabot Pin
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Embodying the glamor and modish motifs of the Roaring 20s, this exquisite Art Deco-era jabot pin was crafted by the esteemed Cartier. Formed from an exceptional specimen of jade, the...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby
his beautiful antique Crescent Moon is 1870 ca Glorious Victorian workmanship ma
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful antique Crescent Moon is 1870 ca Glorious Victorian workmanship made of solid 18 KT gold and Silver Set with 15 graduated in size old mine cut Diamonds and tiny rose c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Multi-colored Gemstones Diamond Silver-Topped 14k Yellow Gold Butterfly
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating antique brooch from the late 19th century, features a stunning array of mixed-cut rubies, exuding a rich red hue.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Yellow Gold and Silver Brooch with Emeralds Diamonds and Rubies 1920
Located in Milano, IT
Extraordinary antique brooch dating from about 1920 hand-created in silver and 18k yellow gold with 78 diamonds, 94 emeralds and 24 rubies. It is definitely a finely crafted unique b...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Edwardian 0.50 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Platinum-Topped Gold Partridge Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Depicting a cute little partridge bird with a polished gold beak and feet Pavé set throughout by rose cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.50 carat; varied in quality Accented by ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French Victorian Old Mine Diamond 18 Karat Green Gold Comedy Mask Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a highly rendered green gold comedy mask with deeply engraved lip and hair texture Featuring a wide open mouth set with an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0....
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Demantoid Garnet Diamond Silver-Topped Gold Butterfly Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized butterfly with ornately shaped wings, silver bead detail, and a segmented body accented by ruby eyes Top wings are bead set with round cut demantoid garnet we...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold French Stamped, Edwardian Rectangular Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Locket 18ct Yellow Gold French Stamped This exquisite Edwardian era locket is a true statement piece, beautifully crafted from 18ct yellow gold. Its elegant rectangu...
Gold, 18k Gold
English School Mid 19th Century Oil - Lady in Lace and Fur
Located in Corsham, GB
A delightful mid-19th century portrait of a fashionable Victorian lady, dressed in a delicate lace bonnet and a fur stole. A ruby brooch fastens her collar, adding a subtle touch of ...
Oil
Mid 19th Century Oil - Victorian Widow
Located in Corsham, GB
The sitter is wearing a black mourning dress with white lace collar and cuffs and a delicate lace dress cap with pink flowers. She wears a ruby brooch at her neck and her fingers sli...
Oil
Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian Ruby Bow Necklace / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Adorned with sparkling natural rubies, the necklace radiates a vibrant hue and adds a touch of luxurious charm.
Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Queen Victoria Jubilee Ruby and Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in London, GB
This is a truly wonderful, Victorian diamond and ruby pendant/brooch. The pendant features an oval shaped flat piece of red agate with a gold figure of Queen Victoria on.
Agate, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Ruby Pearl Diamond Insect Brooch Pendant 18 Karat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous Ruby Pearl Diamond Insect brooch is large and wearable as a pendant or brooch.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 2.30ct Diamond Ruby and Pearl Brooch Pendant, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond, Ruby & Pearl Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 2.30ct diamond, 0.90ct Rubies Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold & Silver Age: 1900s Size: 7cm x 3.5cm
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Butterfly Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Pearl Pendant Brooch Necklace Victorian
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular antique Victorian - Belle Epoque Butterfly Pendant or Brooch set throughout with Rose Cut Diamonds, Pearls and Rubies in a gorgeous open work design in Silver a...
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Snake Serpent Brooch Ruby Eyes Pendant Necklace Antique 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a very rare antique Victorian Snake Serpent Brooch depicting a magnificent three dimensional snake in 14 Karat Gold with two Ruby eyes and holding a Pearl in its mouth.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.90ct Opal 0.25ct Ruby and 15ct Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 2.90 carat opal, 0.25 carat ruby and 15 karat yellow gold floral pendant / brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate je...
Opal, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Finely Carved Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, 9 Karat Gold and Silver Pendant or Brooch
Located in Napoli, Campania
This gorgeous retro pendant/brooch is mounted with 14.80 gr of big pink coral finely carved with lady motif, framed by rose gold and silver structure studded with diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Italian Etruscan Revival 22k Gold Brooch Rubies & Pearls Marchesini 1870
Located in Portland, OR
An elegant and important antique Italian Renaissance Revival 22k gold brooch or pendant, set with rubies and seed pearls by Marchesini, circa 1870.
Multi-gemstone, Gold
“Antique 14k Gold Russian Brooch Pendant with Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian brooch pendant with multi gem color stones and diamonds consists of natural ruby /demantoid sapphire/ emerald/old mine cut diamond/ rose cut diamonds in 14k gold sett...
“Antique 14k Gold Russian Pendant Brooch with Ruby and Demantoid, 1899”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 1899s imperial russian pendant and brooch centered with large ruby and demantoid stones in 14k gold hall marked 56 imperial russian gold standard and assay mark total lenght ...
Mid-20th Century 9ct Gold Carnelian and Ruby Rhinoceros Brooch, London 1959
Located in Worcester, GB
Mid-20th Century 9ct Gold Carnelian and Ruby Rhinoceros Brooch, London 1959 A charming vintage 9ct yellow gold brooch, finely modelled in the form of a rhinoceros.
Gold
Art Nouveau necklace with rose cut diamonds and rubies.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Art Nouveau necklace with rose cut diamonds and rubies. Necklace, antique brooch-pendant with synthetic rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Diamond Fox Head on Riding Crop Brooch Pin Gold Silver Rose Diamonds
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This charming antique brooch was created in the Edwardian era around 1900.
Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Antique 15ct Gold , Edwardian Peridot & Seed Pearl Flower Pendant/Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Don’t forget to check us out on Instagram @ruby_lovestuesday Antique boxes are for display purposes only.
Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Diamond & Seed Pearl Pendant / Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl & Diamond Pendant/Brooch 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1910 *The chain is sold separately An ornate antique jewel crafted in yellow gold, designed to be worn...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 1920´s Portuguese Chevalier 18kt Gold Bracelet with stamps
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The diamond and gold ribbon swirl iand nests ruby colored gems. The brooch is 18k rose gold and fitting is 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Pearl, Diamond and Ruby Brooch
Located in London, GB
Late-Victorian ruby brooch from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, Jewellers by Royal Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III diamonds and rubies of the deepest pigeon blood re...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Rose Gold
Edwardian Pearl Diamond and Ruby Brooch
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian pearl diamond and ruby brooch, to the centre three pearls horizontally set with two swiss-cut diamonds in-between, surrounded by a marquise-shape frame encrusted with ca...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian ruby and diamond brooch pendant, of diamond bow and ribbon design with calibre-cut rubies and heart shaped diamond drop, circa 1910, gross weight 12.6 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Victorian Emerald, Diamond and Ruby Dragonfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
An antique Russian emerald and diamond dragonfly brooch, the body a square-cut emerald with estimated weight 0.6 carats, the tail set with twelve emeralds and four diamonds, the wing...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Giuliano Enamel Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch
By Giuliano
Located in London, GB
A sapphire, ruby, diamond and enamel brooch by Giuliano, with a central round brilliant-cut diamond, flanked by a round faceted ruby to one side and a round faceted sapphire to the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
An Edwardian ruby and diamond cluster brooch/pendant
Located in London, GB
Unmarked, tested as 18ct gold and platinum, the pin tested as 15ct gold. This extraordinary ruby and diamond convertible brooch-to-pendant, crafted during the Edwardian era, feature...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Ruby, Diamond and Pearl Heart Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond and pearl heart brooch, the natural saltwater pearl measuring 10.1 x 8.5 x 7.1mm set to the centre, surrounded by a row of seventeen oval-cut Burmese rubies...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Faberge Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Lozenge-Shaped Brooch
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Faberge ruby, sapphire and diamond lozenge-shaped brooch, with a white fluted baton-shaped motif set with a cabochon-cut sapphire and ruby at finials, with rose-cut diamond collars...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 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.