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Gold Lion Pendant Ruby Eyes

Mid Century diamond ruby emerald 18k yellow gold lion pendant
Mid Century diamond ruby emerald 18k yellow gold lion pendant

Mid Century diamond ruby emerald 18k yellow gold lion pendant

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This captivating Mid Century lion pendant is a powerful symbol of strength, courage, and timeless

Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Lion Pendant Ruby 14 Karat Gold Circus Hoop Panther Leopard Tiger
Victorian Lion Pendant Ruby 14 Karat Gold Circus Hoop Panther Leopard Tiger

Victorian Lion Pendant Ruby 14 Karat Gold Circus Hoop Panther Leopard Tiger

Located in New York, NY

is 14 Karat Gold with Ruby eyes and mouth. This is one of the most wonderful antique Belle Epoque

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lion Pendant / Charm
14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lion Pendant / Charm

14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lion Pendant / Charm

Located in Venice, CA

This 14K gold Victorian inspired pendant or charm features a striking bas-relief of a lion's head

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian Lion Locket Necklace Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Panther Leopard Tiger
Victorian Lion Locket Necklace Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Panther Leopard Tiger

Victorian Lion Locket Necklace Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Panther Leopard Tiger

Located in New York, NY

Karat Gold with an Old Mine Cut Diamond in the mouth and Ruby cabochons in the eyes, in an extraordinary

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Heliotrope Seal Fob Pendant with 18K Gold Lion
Antique Heliotrope Seal Fob Pendant with 18K Gold Lion

Antique Heliotrope Seal Fob Pendant with 18K Gold Lion

Located in Rotterdam, NL

of the piece. Overall, this antique heliotrope seal fob with its 18k gold lion and ruby eyes is not

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Adler 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Ruby Lionshead Doorknocker Enhancer Pendant
Adler 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Ruby Lionshead Doorknocker Enhancer Pendant

Adler 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Ruby Lionshead Doorknocker Enhancer Pendant

By Adler

Located in Birmingham, AL

features 76 diamonds in the lion's mane and two cabochon rubies as the eyes. The piece measures 1.75 inches

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Coral Diamonds Rubies Agate 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Coral Diamonds Rubies Agate 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace

Coral Diamonds Rubies Agate 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace

Located in Marcianise, IT

presence. The lion’s eyes are adorned with small rubies, adding intensity to its gaze and emphasizing the

Category

1990s European Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Agate, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond Lion Locket of 10k Gold, Circa 1890-1910
Antique Diamond Lion Locket of 10k Gold, Circa 1890-1910

Antique Diamond Lion Locket of 10k Gold, Circa 1890-1910

Located in Lewisburg, PA

—a symbol of strength, courage, and nobility. The lion’s intense gaze is set with ruby eyes, though

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold

14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lioness Pendant / Charm
14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lioness Pendant / Charm

14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lioness Pendant / Charm

Located in Venice, CA

This 14K gold Victorian inspired pendant or charm features a striking bas-relief of a lioness' head

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Lion Doorknocker Pendant Brooch
Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Lion Doorknocker Pendant Brooch

Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Lion Doorknocker Pendant Brooch

Located in New York, NY

An 18k yellow gold brooch/pendant, depicting a lion's head, adorned with ruby cabochon eyes and

Category

20th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Victorian Lion Pendant Gold with Ruby Eyes
Victorian Lion Pendant Gold with Ruby Eyes

Victorian Lion Pendant Gold with Ruby Eyes

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Victorian Lion Pendant in 14kt Gold with Ruby Eyes and diamond in mouth. Lovely scroll initials on

Category

Unknown Drop Necklaces

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Lion's Head Pendant
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Lion's Head Pendant

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Lion's Head Pendant

Located in New York, NY

A Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Lion's Head Pendant featuring a dark brown diamond weighing

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Brown Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

3D Lion Pendant with Ruby Eyes in 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Wild Animal Charm
3D Lion Pendant with Ruby Eyes in 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Wild Animal Charm

3D Lion Pendant with Ruby Eyes in 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Wild Animal Charm

By Five Star Jewelry

Located in Austin, TX

This richly detailed 14 karat gold ruby-eyed lion pendant/charm is absolutely fabulous! Lions

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Ruby & Diamond Lion Head Charm Pendant
Vintage 14K Ruby & Diamond Lion Head Charm Pendant

Vintage 14K Ruby & Diamond Lion Head Charm Pendant

Located in Henderson, NV

Crafted in 14K yellow gold, the pendant features a lion's head design with diamond eyes and a ruby

Category

Mid-20th Century American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1990's Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Lion Head Pendant Brooch
1990's Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Lion Head Pendant Brooch

1990's Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Lion Head Pendant Brooch

Located in Philadelphia, PA

total - eye clean and bright Accented by bead set round cut ruby eyes Weighing approximately 0.16 carat

Category

1990s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Sphinx Pendant Yellow Gold 22.5 Grams 1.84"
Vintage 14K Sphinx Pendant Yellow Gold 22.5 Grams 1.84"

Vintage 14K Sphinx Pendant Yellow Gold 22.5 Grams 1.84"

Located in Fairfield, CT

lion design in 14k yellow gold. The lion’s eyes are set with vivid red rubies, creating a bold contrast

Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Enamel Gold Diamond Ruby Lion Pendant Brooch
Antique Enamel Gold Diamond Ruby Lion Pendant Brooch

Antique Enamel Gold Diamond Ruby Lion Pendant Brooch

Located in Chicago, IL

lion’s head holding a diamond (approximately 0.16 ct). The eyes are set with rubies. The entire head is

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Drop Necklaces

Hammerman Brothers Gold Leo Pendant
Hammerman Brothers Gold Leo Pendant

Hammerman Brothers Gold Leo Pendant

By Hammerman Brothers

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

gemstones. The pendant is designed as a head of lion with a mane. The latter is crafted of textured gold

Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

1960 British Horse Seal Gold Fob Pendant with Bloodstone Base and Ruby Eyes
1960 British Horse Seal Gold Fob Pendant with Bloodstone Base and Ruby Eyes

1960 British Horse Seal Gold Fob Pendant with Bloodstone Base and Ruby Eyes

Located in Sherman Oaks, CA

solid 9K gold, fully hallmarked, and has tiny ruby eyes. The bloodstone base is polished and uncarved

Category

Vintage 1960s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lion Panther Leopard Tiger Pendant Ruby 14 Karat Gold Belle Époque Victorian
Lion Panther Leopard Tiger Pendant Ruby 14 Karat Gold Belle Époque Victorian

Lion Panther Leopard Tiger Pendant Ruby 14 Karat Gold Belle Époque Victorian

Located in New York, NY

panther in 14 Karat Gold with two Ruby eyes. We love our panther, lion, cat jewelry and this one has such

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold

William Ruser 1930's 3D Leo Lion Pendant
William Ruser 1930's 3D Leo Lion Pendant

William Ruser 1930's 3D Leo Lion Pendant

Sold

W 1.5 in D 0.05 in L 1.75 in

William Ruser 1930's 3D Leo Lion Pendant

By William Ruser

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Add a little zodiac flair to your outfit! This is a large 14K gold Leo the lion charm/pendant, made

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage Lion Head Tooth Bone 18 Karat Gold Pendant
Vintage Lion Head Tooth Bone 18 Karat Gold Pendant

Vintage Lion Head Tooth Bone 18 Karat Gold Pendant

Located in Miami, FL

This enchanting and collectible lion head pendant of artistic workmanship is rendered in tooth bone

Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Pendant Necklaces

14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lioness Pendant / Charm
14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lioness Pendant / Charm

14k Gold Signature Victorian Inspired Lioness Pendant / Charm

Located in Venice, CA

This 14K gold Victorian inspired pendant or charm features a striking bas-relief of a lioness' head

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Great Figural 60's Lion Brooch/Pendant
Great Figural 60's Lion Brooch/Pendant

Great Figural 60's Lion Brooch/Pendant

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H 2.5 in W 2 in D 1 in

Great Figural 60's Lion Brooch/Pendant

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Large lion pendant brooch features emerald eyes and ruby tongue with diamonds too. It is made of

Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

RUSER Regal Lion Charm/Pendant
RUSER Regal Lion Charm/Pendant

RUSER Regal Lion Charm/Pendant

By William Ruser

Located in New York, NY

, set with faceted ruby eyes, surrounded by three stars. This lion is powerful and full of confidence

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco More Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

HAMMERMAN BROTHERS Lion Head Pin
HAMMERMAN BROTHERS Lion Head Pin

HAMMERMAN BROTHERS Lion Head Pin

By Hammerman Brothers

Located in Atlanta, GA

whiskers, emerald eyes, and a ruby tongue. Marked HB for Hammerman Brothers. It can also be worn as a

Category

20th Century American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

"Lion Cub" 18ct gold pendant & brooch
"Lion Cub" 18ct gold pendant & brooch

"Lion Cub" 18ct gold pendant & brooch

Sold

W 1.15 in D 0.4 in L 1.97 in

"Lion Cub" 18ct gold pendant & brooch

Located in Idar-Oberstein, RP

, hand engraved, decorated with small round rubies total weight 2.42ct. Eyes are made by Alfred

Category

2010s German Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

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1935 Nordic Poison Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US /4.8gr
1935 Nordic Poison Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US /4.8gr

1935 Nordic Poison Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US /4.8gr

Located in SE

Poison Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with crown being a hidden compartment 13 mm x 11 mm x 5.5 mm deep covered with secure and tight hinged lid decorated with rose cut Garnet. Unisex...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Garnet, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Goddess Maiden Woman Locket Necklace Gorgeous
Art Nouveau Goddess Maiden Woman Locket Necklace Gorgeous

Art Nouveau Goddess Maiden Woman Locket Necklace Gorgeous

Located in New York, NY

This is a gorgeous antique gold filled Victorian - Art Nouveau locket pendant necklace which features a beautiful goddess maiden woman with extraordinary flowing hair. This is one o...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold-filled, Gilt Metal

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Diamond & Seed Pearl 3 Cat Brooch
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Diamond & Seed Pearl 3 Cat Brooch

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Art Nouveau Diamond & Seed Pearl 3 Cat Brooch

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Cat Brooch 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Step into a world of elegance with this exquisite Art Nouveau brooch, crafted from rich 18ct yellow gold. This stunning piece feat...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Locket Pendant
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Locket Pendant

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Locket Pendant

Located in Cairo, EG

Antique russian 14k gold locket pendant in anchour old cut diamond designe on front with estimate weight of 2 carats and total gold weight 22 grams and 5cm lenght pendant is hall mar...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Pendant Necklaces

Black Onyx cat with pink sapphire band ring
Black Onyx cat with pink sapphire band ring

Black Onyx cat with pink sapphire band ring

By Diane Griswold Johnston

Located in Cohasset, MA

18K, beautifully hand carved Onyx Cat Head, Carved by Master Carver Idar Oberstein. Citrine eyes, .80 carats of Pink Sapphires in eternity band.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Onyx, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Pop Out of Drawer Cat Charm
Antique Pop Out of Drawer Cat Charm

Antique Pop Out of Drawer Cat Charm

$729Sale Price|20% Off

W 0.4 in D 0.16 in L 0.32 in

Antique Pop Out of Drawer Cat Charm

Located in London, GB

Antique Pop Out of Drawer Cat Charm Circa 1900s In good working order it appears something has snapped off from the drawer Charming unusual charm . Drawer is unmarked 9ct Gold.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Charm Bracelets

Materials

9k Gold

Victorian Lion Bracelet Old Mine Diamond Ruby Gold Cat Panther Leopard Tiger
Victorian Lion Bracelet Old Mine Diamond Ruby Gold Cat Panther Leopard Tiger

Victorian Lion Bracelet Old Mine Diamond Ruby Gold Cat Panther Leopard Tiger

Located in New York, NY

This is a spectacular antique Victorian lion, panther, leopard or tiger cat Diamond and Ruby Bracelet with three lion heads. The lions are each set with an Old Mine Cut Diamond in t...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Lion Panther Leopard Tiger Pendant Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Victorian
Lion Panther Leopard Tiger Pendant Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Victorian

Lion Panther Leopard Tiger Pendant Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Victorian

Located in New York, NY

A wonderful antique Belle Epoque, Victorian pendant with a beautifully modeled lion, leopard or panther in 14 Karat Gold with one Sapphire and Diamond eye. We love our panther, lion...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Important Old Mine Cut Heart Locket Pendant and Diamond Necklace, Certified
Important Old Mine Cut Heart Locket Pendant and Diamond Necklace, Certified

Important Old Mine Cut Heart Locket Pendant and Diamond Necklace, Certified

Located in Hong Kong, HK

A piece of history. This very important necklace we bought from a major auction house over 10 years ago. We sold the original old mine cut necklace. The buyer was only interested in ...

Category

Antique 1850s Hong Kong Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

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Gold Lion Pendant Ruby Eyes For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of gold lion pendant ruby eyes for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from gold, 14k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 4 vintage editions and 6 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 19th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. The designs in our inventory of gold lion pendant ruby eyes bearing contemporary or Victorian hallmarks are very popular. Thomas Kurilla, Adler and Eytan Brandes each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. Many pieces in our collection are stylish for most occasions, but ruby versions, from our inventory of 9, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. There are many round cut, old mine cut and cabochon gold lion pendant ruby eyes for sale. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of gold lion pendant ruby eyes, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Gold Lion Pendant Ruby Eyes?

Prices for gold lion pendant ruby eyes start at $295 and top out at $5,995 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $2,029.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Ruby in Jewelry Design

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.

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

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A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

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.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

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Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

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Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

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Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

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.