Augis More Than Yesterday Heart 18K Yellow White Gold Ruby Love Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, enamel and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow") - a lin...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$14,800Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Deco Diamond & Ruby Drop Pendant
Located in Sausalito, CA
Vintage drop platinum pendant with a european cut round diamond in the center accented with a ruby halo in yellow gold with additional platinum diamond halo over the rubies. diamond ...
Art Deco Yacht Sailboat Platinum Diamond Sapphire Ruby Peridot Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco platinum charm pendant designed as a peridot sailboat with ruby and diamond sails on a sapphire set sea. The charm is set with four round brilliant cut diamonds, four buf...
Diamond, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Pearl Garnet Gold Snake Necklace
Located in London, GB
Antique garnet and pearl set snake necklace. Set with three oval old cut garnets in closed back claw settings with a combined weight of 4.00 carats, flanked by two round cabochon gar...
Natural Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
French Art Nouveau Griffon Chimera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold Art Nouveau charm pendant designed as a curled up griffon or chimera with a round cut ruby. The reverse is engraved with feathers and lines to fur...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Cuckoo Clock Platinum Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco platinum charm pendant designed as a diamond and emerald cuckoo clock with sapphire, ruby and emerald weights and pendulum. Set with one emerald cut diamond and 21 round ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Augis French More Than Yesterday 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
Augis French More Than Yesterday 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
Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Rooster Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a rooster in gold and silver set with 35 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.35 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but te...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Pig Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a pig in gold and silver set with 26 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.40 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but tested...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1890 Victorian Mother of Pearl 14k Yellow Gold Snake Pendant w/ Diamond + Ruby
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous mother of pearl snake pendant comes from the 1890 Victorian period and was made in 14k yellow gold. The 14k yellow gold snake is naturally coiled around the large mothe...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Sapphire Diamond and Ruby Perfume Flask Screw Top Pendant
Located in Hicksville, NY
Victorian 14K Gold Sapphire Diamond and Ruby Perfume Flask Screw Top Pendant - VHK#991 Item Details: Year: 1880s Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.1 gra...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Lion Pendant Ruby 14 Karat Gold Circus Hoop Panther Leopard Tiger
Located in New York, NY
This is a fabulous pendant depicting a Lion bursting through a Circus hoop. The Victorian Pendant is 14 Karat Gold with Ruby eyes and mouth. This is one of the most wonderful antiq...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Belle Epoque Diamond & Ruby Bow Shaped Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Suspended gracefully from the bottom are two captivating teardrop rubies, set in warm yellow gold, adding a rich pop of colour and sophistication.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
pendant with fancy colored diamonds rubies emeralds sapphires crafted in 14k
Located in Berlin, BE
Crafted in rich 14k yellow gold, this stunning rectangular pendant is a true masterpiece, designed to resemble a miniature painting. A harmonious arrangement of gemstones—emeralds, s...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Georgian Cannetille Gold Snake Necklace with Amethyst and Emerald Cross Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Georgian cannetille snake necklace, with an amethyst and emerald cross pendant; with the snake chain worked in fine, flexible cannetille wire link work, with embossed snake heads a...
Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Renaissance Revival Pendant Satdonyx Enamel 15K Gold Ruby Oriental Pearl
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This wonderful holbeinesque renaissance revival pendant is set with a lovely sardonyx cabochon and richly decorated with polychrome enamel, rubies and fine natural pearls. There is l...
Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique 1900 Art Nouveau Locket Pendant 14 Karat Yellow Gold Rubies Pearl
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This locket was ceated out of 14 karat yellow gold around 1900. The locket is engraved on the front with three ropes decreasing in size. All three ropes hold an ornament in the cente...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Onyx Emerald Ruby Cocktail Waiter Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco platinum charm pendant designed as a cocktail waiter or bartender mixing a martini or similar drink. Set with carved onyx to represent the jacket, one emerald cut diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Gemstone Giardinetti Flower Basket Conversion Necklace
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This remarkable giardinetti or “little garden” pendant (circa 1820–1850) exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the Georgian to early Victorian era. The jewel depicts an urn over...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold & Silver Victorian Diamond and Ruby Floral Pendant, Circa 1900
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Flower Pendant 18ct Gold & Silver Circa 1900 Antique pendant crafted in mixed metals, yellow gold and silver featuring a symmetrical openwork design with scrolling foliate...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Belle Époque Grand Duchess Alexandra of Mecklenburg-Schwerin Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Belle Époque aquamarine, diamond, ruby, pearl, platinum and gold pendant necklace, formerly the property of Grand Duchess Alexandra of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 8.84 Carat Pink Topaz Aquamarine Ruby and Enamel Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 8.84 carat pink topaz, 1.80 carat aquamarine, 0.10 carat ruby and enamel pendant in 15 karat yellow gold; part of our diverse antique jewelry and esta...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Topaz, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Bohemian Garnet Emerald Ruby Enamel Locket French Belle Epoque Museum Quality
Located in New York, NY
This is one of the finest Belle Epoque - Victorian Bohemian Locket Pendants we have seen. The early French locket pendant is adorned with a magnificent Garnet Cabochon with Emeralds...
Garnet, Ruby, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Victorian .60 Ct Natural Ruby .80 Ct Diamond 18 Kt/Silver Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Love Circle This gorgeous eternity pendant is Victorian period, 1880 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 KT with silver portions Circle stands for eternity or eternal love, Ruby symbolises p...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Butterfly Locket Ruby Pearl Enamel 14 Karat Gold Victorian Insect Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful Victorian locket pendant with a Butterfly and Flowers set with Ruby and Pearl in 14 Karat Gold with Robin's Egg Blue Enamel. The Butterfly Locket dates ...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, Enamel
Antique Art Deco Platinum Mine Cut Diamond Coral Pearl Ruby Shield Pendant
Located in Winter Springs, FL
This beautifully done original Art Deco pendant (pin conversion) is hand crafted in platinum and set with approximately 1ctw in mine cut and rose cut diamonds all averaging H-I in c...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Diamond and Ruby 'Beggars Heart' Silver and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond and ruby 'Beggars Heart' silver and yellow gold pendant. This charming heart shaped pendant is composed of two hearts, one set within the other and both freely a...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Rock Crystal Ruby Diamond Opal 18 Kt Gold Fly Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Unique Treasure A beautiful and rare Victorian period pendant 1880 ca Based on a large oval hand carved and skillful made, multifaceted on the edges, natural Rock Crystal, ...
Crystal, Diamond, Opal, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Large French 18K Yellow Gold Lovebirds Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold pendant depicting a pair of lovebirds on a branch in front of the setting sun. Set with a faceted emerald, ruby and diamond, a cabochon ruby and s...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby, Sapphire and Seed Pearl 21k Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.12 carat ruby and sapphire, seed pearl and 21 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse Art Nouveau jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antiqu...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
French Lucky Elephant Emerald Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow and white gold charm pendant designed as a lucky elephant with ruby eyes and diamond feet, with an emerald and diamond blanket over its back. The penda...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Love Heart Snaffle Bit Platinum Diamond Sapphire Ruby Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco platinum charm pendant designed as a snaffle bit for horse riding with a ruby love heart and a sapphire and diamond set bit. The charm is set with a fracture-filled ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
19th Century Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire 18 K Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold and silver. This elegant vintage pendant depicts a butterfly with outstretched wings, its body adorned with a cushion-cut emerald and five cushion- an...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow G...
21.99ct Hollow Cabochon Ruby & Old Cut Diamond 18K Gold Large Oval Pendant
Located in London, GB
We are proud to introduce this mesmerising, finely detailed 18 carat yellow gold antique large oval pendant, that is now part of our diverse antique jewellery collection. The centre...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian pearl diamond 18k yellow gold and platinum floral necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This enchanting Victorian floral necklace is a beautifully detailed jewel from the 1880’s, combining a luminous pearl with antique diamonds and vivid ruby accents.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Donkey Mule Horse Platinum Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco platinum charm pendant designed as a donkey, mule or horse carrying a pannier of gems, set with 20 round brilliant cut white diamonds, three rubies, two sapphires and two...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Nouveau 20K Gold Diamond Ruby Garnet Four-Leaf Clover Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This Art Nouveau pendant, dating from circa 1890–1914, is a beautiful example of the artistic and romantic sensibilities of the period. Crafted in 20-karat gold, the pendant is desig...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
OLIVER & BLOOMFIELD 1900 Art Nouveau Enamel Pansy Pendant In 18Kt Gold & Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
Pansy flower pendant brooch designed by Richard Oliver & Bloomfield. This is a colorful and very rare pendant-brooch, created in New York City by Richard Oliver & Bloomfield during ...
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
French 20th Century Ruby Fine Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Pansy Locket Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. This exquisite antique locket is oval in shape and opens via a hinge on the side to hold a keepsake. On the front, a finely engrav...
Ruby, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Flower Maiden Locket Enamel Ruby Pearl 14 Karat Gold Etruscan Revival
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful Victorian Enamel Ruby Pearl 14 Karat Gold Locket Pendant with an image of a woman carrying flowers. The romantic and charming image is done in enamel wit...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
French Augis Plus Qu’Hier 18K Yellow White Gold Enamel Ruby Love Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow and white gold and ruby love charm pendant with radiant ground, ridged frame and a black enamel rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("M...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Augis Plus Qu’Hier 18K Yellow White Gold Enamel Lab Created Ruby Love Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow and white gold and lab created ruby love charm pendant with matt and studded ground and a black enamel rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que dema...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
French Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Heart Pendant Belle Epoque 18 Karat Gold Flower
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning and rare antique Heart motif French Belle Epoque Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby 18 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace. The gorgeous heart shape pendant has all the elements ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Turn-of-the-Century Citrine, Lapis, Ruby, and Seed Pearl Pendant
Located in Wheaton, IL
This lovely turn-of-the-century citrine, ruby, and seed pearl 14kt yellow gold pendant from the early years of the twentieth century is a beautiful example of the mystical, soft, cur...
Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, 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
John Paul Cooper "The Kingfisher" Arts & Crafts Necklace
By John Paul Cooper
Located in London, GB
Illustrated in our book: Beatriz Chadour-Sampson & Sonya Newell-Smith, Tadema Gallery London Jewellery from the 1860s to 1960s, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, Stuttgart 2021, cat. no. 43...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Victorian 1890 Pendant Locket in 18kt Gold with 9.44ctw Diamonds Rubies Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
Fabulous pendant locket from the Victorian Era. An outstanding piece of jewelry, created in England during the Victorian period, back in the 1890. This important pendant-locket has ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Early 19th Century Gold and Turquoise Snake Necklace with Gem-set Head
Located in New York, NY
An antique Georgian period gold, turquoise, diamond and ruby snake necklace in the form of an articulated ouroboros serpent with a turquoise studded body, diamond-set head, and caboc...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Russian Demantoid And Ruby Gold Brooch Pendant
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 ...
Antique Hope Love Heart Locket Pendant 82 Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald 14K Gold
Located in SE
All Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies and Emeralds are naturals, all 82 stones are hand - cuts.
Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 9k Rose GoldCoomi 20k Yellow Gold Open Flower Diamond Necklace
By Coomi
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. The piece is adorned with lumi...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique sapphire Ruby Emerald Russian Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique imperial russian era 1900s gold locket pendant in 14k gold standard centered with natural sapphire emerald and ruby stones pendant lenght 3cm hall marked 56 imperial russian ...
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Platinum Charm Necklace with Diamonds & Gemstones, 1925
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous Deco Platinum charm necklace holds 5 unique Platinum charms: A Horse with rider, an Elephant, a Hobo, A carriage, and a windmill with rotating veins. There are Diamond...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Sapphire And Ruby Russian Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian locket pendant in artnoveo floral design on front with blue cobouchon sapphire and rubies 5cm length pendant hall marked 56 imperial Russian gold standard and assay m...
14k Gold
Antique Sapphire And Ruby Russian Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique russian locket pendant with an colourful enamel bird on front decorted with natural blue sapphire and rubies in 14k gold setting with total weight of 9.3 grams and 5cm lenght...
14k Gold
Antique art nouveau gold chain with ruby diamond and pearl
Located in Berlin, BE
This stunning 18K yellow gold necklace from the art nouveau period showcases delicate silver elements and exceptional filigree craftsmanship.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, 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.
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.