20th Century Diamonds Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
setting star of 5 rose- cut diamonds and in the center, of a cushion- cut ruby. Height : 3.5 cm, width
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Capri” Ruby, Amethyst & White Topaz Earrings Set in 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Ruby, Amethyst & White Topaz Earrings Set in 18K Gold & Silver Ruby - 5
Amethyst, Peridot, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,110Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Opal, Multi Sapphires & Ruby Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Opal, Multi Sapphires & Ruby Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver Can be worn
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,417Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic "Orient" Ruby & Multi Fancy Sapphires Brooch in 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic "Orient" Ruby, & Multi Fancy Sapphires Brooch in 18K Gold & Silver Blue Natural
Garnet, Kunzite, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 50 Carat Star Ruby Cabochon 18K White Gold Gypsy Style Heavy Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Center Stone Details: - Gemstone Type: Star Ruby - Carat: 50 Carats (approx.) - Cut: Cabochon-Cut - Size
Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,326Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Capri” Ruby, Sapphire & Multi-Gem Cabochon Vintage Bangle - 18K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Multi-Gem Cabochon Vintage Bangle Vintage Ruby, Sapphire & Blue Topaz-Set 18K Gold
Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
$19,236
H 2.76 in Dm 1.58 in
Fabergé Egg Object 18 K Yellow Gold Blue Guilloche Enamel Paillons Ruby Cabochon
By Fabergé
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Fabergé Egg Object of Art, 18k Yellow Gold, Blue Guilloché Enamel with Paillons, Ruby Cabochon 0.75
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,027Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Brooch or Pendent Set In 18K Gold & Sil
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Brooch or Pendent Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$967Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Emerald Flower Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby & Emerald Flower Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,292Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Opal, Ruby & Sapphire Necklace - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Australian Opal, Ruby, Sapphire Necklace Set In 18K Gold & Silver Drop
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, 18k Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Amethyst & Multi Gem Brooch Pendant 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Pink Ruby, Amethyst & Multi Gem Brooch Pendant Set 18K & Silver Can be
Amethyst, Garnet, Ruby, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
French 20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
. A small round ruby is set in the center. Total weight of the ruby : 0,22 carat approximately. Height
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Ruby, Sapphires & Amethyst Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Ruby, Sapphires & Amethyst Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver Can be worn as
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,237Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Ruby, Multi Sapphires & Tsavorite Brooch Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind Bochic “Orient” Ruby, Multi Sapphires & Tsavorite Brooch Set 18K Gold &
Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,005Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Pastel & Red Rubies Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Pastel & Red Rubies Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Red Oval Shape
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Opal, Multi Sapphires & Ruby Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Opal, Multi Sapphires & Ruby Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Red
Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,700Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Multi Gem Flower Necklace Set In 18K Gold & Silve
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Multi Gem Flower Necklace Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural
Garnet, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,137Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby< Sapphire & Multi Gem Bangle Set In 18K Gold & Silve
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Sapphire & Amethyst Bangle 18K Gold & Silver 950 – 7.5 Inches – Multi
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,445Sale Price / set|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Gem Necklace & Earrings, White / Blue Opal & Ruby
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Rich Multi Natural Gem Necklace & Earrings Necklace: Natural Ruby, Colors
Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, Silver, 18k Gold
$1,312Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Tourmaline & Sapphires Cocktail Ring 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Tourmaline & Sapphires Cocktail Ring Set 18K White Gold & Silver
Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
$960Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage White Sapphire & Ruby Panther Ring Set In 18 K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Multi White Sapphire & Ruby Panther Vintage Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.14 in W 1.14 in L 16.5 in
GIA Antique Pigeon Blood Burmese Burma Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Necklace French
Located in New York, NY
QUALITY FRENCH BEAUX ARTS NAPOLEON III BELLE EPOQUE NECKLACE IN 18 KARAT GOLD. THE RARE NECKLACE DATES TO
Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
AGL Certified 10.26 Carat Cushion Cut Pink Sapphire, Ruby, & Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
diamond halo, 0.86 cttw, 4 marquise cut rubies bezel set on the chain, 1.48 cttw, and 8 marquise cut
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$1,347Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic Vintage Ruby, Tanzanite & Fancy Sapphire Candy Ring Set 18K Gold & Silve
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic Vintage Ruby, Tanzanite & Fancy Sapphire Candy Cocktail Ring Red Natural Ruby Cabochon 11
Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Silver, 18k Gold
French 20th Century 1, 17 Carat Certified Natural Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
cushion- cut ruby of the most beautiful shade. Weight of the ruby : 1.17 carat approximately. Certified
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 20th Century Ruby Fine Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Pansy Locket Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
relief and adorned with small half-pearls and a ruby. The back is made of polished glass. Pendant sold
Ruby, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,728Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi Fancy Sapphire Earrings-18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Red Ruby & Multi Fancy Sapphire Earrings Set In 18 K Gold & Silver
Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold...
$1,312Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Opal , Ruby, Tourmaline & Sapphires Ring 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Opal, Ruby, Tourmaline & Multi Sapphire Cocktail Ring Set in 18K White
Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Opal, Green Sapphire, 18k Gol...
New 1900s Style Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
platinum and gold ring is set with claws on its top of an oval ruby, vertically supported by 2 brilliant
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,576Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Peacock Ruby, Multi Sapphires & Tsavorite Brooch
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind Bochic “Orient” Peacock Ruby, Multi Sapphires & Tsavorite Brooch Set 18K Gold
Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Go...
$1,428Sale Price|40% Off
Bochic “Orient” Natural Ruby & Sapphire Peacock Brooch/Pendant 18K Gold&Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Natural Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Peacock Brooch/Pendant Set 18K Gold &
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
1920s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Shuttle Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
rubies. On either side of the head, on the start of the ring, is set a rose-cut diamond. Total weight of
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$742Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Vintage Cluster Ring Set 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
ruby, cabochon shape - 6 carats Yellow natural sapphire Orange natural sapphire Green natural
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,792Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Multi Sapphire & Diamond-Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Multi-Gem Cabochon Vintage Bangle Vintage Ruby, Multi Sapphire & Diamond-Set
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Topaz, Diamond, Sa...
$1,492Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi Color Sapphires Bangle In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Multi-Gem Cabochon Bangle Vintage Ruby, Multi Sapphire & Diamond-Set 18K Gold
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Bochic Orient Vintage Ruby & Sapphire Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Multi Sapphire & Ruby Cocktail Ring - Set in 18K Gold & Silver
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sap...
Ruby and Diamond Swiss Quartz Movement Watch in 18 Karat White Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A stunning work of wearable art, this one-of-a-kind Swiss Quartz movement ruby and diamond watch in
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
wire framing a brilliant-cut diamond and a claw-set ruby. Total diamond weight : 0.12 carat
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,417Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi Color Sapphires Bangle 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Red Ruby & Multi Color Sapphires Bangle Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold...
$2,137Sale Price / set|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Multi Sapphire & Diamond Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Multi-Gem Cabochon Vintage Bangle Vintage Ruby, Multi Sapphire & Diamond-Set 18K
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold Pla...
French 20th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Car Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
pendant in the form of a car, decorated with rose-cut diamonds and round and calibrated rubies. The wheels
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,183Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Sapphire & Ruby Panther Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Multi Sapphire & Ruby Panther Ring Set In 18 K Gold &
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Multi Fancy Sapphire & Ruby Brooch - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Multi Fancy Sapphire & Ruby Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold,...
$1,351Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Blue Sapphire & Honey Sapphire - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Blue Sapphire & Honey Sapphire - 18K Gold & Silver Bochic “Capri
Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green...
$1,620Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Multi Fancy Sapphire Earrings-18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Red Ruby & Multi Fancy Sapphire Earrings Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Bochic
Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Silver, ...
$1,432Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Rose Cut Sapphire Earrings IN 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Rose Cut Sapphire Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Red
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sap...
20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Cloverleaf Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
ruby in a chased closed setting, all set against a smooth gold openwork motif that follows the lines of
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Sapphires & Amethyst Brooch - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Sapphires & Amethyst Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver Can be worn as
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire,...
$960Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Multi Sapphire & Ruby Panther Vintage Ring Set In 18 K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Multi Sapphire & Ruby Panther Vintage Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver
18k Gold, Silver
$1,462Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Opal & Sapphire Earrings - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Red Ruby, Blue Opal & Multi Color Rose Cut Fancy Sapphires Earrings Set
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gre...
$1,458Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Opal & Sapphires Earrings - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Red Ruby, Blue Opal & Multi Color Fancy Sapphires Earrings Set In 18K Gold
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gre...
$742Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Natural Ruby & Natural Multi Gem Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Natural Ruby & Natural Multi Gem Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Oval Shape
Citrine, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,024Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Multi Sapphire & Ruby Panther Vintage Ring Set In 18 K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Multi Sapphire & Ruby Panther Vintage Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver
18k Gold, Silver
$1,275Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Multi Fancy Sapphire Ring Set 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby & Multi Fancy Sapphire Cocktail Ring Set 18K & Silver Natural rubies
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sap...
$1,342Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Rose Cut Sapphire Earrings - 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby & Rose Cut Sapphire Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Red
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sap...
$952Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Ruby & Sapphire Brooch or Pendent Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Ruby & Sapphire Brooch or Pendent Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby Natural
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sap...
$1,005Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Pastel Sapphires & Red Rubies Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Pastel Sapphires & Red Rubies Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Red Oval
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sa...
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.