1890s Pearl 1.28 Carats Rubies 3.65 Carats Diamonds Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive pearl, ruby and diamond bangle in 18 karat yellow gold; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This stunning antique bangle has...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond and Ruby Line / Tennis Bracelet Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
The bracelet is composed of a mixture of French cut rubies and round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Chanel Gilded Metal Cuff Bracelet with Ruby Rhinestone
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel (Made in France) Cuff bracelet in hammered gilded metal decorated with a ruby rhinestone.
Gilt Metal
Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Bracelet Ruby Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold Buckle Retro
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning historic retro bracelet created by Van Cleef & Arpels in France in the 1940s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Woven Gold Snake Bracelet Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
An antique French, yellow and red woven gold, snake bracelet, with eight-cut diamonds and a pear shape sapphire set in the head with cabochon-cut rubies around the neck.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s M. Gerard Paris Diamond Ruby Cabochon Gold Set Necklace Earrings Bracelet
By M. Gérard
Located in Geneva, CH
This set is in yellow gold 18k 750, with cabochon Rubies and composed by a necklace, a bracelet and a pair of earrings.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere Diamond Ruby and Emerald Yellow Gold Panther Charm Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Featuring three panther charms attached to a nifty rolo chain, with one charm set with a 0.15ct diamond, one with a 0.15ct ruby and one with a 0.20ct emerald stone, this gorgeous vin...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold. Delightful second- hand bracelet, it is set with an articulated motif alternating 4 rubies, 4 sapphires and 4 calibrated emeralds. A modern brillian...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Fred Paris Heart Ruby Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet with Diamond Accents, 1970s
By Fred Paris
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant feminine bangle created by Fred Paris in the 1970s. Colorful and wearable, the bracelet is a great addition to your jewelry collection. The bangle features three heart cut ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georges Lenfant Ruby and Diamond Cluster 18 Carat Gold Bracelet, circa 1965
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in London, GB
A beautiful gold, ruby and diamond bracelet by Georges Lenfant c.1965, designed as a straight strap of matte textured 18ct yellow gold edged with polished gold 'stiches' and applied ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fred of Paris Diamond Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Fred Paris
Located in Southampton, PA
A tasteful and colorful combination of precious materials is employed in fabulous fashion in this enchanting bracelet from Fred of Paris where luxurious 18K yellow gold is set with a...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$5,900 / item
Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Link Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Luxuriant and colorful, this Aimée bracelet features alternating triple French cut ruby and round brilliant-cut diamonds. 18K white gold lends security to the classic Art-Deco style ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$16,452
An 18k Gold French Snake Bracelet with Enamel
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18k gold snake bracelet, finely enameled in dark blue, the head set with a citrine and the eyes with rubies set in silver, with an opening mouth, French assay mark for 18k gold an...
Citrine, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
French Gold Mesh Ribbon Bracelet with Detachable Floral Brooch
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stunning hand, stunning design, stunning detail: This is one of those pieces that will bring a smile to any jewelry enthusiast. The bracelet itself is a sensuous ribbon of golden mes...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
French 1940s Gold and Multi-Stone Charm Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold charm bracelet with seven charms, comprising a multicolor gem-set cart, basket, watering can, and an emerald-set ball interspersed with a hardstone fruit, egg, and bell,...
Agate, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
ART DECO 1940 Riviera Bracelet In Platinum With 12.30 Ctw In Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
Rubies: Mounted in channel settings, with 30 gorgeous calibrated squared French cut (3 x 3 x 2.5 mm) of natural Burmese pigeon blood vivid red rubies, with a total estimate weight of...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Style 16.69 Ct. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Antique 20th Century Art Deco style exceptional Ruby and Diamond White Gold bracelet, designed as three rows set with 180 round brilliant cut diamonds and 90 French cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 15.04 Ct. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning Art Deco Style ruby and diamond18k white gold link bracelet features 242 round brilliant cut diamonds. 66 rectangular French cut rubies break up the two sections of di...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 9.76 Ct. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
(approx. in total) Gemstones I Type: Ruby Shape: French Cut Number: 75 Weight: 9.76 Carat (approx. in total) Gemstones II Type: Diamond Shape: Round Brilliant Average Color: H-J ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 9.76 Ct. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
(approx. in total) Gemstones I Type: Ruby Shape: French Cut Number: 75 Weight: 9.76 Carat (approx. in total) Gemstones II Type: Diamond Shape: Round Brilliant Average Color: H-J ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 9.24 Ct. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning, fine and impressive antique style ruby bracelet with diamonds is crafted in 18k white gold. The fully articulated bracelet is composed of 71 rubies and 233 round bril...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 13.53 Ct. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning, fine and impressive antique style ruby bracelet with diamonds is crafted in 18k white gold. The fully articulated bracelet is composed of 80 rubies and 184 round bril...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Snake Rose Cut Cabochon Ruby Garnet Yellow Gold Silver Bangle Bracelet
Located in London, GB
Weight: 36.7 gr Circa: Late 19th Century Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold Condition: Very Good Stones: 2 Cabochon Rubies 2 Cabochon Garnet 23 Rose Cut Diamonds Hallmarks: French – Eagl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Waslikoff And Sons 1935 Art Deco Bracelet Platinum with 8.16 Ctw Diamonds Rubies
By M. Waslikoff & Sons
Located in Miami, FL
Gia certified stations bracelet by M. Waslikoff & Sons. Beautiful and rare piece from the American art-deco period, created in New York city, back in the 1935. This fabulous bracele...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
René Boivin Paris 1980s Pearl Ruby Diamond and Gold Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A French 18 karat gold bracelet with pearls, rubies and diamonds by René Boivin.
Diamond, 18k Gold
GAY FRERES 1960 Paris Feline Enamel And Wood Bracelet In 18Kt Gold With Rubies
By Gay Freres
Located in Miami, FL
Felines bangle bracelet designed by Gay Freres. This is a beautiful statement bracelet created in Paris France during the late mid-century modern period, back in the late 1960.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Daniel Swarovski Paris Victorian-Inspired Ruby Red Crystal Link Bracelet
By Daniel Swarovski
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Daniel Swarovski Paris couture jeweled link bracelet has an articulated shape with Victorian-inspired flair and silvered metal chains background ornate with ruby red and...
Silver Plate
GIA Cert Fred of Paris 7.89 Ruby, Emerald, Diamond Bracelet 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Fred Paris
Located in Southport, CT
Mint condition vintage Fred of Paris signed bracelet. Stunningly vivid and high clarity Rubies and Emeralds unlike you've ever seen. The bracelet features 4 clover leaf motif links...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise Blue Enamel, Gold, Diamond and Ruby Snake Bracelet
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning and elegant triple coiled snake bracelet in a gorgeous turquoise blue enamel over 18k gold, accented with old European cut diamonds and rubies for eyes. With an articulate...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Clear Ruby Cabochon Openwork Interlinked Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage 1980s Clear Ruby Red Cabochon Crystals Openwork Interlinked Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Maybe light scratches and colour loss. 100% ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Clear Ruby Cabochon Openwork Interlinked Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage 1980s Clear Ruby Red Cabochon Crystals Openwork Interlinked Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Maybe light scratches and colour loss. 100% ...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Geometric Jade Ruby Glass Poured Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Geometric Jade Ruby Glass Poured Link Bracelet Measurements: Height: 0.98 inch (2.5 cm) Wearable Length: 6.69 inches (17 cm) until 7.67 inches (19.5 c...
French Retro Gold Snake/Serpent Wrap Bracelet with Rose Diamond Head and Tail
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 18 Kt Gold snake bracelet with diamond accents both head and tail. Crafted in 18k yellow gold a gorgeous bracelet in the form of a serpent with a flexible body that wraps ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Beaded Clear Ruby Ball Openwork Interlink Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Beaded Clear Ruby Ball Openwork Interlink Bracelet, Gold Tone. Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss. Very good to wear. 100% genuine. Size: ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Beaded Clear Ruby Ball Openwork Interlink Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Beaded Clear Ruby Ball Openwork Interlink Bracelet, Gold Tone. Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss. Very good to wear. 100% genuine. Size: ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Heart Love Ruby Emerald Sapphire Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Unisex Heart Love Ruby Emerald Sapphire Citrine Red Green Navy Yellow Orange Purple Square Cube Oval Round Circle Marquise Crystals Link Interlock...
Gold Plate
Mid-Century, French, Diamond Gemstone Enamel 18k Gold Lion Hinged Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Mid Century French Diamond Gemstone Enamel 18k Gold Lion Hinged Bracelet.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold|$4,950
Gay Freres Wood Panther Bracelet
By Gay Freres
Located in San Antonio, TX
Vintage Gay Freres Panther Bracelet made of Wood and 18k Yellow Gold accented with Enamel and Rubies, signed with French hallmarks, Circa 1960's
Ruby, 18k Gold
French 1930 Art Deco Twisted Links Bracelet with 14 Charms in Solid 18kt Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Fourteen charms bracelet from the art deco period. Fabulous and very rare charm bracelet, created in France during the Art deco period, back in the 1930. It was crafted with beautif...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$8,500
Cartier Bumble Bee Charm Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A modern design from Cartier. Featuring four fluttering bumble bee charms that are designed with stripes of enamel and heads of diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire. Crafted in 18k ye...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1950s Charm Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French Mid-20th Century "Four Seasons" 18 karat gold and platinum bracelet with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, citrines and diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$8,500
Cartier Bumble Bee Charm Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Since the end of the 19th century, Cartier has created an extravagant, unique and elegant menagerie. With influences from all over the globe this collection defines and reflects it’s...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$74,000
Cartier Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Diamond and Gemstone Bracelet. This bracelet has princess cut diamonds with a total carat weight of approximately 15ct and square cabochon sapphire and rubies all set in 18k ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$35,000
1950s Marchak Paris Gem-set Floral Gold Bracelet
By Marchak
Located in New York, NY
A ribbed gold bracelet with applied gem set flowers in rubies, turquoise, sapphires and diamonds, in 18k.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Cartier Precious Gemstone Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Adorn yourself with luxury as you don this gorgeous bangle bracelet from Cartier. The bracelet is made of 18K yellow gold and is studded with two diamond-shaped sapphires, four pear-...
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mid 20th Century Jeweled "Lawn" Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A French 18 karat gold bracelet with rubies, sapphires and diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Trinity Precious Gemstone Gold Rolling Bangle Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Reminiscent of the iconic Trinity design with its overlapping bands creating a fascinating sight, this magnificent bracelet from Cartier is made of unblemished 18K yellow gold embell...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Emerald Diamond Head Triple Wrap Snake Serpent Bracelet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This bracelet comes from France and is vintage circa 1940.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Emerald Diamond Head Triple Wrap Snake Serpent Bracelet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This bracelet comes from France and is vintage circa 1940.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Lacloche Frères Gemstone Gold Bangle Bracelet Set of Four
By Lacloche Freres
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Each bangle is stamped with Lacloche Freres maker's mark and the diamond bracelet with French hallmark for 18 karat gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron Multi Gem Set Bracelet in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
By Boucheron
Located in London, England
A beautiful diamond, sapphire, emerald and ruby set bracelet in 18ct yellow gold, signed Boucheron. The bracelet is made up of 28 open backed alternating square sections set with a c...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yves Saint Laurent Precious Gemstone Multi-Color Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Southampton, PA
Timeless elegance and sophisticated understated luxury meet in this minimalist bracelet from Yves Saint Laurent, where fabulous 18K yellow and white gold is given a neat and slim sha...
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Diamond Sapphire Emerald Bagatelle Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Zurich, CH
Gorgeous Van Cleef & Arpels 18 karat yellow gold, diamond, sapphire and emerald Bagatelle bracelet, circa 1960. Designed as a highly flexible bombé bracelet composed of a beaded grou...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Karat Gold Gem Set Diamond Braided Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Vintage twisted 18k gold bracelet set with emeralds, sapphires and diamonds by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1970. The bracelet has 17 colored gems and 6 diamonds weighing about 0.60 car...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Georges Lenfant for Marchak Midcentury Woven Gold Bracelet with Gem-Set Flowers
By Georges L'Enfant
Located in New York, NY
A mid-century woven gold strap bracelet with applied alternating turquoise and ruby florettes, each accented with diamond centers, in 18k and platinum. Georges Lenfant for Marchak P...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Vintage Star Set Gemstone 18ct Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet Circa 1990s
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage multi colour gemstone and yellow gold bangle bracelet by Cartier Paris, circa 1990. The 18ct yellow gold bangle has a rounded profile with a combination of diamonds, rubies...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Belperron for Boivin Art Moderne Gold and Multi-Gemstone "Boule" Cuff Bracelet
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in New York, NY
An Art Moderne gold "Boule" cuff bracelet of bombé design set with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, in 18k.
Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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.
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.
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
Mid-20th-century designer Andrew Grima upended tradition with his avant-garde aesthetic.
As elegant as they are versatile, these jewels have become chic staples.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The decades-old design is one of the most sought-after pieces of jewelry in the world.
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.
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.