Ruby Bracelet 9.16 Carats 10K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 9.16 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K White Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Bracelet 4.98 Carats 10K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 4.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K White Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Uncut Diamond, Pearl and Ruby Bracelet
By Estaa
Located in Mumbai, IN
“Shahi Lal Dera Bracelet“ Inspired by the 17th century Royal Red Tent commissioned by the Mogul Emperor Shahjahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, to be used while traveling. 22kt ...
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, 22k Gold
$10,160Sale Price / item|20% Off
12.37 CTW Floral Ruby & Diamond Bracelet with Pear Cut Rubies in 18K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This floral bracelet features pear cut ruby totaling 12.37 carats, set in rich 18k yellow gold. Accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.97 carats-each measuring 1.4 mm. T...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$8,116Sale Price / item|20% Off
12.37 CTW Floral Ruby & Diamond Bracelet with Pear Cut Rubies in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This floral bracelet features pear cut ruby totaling 12.37 carats, set in rich 14k yellow gold. Accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.97 carats-each measuring 1.4 mm-th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,960Sale Price|20% Off
4.78 Carat Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold Oval Cut Rubies in Halo
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted in luxurious 18K white gold, this vibrant bracelet features a bold yet refined design with richly saturated rubies and brilliant diamonds. The piece showcases approximately 3...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Spider Bracelet 0.12 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 0.12 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Length: 7.5 Inches Custom sizing available upo...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Bracelet With White Topaz 7.9 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 7.90 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availa...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby And Diamond Bracelet In 18K White Gold.
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous ruby and diamond bangle beautifully handcrafted in 18k white gold. The details are as follows : Ruby weight : 5.70 carats ( 19 rubies) Diamond weight : 1.10 carats ( G...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage Italian ruby diamond 14k yellow gold line bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage Italian ruby and diamond line bracelet is a bold 1970’s design, featuring 114 round cut rubies weighing approximately 5.00 carats in total. The rubies create a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lucea New York Ruby Open Bangle Bracelet
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
Life in Color Collection Pave Ruby ball open bangle bracelet. Set in blackened sterling silver.
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Bracelet With White Topaz 7.9 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 7.90 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availa...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 7.00 carat ruby diamond 14k yellow gold bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage ruby and diamond bracelet is a colorful 1980’s design, featuring 19 oval cut rubies weighing approximately 3.50 carats in total. The rubies create a rich red r...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage ruby diamond 14k yellow gold tennis bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage ruby and diamond tennis bracelet is a timeless 1980’s design, featuring 27 round brilliant cut rubies weighing approximately 1.30 carats in total. The rubies bri...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Halo 14k Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A contemporary link bracelet crafted in 14k yellow gold. The design features oval shape rubies, totaling 10.36 carats, set in a continuous line, each with an intense vivid red color....
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond 14k White Gold Tennis Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A contemporary tennis bracelet crafted in 14k white gold. The design features pear-cut rubies, totaling 9.10 carats, elegantly set along the bracelet and having vivid red color. Acce...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Bracelet With White Topaz 6.62 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 6.58 Carats White Topaz: 0.04 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing av...
Ruby, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
14K Yellow Gold Natural Oval Ruby Line Bracelet
Located in Seattle, WA
Like an artifact plucked from a royal jewelry case, this ruby line bracelet marries timeless elegance with sophisticated fashions. It features 6.38 carats of stunning natural oval ru...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi color sapphire ruby diamond natural bracelet 14kt 12456*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
.50ct natural round cut diamonds g color/vs 2 clarity .60ct natural green tzavorites .80ct natural blue sapphires .30ct natural pink sapphires .50ct natural red/pink rubies 6 grams ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
Lucea New York Ruby Chain Link Bracelet
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
Life In Color Collection Rough chic Ruby chain link bracelet with toggle clasp. Set in sterling silver and 14K gold plating. Ruby: 15.36ct total weight.
Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Faceted Natural Ruby Beads & 22k Gold Vermeil Beads Mala Bracelet
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Handcrafted for the modern muse, this stunning piece features deep-fuchsia, rough-cut faceted ruby beads (approx. 6.5mm) meticulously strung with ornate gold-plated Bali-style spacer...
Ruby, 22k Gold, Vermeil
Ruby Bracelet set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 13.78 carats Bracelet set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 17.6 cm Total Weight: 21.62 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the v...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$12,880Sale Price|30% Off
Diamond Ruby Emerald Gold Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A delightful bracelet featuring just under 10 carats of fancy pear shape and full-cut diamonds, complemented by 1 carat of ruby and 1.25 carats of emerald, all set in 18K white gold....
Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
9.02 Carat Purplish Red Ruby & Diamond Bracelet In Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry house with nearly 50 years of history serving elite collectors, retailers, and dealers ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$40,000Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar Heyman Platinum 12.26 Carat Square Ruby Tennis Bracelet
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York City, NY
This elegant Oscar Heyman platinum line bracelet contains 12.26cts of square rubies. It is stamped with the makers mark, IRID PLAT, and serial number 804167. The bracelet measures 7...
Ruby, Platinum
Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A classic tennis bracelet showcasing a row of round brilliant diamonds spaced evenly with five vibrant oval cut rubies. Rubies weigh 9.77 carats total. Diamonds weigh 1.39 carats tot...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Rubies Bracelet
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K rose gold bracelet is from our Timeless collection. This beautiful bracelet is created from natural diamonds in G color and VS clarity in total of 0.91 Carat and red rubies in to...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$4,317 / item
14K Yellow Gold Ruby 3.80ct Tennis Bracelet for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Quality Bracelet: Crafted of 14k yellow gold this bracelet features 63 Round Sparkling Rubys, Rubys weighing 3.80 carats. Hinged Clasp Closure. 7 Inches in length. Surprise Your Lov...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby And Diamond Flexible Bangle In 18 Karat White Gold.
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
A striking celebration of elegance and rarity, this one of a kind flexible bangle showcases a captivating ruby accented by brilliant white diamonds and warm brown diamonds. The rich,...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Heart Charm Bracelet Ruby Diamond Chain Cuff Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Charm Bracelet Ruby White Diamond Arrow Link Chain Cuff J Dauphin Designer: J Dauphin The Heart Charm Bracelet is a chain of large open links that wraps the wrist as a cuff, ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Craig Drake Diamond and Ruby Hinged Bangle Bracelet
By Craig Drake
Located in Darnestown, MD
Classic, tailored bangle bracelet by Craig Drake that is inset with diamonds and rubies. There are 12 diamonds of F-G color; VVS quality. They weigh approximately 2.5 carats. There a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
8 Carat Ruby Diamond 14k White Gold Tennis Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite tennis bracelet showcases a striking arrangement of rich, red rubies and brilliant diamonds, meticulously set in high-quality 14k white gold. The design features alter...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Ruby Bangle Set in 18k Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 11.85 carats Bangle set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.8 cm Diameter: 6.2 cm Total Weight: 26.65 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vi...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.69 carats with Diamond 0.24 carat Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Diameter: 5.5 cm Total Weight: 45.11 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 9.02 carats with Diamond 1.21 carats Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Diameter: 5.4 cm Total Weight: 36.48 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.06 carats with Diamond 0.80 carat Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Diameter: 5.5 cm Total Weight: 36.41 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Virgin Mary Cuff Gold Medal Bracelet Ruby Devotional
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Virgin Mary Cuff Bracelet Miraculous Medal Devotional Gold Designer: J DAUPHIN The Virgin Mary Cuff is handcrafted in 14k gold plated brass, five hand hammered oval Miraculous Meda...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Brass
Ruby Tennis Bracelet With White Topaz 20 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 19.78 Carats (Treatment: Glass Filling) White Topaz: 0.22 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Lengt...
Ruby, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Tennis Bracelet With White Topaz 17.6 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 17.58 Carats (Treatment: Glass Filling) White Topaz: 0.04 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Lengt...
Ruby, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Tennis Bracelet With White Topaz 16.7 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 16.70 Carats (Treatment: Glass Filling) White Topaz: 0.04 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Lengt...
Ruby, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Tennis Bracelet With White Topaz 20 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 19.78 Carats (Treatment: Glass Filling) White Topaz: 0.22 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Lengt...
Ruby, Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby and Diamond Bezel Set Bolo Bracelet
Located in Great Neck, NY
This fun and beautiful bracelet is gorgeous alone or stacked with others. This bracelet has 9 Rubys graduated towards the center totaling 1.94 carats, with VS2, G color diamonds on b...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18kt White Gold Paolo Piovan Cabro Bracelet Diamonds, Tsavorite, Ruby
By Paolo Piovan Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt White Gold Paolo Piovan Cabro Bracelet Diamonds, Tsavorite, Ruby, Amazing, original Paolo Piovan bracelet set with 10.94 carat Tsavorite, 17.03 carat round brilliant icy diam...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Exquisite Invisible-Set Ruby & Diamond Platinum Flexible Tennis Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A contemporary creation from the 21st century, this platinum bracelet showcases a captivating array of square rubies, each uniform in size and displaying a rich red hue, totaling app...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
July Birthstone Ruby Diamond Heart Bracelet 14K Gold by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Meticulously handcrafted, the bracelet blends exceptional craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, creating a timeless heirloom designed to be treasured for generations.
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 16.42 carats with Diamond 3.58 carats Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Diameter: 5.7 cm Total Weight: 86.3 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 26.35 carats with Diamond 1.21 carats Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Diameter: 5.6 cm Total Weight: 59.3 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 19.41 carats with Diamond 3.01 carats Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Diameter: 6.0 cm Total Weight: 84.97 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was the...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Opal Cabochon Snake Bracelet Silver Serpent Cuff Ruby Open Bangle
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Cuff Serpent Bracelet Opal Cabochon Ruby Silver Open Bangle Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Cuff is handcrafted in sterling silver as a single serpent that wraps the wrist. The...
Opal, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
10 Carat Burmese Ruby & Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking bracelet is crafted in 14K yellow gold and set with an impressive combination of natural Burmese rubies and natural diamonds, totaling approximately 10.00 carats. The ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Mid century 9.00 carat ruby diamond 18k white gold bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Mid Century ruby and diamond bracelet is a glamorous 1960’s design, featuring 90 round cut rubies weighing approximately 9.00 carats in total. The rubies bring rich red ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,902Sale Price|20% Off
18 Kt White Gold, Rubies and Diamonds Tennis Bracelet
Located in Cattolica, IT
Tennis bracelet available in Rubies or blue Sapphire. Elegant but extremely versatile, these bracelets may be worn everyday and for every occasion. The sapphire one weighs gr.21.35 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold
Snake Cuff Bracelet White Diamond Ruby J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond and Ruby Snake Bracelet – 14K Gold-Plated Brass, Victorian Style Designer: J Dauphin This handcrafted snake bracelet by J Dauphin is made in 14k gold-plated brass and...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Crescent Moon Cuff Star Bracelet Celestial Silver Tanzanite Ruby
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crescent Moon Cuff Star Bracelet Celestial Silver Tanzanite Ruby Designer: J DAUPHIN The Crescent Moon and Star Cuff is an open bangle handcrafted in solid sterling silver, with f...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage cabochon cut sapphire ruby 22k yellow gold bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage bracelet presents a bold and richly colored composition centered on 3 cabochon cut blue sapphires totaling approximately 4.50 carats. The sapphires display deep, saturat...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
J. Birnbach 14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ruby and diamond bracelet is a timeless expression of color, craftsmanship, and sophistication. Set in gleaming 14K white gold, the design features vibrant round rubies ...
Diamond, Ruby
1960s 18k Gold Organic Shaped Bracelet With Rubies and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This is an unusually delicate bracelet made of 18k gold and adorned with round cut rubies and diamonds. Made in the United Kingdom circa 1960 the bracelet consists of organic shaped ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Bracelet Studded in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
This is an elegant ruby bracelet features 58 pieces of princess cut rubies 9.27 carat in the channel setting, this bracelet entirely made in 18 karat rose gold weight 10.85 grams, th...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Steven Battelle 107.5 Carats Ruby Sterling Silver Bracelet
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
33 individual faceted pear shaped pink ruby stones from 6 x 9 mm to 9 x 15 mm are interlinked to form this beautiful and comfortable bracelet set in silver. Current 7.5 inch length ...
Ruby, Sterling Silver, Silver
Round Natural Ruby & Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 14K White Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K white gold bracelet with round natural rubies weighing 4.08 carats total and natural diamonds weighing 2.00 carats total. Bracelet is 7 inches long and can be shortened upon req...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary jewelry is inextricably linked with the moment in which it is created, frequently reflecting current social, cultural and political issues such as environmental consciousness, identity and sustainability. It’s informed by fashion trends, from the chokers of the 1990s to the large chain necklaces of the early 2000s.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of adornment. Lockets made of silver or gold have been treasured gifts for hundreds of years, for example, and charm bracelets, which have existed since prehistoric times, didn’t become especially popular until the 19th-century reign of Queen Victoria. For many centuries, fine jewelry was used primarily to express wealth or status through lavish materials. Then, in the 1960s, a concept known as the “critique of preciousness” emerged, with jewelers creating pieces that did not get their value from gemstones or precious metals. Instead, it was the jeweler’s artistic vision that was prized and elevated.
This shift still informs Contemporary jewelry being made by artists today. Whether they are using cheap, found materials and working with provocative geometric shapes or seeking out the rarest stones, they are imbuing their work with meaning through their skills, techniques and ideas. Innovative designers such as Elsa Peretti, who popularized sculptural sterling-silver jewelry for Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman, who twisted metal into the simple yet striking Cable bracelet, have also influenced the direction of Contemporary jewelry’s forms and aesthetics.
Meanwhile, technological advancements like metal alloys and laser engraving have led to new possibilities in jewelry design. Now, edgy makers and brands as well as minimalist designers are pushing Contemporary jewelry forward into the 21st century.
Find a collection of Contemporary rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.
Today, antique and vintage bracelets are versatile and universally loved accessories that can add polish and pizzazz to any ensemble.
Bracelets were among the jewels discovered to have been buried with Pharaoh Tutankhamun when his tomb was unearthed in 1922, and wrist and arm bracelets were allegedly worn by Queen Puabi in Sumer, southern Mesopotamia. But preceding the adornments of Ancient Egypt and elsewhere, the people of prehistoric times likely wore the decorative accessory, fashioning it from shells and fish bones. When the Bronze Age allowed for more durable materials and semiprecious stones to be incorporated into jewelry, bracelets became a treasured symbol of wealth.
In the thousands of years following the debut of the world’s first bracelets, the artistry behind this common accessory has only broadened, with designers at popular jewelry houses growing more venturesome over time. David Webb looked to nature for his Animal Kingdom bracelets, and for her best-selling bracelets and more at Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti would frequently do the same. From bangles to tennis bracelets, the modern age offers plenty of options.
Internationally acclaimed bracelet designs have on occasion become powerful symbols of status, style and, in the case of Cartier's iconic design, love. The Cartier Love bracelet can be found on the wish list of most jewelry lovers and on the wrist of some of the world’s biggest stars. Its arrangement of mock screwheads and distinctive functionality — it was initially locked and unlocked with an accompanying vermeil screwdriver — is an enduring expression of loyalty, unity and romance. (Do you know how to spot a fake Cartier Love bracelet?)
While the Love bracelet has played a role in the skyrocketing popularity of cuff-style bracelets, they are far from the only glamorous option for collectors. Make a statement with an Art Deco design, a style that sees all kinds of iterations fitted with studded cuffs, one-of-a-kind shapes and dazzling insets. A chunky vintage gold bracelet in the Retro style will prove eye-catching and elevate any outfit.
One of the best things about bracelets, however, is that you never have to choose just one. Style icon Jacqueline Kennedy stacked her Croisillon bracelets — designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. — with such frequency that the ornate bangles were eventually dubbed “Jackie bracelets” by reporters. Contemporary silver pieces can easily complement each other, rendering a layering of luxury almost a necessity.
Find a diverse collection of bracelets that you can sort by style, stone cut and more on 1stDibs.