I Married An Angel
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Vintage 1940s American More Jewelry
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s American More Jewelry
Ruby, 14k Gold
Mid-20th Century American Pendant Necklaces
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
- What is an angel chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023An angel chair can refer to one of two kinds of chairs. The first is a piece created by Fratelli Boffi, featuring a gold leaf-finished wood frame that has a curvy shape similar to angel wings. Another angel chair is a design by Brazilian artist Alê Jordão. Made from repurposed Volkswagen Beetle car parts painted silver, the chair features a dramatically curved back resembling angel wings. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.
- What does an angel statue mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What an angel statue means is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Angels are often symbols of Christianity, and displaying them can represent a person's faith. Some people believe angels represent protection and safety. You'll find a selection of angel statues on 1stDibs.
- What is angel skin coral?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Angel skin coral is a type of light pink coral that actually gets its color from an albino-esque disorder, a defect of satsuma coral. The link pink color is a favorite amongst jewelry makers. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic angel skin coral jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.
- How do I clean angel skin coral?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To clean angel skin coral jewelry, use warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth to wipe it down. Don't use scrub brushes or chemical jewelry cleaners, as they can damage the delicate coral. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of coral jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025The famous architectural photographer in Los Angeles is Julius Shulman. His photography spread California's mid-century modernism around the world and ushered in a new appreciation for the movement in the 1990s. Some of Shulman's architectural photographs, like the iconic shots of Frank Lloyd Wright's or Pierre Koenig's remarkable structures, have been published countless times. The clarity of his work demanded that architectural photography had to be considered an independent art form. Each Shulman image unites perception and understanding of the buildings and their place in the landscape. The precise compositions reveal the architectural ideas behind a building's surface and the visions and hopes of an entire age. A sense of humanity is always present in his work, even when the human figure is absent. Many of the buildings photographed by Shulman have since been demolished or repurposed, lending to the importance of his images. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Julius Shulman photography.