Harry Winston Vintage Ruby Diamond Necklace Suite, circa 1980s
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
A stunning testament to timeless elegance, this Harry Winston vintage platinum ruby and diamond
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Boucheron Art Deco Invisibly-Set Ruby Diamond Suite, circa 1930
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Invisibly-Set Ruby and Diamond Suite, crafted in France in 1930 during the Art Deco era, embodies its allure
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$395,000 / set
Bulgari Ruby Diamond Gold Necklace and Earring Suite
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A 1980's Bulgari ruby and diamond necklace and earring suite in 18k gold; the necklace designed as
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Burma Ruby Diamond Gold Earring and Necklace Suite
Located in New York, NY
earrings more contrast, the diamonds where set in white gold while the rubies are set in yellow gold. The
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Graff 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Rubies Suite Necklace
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Graff 18K yellow gold diamond and rubies suite necklace, a true embodiment of luxury and elegance
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Rubel Diamond, Ruby and Turquoise Clip Brooch and Earrings Suite
Located in New York, NY
An American mid-20th century 18 karat gold brooch and earrings suite with rubies, diamonds and
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$7,500Sale Price|25% Off
H 1.5 in D 0.5 in L 15 in
Emerald Ruby Pearl Diamond Gold Necklace Earring and Bracelet Suite
Located in Miami Beach, FL
cabochon rubies and diamonds set in diamond shaped gold pieces. The center section is strung on 6 strands
Diamond, Emerald, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Demi Parure Suite, USA, 21st Century
Located in New York, NY
A visually intriguing mix of design details comes together in this Contemporary Diamond and Ruby
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Ruby Diamond White Gold Huggie Clip-On Earrings and Ring Suite
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Beautifully made fine quality ruby and diamond earrings and ring set featuring 3 rows of rotating
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18K Gold Emerald Ruby Diamond Necklace and Earclips Suite
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
. It features prominent cabochon emeralds and rubies, each framed and accented by round brilliant cut
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Pearl Ruby and Diamond Necklace and Earrings 18 Karat White Gold, Suite, Estate
Located in New York, NY
This Suite made out of 18 Karat white gold .It is consisting of 3 natural Pearls and Rubies
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$22,840Sale Price|20% Off
Burma Ruby & Diamond Flower Baguette Suite Set 19.15 ct Earrings & Ring Platinum
Located in Great Neck, NY
Platinum Burmese Ruby & Diamond High Jewelry Suite – 19.15 Carats (Earrings + Ring) An
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Gemstone and Yellow Gold Bracelet and Pendant Suite
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
and bracelet suite; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning
Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Opal, Quartz, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Petillante Necklace and Earrings Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
gold. A vibrant mosaic of round brilliant-cut and pear-shaped diamonds, harmoniously set alongside pink
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$88,340Sale Price|30% Off
GIA Certified Burma Ruby & Diamond Bracelet Pigeon Blood 18K White Gold 44.10 ct
Located in Great Neck, NY
Experience the height of High jewelry with this extraordinary ruby and diamond bracelet, an ultra
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Necklace and Earrings
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
An Art Deco ruby and diamond suite of a necklace and a pair of earrings designed as a graduating
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Ruby Diamond and Pearl Suite
Located in NY, NY
Set of18K White Gold Ruby Bead, Diamond, and Pearl Necklace and Pendant Earrings Necklace: 26
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Siegelson Flexible Ruby Diamond Platinum Necklace and Bracelet Suite
By Siegelson
Located in New York, NY
rubies, total weighing 40 carats • Measurements: 15 3/4 x 1/4 inches Bracelet • Square diamonds, total
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Gold & Ruby Suite
Located in London, GB
A vintage, stylised, Paisley pattern, gold, ruby and diamond suite consisting of a pair of earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
25 Carat Ruby and 2 Carat Diamond Ring, Earrings and Necklace Suite
Located in Miami, FL
. This ruby and diamond suite is accompanied by a retail appraisal performed by a GIA Graduate Gemologist.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Kutchinsky Diamond and Ruby Jewellery Suite
By Joseph Kutchinsky
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An ornate 18k yellow gold diamond and ruby suite by Kutchinsky. The 16 inch necklace is composed of
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s 12.48 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow and White Gold Jewelry Suite
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 12.48 carat ruby and 0.52 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow and white gold
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Gold Suite
Located in London, GB
Gold, ruby and diamond flower earrings and brooch suite, set with rubies and round brilliant-cut
Ruby, 18k Gold
Retro Emerald Cut Citrine Citrine Ruby Diamond Gold Suite
Located in Dallas, TX
Brooch: 121.75 carat Emerald Cut Citrine in 14k Yellow and Gold with Rubies and Diamonds
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings and Ring Suite
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
era, pairing brilliant white diamonds with vibrant red rubies. The ring contains 1 carat of rubies and
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LALAOUNIS Greek Ruby Diamond Bracelet and Earrings Suite
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
diamond-studed collars and are embellished with bezel set rubies. The heads pull apart from a single hinge
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Multi-Gem Jewellery Suite
Located in Mayfair, London, London
bracelet. The necklace comprises of 7 rows of gemstone diagonally placed with rubies, emeralds and diamonds
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Turquoise, Ruby and Diamond Earrings and Cocktail Ring Suite
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A brilliant color combination that subtly speaks of Americana, this suite will turn heads and
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring and Studs Suite
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A beautiful oval heated Burmese Ruby and pear-shaped White Diamond cocktail ring and studs suite
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rose Gold and Diamond Multicolored Sapphire Dangle Earrings and Ring Suite
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
sapphire round x44 = 1.50 carats Yellow sapphire round x50 = 1.90 carats Ruby round x30 = 0.20
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold...
Italian Sapphire Emerald Ruby Gold Suite
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
Circa 1960, this 3 piece suite was made in the Northern Italian city of Valenza by, what is now, a
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sensations Necklace Earrings and Bracelet Suite (154.44 ct Rubies & Diamonds)
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Rubies and Diamonds. Design to rule the red carpet, the suite is statement of boldness and femininity
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Beauvince Ruby and Diamond Necklace and Earring Suite in White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The Beauvince Regalia Ruby & Diamond Suite is a unique and luxurious heritage suite with regal red
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Flower White Gold Earrings Pendant and Ring Suite Set
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Beautiful ruby and diamond floral suite made of 14k white gold with ruby petals and diamond frame
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Boucheron Suite Diamond Ruby Sapphire, Emerald Necklaces Bracelets and Earrings
By BUCHERON
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires.15 Diamonds weigh appx. 2.12 carats and are of F-G color and VS
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold
W 1.07 in L 6.7 in
Carved Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond 18K Gold Bracelet and Earring Suite
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Width: 2.7 cm Earrings: Diamond 2.0 carat / Emerald 4.62 carat / Ruby 17.4 carat / Yellow Sapphire 1.44
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose ...
Beauvince Burma Floral Suite (79.44 ct Diamonds & Rubies) in White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This Natural Burma Ruby and Diamonds necklace and earring suite hand crafted in White Gold is a
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
45 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and 28 Carat Diamond Necklace Suite 18 Karat Gold, Bridal
Located in New York, NY
45 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and 28 Carat Diamond Necklace Suite 18 K Gold, Bridal This bridal suite
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold
H 1.48 in W 2.61 in D 2.82 in
Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Suite Bangle Bracelet Earrings and Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Sapphire, ruby, emerald & diamond earrings, ring and bracelet set includes: A pair of 14 yellow
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Trifari Costume Ruby and Diamond Rhinestone Gold Tone Earring and Brooch Suite
By Trifari
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rare Crown Trifari ruby leaf and diamond swirl rhinestone spray brooch and earrings circa late 1950
Gilt Metal
Diamond, Yellow Gold and Multi-Gemstone Jewellery Suite
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k yellow gold diamond and multi-gemstone suite. The suite includes a necklace
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral Gold Mama and Baby Elephant Suite
Located in Cincinnati, OH
the head of a mother elephant with sapphire eyes, and diamond and ruby headdress, along with a ring
Blue Sapphire, Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold and Gem Set Suite
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Brilliant cut Diamonds and fine color Rubies. This suite is designed as textured Floral Branches in the
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art-Deco Tutti-Frutti Bracelet and Earring Suite
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
pair of 13.96 carat Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond studs - all set in solid 18K white gold
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Amber Burma Ruby Yellow Diamond Gold Earring Pendant Suite
Located in Sarasota, FL
Exotic Amber earring and pendant suite with natural intense fancy yellow diamonds, Burma rubies and
Amber, Ruby, Spinel, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Gold Ruby and Diamond Earring and Ring Suite
Located in New York, NY
Earrings have approximately 8 cts of rubies and the ring has approximately 3cts of rubies weight of
Ruby, 18k Gold
1960s Coral Diamond Gold Figural Elephant Bracelet and Ring Suite
Located in New York, NY
1960s coral, diamond and gold figural elephant bracelet and ring suite, consisting of two good luck
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold
W 1.1 in L 6.75 in
1950s Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond Spiral Gold Bracelet and Earrings Suite
Located in New York, NY
With Sapphires,Emeralds,Rubies And Diamonds Thruout The Flexible Bracelet. Bracelet Is Very Beautifully
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Stunning 18 Carat Gold Natural Diamond and Ruby Heart Pendant and Earrings Suite
Located in St Helens, GB
rubies. 0.50ct total diamond carat weight. CONDITION ; Excellent. Crisp design. Well set stones. Issue
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Retro 18k Ruby and Diamond Brooch and Earrings, French
Located in Houston, TX
18k Yellow Gold, Ruby and Diamond Brooch and Earrings En Suite. French Marks.
Diamond, Ruby
Outstanding Van Cleef & Arpels Brooch and Earring Suite
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Stunning 18kt. rope work ruby and diamond brooch and earring set. The double clip brooch is prong
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
BULGARI A Set of Multi-Gem and Diamond 'Carre' Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
-top amethyst, emeralds, rubies, onyx, and diamonds, ear clips en suite, signed Bulgari. c.1985.
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier France 18K Gold Diamond Rose Flowering Brooch and Earrings Set
By Cartier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An 18 karat gold and diamond rose flowering brooch and matching earrings created by Cartier of France. The set has a Florentine finish to the petals with 15 full cut diamonds in the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vicky Tiel 1980s Silk Strapless High Low Bustier Dress
By Vicky Tiel
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great pink silk high low dress from Vicky Tiel. It has a drop waist horizontally ruched boned bustier bodice onto which is gathered a full skirt knee length in the front, ankle len...
Jacques Fath Ivory Silk Organza Top-6
By Jacques Fath
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jacques Fath Ivory Silk Organza Top-6. This stunning Jacques Fath top is in excellent condition, it shows minimal sign of use. It is made of ivory silk organza throughout and has lac...
Oscar de la Renta Corsage Cocktail Dress New!
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oscar de la Renta strapless lace and silk corsage cocktail dress offered in brand new condition. Hand ruched black lace bodice with large attached rosette corsage. Bodice extends ...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2002 "Supercalifragilistic" Laced Leather Denim Skinny Jeans
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2002 "Supercalifragilistic" Laced Leather Denim Skinny Jeans - Runway look #4 Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Autumn / Winter 2002 "Supercali...
David Webb Platinum Diamond Earrings with Hanging Dangling Coral
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Each suspending a smooth coral drop, from a platinum cap, accented by baguette-cut diamonds these gorgeous David Webb earrings are absolutely stunning. Earrings are 3.4 inches long, ...
Coral, Diamond, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry 34.00 Carat Natural Canary Diamond Bracelet
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the Museum Vault at Emilio Jewelry New York, Super Rare Asscher Cut Canary Diamond bracelet. Each diamond is over 1.00 Carat. Please inquire for details. Asscher cuts are super...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Ear-Climber Diamond Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
From the House of Cartier, these spectacular ear climber diamond earrings, circa 1940, are finely crafted in platinum and showcase 2 old European cut diamonds weighing approximately ...
Platinum
Trompe L'oeil Oversize Belted Trench Coat
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous beige and black cotton trompe l'oeil trench coat jacket from Japanese designers Naoki Ichihara, Tadanao Yamashita and Shingo Otsuka for TALK ABOUT THE DISTRACTION. It app...
A Pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Pair of Diamond Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Rugby, England
Each set with brilliant-cut diamonds, length approximately 22mm, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, numbered, French maker's marks for Van Cleef & Arpels and assay marks for 18K gold. Each ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chanel Shopping Tote Duffle Cc Sport Line Beige Nylon
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Very good. Small marks on base and handles, slight discoloration and wear in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Authenticity Card, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 8-14...
1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Elegant couture made late 1960's black silk cocktail dress with fitted corset bustier and dark brown mink fur trimmed bodice. The full skirt adds a touch of volume to the dress. Hand...
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk V Neck Sleeveless Gown
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk sleeveless gown with v neck satin lapel. Size: 40italy, fit size 6 US Perfect for wedding or rehearsal dinner. Measurement flat: Bust : 36”/ empire wa...
Important Harry Winston Diamond 23 Carat Certified Emerald Pendant Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Important Harry Winston Diamond 23 Carat Certified Emerald Pendant Necklace An 18k gold and platinum detachable pendant necklace, set with diamonds and emerald, signed Harry Winston....
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$7,920
H 6.7 in W 13 in L 5.9 in
Chanel Bowling Bag Luxury Ligne Leather As Seen On Ivanka Trump Red Lambskin Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
As seen on Ivanka Trump, this is a gorgeous luxury ligne Chanel satchel in excellent condition.
Spectra Fine Jewelry Black Diamond Necklace & Earrings Set
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Black diamonds are far rarer than colorless ones—only a few natural stones are truly black. Unlike other diamonds, they’re fully opaque, yet they still sparkle with rainbow flashes i...
Black Diamond, 18k 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.