0.22ct Ruby Burma Pigeon Blood Solitaire Engagement Ring In Platinum
Located in London, GB
This stunning ruby ring boasts a vibrant red hue that is sure to catch anyone's eye. The solitaire setting style allows for the beautiful ruby to be the center of attention, making i...
Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Burmese No Enhancement Carved Ruby Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Impressive, Burmese ( Myanmar) carved ruby & diamond brooch. The brooch is designed as a pave-set plaque of rectangular outline , enhanced with foliate motifs, centering a carved r...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$6,136Sale Price / item|20% Off
20.28 Carat Burma Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Firenze, FI
An impressive classic Tennis Necklace a line that features a substantial total Ruby weight of 20.28 Carats in beautifully graduated Round Cut gems. each stone has a four-claw setting...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Handmade Burma Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
. - Burma Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring - 18kt. Yellow Gold - 0.93ct No Heat Burma Ruby - Burma Ruby in the center - GIA 1236400825 - 8pcs RBC Diamonds 1.35ct TW F/G VS1 - Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Burma Unheated Ruby or Pink Sapphire Ring in 18k gold (Ruby Half Eternity Ring)
Located in Singapore, SG
Features : Main Gemstone (9pcs) - Ruby Total Carat Weight (9pcs) - 1.6Ct (approx) Measurement - 3.51x3.1mm/pc (approx) Cut - mixed (Oval) Clarity - VS (Eye Clean, No visible i...
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
Spectacular Vintage 1940s Retro Burma Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Spectacular Vintage 1940s Retro Burma Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring Step back into the glamour of the 1940s with this extraordinary Retro-era cocktail ring, showcasing a natural, unt...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum 0.65ct Diamond and No-Heat Burmese Ruby Ring MF08-021826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A halo of round diamonds encircles the ruby, set with a slight separation that gives the center stone a hovering effect.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
0.45ct Ruby Burma Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
The very good cut grade of the diamonds and the ruby's round shape add to the overall brilliance of the ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Hand-Made Burmese Ruby Pendant in 14K Palladium with Diamonds
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Hand-Made Burmese Ruby Pendant with Diamonds Material 14K Palladium Burmese Ruby 1.50ct Diamonds .12ct Diamond Clarity VS Color Grade G Pendant Dimension 21mm X 8mm Pendant Length w...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Palladium
Platinum 2.80ct Diamond and No-Heat Burma Ruby Brooch MF02-021926
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A sleek, Art Deco inspired design makes this luxury brooch endlessly impressive. Sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 2.80 carats allow it to effortlessly catch the light, while...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
0.65ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
0.65ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold This stunning 0.65ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Engagement Ring is crafted from high-quality 18ct yellow gold, making it a perf...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gorgeous 5.14 ct Platinum Natural Burma Ruby & Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite tennis bracelet is a captivating piece, showcasing vibrant red rubies perfectly complemented by sparkling white diamonds. A timeless design that adds elegance to any j...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
0.22ct Ruby Burma Pigeon Blood Solitaire Engagement Ring In Platinum
Located in London, GB
0.22ct Ruby Burma Pigeon Blood Solitaire Engagement Ring In Platinum This stunning ruby ring boasts a vibrant red hue that is sure to catch anyone's eye. The solitaire setting style ...
Ruby, Platinum
18k Yellow Gold Jose Hess Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Jose Hess
Located in Boston, MA
The centerpiece is a breathtaking 1.58 carat natural Burmese ruby, renowned for its highly coveted "pigeon's blood" red hue.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Italian 1980s 18k Gold Stud Earrings with Diamonds and Burmese Rubies
Located in London, GB
This delightful pair of stud earrings are made of 18k gold and adorned with diamonds and Burmese rubies. The workmanship on the earrings are exquisite and the colour of the rubies mo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Unheated Burma Ruby & Sapphire & Sapphire Earrings with Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Gold Burma Ruby & Sapphire & Sapphire Earrings with Diamonds Main Stone Unheated Burma Sapphires - 11. 57 CT Unheated Burma Rubies & Sapphires & Emeralds - Total...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
22K Gold and Burmese Ruby Drop Earrings by Deborah Lockhart Phillips
By Deborah Lockhart Phillips
Located in Nantucket, MA
A pair of 22K gold bead drops with fine hand tooling and faceted Burmese rubies all around. 22K gold post also with faceted Burmese ruby, for pierced ears. By Deborah Lockhart Phil...
Ruby, 22k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 4.40ct Diamond and Burma Ruby Ring MF05-021826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Cast in 18k yellow gold, this cocktail ring showcases a 4.09 ct vivid red Burmese ruby with certified indications of thermal treatment. The faceted stone is secured in a full bezel, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Marianne Ostier AGL Burma Red Ruby and Diamond Pearl Necklace
By Marianne Ostier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous estate Marianne Ostier white pearl necklace with AGL certified unheated Burmese ruby rounds and good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in platinum with great attention...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Tennis Bracelet with 7.21 Carat of Round Rubies
Located in New York, NY
A 14K yellow gold tennis bracelet, set with 54 round 3.0 mm Burma color rubies, that have a total weight of 7.21 cts.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$45,500Sale Price|30% Off
Tiffany & Co. Burmese Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking design features an intricate, richly textured gold structure, beautifully set with approximately 5.00 carats of natural Burmese rubies and 2 carats of round brilliant-c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.65Ct Burmese Ruby and 0.48Ct Diamond, Platinum Twist Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring displays a stunning feature 0.65ct round faceted cut Burmese ruby and a 0.48ct Old European cut diamond, each six-claw set diagonally on a twist within a pierced decorated b...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French Gold & Platinum 26.72ctw GIA Burma No Heat Ruby & Diamond Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (74) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Cut - Prong Set - Purplish Red Color - Burma - No Heat - 23ctw (approx.) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** Na...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum GIA Certified Unheated Burmese Ruby Ring with Diamonds - Size 7
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stone Information - --------------------------------------------- Primary Stone(s): Ruby - Origin: Burma, No Heat Treatment - GIA Report #: 2161674196 - Color: Red/Hot Pink - Cut: Ro...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K Rose Gold Leaf Branch Burma Ruby Diamond Drop Earrings
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Leaf Branch Burma Ruby Diamond Drop Earrings 122 Diamonds - 0.82 CT 2 Rubies - 1.38 CT 18K Rose Gold - 5.64 GM Our leaf branch drop earrings are stunning and could p...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unheated Burmese Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Burmese Ruby 1.06 carats with Diamond 0.36 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 3.75 grams "We first opened doors...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
0.28ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Stud Earrings In 18ct White and Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
These stunning 0.28ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Stud Earrings are a must-have addition to your jewellery collection. Crafted from 18ct white gold, these earrings boast a timeless design t...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
$2,000Sale Price|37% Off
Pair 1.04 Ct GIA Certificate Unheated Burma ruby pigeon blood color No heat
Located in bangkok, TH
RMC36 Pair 1.04 Ct GIA Certificate Natural Burma ruby unheated pigeon blood color eye clean quality Gemstone GEM DESCRIPTION Species : Natural Corumdum Variety: Natural Ruby unheated...
Ruby
American Antique Art Deco 14k Tricolor Gold Burmese Ruby Band, 1930s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
American Antique Art Deco 14k Tricolor Gold Burmese Ruby Band 30s Finger size: 6.5 Width: 8mm / .3 inch Weight: 5.5 gram Country of origin: United States Gems: 28 pieces of Ol...
Ruby, Gold
18kt White Gold Ring 4.05ct Burma Ruby, 5.76ct Diamonds, CGL Certified
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt White Gold Ring 4.05ct Burma Ruby, 5.76ct Diamonds, CGL Certified Elegant big ring full of diamonds and a ruby in the centre. Diamonds: Approx 5.76 carat. RUBY'S: 4.05 carat...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearl Burma Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Pendant
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent pendant come in 18k gold with a lustrous South Sea Pearl of 14mm, extra fine quality, in perfect shape and surface, spectacular pure white, and 8 pieces of Natural Burma ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
0.46 Carats Natural Burmese Rubies and Diamonds Earrings Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A gorgeous pair of Rubies weighing a total of 0.46 Carats. The diamonds are a further 0.34 Carats. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of Gems. Early cu...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Boucheron Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Burma Ruby Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Broomall, PA
A unique design makes this vintage Boucheron ring an elegant addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K Yellow Gold, inset gemstones make it even more opulent. With a 4mm w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid Gold GIA Vivid Red Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (36) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Red Color - No Heat - Burma - 7ctw (approx.) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
7.82 Carat Burma Ruby, Emerald And Diamond Earrings In 18K White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The 2 centre pieces are of natural untreated Burmese rubies weighing approximately 2.73 carat surrounded with 32 pieces of round shaped rubies weighing approximately 2.26 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Tennis Bracelet Set with 5.50 Carat of Round Rubies
Located in New York, NY
A 14K rose gold tennis bracelet, set with 67 round 2.3 mm Burma color rubies, that have a total approximate weight of 5.50 cts.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby Tennis Bracelet with 7.19 Carat of Round Natural Rubies
Located in New York, NY
A 14K rose gold tennis bracelet, set with 54 round 3.0 mm Burma color rubies, that have a total weight of 7.19 cts.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Palladium Gold GIA 7.60ct Burma Ruby Diamond Enamel Floral Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes with original GIA certifications for the ruby. Excellent condition! Stock Number: MK-420433521-23120618-PAR-EY --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Type: Ruby Or...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Palladium, Enamel
3.78 Carat Burma Ruby And Diamond Earrings In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Untreated Burmese rubies of this quality and size are extremely rare.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
ART-DECO Dangle Style Earrings In Platinum 9.30 CTW Burma Ruby & Diamond.
Located in Miami, FL
Providing the ultimate regal contrast, the earrings feature a pair of exceptionally saturated oval-cut vivid red Burma rubies totaling 2.00 carats, punctuated by 4 round-cut accent B...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring by Boucheron, circa 1945
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Boucheron Burmese ruby and diamond cocktail ring. Set to the centre with six round old cut natural unenhanced Burmese rubies in open back claw settings with a total approximate weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.48 Carats Burmese Rubies and Diamond Bracelet Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful bracelet set in platinum featuring a total of GIA Certified 3.48 Carats of legendary Burmese Rubies and 3.92 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sansk...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GRS Certified 5.80 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Dangling Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new pair of ruby and diamond dangling earrings from Rewa Jewelry. There are a total of 8 rubies with a weight of 5.80 carats. 2 of which (the top ones) weigh about 2.30 car...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 8.51 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Dangling Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new pair of ruby and diamond dangling earrings from Rewa Jewelry. There are a total of 14 rubies with a weight of 8.51 carats. 2 of which (the top ones) weigh about 2.14 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 3.00 Carat Burma Ruby and 1.02 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The wreath design is embellished with eleven impressive yellow gold set round and oval cut Burmese rubies alternating with ten individually collet set Old European cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vivid Pigeon Blood Red Perfectly Clean 1.21 ct Unheated Burma Mogok Ruby Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
This ring is a true work of art and would make a perfect addition to any fine jewelry collection. Near round unheated gorgeous Burmese pigeon blood red Mogok ruby 1.21 ct. that is p...
Diamond, Ruby
$3,198Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage French GIA Pearl 5 Strand Bracelet 18k Yellow Gold Burma Ruby Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
**See Certifications Details Below** 5 Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Cabochon - Prong Set - Red Color - Burma - No Heat - 1.50ctw (approx.)
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow gold Mauboussin Burma no Heat Ruby Flower Retro Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
A striking embodiment of retro elegance, this 1950 Mauboussin ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold and adorned with vibrant rubies totaling 3.0 carats. The rich red hue of the rubies...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.10 Carat Burmese Ruby 14.12 Carat Diamond, 18k White Gold Earrings Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
These stunning earrings are each embellished to the centre with a stunning round faceted cut round faceted cut Burmese ruby, totalling 2.10cts.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
3.44 ct Natural Burma Unheated Ruby 1.68 carat Emerald Diamond Ring Cum Pendant
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Gross Weight 13.49 gms 18k Gold- 12.43 Burmese No Heat Ruby 3.44 carats (not certified) Natural Emerald 1.68 carats Diamonds .16 carats Appraisal Certificate Available by GIA certif...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
GIA Certified 3.83 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood Diamond Brooch
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has a vibrant ruby of Burmese origin GIA Certificate number is 2446097634, no heat, "Pigeon Blood" stone weighing approximately 2.75 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,320Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 2.48 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Presenting a truly remarkable piece of jewelry featuring an IGI Certified 2.48 Carat Ruby, originated from Burma/Myanmar, renowned for its deep purplish red color and rare round shape.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 1.22 Carat ''Pigeon's Blood'' Burma Natural Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: New Composition: 18K White Gold Primary Stones: Round ''Pigeon's Blood'' Natural Ruby Origin: Burma Carat Weight: 1.22 Carats GIA Certified: 6227421831 Accent Stone: Thirt...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.44 ct Natural Burma Unheated Ruby 1.68 carat Emerald Diamond Ring Cum Pendant
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Gross Weight 13.49 gms 18k Gold- 12.43 Burmese No Heat Ruby 3.44 carats (not certified) Natural Emerald 1.68 carats Diamonds .16 carats Appraisal Certificate Available by GIA certif...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
GRS Certified 3.22 Carat Burmese No Heat Pigeon Blood Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 2 centre pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies Pigeon blood in colour weighing 1.92 carat approximately and 2 pieces of round rubies weighing approximately 1.30 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GRS Certified 0.88 Carat Pigeon Blood Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The center stone is a cushion shaped 0.88 carat GRS certified ‘Pigeon Blood’ red ruby The GRS certificate indicates that the stone is from Burma and is natural without any treat...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 4.69 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Jackets Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Burmese rubies are sought after for their beautiful red tones.
Diamond, Ruby
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.