Antique Snake Ring Ruby Eyes Three Dimensional Gold
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful antique Snake Ring with two Ruby Eyes in 9 Karat Gold. The stunning fully modeled three dimensional snake is depicted coiled around itself and raising its glorious head.
Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold Snake Bracelet with Ruby Eyes, circa 1880
Located in Berlin, BE
A stunning snake bracelet crafted in 14k yellow gold, dating to around 1880.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Snake Ring Serpent Gold Plated Silver Ruby Eyes
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Ruby Snake Ring 14k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Adjustable Designer: J Dauphin Title: Gypsy Wisdom The Gypsy Wisdom Snake Ring is a structural statement piece handcrafted in...
Ruby, Emerald, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Emerald Serpent Ring Snake 14k Gold Ruby Eyes J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Ruby Snake Ring 14k Gold Adjustable Designer: J Dauphin Title: Gypsy Wisdom This Ring is slightly adjustable on the finger between sizes US 6-8 - Pls advice what your size ...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cute Snake Negative Space Open Ring with Ruby Eyes, Baby Snake, 14K Gold LR52680
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Austin, TX
This adorable negative space snake ring sits cheerfully on your finger, like a sweet little baby snake, with bright rubies set perfectly to show curiosity and attentiveness in those ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14K Gold Snake Bracelet with Pearls & Ruby Eyes, Circa 1860
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This amazing 14K yellow gold snake bracelet is special. It is a heavy weight gold chain with a gorgeous snake head decorated with Pearls and Ruby eyes and a heart locket hangs from ...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique 14k Gold Double Snake Knot Ring with Diamond & Ruby Eyes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This snake ring is a lovers knot as it depicts 2 snakes wrapped together. The center holds a Diamond and the snakes have 4 Ruby Eyes not tested. There are 4 bands together and the ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
C1880 9K Double Headed Snake Ring with Ruby Eyes
Located in Baltimore, MD
Chunky 9K antique quadruple banded Victorian snake ring hallmarked for Birmingham in the year 1918. The snake has a friendly smile and sweet derpy face and deep pink ruby eyes. Sna...
Ruby, 10k Gold
Emerald Marquis Snake Ring Victorian Style Ruby Eyes Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Snake Ring 14k Gold Plated Silver with Ruby Eyes Designer: J DAUPHIN — “Gypsy Wisdom” Collection The “Gypsy Wisdom” Serpent Ring is a symbolic sculptural piece by J DAUPHIN,...
Ruby, Emerald, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Handcrafted Vermeil Gold Plated 24K Gold Ruby Eyes Snake Ring Rossella Ugolini
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Whether you seek a symbol of transformation or a bohemian talisman, this sterling silver vermeil gold-plated 24K gold snake ring with Rubies Eyes speaks to your journey and individua...
Ruby, 24k Gold, Gold Plate, Vermeil, Silver, Sterling Silver
1.43ct Diamond Snake Drop Earrings with Ruby Eyes in 18K Gold
Located in Nantucket, MA
A pair of coiled snake earrings with round, brilliant cut diamonds set in rhodium plating with faceted ruby eyes. 18K gold post for pierced ears.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Victorian Snake Serpent Brooch Ruby Eyes Pendant Necklace Antique 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a very rare antique Victorian Snake Serpent Brooch depicting a magnificent three dimensional snake in 14 Karat Gold with two Ruby eyes and holding a Pearl in its mouth.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,896Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Diamond Snake Earrings With Ruby Eyes In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:0.400g,D:3.44ct,SI:14.140g, Ruby:0.23ct, 54X39 MM
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold
Black Diamond Pave Snake Bracelet Ruby Eyes 6.36 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
"It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural 2 Rubies = 0.05 Carats Black Diamonds = 6.31 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
Heart Ruby Snake Ring 14k Gold White Diamond Emerald Eyes Cocktail Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin White Diamond Emerald Heart Ruby Snake Ring - 14k Solid Gold - Cocktail Ring A 14k solid gold open ring featuring an intricately detailed serpent wrapping around the finge...
Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$2,799Sale Price|26% Off
Black Diamond Pave Snake Bracelet Ruby Eyes 6.36 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
"It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural 2 Rubies = 0.05 Carats Black Diamonds = 6.31 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
10K Yellow Gold Snake Ring with Ruby Eyes, Vintage 1980, Size 5.5
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The serpents’ eyes are set with two vibrant 1.35mm rubies, totaling 0.03 carats, adding a subtle yet captivating pop of color.
Ruby, Gold
Black Diamond Pave Snake Bracelet Ruby Eyes 6.36 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
"It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural 2 Rubies = 0.05 Carats Black Diamonds = 6.31 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
$2,799Sale Price|26% Off
Black Diamond Pave Snake Bracelet Ruby Eyes 6.36 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
"It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural 2 Rubies = 0.05 Carats Black Diamonds = 6.31 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
Black Diamond Pave Snake Bracelet Ruby Eyes 6.36 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
"It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural 2 Rubies = 0.05 Carats Black Diamonds = 6.31 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
Flexible Snake Necklace/Bracelet 55 cm, 66 g, Ruby Eyes
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautifully crafted snake-style jewelry piece, wearable as both a necklace and a bracelet. The workmanship is exceptional, and the piece is highly flexible, giving it a unique and el...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Serpent Snake Bracelet Diamond Crown Ruby Eyes 14 Karat Gold circa 1840
Located in New York, NY
This is a very rare and wonderful antique museum quality Victorian Coiled Serpent Snake Bracelet in 14 Karat Gold with a Rose Cut Diamond crown and cabochon Ruby Eyes dating to circa...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Snakes with Ruby Eyes and Diamonds Paradizia Earrings
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Striking, exquisite and edgy, yet feminine Serpents accented with Ruby eyes and embellished with pave diamonds set in black rhodium sterling silver. Yellow gold details o...
14k Gold
18kt White Gold Snake Ring with 2.04ct Black & 1.75ct White Diamonds & Ruby Eyes
By Orologio / Joël Glecer
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent 18kt White Gold Snake Ring with 2.04ct Black & 1.75ct White Diamonds & Ruby Eyes Material: 18kt white gold Diamonds: 1.75ct white brilliant cut diamonds and 2.04ct bla...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Sapphire & Ruby Eyes Detailed Dual Double Snake Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (2) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Marquises Cut - Burnish Set - Nice Blue - 0.11ct (exact) (2) Natural Genuine Rubies- Marquises Cut - Burnish Set - Nice Red - 0.10ct (e...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,248Sale Price|20% Off
15K Yellow Gold Art Deco Snake Ring with Diamond and Ruby Eyes, 1940
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This is sized a 6.5 it weighs 4.7 grams and has two Ruby eyes. This piece is 2.25mm round x 2.50mm round.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Emerald Ring Double Head Snake with White Diamond and Ruby Eyes
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Ring Gold plated Snake with White Diamond and Ruby Eyes J DAUPHIN “Eternal Renewal” A double-head serpent ring in 14k gold-plated brass, set with a marquise-cut emerald, nat...
Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Brass, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
18K Gold Snake Coil Ring with Ruby Eyes 7g+ Unique Scale Skin Texture R6666
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 18K Gold Snake Coil Ring with Ruby Eyes 7g+ Unique Scale Skin Texture R6666 ♥ This item measures 28mm in length (North South direction), 12mm in width (East West direction), and 6...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$6,722Sale Price|20% Off
Rosecut Diamonds & Pave Diamonds Snake Shaped Bangle With Ruby Eyes In 14k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14k:12.07gD:11.23ct RUBY:0.02Cts
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Black Enamel Snake Ring Blue Sapphire Ruby Eyes Diamond Cocktail Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The primary head is anchored by a vibrant marquise-cut blue sapphire, finished in hand-applied black enamel with natural white diamond eyes. The secondary serpent is rendered in poli...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Silver, Enamel, Brass, Gold...
$2,506Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Style Snake Shaped Long Earrings With Ruby Eyes & Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18k:1.34g, Diamond:6.6ct, Silver:6.65gm, Ruby:0.10ct Size: 62X17MM"
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage gold ruby red eyes rhinestone snake dangle chains designer brooch
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • unsigned • gold tone with rhinestones • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 46 ❤...
$1,624Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Diamonds Snake Shaped Ring w/ Ruby Eyes & Black Onyx Made In Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14k:2.37g,D:2.79ct ONYX BLACK:10.53Cts,RUBY:0.02Cts
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Silver
Estate 1960s Vintage 18K Serpent Snake Wrap Around Bangle with Ruby Eyes
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 1960s Vintage 18K Serpent Snake Wrap Around Bangle with Ruby Eyes - VHK#68b Item Details: Year: 1970s Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 103.2 gra...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Snake Bangle with Ruby Eyes and Old Mine Diamond Head
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 111.2 grams (All Items Total) Diamond Details: Old Mine Brilliant, .75cttw, J Color, SI Clarity...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine Marquis Serpent Ring Gold Plated Silver Ruby Eyes J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Marquise Aquamarine Snake Ring Gold Plated Silver Ruby Eyes Designer: J DAUPHIN — “Gypsy Wisdom” Collection The “Gypsy Wisdom” Serpent Ring is a symbolic sculptural piece by J DAUPH...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver
Diamond & Ruby Eye Pave Set Double Headed Snake 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Four rubies adorn the snake eyes. Set with approximately total 1.46 carat weight of Light brown color and SI2-3 clarity diamonds all over the body.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$9,800
Victorian Emerald Diamond Gold Snake Necklace With Ruby Eyes
Located in New York, NY
Victorian emerald & diamond snake necklace with locket-back drop measuring app. 1 3/4 x 3/4 inch wide, set with emerald, round and pear cut emeralds measuring app 1.0 - 2.5mm, Rose c...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$1,250
18 Karat 1960s Enamel Snake Ring with Ruby Eyes
Located in Bellmore, NY
A beautiful serpent, shimmering with unusual turquoise, orange and black enameled scales, with ruby eyes, coils around your finger in this exotic 18 karat yellow gold snake ring.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Turquoise Snake Head Snapper Ruby Eyes 18ct Gold Circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
An exquisite antique Victorian snake head decorated with Turquoise stone scales and Ruby set eyes.
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$55,000
Black Enamel Snake Wrap Bracelet Diamonds Emerald Cabocon Ruby Eyes
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat yellow gold heavy black enamel, green cabochon emerald, diamond, and ruby eye flexible snake bracelet. Natai
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold double headed Snake Ring, Ruby & Diamond Eyes
Located in London, GB
A beautifully made and well proportioned Snake Ring, the smiling Snakes with small bright Ruby and Diamond Eyes and each inner shank bears a full English London hallmark for 1879 and...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Enamel 18 Karat Snake, Carnelian Black Onyx Head with Ruby Eyes, Contemporary
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Enamel, 18 karat snake ring with distinguished white enamel contrasting colors upon this beautiful ring. The top head of the snake is a Carnelian Black Onyx which is a white color ab...
Carnelian, Onyx, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$12,500
Snake Coil Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
14 karat Yellow gold coil snake bracelet with cabochon ruby eyes and a bezel set diamond embellished in his head
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$16,434
Fabergé Chinese New Year Heritage Snake Yellow Gold Red Enamel Locket
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
The 22mm 18 karat yellow gold locket opens to reveal an 18 karat yellow gold snake with ruby eyes, in honour of Chinese Year of the Snake.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Sold|$685 / set
Diamond Snake Earrings with Ruby Eyes
Located in Nantucket, MA
Long and lovely, snake earrings with round, faceted diamonds with faceted ruby eyes in a pave` sterling silver setting with an 18K gold French wire for pierced ears.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Sold|$2,800
Lalaounis Expandable Snake Ring w Ruby Eyes
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in New York, NY
Coiled Serpent Ring with engraved detailing and ruby Eyes made in 18kt Yellow Gold. Height of the 60's -Large and prominent and very comfortable. Size 8 1/2-9.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold and Diamond Coiled Snake Ring with Ruby Eyes
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian period gold and diamond snake ring featuring a pavé diamond-set head with ruby eyes and a triple-coiled band, in 14k.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
David Webb Gold Coiled Snake Serpent with Ruby Eyes Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Intricate white enamel, ruby eyes and diamond accents bring the snake to life.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold, 1980s Hallmarked, Snake Necklace with Ruby Eyes
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Snake Necklace 9ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1985 Makers Mark M.J This stunning vintage 1980s snake necklace is a true masterpiece and a must-have for any jewel...
Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold
Sold|$28,000
24 Carat Diamond Snake Bangle with Ruby Eyes
Located in Miami, FL
18k white gold snake bangle featuring 253 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 24cts total G color VS clarity. It is stamped and tested as 18k gold. The metal weig...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Serpent Bangle with Ruby Eyes, 750 White Gold Snake
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
- delineation - 750 Gold partly raw dined - Punched with the fineness - 2 small rubies, total approx. 0,03 ct - 52 brilliant-cut diamonds, total approx. 0,5 cts - inner circumference...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Textured Snake Band Ring Ruby Eyes Vintage
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fabulous vintage snake ring handcrafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The snake ring features ruby eyes and textured carved gold body.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Snake Bracelet with Pave` Diamonds, Ruby and Sapphire Eyes
Located in Nantucket, MA
An exquisite snake bracelet of densely woven 18K gold in a herringbone pattern with pave`-set diamonds at the top of the head and the tail.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Snake Serpent Bracelet Diamond Head Ruby Eyes 18 Karat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This lovely Snake Serpent Bracelet with Diamond Head and Ruby Eyes comes out of France and has a unique twist pull open to wear it on your wrist.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Pavé-Set Diamond Snake Dangle Earrings with Ruby Eyes
Located in Nantucket, MA
Pave`-set diamonds and ruby eyes in an oxidized sterling silver with 18K gold post for pierced ears.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Snake Ring 19k Gold Continental Pearl Ruby Eyes Serpent Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage pearl & ruby snake ring, crafted in 19 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow 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.