Van Cleef & Arpels Burma No Heat Ruby & Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Ruby Earrings In platinum and 18k yellow gold. Center of these earrings is set with 2.55 carats and 2.24 carats round mix cut rubies, AGL certificate ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Modern Burma Ruby Diamond and 18ct Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A ruby and diamond three stone ring, set with a central round 1.94ct Burma ruby, with two, 0.30ct, G colour, VS2 clarity, round brilliant-cut diamonds, either side, in delicate, deco...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$250,000
One of a Kind Burmese Ruby and Diamond Set
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Three Piece Set, features Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings. The necklace features 46.00 Carats of Rubies and 25.00 Carats of Diamonds. The bracelet features 18.00 Carats ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1940s 1.07 Carat Burmese Ruby Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated, circular setting displays a feature four claw set 1.07 Ct round mixed cut Burmese ruby to the center. The central ruby is set to the center of a halo style se...
Ruby, Platinum
Certified Unheated Burma Ruby Diamond Vintage Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Exceptional 18k white Gold cluster ring features a large 4.51 Carat oval-cut Natural Unheated Ruby, origin Burma, surrounded by round brilliant cut Diamonds for a total approx. weigh...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Contemporary 1.62 CTW No Heat Burmese Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut ruby weighing 1.30 carats - transparent saturated medium purplish red in color Natural Burmese in origin with no indications of heat treatment - prong set in b...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby and Diamond Clover Charm Pendant with Burma Red Ruby Bezel Set Necklace
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Fourteen karats white and yellow gold necklace pendant Necklace 16" long Ruby and diamond clover charm measuring 0.65 inch measuring 0.65" in diameter Diamonds weighing 0.55 carats...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Otto Jacob Burmese Ruby Yellow Diamond Gold Enamel Drop Earrings
Located in Greenwich, CT
The ultimate in old world craftsmanship, these collectible handmade Otto Jacob Burmese ruby, yellow diamond, gold, and enamel floral earrings will eternally be in bloom. These extra...
Ruby, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Retro Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Ring, GIA Certified
Located in New York, NY
Retro Burmese unheated ruby and diamond ring. This 14k rose gold ring features a total of 2.30 carats of round cut Burmese unheated rubies, accented by a total of 0.60 carat of diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Modern Ruby Halo Ring 18K Yellow Gold Natural No heat Burma Ruby Victorian Style
Located in Fairfield, CT
Modern Ruby Halo Ring 18K Yellow Gold Natural No heat Burma Ruby Victorian Style This Art Deco Ruby Ring is a perfect mix of style, craftsmanship, and thoughtful detail.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels, Platinum Burma no-heat Ruby Diamond Brooch, AGL
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1925. Pear mixed-cut rubies. Old, single, baguette and tapered baguette-cut diamonds. Accompanied by an AGL certificate stating the ruby is of Burma origin and no evidence of h...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 15.50 Carat Burma Ruby Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning bangle bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring 45 round and oval GIA certified oval and round no heat Burma Rubies weighing 15.50 carats total.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Pigeon's Blood 12.14 Carat Burmese Unheated Ruby and Diamond Earring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Earrings made from Burmese unheated rubies and diamond earrings. The centre two rubies are of weight 1.09 and 1.21 carat and are both certified by Gem Research Swisslab (GRS) unheate...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
ICA Certified 10.62 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Bracelet
Located in Bangkok, TH
A ruby and diamond bracelet. Burmese rubies weighing 10.62 carat certified by ICA and diamonds weighing 2.39 carat studded on 18k gold gross weight 16.53 g.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Burmese Ruby & Diamond Vintage Flower Brooch
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Code: COM2123 Description: 18k Yellow Gold Burmese Ruby & Diamond Vintage Flower Brooch Accompanied With: Box & Certificate Gender: Ladies Brooch Length: 3.6cm Brooch Width: 2.3cm Co...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
15” 2mm sized burma Unheated Ruby full eternity necklace/tennis necklace
Located in Singapore, SG
Features: Main Gemstone - Ruby Total Carat Weight (167pc) - 11Ct (approx) Measurement of ruby - 2mm Cut - Brilliant Round Cut Clarity - VVS~VS Color- Pinkish Red ~ Red Treatme...
Ruby, 18k Gold
French Burma Ruby Engagement Ring ~1.3 Carat Diamond Accents Platinum Mounting
Located in Fairfield, CT
French Burma Ruby Engagement Ring ~1.3 Carat Diamond Accents Platinum Mounting This is a striking French platinum-mounted ring that boasts a luxurious 1.3-carat heated Burma ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Sapphire Burma Ruby Emerald Interchangable Pendant Brooch AGL
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Versatile Edwardian pendant and brooch handcrafted in platinum and 14 karat yellow gold. The pendant features Old Mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.80 carat total weight gra...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Burma Cabochon Ruby Diamond Yellow Sapphire Open Shank Cocktail Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Eighteen karats rose gold cocktail open shank facing ring Round shape Burma cabochon ruby weighing 4.60 carat Trillion Ceylon Yellow sapphire weighing 0.75 carat Diamond weighing ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
White Gold Bezel Set Burma Ruby Stud Earrings Weighing 0.30 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
14 karat white gold round ruby stud earrings Two round ruby measuring 3 millimeters each, 0.22 inch in diameter Ruby hue tone color is rose red Rubies weighing 0.30 New Earrings ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Burma Ruby Three-Stone Ring 18 Karat Gold and Platinum
Located in Brunswick, ME
An estate vibrant pinkish red semi-oval-cut natural Burmese ruby, weighing 1.36 carats, between a sparkling pair of two Burmese rubies, together weighing 0.75 carats, set in a very c...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Black Diamond 6mm & Burma Ruby Cocktail Ring. Stunning Color Combination!
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please Check out the HD video. Very difficult to capture the color but this is a very nice piece! The ring is set in 18k white gold, one black diamond 6mm and 32 Burma rubies. One ma...
Diamond, Ruby, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 3.58Carat Burmese No Heat Pigeon Blood Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An eye catching pair of vibrant and rare Burmese ruby and diamond earrings. The ruby's shining lustre is complimented by the sparkling diamonds, this showcases the elegance of the pi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum Burma Ruby and Diamond Bracelet with aprox 16 carats of stones
Located in New York, NY
Platinum bracelet with 78 Burma Rubies weight aprox 8 carats and 81 Old European Cut White Diamonds weighing aprox 8 carat.
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Burma Ruby Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold Burma Ruby Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Victorian ruby and diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. The rin...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White and Yellow Gold Five Burma Red Ruby Bezel Pendant Necklace
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Fourteen karats white and yellow gold necklace pendant Necklace 16" long Each Burma round red ruby measuring from 4 millimeters to 3.5 millimeters Five rubies weighing 1.20 carats ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA, 5.98 Carat Burma No Heat Star Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Burma Star Ruby is the perfect gift for someone looking for an original Cocktail ring. Burma is the best source of rubies in the world and finding star rubies from Burma is extr...
Ruby, Star Sapphire, Platinum
GRS Certified Pigeon Blood 2.27 Burmese No Heat Ruby and Diamond Earring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A new 2.27 carat Burmese ruby earring mounted with diamonds in 18 Karat gold. The ruby weighs 1.18 and 1.09 carats and are certified by Gem Research Swisslab (GRS) as natural, no hea...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified Pigeon Blood 2.23 Burmese No Heat Ruby and Diamond Earring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A new 2.23 carat Burmese ruby earring mounted with diamonds in 18 Karat gold. The ruby weighs 1.13 and 1.10 carats and are certified by Gem Research Swisslab (GRS) as natural, no hea...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.89 Carat Burmese Ruby 4.05 Carat Diamond Platinum Yellow Gold Drop Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The central feature diamond is surrounded by a total of forty-five round faceted individually 18k yellow gold claw set Burmese rubies, set across a floral design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Burmese Ruby and Diamond Retro Clip-On Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Floral Spray Earrings in opposing design Rubies et in 18kt Rose Gold and Diamonds set in Platinum . Earring Backs are 14kt .White Gold. Can be easily converted to pierced. Rubies...
14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Burma, No Heat 0.95 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A ballerina ring set with 0.95 carat Burma, No Heat round cut Ruby in the center. Surrounded by 13 round brilliant cut diamonds, with a weight of 0.40 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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
GRS Certified 2.16 Carat Burmese No Heat Pigeon Blood Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An eye catching pair of vibrant and rare Burmese ruby and diamond earrings. The ruby's shining lustre is complimented by the sparkling diamonds, this showcases the elegance of the pi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Unheated Burmese Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring by Leon Mege
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
This delicious 1.61-carat eye candy of the certified pigeon-blood Burmese ruby is a gem's world royalty; Gubelin #16115039. The ruby is set into a Florette-style setting surrounded ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum and White Gold Diamond Bow Brooch with Burma Ruby Center
Located in New York, NY
A timeless statement of elegance and artistry, this exquisite Platinum and White Gold Diamond Bow Brooch centers around a vivid natural Burma cabochon ruby weighing approximately 1.2...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
2.23 Carat Gubelin Certified Unheated Burmese Ruby and White Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
2.23 Carat Gubelin Certified Unheated Burmese Ruby and White Diamond Gold Ring: A rare ring, it features an elegant Gubelin certified round-cut unheated natural Burmese red ruby wei...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fred Paris 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Burma Ruby Snake Ring Vintage Fully Marked
By Fred Paris
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fred Paris 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Burma Ruby Snake Ring Vintage Fully Hallmarked Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring. Truly a great...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Natural Burma Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
Moguldiam Inc GIA Certified Natural burma ruby and diamond ring custom handmade in 18 K white gold. The details are as follows : Ruby weight : 7.45 carat Diamond weight : 0.25 c...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Two Matched Burma Rubies Weighing 1.05 Carat 0.20 Inch Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Matched Burma Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings, a true testament to timeless elegance and sophistication. Each pair of earrings features two perfectl...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burma Cabochon Ruby Halo Diamond Yellow Sapphire Open Shank Gold Cocktail Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Eighteen karats rose gold cocktail open shank cocktail ring Round-shaped Burma cabochon ruby weighing 4.60 carat Trillion Ceylon yellow sapphire weighing 0.75 carat Diamond weighi...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1950s-1960s Italian Burma No Heat Rubies and Diamond Flower Crossover Gold Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
This stunning ring is made up of two flower-shaped clusters. The lovely rubies are the petals around the diamond centres and give the impression of a little posy on your finger. Th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.03 Carat Vivid Red Burma Ruby 'Multi Purpose' Brooch Pendant Unisex 18K Gold
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
2.03 carat of vivid red Burma ruby is accented with 0.53 carat of white brilliant round diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Burma Cabochon Ruby Diamond Pink Sapphire Open Shank Ring Weighing 5.92 Carats
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Eighteen karats rose gold cocktail open shank facing ring Round shape Burma cabochon ruby weighing 4.57 carat Trillion Ceylon Pink sapphire weighing 0.65 carat Diamond weighing 0....
Ruby, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 0.67 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18k Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Art Deco Style ring set in 18 Karat Gold featuring a GIA Certified 0.67 Carat Natural Burmese (Myanmar) Ruby and 0.798 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Burma Ruby and Diamond 1.35 Carat White Gold Square Shaped Halo Stud Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Fourteen karat white gold halo ruby and diamond earrings Two Burma rubies weighing 1.00 Diamond weighing 0.35 carat New Earrings Burmese Rubies are known for their fine fluorescent ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Burmese Ruby and Diamond in 14 Karat Yellow Gold Russian Double Heart Brooch
Located in Banbury, GB
This is a beautiful and sweet brooch with two intertwined hearts; one made up of cabochon Burmese rubies, the other with diamonds. This design is simple but beautifully executed. The...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Certified No Heat Burmese Ruby Emerald Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An amazing red goes a long way, and this delightfully dainty necklace proves the point. A trio of rich gleaming none heated red floral motif carved rubies are the heart of the neckla...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 1.19 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat 5.92 Gram Gold Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A ruby diamond ring. The center stone ruby is 1.19 Carat from Burma as certified by GRS surrounded by 0.68 Carat tapered shaped rubies and 0.65 Carat round shaped diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Unheated Burmese Hot Pink Red Spinel, Ruby, diamond, Pink Sapphire Pave Earrings
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
One of a kind earrings handmade in Belgium by jewelry artist Joke Quick in 18K rose gold 6,9 g & blackened sterling silver 3.3 g (The stones are set on silver to create a black backg...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Spinel, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold
Art Deco 2.06 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round cut ruby weighing approximately 0.78 carat - transparent vibrant red Natural Burmese in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Bezel set with a halo...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Italian Midcentury Burmese Ruby and Diamond Brooch in 18k Yellow and White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Handmade in Italy during the mid 20th century, this brooch features deep red Burmese round-shaped rubies of a total weight of 3 carats, contrasting beautifully with full cut round di...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
5.67 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood And Diamond Earring in 18K 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
12.41 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat 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
7.23 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat And Diamond Earrings In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
It has 18 pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 7.23 carat approximately.
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
1 Carat Natural Burma Ruby and Baguette Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring over 1 Carat of very clean natural Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring Burma Ruby 18 K white Gold: 7.3 gram Stamped 18 K Ring Size 7 ( can be altered ) Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pair of 18k Gold Channel GIA Vivid Red Burma Ruby Eternity Stack Band Guard Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This super stylish and bold pair of stackable ruby guard bands is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold with each band featuring round and rectangular step cut Burma rubies, totaling appr...
Ruby, 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.