GRS Certified 2.63 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earrings In 18K
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
These rubies are Pigeon Blood in colour. Untreated Burmese rubies of this quality and size are extremely rare.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.16 Carat Burma Ruby GIA and Diamond Gold Fan Navette Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed GIA Burma Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring. Centering a securely nestled Burma Ruby, weighing approx. 1.16 Carat. GIA lab report # 6545807135. Surrounded ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 5.96 Carat Burma No Heat Pigeon Blood Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The exclusive earrings are decorated with 10 pieces of Burma rubies weighing approximately 5.96 carat. There are 18 pieces of oval shaped untreated Burma rubies weighing approximate...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Pigeon Blood 3.77 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby And Diamond Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is decorated with 6 pieces of Burma rubies weighing approximately 3.77 carat total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.28ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Stud Earrings In 18ct White and Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
0.28ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Stud Earrings In 18ct White and Yellow Gold These stunning 0.28ct Ruby Burma Solitaire Stud Earrings are a must-have addition to your jewellery collection...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Five Stone Burma Ruby Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-20th century five stone Burma ruby ring, with graduated round cut ruby, approximately 1.3cts in all, claw set in 18kt yellow gold.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified 2.44 Carat Burmese Pigeon Blood Ruby And Diamond Earrings In 18K
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 2 centre pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 2.44 carat approximately.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Myanmar Vivid Green Jade Clover Earrings in 18K Gold and Ruby
Located in Kowloon, HK
The custom-designed and handcrafted earrings are set with Myanmar vivid green jadeite in an ancient coin shape. These luxurious jadeite ear studs feature floral motifs and are embell...
Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold
7.03 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat And Diamond Earrings In 18Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 1.36 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
At their heart, two vibrant round-cut rubies, hailing from the esteemed mines of Myanmar, capture the eye with their intense deep red fire, totaling 1.36 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$512Sale Price|20% Off
New 1.05 Carat Myanmar Ruby 14k White Gold PL Swirled Hoop Sterling Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
The rubies are round cut and are 1.5 mm each. There are 35 rubies on each earring and together they total 1.05 carats.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
IGI Certified 4.08 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18K Rose Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
A truly magnificent find, these IGI Certified earrings showcase a remarkable 4.08 total carat weight of natural Burma rubies. Sourced from the world's most coveted origin, these rubi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certifed Pigeon Blood 6.13 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Brooch
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This extraordinary brooch has 6 pieces of untreated Burmese rubies weighing approximately 6.13 karat total. 4 stones were checked randomly and some of them were stated to be of 'Pige...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold French Flower Brooch with Diamonds Burma Rubies and Emeralds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A beautifully crafted flower brooch with intricate openwork and embellished with rare Burma rubies, diamonds and emeralds. Adding to the visual is a platinum center section set with ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
AGL Certified 2.14 Carat Burma Ruby And Diamond Earrings In 18K White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant pair of ruby and diamond earrings from Rewa Jewels is made in 18 karat white gold. The centre piece is of natural untreated oval shaped Burmese rubies weighing approxim...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
AGL Certified 4.92 Carat Burmese No Heat Pigeon Blood Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This pair of earrings embraces minimalism with its simple design while still displaying elegance; a great fit for lifestyle wear. - The two largest round rubies have a total total w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified2.37 Carat Burma Pigeon Blood Ruby And Diamond Earrings In 18k WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 2 centre pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 2.37 carat approximately.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.53 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat and Diamond Earrings in 18Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
There are 50 Burmese rubies without any heat treatment, weighing approximately 8.53 carat total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Bangle Bracelet with 6.30 Cts Unheated Burmese Rubies
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional one-of-a-kind bangle bracelet is masterfully crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and platinum, with a substantial heavy weight of 40 grams, reflecting outstanding quali...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
15.35 Carat Chrysoprase & 2.98 Carat Vivid Red Burma Ruby Unique Table Top Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A soothing green 15.35 carat Chrysoprase is set along with 2.98 carat of vivid red ruby from Burma. The ring is made in 18 K gold and is hand made in Hong Kong. Chrysoprase, chrysoph...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Retro 14k Gold GIA Burma No Heat Ruby & Diamond Bow Ribbon Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes with original GIA certification for 3 rubies. Shows some wear. Stock Number: MK-44079869-23112419-EY --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 5234057785 Shape...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Edwardian 1900s Antique Toi et Moi Burma Ruby and Diamond Platinum 18K Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Edwardian 1900s Antique 1/2 Ct Burma Ruby and 1/3 Ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring in Toi et Moi Style 3.3 gram 18 Karat yellow Gold Platinum topped lady's ring circa 1900s, Edward...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GRS Certified 1.82 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Bood And Diamond Earrings In 18k WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 1.43 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earrings In 18K WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.48 Carat Ruby Burma Pigeon Blood Red Earrings Martini Studs 18k Yellow Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
GRS Certified 2.48 carat pair of intense red Rubies, Burma, red Pigeon Blood set in 18k yellow gold Martini stud earrings. Push back and post, complimentary customization to screw b...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified 1.27 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earrings In 18K WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 4.71 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earrings In 18k WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 16 pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 4.71 carat approximately.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 1.89 Carat Burma Ruby And Diamond Earrings In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
These rubies are pigeon blood in colour. Untreated Burmese rubies of this quality and size are extremely rare.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 4.21 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earrings In 18K WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 4.51 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Bood And Diamond Earrings In 18K WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.17 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat And Diamond Earrings In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 8 pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 8.17 carat approximately.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.47 Carat Burmese No Heat 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
GRS Certified 2.23 Carat Burma Ruby And Diamond Earrings In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The 2 centre pieces are of natural untreated Burmese rubies weighing approximately 2.23 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
16.55 Carat Burmese Not Heat Ruby And Diamond Bracelet In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 30 pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 16.55 carat approximately.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 2.10 Carat Burma Ruby Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earrings In 18K WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold. It has 2 centre pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 2.10 carat appro...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified Pigeon Blood/ V. Red 2.15 Burmese No Heat Ruby and Diamond Earring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A new 2.15 carat Burmese ruby earring mounted with diamonds in 18 Karat gold. The ruby weighs 1.05 and 1.10 carats and are certified by Gem Research Swisslab (GRS) as natural and no ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 3.52 Carat Burma Pigeon Blood Ruby And Diamond Earrings In 18K WG
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold. It has 2 centre pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 2.15 carat appro...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
12.35 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat And Diamond Earrings In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 12 pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 12.35 carat approximately.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.49 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat And Diamond Ring In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 7 pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 3.49 carat approximately.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Retro 14k Gold GIA 3ctw Burma No Heat Ruby Flower Screw Back Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
The earrings come with the original GIA certification for the rubies. Stock Number: MK-14092955 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Type: Ruby Origin Report Report Num...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.26 Carat Burmese No Heat Ruby And Diamond Earrings In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 2.09 Carat Burma Ruby And Diamond Earrings In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
These rubies are pigeon blood in colour. Untreated Burmese rubies of this quality and size are extremely rare.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s French Set of Diamond and Burma No Heat Ruby Necklace and Earrings
Located in New York, NY
1940's French Diamond and Ruby Necklace and Earrings Set The necklace has approximately 75ct of rubies and 40-42ct of diamonds all set in Platinum, and the clasps are white gold. The...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
5.23 Carat Burmese No Heat 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
3.62 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby And Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
There are 4 pieces of Burmese rubies without any heat treatment, weighing approximately 3.62 carat total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
13.44 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat And Diamond Earrings In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 14 pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 13.44 carat approximately.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.01 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earring In 18K Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has a beautiful combination of eighteen natural Burmese rubies without any treatment weighing approximately 3.01 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Rose Gold Genuine Burmese Jadeite Lucky Pendant Necklace with AA Ruby
By Baikalla
Located in Portland, OR
* DESIGN CONCEPT--- 18k Rose Gold & Genuine Burmese Jadeite Pendant Necklace With AA Ruby. This pendant is made with high-quality genuine jadeite with some green, The jadeite piece l...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
10.11 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The exclusive rubies are originally from Burma. They are untreated and no heat.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.57 Carat No Heat Burma Ruby And Diamond Bracelete in 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
- There are 17 pieces of untreated Burmese rubies, with the total weight 8.57 carat approximately. - There are 80 pieces of round shaped diamonds with a total weight of 2.60 carats...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
16.96 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is decorated with 46 pieces of Burma rubies weighing approximately 16.96 carat total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
15.64 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat And Diamond Bracelet In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 15 pieces of a Burmese Rubies, square shaped weighing 15.64 carat approximately.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.02 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood and Diamond Earrings in 18k Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
- The centre stones are two Burmese rubies without any heat treatment, pigeon blood colour weighing approximately 2.02 carat total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14.04 Carat No Heat Burma Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The main highlights are the 14 pieces untreated Burmese rubies weighing approximately 14.04 carat in all.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.49 Carat Burmese No Heat Pigeon Blood Ruby Diamond Brooch with Pearl 18k Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Features a rare natural Burmese ruby 1.23 carat weight approximately, priced for its vibrant, untreated colour.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.6 Carat Ruby Burma Pigeon Blood red Earring Martini Studs 18k Yellow Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
GRS Certified 2.6 carat pair of intense red Rubies, Burma, red Pigeon Blood set in 18k yellow gold Martini stud earrings. Push back and post, complimentary customization to screw ba...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.59 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby And Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
There are 14 Burmese rubies without any heat treatment, weighing approximately 3.59 carat total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.53 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood and Diamond Brooch in 18k Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
- At the heart of the design lies a natural ruby weighing approximately 1.53 carats.It is a Burmese ruby without any heat treatment.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
10.75 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
These luxurious ruby and diamond earrings are handcrafted by Rewa jewels in 18 karat white gold. The main highlights are the 4 pieces untreated Burmese rubies weighing approximately...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 1.01 Carat No Heat Burmese Pigeon Blood Ruby Ring in 18K Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Introducing a piece from Rewa Jewelry, this Ruby and Diamond Ring is a blend of luxury and sophistication. At the center of the ring is a 1.01-carat Pigeon Blood Burma Ruby. The ring...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 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.
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.