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.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We design a very nice Heart pendant .The technique use invisible setting .We cut and groove very stone.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Carat Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby use 10.60 ct, Diamond 0.12 ct H VS ,the setting made in 18k Rose gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby use 10.60 ct, Diamond 0.11 ct H VS ,the setting made in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Sapphire Heart Pendant - 10k Round .88ctw Love Wreath
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .5ctw Cut: Round Color: Pinkish Red Natural Emeralds Treatment: Oiling Ca...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby with Diamond Heart Pendant Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.26 carats with Diamond 0.27 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.8 cm Length: 2.7 cm Total Weight: 4.37 grams "We first opened d...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sacchi "Universe" Heart Ruby and Diamonds Gemstones 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant
By Sacchi Gioielli
Located in Rome, IT
Lovely Heart Ruby and Diamonds Satin Yellow Gold Pendant, from Sacchi’s "Universe" Collection, hand-crafted with lost-wax casting technique.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Ruby Knotted Heart Pendant with Diamond in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Featuring an intricate heart design, this 14K Solid Gold pendant is all about love.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
White Gold Ruby Diamond Cluster Pendant - 18k Oval 5.23ctw Ribbon Heart MIlgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 4.64ctw Cut: Oval, Pear, & Round Color: Pinkish Red Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .59ctw C...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pavé Ruby and Diamond Three-Dimensional Heart Pendant in 18 Carat White Gold
Located in London, GB
This striking 3D pendant is beautifully designed as a sculptural heart, giving it a bold presence when worn.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage French 18-Karat Gold Star of Love Ruby Pendant Openwork Hearts 3cm
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
The design features a central 2cm medal adorned with a finely detailed celestial star, elegantly set with a bright 1.5mm round synthetic ruby at its center. This inner medallion is f...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
0.51 Carat Diamond/1.05 Carat Ruby 18 Karat Gold Hearts Pendant Necklace
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18K Gold Heart shaped Pendant with 21 Invisible Set Princess Cut Rubies (Total Gem Weight 1.05 Ct) surrounded by a Channel set Halo of diamonds with total weight of 0.51 Ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
0.40 Carat Diamond/1.30 Carat Ruby 18 Karat Gold Hearts Pendant Necklace
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18K Gold Heart shaped Pendant with 12 Invisible Set Princess Cut Rubies (Total Gem Weight 1.30 Ct) surrounded by a Channel set Halo of diamonds and diamond set Bale with total weight...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ruby Pendant Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate heart-shaped pendant necklace is crafted in gold-plated silver and centers on a vivid heart-cut lab-grown ruby, chosen for its rich red color and lively brilliance.
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
French Je T'aime Flower Heart 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Love Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold love letter charm pendant designed as a convex heart with an engraved flower set with a natural untreated ruby weighing approximately 0.10 carats ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alternating Ruby and Diamond Open Heart Pendant Necklace in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Set in radiant 14 karat white gold, the pendant features a stunning arrangement of vibrant round-cut rubies that form a perfect heart shape.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
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.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
18K Yellow & White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant 2.00 Carat total weight
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18K Yellow & White Gold Invisible set Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant 2.00 Carat total weight, on a 14k yellow gold 16 inch snake chain.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold Ruby & Pearl Heart Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Heart Locket 9ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1980 Makers Mark C & F Beautiful, vintage heart shaped locket. Decorated with natural rubies & seed pearls. The insid...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold
4.00 Carat Ruby Yellow Gold King and Queen of Hearts Poker Card Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1970's playing card pendant necklace. 14k yellow gold King and Queen of hearts playing cards pendant, each card accented with 10 round red rubies in a heart shape.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Love Necklace, 18K Gold, with Ruby & Sapphire Hearts
By Seal & Scribe
Located in San Diego, CA
Love Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold, Ruby & Sapphire, Hearts MAKER: Seal & Scribe CIRCA: c. 2023 STYLE: Contemporary METAL: 18K Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver STONES: Sapphire & ruby CO...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Necklace in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby use 10.15 ct, Heart shape Diamond 0.14 ct, F VS ,the setting made in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
TJD 0.15 Carat Diamond & 5 MM Round Nat. Ruby 14K White Gold Heart Shape Pendant
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Bring charm to your look with this diamond heart pendant. The pendant is crafted from 14 karat White gold and features Round Brilliant 37 white diamonds and 1 ruby gemstone set in mi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Round Diamond and Ruby Open Heart Pendant Necklace Set in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in 14 karat white gold, it features an open heart design adorned with alternating rubies and diamonds, creating a captivating contrast that radiates elegance and charm.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Augis French Plus Qu’Hier Heart Ruby 18K Yellow White Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow and white gold, enamel and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out "Plus qu'hier, moins que demain" ("More than yesterday, less than tomorrow...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Boivin Mid-Century Rock Crystal Ruby Emerald Heart-Shaped Pendant
By René Boivin
Located in New York, NY
French jeweler René Boivin is renowned the world over by collectors for museum-quality jewels but also designed pieces meant for everyday use. The heart-shaped rock crystal pendant...
Crystal, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamonds and Rubies Heart 14 karat Yellow Gold
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Overall, the "Diamonds and Rubies Heart" in 14 karat yellow gold is a stunning and meaningful piece of jewelry, blending precious gemstones with expert craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Hope Love Heart Locket Pendant 82 Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald 14K Gold
Located in SE
Antique British or American Pendant / Locket in solid 14K Gold , ca. late 19th - early 20th century with openwork raised socket HOPE combination decorated with Diamonds, Sapphires, R...
Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
18 Carat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Necklace
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use the top quality of ruby which are deep red and sparking .Ruby use 3.73 ct, Heart shape Diamond 0.27 ct G VS ,the setting made in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Prong Set Heart Ruby Chain Necklace Girlfriend Gift in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Prong Set Heart Ruby Chain Necklace Girlfriend Gift in 18K Gold studded with heart cut ruby set in prong setting. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual l...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Gemstones Heart Necklace Slide Pendant 14K Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Gemstones Heart Necklace, Tsavorite, Rubies, Tanzanite, Pink and Blue Sapphire Pendant, 14K Gold Slider This very different large estate pendant is crafted in solid 14K Yell...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tsavorite, 14k G...
18k Yellow Gold Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Heart Necklac
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Let your heart speak in color with a necklace that whispers elegance and roars with passion. This heart-shaped masterpiece is crafted in glowing 18k yellow gold and adorned with 16....
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Real Natural Diamond Heart Pendent Rubies 10k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Cute diamond heart pendent. Approx. 3/4 carat total weight of natural genuine earth mined diamonds and rubies. The gemstones sparkle beautifully in the light. Pendent is stamped ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Heart Diamond 14 Karat Gold Charm Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The 14 karat gold pendant is hand set with .99 carats ruby and .73 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. M...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Heart Shape Ruby Diamond 18mm Pearl Pendant Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond pendant features a ligature of 3 fancy-cut rubies (heart shape, oval, and pear shape) and round diamonds suspending a splendid 18mm South Sea pearl. The 3.50” p...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Diamond and Amethyst Pendant
Located in Manhasset, NY
10 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Pendant with Diamonds and Ruby. 0.25 Total Diamond Weight. 2.48 grams total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
CHARM ME UP 22k gold ruby heart charm by DOROTA LASAK
Located in Palos Hills, IL
22k gold diamond heart charm DETAILS • 22k yellow gold • ruby • stamped DOROTA LASAK 22k • charm only • 13.5mm
Ruby, 22k Gold
18ct Gold Heart Floral Design Pendent, Set with Rubys Emeralds & Diamonds
Located in Brighton, GB
Preloved Heart Pendant 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1990’s Pretty Little Vintage Heart Shaped Pendant.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Pendant with Amethyst and Diamonds
Located in Manhasset, NY
10 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Pendant with Ruby and Diamonds 2.07 grams total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Necklace in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby use 10.15 ct, Heart shape Diamond 0.14 ct, F VS(natural diamond) ,the setting made in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Retro Heart Pendant with Gemstones, 1970s USA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This pendant is crafted in 14 karat gold and designed in a softly contoured heart silhouette with a graceful, sculptural presence.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Necklace in Invisible Setting
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby use 10.15 ct, Heart shape Diamond 0.15 ct G VS ,the setting made in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,180Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Theo Fennell Diamond Ruby Heart Lips Charm 18 Karat White Gold
By Theo Fennell
Located in London, GB
A vintage Theo Fennell diamond and ruby heart lips charm pendant in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Demantoid Ruby Diamond and Pearl Heart Necklace
Located in London, GB
This antique piece presents a heart-shaped pendant, crafted in 14ct yellow gold and featuring an intricate butterfly design.
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Augis 18k Gold Heart Halo Love Token Medal Ruby Diamond 24mm
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
While most love tokens feature a simple border, this particular model is encircled by a delicate halo of alternating vibrant red rubies and polished gold hearts, symbolizing a love t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18K 1/3 Cttw Diamond and Red Ruby Open Heart with Black Rhodium Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the passionate allure of this 18K white gold pendant, exquisitely plated with black rhodium for a modern touch.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Vintage French 18Kt Heart Love Pendant by Augis
By A. Augis
Located in Stamford, CT
Excellent Condition. 5/8 of an inch diameter and is 7/8 of an inch high, Weight 1.73 grams In 18kt gold with small rubies and a diamond, this is a heart made c. 1960.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1950's Multi-Gem 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Dearest Locket Heart Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and a disk shaped pendant with fluted center texture and grooved bamboo style frame Featuring two hinged heart shaped locket appliqués on either side of row of prong set gem...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
2.20ct Natural Red Ruby Diamond Open Heart Necklace 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Open Heart Common Prong Loves & Sparkles. 1ct. Natural Round Diamonds & 1.20ct Natural Red Ruby Heart necklace. Diamonds: Full cut and Brilliant G-color, Vs-2 clarity Rubies, B...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French Augis Plus Qu’Hier Heart Halo 18K Yellow Gold Love Medal Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
The medal is surrounded by a halo or border of twelve alternating round cut synthetic rubies (total approximate weight 0.60 carats) and gold hearts.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
.75 Carat Natural Ruby Diamonds Dangle Heart Necklace 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Red Ruby & Diamonds Heart Necklace Bead set, Sparkling Brilliance. .15ct. natural round ruby Clean Clarity, Vivid Red. .60ct. Natural diamonds. G color Vs-2 clarity 18Kt yellow...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.41 Carat Diamond/0.41 Carat Pink Sapphire 18K Gold Hearts Pendant Necklace
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18K Gold Heart shaped Pendant with 8 Invisible Set Princess Cut Pink Sapphires (Total Gem Weight 0.41 Ct) surrounded by a Channel set Halo of diamonds and Diamond Bale with total wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sonia B. Pavé Diamond & Multi Gemstone Puffed Heart Pendant in 14 Karat Gold
By Sonia B
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: – 92 round brilliant cut Diamonds – Six natural Rubies – Six natural Sapphires – Six natural Emeralds Diamond Cut: Round Diamond Color: G-H Dia...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow...
$1,776Sale Price|20% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamonds Necklace
Located in София, BG
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Necklace Gold color: Yellow Dimensions: 45cm in Length Total weight: 3.58 grams Set with: - Ruby Color: Red Cut: Heart Weight: 1.38 ct. - Diamonds ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stefan Hafner 18KT YG Diamond .62CT Ruby .19CT. Pendant Gift Box Charm Necklace
By Stefan Hafner
Located in New York, NY
The hinged box opens to a single hanging bezel set heart shaped ruby. The 1"charm box hangs from a beaded 18 karat yellow gold 17" chain.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.58 Carat Natural Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Heart Necklace 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Red Ruby & Diamonds Heart Necklace Sharing / Common prong, Max. Brilliance 1.56ct. natural round ruby Full faceted rounds, clean clarity and transparent. Vivid Reds 1.02ct. N...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White 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.
Whether you’re layering multiple jewelry pieces or opting for a single strand, vintage pendant necklaces are versatile accessories that can elevate your casual wear as easily as they can add a creative flourish to your formal attire.
The earliest jewelry was less about accessorizing than it was about wearers arming themselves with amulets. In Ancient Egypt, some amulets featured a loop so that they could be strung around one’s neck. While rubies have long been one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money, members of some ancient civilizations valued the stones from the get-go, donning ruby pendants as well as other stones with the belief that these adornments would bring protection, healing powers or strength. Today, we still wear our charm bracelets and charm pendants around our necks for good luck.
Later, pendant necklaces, like most fine jewelry, were worn strictly by royalty or the upper class and conferred wealth and prestige. This changed over time, thankfully, as wearing jewelry became more widespread, a democratized means of personal expression.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pendant necklaces evolved from their status as spiritual amulets, but the jewels still carried deep personal significance. Victorian pendants, in particular, were part of the “mourning jewelry” tradition. Wearers would embed their pendants with locks of hair from a deceased loved one as a way of grieving in the wake of a loss. In the case of cameo jewelry, some pendants were even decorated with miniature hand-carved portraits in a detailed raised relief. Today, portraiture is still a characteristic of many of the hand-carved pendant necklaces offered by Italian jewelry house Scala Gioielli.
Luxury fine jewelry brands such as Cartier, BVLGARI and David Yurman offer their own unique interpretations of the cherished accessory, embellishing platinum or gold pendant necklaces with diamonds, sapphires and other stones.
On 1stDibs, find an extraordinary range of vintage pendant necklaces and other necklaces today.
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.