IGI Certified 7.41 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 7.41 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases a luxurious combination of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 1.64 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Eagle Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 1.64 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Eagle Motif Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a powerful eagle motif surrounded by natural diamonds and vi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 8.28 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 8.28 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases a luxurious combination of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 6.06 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Cross Motif Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 6.06 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Cross Motif Statement Ring This exclusive bespoke creation was specially handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind piece, and no identical des...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 14.38 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 14.38 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the dramatic beauty of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemston...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 3.30 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of vintage glamour and sophistication with this IGI Certified 3.30 Carat Cabochon Oval Ruby Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.89 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Embrace luxury and sophistication with this exquisite cocktail-style ring, featuring a mesmerizing IGI Certified 2.89 Carat Burma Ruby in a vivid purplish-red hue, elegantly shaped i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mozambique 6.68 ct Purplish Red IGI Certified Red Ruby Cut Jewelry Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 6.68 ct Purplish Red IGI Certified Red Ruby Cut Jewelry Stone Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New without tags: A brand-new, unu...
Ruby
IGI Certified 2.75 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.75 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the elegant harmony of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemstone...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 10.14 Carat Natural Diamond, Ruby and Rough Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This extraordinary statement ring showcases a striking combination of brilliant natural diamonds, vivid rubies, and rare rough diamonds totaling 10.14 carats. Designed for collectors...
Diamond, Ruby
IGI Certified 60.14 CT Ruby 8.33 CT Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Westport, CT
A magnificent IGI certified 14K yellow gold ruby and diamond necklace measuring 16 inches, set with 31 graduated oval cut natural (treated/heated) rubies weighing approximately 60.14...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 5.07 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.07 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the captivating beauty of natural diamonds and vivid ruby gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 4.30 Carat Natural Diamond, Ruby and Amethyst Bird Motif Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.30 Carat Natural Diamond, Ruby and Amethyst Bird Motif Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a graceful bird motif surrounded by natural diamond...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified 4.24 Carat Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
This pair of 18K White Gold Earrings, certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), is a striking statement of natural color and bohemian elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.09 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Step into the world of sophistication and elegance with this stunning cocktail-style ring featuring an IGI Certified 2.09 Carat ruby in an intense purplish-red hue, expertly crafted ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.10 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.10 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 18K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the timeless elegance of a 3.60 carat natural ruby surrounded b...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$19,500Sale Price|34% Off
L 19.69 in
IGI Certified 30.86ct Emerald 23.65 Rubies 1.52ct Diamonds and Pearls Necklace
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Revel in the sheer grandeur and opulence of this unparalleled statement piece, ensuring you radiate magnificent elegance. This necklace is certified by IGI laboratory, report number...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,681
W 1.23 in L 1.59 in
Glamorous 5.03ct Rubies and Diamonds Earrings in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Glamorous 5.03ct Rubies and Diamonds Earrings in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified Add a touch of sophistication to your style with these exquisite earrings, crafted in radiant 18k whi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.46 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
This pair of 18K White Gold Earrings, certified by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), represents a pinnacle of luxury and geological rarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.79 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Garnet Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This extraordinary statement ring showcases a sophisticated combination of natural diamonds, vivid rubies, and deep red garnets totaling 2.79 carats. Designed with refined craftsmans...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold
IGI Certified Rare 11.96 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Presenting a truly mesmerizing piece, behold the IGI Certified rare 11.96 Carat Ruby Ring in intense red color, boasting a cushion shape that is sure to captivate any admirer.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Exquisite 6.70ct Diamonds and Rubies Bangle in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Exquisite 6.70ct Diamonds and Rubies Bangle in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified Indulge in timeless elegance with this 18k yellow gold bangle, adorned with 78 round diamonds totaling...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 12.71 Carat Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
An exceptional statement of luxury, these IGI Certified earrings feature a magnificent 12.71 total carat weight of natural rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.17 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
The stunning centerpiece is an exceptional 4.17 Carat Natural Ruby, certified by the IGI Jewelry Report (No. 12J7683525).
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.37 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Experience the sheer opulence of this IGI Certified, 3.42 Total Carat Weight (TCW) masterpiece, meticulously crafted in rich 18K White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.33 Carat Red Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Collectible unheated ruby ring. The ruby weighs an impressive 2.32 carat and has a beautiful oval shape along with an deep purlish-red color that makes it so special. It is complemen...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$4,320Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.48 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
The focal point of this breathtaking ring is the IGI Certified 2.48 Carat Ruby, sourced from Burma/Myanmar, a region famous for producing some of the world's most prized rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified Rare 11.33 Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Presenting a truly mesmerizing piece, behold the IGI Certified rare 11.33 Carat Ruby Ring in intense red color, boasting a cushion shape that is sure to captivate any admirer.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.34 in L 0.47 in
IGI Certified 4.10 Carat Pear Ruby & Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Presenting a sensational pair of earrings adorned with IGI Certified 4.10 Carat Rubies, exceptionally rare in intense purplish red color and captivating pear shape.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$25,300Sale Price|33% Off
IGI Certified 9.39ct Natural Burma Ruby and 3.93ct Natural Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Weighing 23.95 grams and crafted in size US 6.2, this exceptional creation stands as a testament to unparalleled beauty and sophisticated luxury. This ring is certified by IGI labor...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 3.10 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Embrace the simplicity and sophistication of this IGI certified 3.10 carat deep red Burma ruby and 0.56 carat diamond belt-style ring in 18K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 3.00 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
IGI Certified: The International Gemological Institute (IGI) certification guarantees the authenticity and quality of the gemstones.
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 1.19 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Introducing a stunning piece of jewelry, the IGI Certified 1.19 Carat deep red natural ruby in an exquisite oval shape and surrounded by natural diamonds in an Art Deco style ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.98 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Declare your love with this breathtaking IGI Certified ring, a stunning piece with a total estimated weight of 3.78 carats, meticulously crafted in luxurious 18K White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 3.78 Carat Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Snake Motif Statement Ring 8K
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.78 Carat Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Snake Motif Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases an elegant snake motif adorned with natural diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.56 in L 1.54 in
IGI Certified 18.49 Carat Burma Ruby &Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Indulge in extravagance with these breathtaking dangling earrings that exude opulence and grandeur. Featuring a stunning IGI Certified 18.49 Carat Burma Ruby, with two pear-shaped ru...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.15 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Indulge in the magnificence of this IGI Certified 2.15 Carat ruby in vivid purplish red, accompanied by natural Diamonds in a modern-style ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 10.30 Carat Red Ruby & Diamond Pendent in 18K Black Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Collectible unique black gold ruby pendent. The ruby weighs an impressive 10.30carat and has a beautiful oval shape along with an deep purlish-red color that makes it so special. It ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 5.13 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
IGI Certified: The International Gemological Institute (IGI) certification guarantees the authenticity and quality of the gemstones.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified 4.00 Carat Natural Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gol
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.00 Carat Natural Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural emeralds, vivid rubies...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
IGI Certified 8.28 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Experience the opulence of this exceptional ring, a breathtaking showcase of a natural ruby. This isn't just a gemstone; it's a testament to nature's artistry. The IGI certificate i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 6.45 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Whether worn as a symbol of love, a milestone celebration, or simply to make a bold fashion statement, this IGI certified 6.45 carat deep red Burma ruby and 0.78 carat diamond chain-...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 1.26 Carat Unheated Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Whether it's a special occasion or just to indulge yourself, this IGI Certified 1.26 Carat intense pink red UNHEATED Natural ruby ring in cushion shape & 0.31ct natural round brillia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 3.15 Carat Red Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Unheated rubies are sought after for their rarity in market. This 18k white gold ring featuring a 3.15 carat rare oval-shaped ruby is a great example of the completely untreated natu...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$7,100Sale Price|34% Off
W 10.63 in L 29.53 in
IGI Certified 10.00ct Natural Rubies and 3.60ct Diamonds 18k White Gold Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Set in an 18K white gold embrace, these earrings redefine magnificence, making an unequivocal 'wow' statement in the world of haute couture. These earrings are certified by IGI labo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 7.45 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
This extraordinary IGI Certified bracelet is a magnificent showcase of rarity and luxury, featuring an impressive 7.45 carats of natural Burma Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.96 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Captivating 18k White Gold Earrings with Intense Pinkish-Red Burmese Rubies and Diamond Halos These stunning earrings showcase the mesmerizing beauty of natural Burmese rubies, high...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,800Sale Price|24% Off
IGI Certified 4.57ct Natural Ruby and 0.36ct Diamonds 18k White Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A unique creation that transforms everyday moments into extraordinary memories while celebrating the timeless allure of nature's finest gemstones. This ring is certified by IGI labo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 3.08 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Burmese rubies are sought after for their beautiful red tones. This 18k white gold ring featuring a 3.08 carat rare heart-shaped ruby is a great example of the Burmese allure - deep ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.00 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
This captivating ring showcases a natural ruby, hailing from the esteemed mines of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, a region renowned for producing some of the world's most exquisit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI-Certified 1.4ct Pear-Cut Emerald, Sapphire &Ruby Ring with Triangle Diamonds
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
✨ Diamond & Certification Details: Main Stones: Approx. 1.4ct Natural Pear-Cut Emerald, Sapphire & Ruby Side Stones: Approx. 0.26ct Natural Triangle-Cut Diamonds (G Color...
Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.26 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Step into the world of glamour and sophistication with this exquisite double halo ring featuring a stunning IGI Certified 2.26 Carat ruby in a deep purplish-red color, elegantly cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.01 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Embrace luxury and sophistication with this exquisite cocktail-style ring, featuring a mesmerizing IGI Certified 2.01 Carat Burma Ruby in a vivid purplish-red hue, elegantly shaped i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 3.01 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Earrings in 18K Pink Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Exquisite 18k Pink Gold Earrings with Intense Pink-Red Burmese Rubies and Sparkling Diamonds These stunning earrings showcase the captivating beauty of natural Burmese rubies, renow...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
IGI Certified 4.89 Carat Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Behold a captivating pair of 18K white gold stud earrings, each showcasing a stunning oval-cut ruby with a combined weight of 4.89 carats. These are not just any rubies; their intens...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.12 Carat Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Presenting a pair of truly captivating 18K white gold dangle earrings. The focal point of each earring is a magnificent oval-cut ruby, boasting a substantial total weight of 4.12 car...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 6.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Indulge in the vibrant elegance of this exquisite pendant, showcasing a magnificent 6.10 carat natural ruby. The classic oval cut beautifully displays the gem's rich and captivating ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.