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. Surrounding...
Agate, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Natural Saltwater Pearl, Ruby and 0.68Ct Diamond, Platinum Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, stunning, fine and impressive rare natural saltwater pearl, 0.01 carat ruby and 0.68 carat diamond, platinum pendant; part of our diverse antique pearl jewellery and e...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ruby and Diamond Locket of 14k and 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An impressive antique locket dating to 1898–1908, centered with a 0.58ct natural and unenhanced strong vivid red ruby, accented by three old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau Gold Plated Engraved Pendant With A Ruby
Located in Portland, England
A pretty antique Art Nouveau Jugendstil pendant with a beautiful engraved necklace design in the front and a small ruby. The back of the pendant has a hammered design which makes the...
Ruby, Gold Plate
Victorian Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Double Heart Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a romantic double heart pendant dating back to the Victorian period. In this case, the frame as been crafted from yellow gold and showcases a lovely pairing of round fac...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Ruby Diamond Green Paste Rose Gold Pendant / Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.20 Carat ruby, 0.38 Carat diamond and green paste, 9 karat rose gold and silver set pendant/locket; part of our Victorian jewelry ...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Victorian Natural Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Beautiful Flower Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Nature Expressed During Victorian Time Jewellery takes inspiration from Mother Nature Beauty, it is the case with this Gorgeous, Large pendant 1860 ca hand crafted at the time of sol...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Yellow Gold & Platinum Carved Red Coral, Ruby & Diamond Cameo Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A richly carved coral cameo gives this antique pendant a dramatic classical presence, with the warm orange-red gemstone depicting a detailed female figure in high relief. The portrai...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond and Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming locket pendant showcasing the fabulous decorative art we have come to associate with the Art Nouveau style and period. This piece has been crafted from 18ct y...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Blue Enamel, Ruby and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The enamel on this pendant is striking blue and has a lovely gloss to it. At the centre of the heart there is a sweet pearl flower with a ruby centre. The pendant has a locket back w...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Antique Floral Motif Ruby Pearl Diamond Pendant c. 1880 Ref: 854750
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1880 This elegant Victorian era pendant is finely crafted in 14K gold and silver. It is designed as a pair of flowers, each centered with a natural pearl, while the petals and ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique 19th Century Onyx, Seed Pearl and Ruby Locket Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A refined 19th-century locket pendant, crafted in 14 karat gold and centered by a polished oval onyx plaque of deep black hue. The front is ornamented with a delicate floral motif, s...
Onyx, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
18 Karat Gold Victorian Ruby & Diamond Starburst Locket
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian era Ruby & Diamond Starburst Locket composed of 18k yellow gold. With a central 0.15 carat red ruby set into a starburst of 8 Rose Cut diamonds weighing approximately 0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Moonstone Ruby and Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
An American late-19th Century 14 karat gold pendant with moonstone and rubies. The pendant has a cabochon moonstone with an approximate total weight of 14.30 carats, and 12 cabochon ...
Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Ruby Chastity Belt Knickers Pendant or Charm
Located in Venice, CA
This fun and whimsical piece has a naughty connotation for the time period it came out of. Circa the 1920’s or 1930’s, the little bloomers are pave set with single cut diamonds, and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Diamond and Ruby Miniature Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique locket pendant showcases a beautifully hand-painted miniature scene encased within 14k yellow gold, accented by 0.414ctw of sparkling diamonds and 0.415ctw of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Ruby Pearl Diamond Insect Brooch Pendant 18 Karat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The wings are tremblant, Diamonds are on blackened gold. Center Square Ruby is 1 carat, 2, 1/4 carat pear Rubies and 3 oval Rubies calibrated.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 0.30 Carat Ruby 0.57 Carat Diamond 9k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This Victorian ruby cluster pendant necklace with diamonds makes a meaningful gift for anniversaries, special birthdays or romantic occasions.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Museum Quality Antique Indian Sarpech Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Museum Quality Antique Indian Sarpech Necklace Rose cut emeralds, rubies & diamonds set in 22k gold with 8 emerald bead drops.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 22k Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Emerald Ruby Gold Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian diamond pendant centered with natural ruby with a diameter of 8.61mm×6mm and 1 natural green emerald stone with a diameter of 7.7mm×6.65mm and 2 old mine cut diamonds...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Diamond Ruby and Onyx Insect Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Dramatic and rare, this antique pendant (circa 1880–1900) began life as a brooch and was later converted with the addition of an antique silver-topped 14k gold bail. The jewel featur...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum, Silver
Georgian Ruby Diamond 22 Kt Diamond Cross Pendant 1770 ca
Located in Napoli, IT
This rare Georgian period cross pendant is 1770 ca 22 Kt solid gold, superb design artful made throughout, adorned with red pigeon blood natural Rubies, our estimate is 1.50 Ct and r...
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold
Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Angled Square Cluster Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold cluster pendant designed as a yellow gold angled square set with eight red square cut rubies surrounding a round brilliant cut diamond. Stamped 750 for ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Carved Ruby Pendant and 14ct Gold Chain , Circa 1920
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Necklace Pendant 18ct Gold Chain 14ct Gold Circa 1920s This circa‑1920 pendant is crafted in 18ct gold with an elegant openwork frame that gives it a l...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Spanish Ruby and 18 Karat Gold Chain Cross Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This stunning 18-karat gold filigree link-wired cross pendant, originating from Spain, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The cross is intricately made using delicate filigree wirewo...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold & Platinum Edwardian Moonstone, Ruby, Diamond Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Moonstone Pendant 15ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1900 This Edwardian pendant is a true beauty, featuring an elegant oval-shaped moonstone that is perfectly encased in ...
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Aquamarine and Burma Ruby Drop Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Aquamarine and Burma Ruby Drop Pendant. This incredible Victorian aquamarine and Burma ruby drop pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold. Th...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Hematite Ruby Pearl Fly Bug Insect Pendant Victorian Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
The head is set with two Ruby cabochons in the eyes. The wings are set throughout with seed pearls.
Hematite, Pearl, Ruby, Silver
Archibald Knox Rare Liberty & Co. Necklace
By Archibald Knox
Located in London, GB
A beautiful unrecorded ruby & diamond necklace by Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Chalet Charm pendant with natural rubies RARE find!!! 18KT gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Chalet Charm pendant with 2 baguette natural rubies untreated 100% natural rubies, very intriguing pendant with lots of details and extremely well made! GOLD: 18KT gold (solid) Gra...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian Target Diamond Pearl Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian 18 karat (18K) yellow gold pendant designed as a circle with wirework gold crossed lines set with panels of square-cut rubies leading to a natural pearl at the centre. T...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Green Tourmaline Pearl and Ruby Silver Hamsa Hand Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This Antique Second Grade Silver Hamsa Fatima Hand Pendant is both a visually stunning and symbolically rich piece of jewelry. Shaped as the Hamsa hand, this ancient symbol is widely...
Pearl, Ruby, Tourmaline, Silver
Antique Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Locket Pendant Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat ruby and 0.13 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold snake locket pendant; part of our diverse snake jewelry collections. This mag...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond Enamel 14K Yellow Gold Antique Princess Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a shield-shaped locket pendant centering a raised cameo of a princess with curling hair and crown Face is painted with opaque matte enamel - peach, pink, black, and green...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Victorian 2.30ct Diamond Ruby and Pearl Brooch Pendant, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
Crafted with a silver front and 15 carat yellow gold back, the piece measures 7cm x 3.5cm and has simple pin brooch back along with hidden bale at the top so can be worn as either a ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch Key Pendant: Victorian Ruby Set Engraved Fob
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Watch Key 18ct Gold Circa 1900 Discover the elegance of this exquisite Victorian pocket watch key, crafted from 18ct yellow gold. This stunning piece is beautifully engrav...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
ART NOUVEAU pendant with ruby, old mine and rose cut diamond 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
ART NOUVEAU 18k bicolour gold pendant set with ruby verneuille, old mine cut and rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions of the pendant are...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French 18K Yellow Gold Red Ruby Heart Locket Flower Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as a heart-shaped locket with engraved floral and lucky three-leaf clover decoration, set with three red rubies to a trefoi...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold and Silver Synthetic Ruby & Diamond Cluster Pendant Circa 1865
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Cluster Pendant 15ct Gold and Silver Chain Sold Separately A circular openwork cluster set in 15ct rose gold and silver, centring a round-cut synthetic ruby withi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Ruby Flower Locket of 14k Rose Gold, Circa 1900-1915
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A jewel of romantic sentiment and refined craftsmanship, this antique locket (circa 1900–1915) is handcrafted in warm 14k rose gold and adorned on the front with a delicate ruby flow...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 18th Century Pendant Flower Ruby Emerald Natural Baroque Pearl Silver
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The heart shaped ruby has a large open inclusion at 1 o'clock ca.
Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold Pocket Watch Key Pendant: Victorian Ruby Set Engraved Fob
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Watch Key 18ct Gold Circa 1900 * The gold chain is sold separately Discover the elegance of this exquisite Victorian pocket watch key, crafted from 18ct yellow gold. Thi...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Large Dachshund Dog 18K Yellow White Gold Ruby Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A large 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as a Dachshund dog with a white gold collar and attached yellow gold chain. The dog is portrayed in a begging posture and ha...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Augis French Plus Hier Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow") - a li...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Rabbit Heart Magician Hat 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as a magician’s top hat set with eight round rubies, containing a moving rabbit holding a ruby heart. Stamped with the eagl...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
17th Century Spanish Baroque Ruby and Rock Crystal Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Large, museum quality Spanish Baroque period ruby, rock crystal, gold and silver topped gold cross 17th Century A clear rock crystal crucifix, bevel cut and carved with a central cro...
Ruby, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Antique Russian Locket Pendant natural Ruby Demantoid solid 14K Gold / 10gr
Located in SE
Total weight of Rubies ca. 0.35 ctw Natural Green Demantoid Garnets : two larger Ø 2.5 mm / ca. 0.1 ct each.
Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage French Lucky Star of Love 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A vintage French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold good luck charm pendant designed as a lucky star set with a round cut red ruby within a field of stars and radiating lines. Beneath, the w...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
EDWARDIAN 1900 Fabulous Butterfly In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds, Rubies & Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
Rubies: Mounted in bezel settings, with 2 well matched round faceted cut of natural vivid red rubies, with a combined weight of about 0.36 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique K. Faberge Passover Egg Pendant Ruby Enamel 56 Gold Silver
Located in SE
We can arrange alter certain things like bracelet or necklace lengths for an additional fee but once altered these items are not returnable.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel, Gold, Silver
18k Floral round photo locket - solid 18 karat gold Ruby Family heirloom
Located in Antwerp, BE
A stunning old cut ruby cover the front of this 18 karat yellow gold locket. A Ruby is the birthstone for everyone born in July. Fine handmade engravings are the finishing touches, m...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-19th Century Gold Pendant with Miniature, Sapphires and Rubies
Located in Paris, FR
An oval miniature on enamel featuring the portrait of an elegant gentleman. His hair is styled with curls on the side and a large ribbon, and he is wearing 18th century-styled clothi...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Antique 14k Gold Edwardian Pendant with Rubies & Pearls, early 20th century
Located in Chorzów, PL
Old gold pendant made of 0.585 yellow gold decorated with four synthetic rubies (rubies made with labolatory technics) and 17 cultured pearls Very good condition, no damage length 5....
Pearl, Ruby, 14k 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
Eagle Ruby Pearl Pendant 14 Karat Gold Antique Belle Epoque Victorian
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful antique Belle Epoque, Victorian pendant in the form of a beautifully modeled eagle set with a Ruby eye and a Pearl in its beak, in 14 Karat Gold. We love our antique ani...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Russian Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Enamel Gold Pearl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Antique 14k gold pendant, made in Russia, circa 1900s. Set with one diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, enamel back and a drop pearl. Pendant measures 53mm x 28mm. Marked with Russian ...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Enamel
Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Fish Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a fish in gold and silver set with 26 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.65 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but teste...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.