Unavailable|$17,995
Burmese Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By Imp Jewellery
Located in Toorak, Victoria
Vibrant rich in colour Burmese rubies alternating with diamonds is an elegant alternative to the standard all diamond tennis bracelet. Twenty-one rubies = 5.75cts- dark red color wi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$3,142
GEMCOOK Burma Mogok Pigeon Blood Ruby Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Expertly crafted by GEMCOOK, this Burma Mogok pigeon blood ruby ring showcases a rare and coveted gemstone, known for its vibrant red hue. With its elegant design and ethically-sourc...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,815
Burmese Pigeon Blood Double Heart Ruby Ring
Located in Bloxham, GB
A fantastic 18ct gold double heart ring set with two good well matched natural heart shaped Burma rubies surrounded by white diamonds. It would make a wonderful engagement ring. Ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$15,212
Diamonds, Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies antique brooch
Located in PARIS, FR
Silver brooch on 18k (750°/°°°) gold, featuring a floral design, with 3.5 carats of old-cut diamonds, 1 ct of Colombian emeralds of exceptional quality (vivid green, insignificant oi...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$14,500
Buccellati 1.05ct Burma Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k rose gold, Buccellati band ring, set with center certified 1.05ct Burma ruby, surrounded by approx. 0.14ctw in diamonds. Ring size is 6, top measures 13.5mm wide. Marked: Buccell...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,200
Natural Burma Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold. 1.25 Carat Diamonds. Round brilliant cut. VS clarity, G color. Burma ruby TCW: 1.00 Carat, Intense red color.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$292,548
Sabbadini Invisible Setting Burmese Ruby Flower Brooch
By Sabbadini
Located in Milan, IT
Sabbadini Invisible Setting Rose Brooch 18k White gold rose brooch, diamond pavé 9,05 caratst and invisibly set Burmese Rubies 136,98 carats Gold 83,52 grams Made In Italy Via Mont...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Natural 3.50ct Burmese Ruby Diamond Halo Ring 18ct Dual Tone Gold
Located in Mona Vale, NSW
This ring is a true beauty. It features a strong red, 3.54ct Burmese Ruby that does not show signs of any treatment. This is rare for a modern day Ruby. The colour is medium dark ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,416
Burma Ruby Byzantine Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Athens, GR
Behold our exquisite gold ring, where a pink-red ruby takes center stage, encircled by glistening diamonds. Adorned with intricate golden details, it's a masterpiece of sophisticatio...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$22,000
Oval Burmese Ruby Carat Diamond Platinum Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elegantly slim art deco / retro inspired platinum bracelet. Oval Burmese rubies 8.78 ct. Round white natural diamonds 6.17 ct.
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$38,031
12.14 Carat Ceylon-Sapphire Burma-Rubies Pendant
Located in Frankfurt, DE
Handmade Pendant with a oval Ceylon-Sapphire, 12.14 Carat, surroundend by Diamonds, 1.79 Carat, TW/vvs-vs and Burma-Rubies, 5.98 ct., 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$12,500
7 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold. 6.00 carat Burma ruby total. Round cut. Intense red saturation and color. 1.00 carat diamonds total.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,850
Natural 1.30 Carat Burma Ruby Diamond Studs
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14K white gold. 0.70 carat Burma ruby. Round. 100% natural earth mined. Intense saturation and color. 0.60 carat diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Picchiotti GRS Report 4.29 Carat Heart-shape Burma Ruby and round Diamond Ring
By Picchiotti
Located in Valenza, IT
Round diamonds 1.55 carats F/G color - VVS clarity Heart-shape ruby 4.29 carats GRS report Burma US size 6 1/2 Each Picchiotti item is delivered with the orginal Picchiotti box and C...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$14,000
Vintage Mid-Century 4.77ct Burma Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An incredible modernist cocktail ring dating from the 1950s. The principal stone is a mouthwatering 4.77 carat no heat Burma ruby, bezel set within two waves of pavé old mine cut dia...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$585,000
Mughal Empire Burma Ruby Emerald Sapphire Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 18K yellow gold. Gemstones: Burma ruby, Colombian emerald, and blue sapphire.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Unavailable|$3,280
1.20 Carat Natural Burma Ruby Diamond Modern Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Burma origin. Intense red color. Modern ruby and diamond ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tivon 18 Carat Yellow Gold Round White Diamond &Oval Burmese Ruby hoop Earrings
By TIVON FINE JEWELLERY
Located in Borehamwood, GB
As the morning dew settles and glistens in the rising sun, so do the gems in these inspired earrings which are set with fine red Rubies (2.30ct) and glittering fine diamonds (0.43ct)
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$35,082
G.Minner Burma Ruby Diamonds Gold Heart Pendant
By G.MINNER
Located in Colmar, FR
A G.MINNER white and yellow gold clip pendant set with a beautiful heart-shaped Burmese ruby surrounded by 35 brilliant cut diamonds. The pendant is a unique creation entirely handma...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$22,842
Vintage 18K Gold 7 CARAT Burma Ruby Diamond Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Intricately crafted from 18K yellow gold, this vintage piece boasts a magnificent 6.00 carat Burma ruby, exhibiting intense red saturation and color in its round cut.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,913
Burma Ruby Diamond Ring 1.40 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Burma Ruby Ring 1.40 Carat 18 Karat White Gold .
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,100
Vintage Burma Ruby Gypsy Ring - Size 9.25 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dapper Men's 14K Gold Ruby Gypsy Ring – Size 9.25 This exquisite men's ruby gypsy ring features a stunning Burma ruby gemstone, renowned for its exceptional quality and vibrant colo...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$10,251
(GIA) 14K Yellow Gold, Diamond and Burma Ruby Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
Adorn yourself with sophistication with this 14K yellow gold ring, featuring a striking 1.51 carat natural diamond at its center, complemented by 0.60 carats of natural Burma rubies ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$45,000
4.56 Carat GIA Natural Burma Ruby Diamond Earrings
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum set 4.56 carat round GIA certified natural Burma ruby earrings set with a halo of round brilliant cut white diamonds with a total carat weight of approximately 2.5 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$27,500
Certified Burmese Oval Cut Ruby 3.95 Carat Diamond Platinum Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Art Deco inspired dangling platinum earrings with center oval cut Burmese rubies 3.95 ct in total. Red Burmese rubies are Certified. Accented by baguette cut diamonds 1.86 ct...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$59,000
Five AGL Certified Burma No Heat Ruby 'Buttons' 22 Karat Gold
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Decorative jewels set. 'Buttons'. Rare. Collectors item. There are five. Each one carries two unheated Burma rubies, one on each end, approximately 1 carat each. Estimated 10 carats ...
Ruby, 22k Gold
Unavailable|$8,890
GIA Certified 2.11 Carat Diamond and Natural Burma Ruby Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold. Center Stone: 1.51 Carat Natural Diamond. I2 clarity and G color. Side Stones: 0.60 carat natural Burma rubies. Total Carat Weight: 2.11 Carats. All stone...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.71Ct unheated Burmese Cabochon Star Ruby & diamond cluster ring 18k white gold
Located in London, GB
This exquisite unheated Burmese star ruby and diamond cluster ring is set in 18k white gold, and the ruby is round cabochon star ruby with 5.71 carats , surrounded with natural ro...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$4,000
2.50ct Burma Ruby 5 Stone Ring Vintage 18K Gold Red Gemstone Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite vintage five-stone ruby ring showcases a fiery and sophisticated display of natural round brilliant-cut rubies, renowned for their origin and exceptional color.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$57,369
Tivon 18 Carat White Gold Burmese Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By TIVON FINE JEWELLERY
Located in Borehamwood, GB
RARING TO GO! A double-row tennis bracelet set with 7.78ct of glittering fine white diamonds (F-VVS) and 5.50ct of carefully selected natural 'pigeon-blood' red Burmese Rubies. One-o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$9,100
9.00CT Burma Heated Oval Cabochon Cut Ruby and Diamond 18K Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Center Ruby is surrounded by 8 Round Shape Diamonds and 16 Burma Heated mixed cut Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$19,500
AGL Certified Antique Platinum 9.29ct VS Diamond No Heat Burma Ruby Brooch
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
AGL certified antique platinum 9.29ct VS diamond No Heat Burma ruby brooch. This stunning brooch is made from solid platinum and features both diamond and ruby gemstones.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$17,648
Contemporary Burma Ruby 13.35 Carat and 1.60 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Amin Luxury
Located in Florence, IT
This impressive 13.35 carat Burma Ruby cocktail ring, is surrounded by 1.60 carat of natural white Diamonds, and set in an elegantly thin 18Kt white gold band. For the lady who love...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$400,000
Andreoli 10.05 Carat Burma Ruby CDC Certified Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli 10.05 Carat Burma Ruby CDC Certified Diamond Engagement Ring 18k Gold This Andreoli ring features: 3.38 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond (F-G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity) 10.05 Ca...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$19,800
Robin Woolard Burmese Ruby Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Red Gold Band
Located in San Francisco, CA
Playfully juxtaposed Burmese Princess Cut Rubies alternating with elegantly placed oval bezel set diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
14k Gold & Platinum Brooch w/ 19.86ct Carved Burmese Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Centering a carved Ruby with no heat or clarity enhancement measuring 21.83 x 14.46 x 6.34mm Accented with a pave-set diamond head Enhanced by a circular ruby eye, perched on polishe...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Harry Winston 18K Gold Diamond Cabochon Burma Ruby Heart Pendant Choker Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Harry Winston 18K Gold Diamond Cabochon Burma Ruby Heart Pendant Choker Necklace An incredible piece by Harry Winston, this necklace features a cabochon-cut ruby with diamonds surro...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Elephant and Burmese Ruby Necklace, Bracelet, and Earring Jewelry Set
Located in Metairie, LA
The Thai elephant design features beautiful natural cabochon cut round red Burmese rubies accenting the elephant’s eyes.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 2.00 Carat Natural Burma Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14K yellow gold. Center: 2.00 carat Burma ruby, 100% natural earth mined. Oval cut. Excellent saturation and color. 2.25 carat diamonds total.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bracelet in 18 Carat Gold, Burma Rubies & Diamonds, English circa 1965
Located in London, GB
A finely made 18 carat yellow gold bracelet with a textured finish in a soft patina, set with alternate Burma rubies and brilliant cut diamonds. English hallmarked for 1965. Measures...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Timeless Treasure:18kt White Gold Brooch with 12 ct Burmese Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Lugano, CH
Red has always been a symbol of intense passions and profound emotions, and here it is embodied in 16 stunning Burmese rubies. This 18kt white gold brooch, paired with 1.38 ct of spa...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Unavailable|$56,169 / set
Burmese Ruby & Diamonds Earrings & Rings Set in 18K White Gold 4.12 Cts Unworn
Located in Geneva, CH
Beautiful Ruby & Diamonds earrings & ring set Mounted in 18K White Gold Ring is 53 The total weight of the set is 9.1 grams The earrings are set with 2 Burmese Ruby & 20 Diamonds 1. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified 2 Carats Burmese Ruby Diamonds Platinum 18 Carats White Gold Daisy Rin
Located in Paris, FR
Exceptional daisy ring set in its center with a burmese ruby with a series of 12 diamonds on its outline and 2 diamonds on the shoulders. Ruby weight: 2.08 carats With Gem Paris ce...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Cluster Ring, 18 Carat Gold, Burma Ruby & Old Cut Diamonds, English circa 1870
Located in London, GB
Victorian cluster ring with central Burma surrounded by old cut brilliant diamonds in 18 carat yellow gold with engraving to the shoulders. Ring Size Antique piece from the mid Victo...
Ruby, Diamond
Burma Ruby & Diamond Square Cluster Ring in 18 Karat Gold, French circa 1940
Located in London, GB
A 1940’s vintage 18 karat yellow gold mounted cluster ring with a central cross, channel set with square-shaped Burma rubies and a square surround of diamonds. White and yellow 18 ka...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$25,000
8.3 Carat Burmese Ruby Cabochon and Multicolored Gems Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Zahira Fine Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This 18k yellow gold ring showcases a rare 8.3-carat Burmese ruby cabochon, beautifully complemented by diamonds, sapphires, amethyst, and emeralds, which orbit the center like plane...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k...
Unavailable|$100,000
Art Deco 32.10 Carat UNTREATED Burmese Ruby 12.0 Carat Diamond Platinum Bracelet
Located in Calabasas, CA
Honore, Paris. 41 faceted oval and round NON-HEAT-TREATED BURMESE RUBIES weighing approximately 32.10 carats, 58 baguette-cut diamonds weighing approximately 5.60 carats, color: F-G,...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$34,500
2.16 Carat Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum Burma Ruby and diamond cluster earrings featuring 2 round rubies with a total weight of approximately 2.16 carats, surrounded by 16 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Tie Pin in Gold & Platinum, Burma Ruby Centre and Four Diamonds, USA, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
A yellow gold mounted tie pin set with a Burma ruby centre, surrounded by four, old cut brilliant cut diamonds set in platinum within a carved yellow gold setting. Measures 11mm acro...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$28,000 / item
Vintage Platinum 2.37ct Burma Ruby No Heat 1.42ct Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One side is set with a vivid round Burma (Myanmar) ruby weighing approximately 2.37 carats, accompanied by a GIA report confirming natural origin and no indications of heating—an inc...
Burma Ruby & 2 Row Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Carat Gold, English circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A circular shaped 1950's vintage cluster ring with central Burma ruby surrounded by two rows of brilliant cut diamonds set in 18 carat white gold and mounted in 18 carat yellow gold....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,500
1.28 Carat Ruby Diamond Rose Gold Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simply beautiful Ruby Diamond Ring with a Round Cut 0.68 Carat Burmese Ruby which is surrounded by a double halo of 62 Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.60 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$10,251
14K Gold, 3.50 Carat Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Key Features: 14K Yellow Gold. 1.50 ct natural Burma ruby, round cut. 2.00 carat diamonds; VS clarity and F color.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,000
6.00 Carat Cocktail Emerald Diamond Ruby Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14K white gold. 1.00cwt Burma ruby, round cut. 4.00cwt Colombian emerald, oval cut. 1.00cwt diamonds; VS clarity and F-G color.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$6,100
3.50 Carat Natural Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14K Yellow Gold. 1.50cwt natural Burma ruby, round shape. 2.00cwt diamonds. VS clarity and F color.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$9,342
Cocktail Emerald Diamond Ruby Dangle Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Key Features: Metal: 14K white gold. 1.00cwt Burma ruby, round cut. 4.00cwt Colombian emerald, oval cut. 1.00cwt diamonds; VS clarity and F-G color.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$4,104
American Indian. 18k, 0.85 carat Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Round cut ruby set in prongs. 100% natural no heat burma ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k 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.