18K 750 Solid Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Eyes & Green Gemstones Cat Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Eyes & Green Gemstones Cat Pin Brooch Metal Type: 18K Solid Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 4.8 Grams Primary Stone: Natural Ruby Ruby Colo...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Era Ruby and Diamond Spray Brooch in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The most wonderful 18 karat yellow gold, ruby and diamond spray brooch from the 1950s. The handcrafted cocktail brooch appears as stylised feathers which have been accented with spin...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,944Sale Price|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Lion Brooch with Diamonds, Emerald Eye & Ruby Detail
Located in New York, NY
Commanding and full of character, this 18k yellow gold lion brooch blends luxury craftsmanship with a bold, fashion-forward edge.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold & Platinum Ruby & Diamond Hammered Textured Large Flower Pendant Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
The finish on the gold is a hammered matte like finish - giving a great contrast to the beautiful diamonds and rubies! The brooch comes with a custom made box signed by by Primavesi ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Diamond, Garnet and Ruby, Yellow Gold Gondola Brooch Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.88 carat diamond, 0.84 carat garnet and 0.02 carat ruby, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold set brooch in the form of a gondola; part of our diverse...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Very Large Brooch with Diamonds, Opals & Ruby Eyes
Located in Broomall, PA
18K Yellow Gold Butterfly Very Large Brooch with Diamonds, Opals & Ruby Eyes A finely crafted butterfly brooch in 18K yellow gold, featuring opal-inlaid wings accented with rubies f...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1900s Seed Pearl and Ruby Yellow Gold Chick and Egg Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This antique chick and egg brooch is of exceptional quality, set with a fine and impressive seed pearl and an impressive cabochon ruby.
Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980's Hammerman Brothers Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Frog Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
This textured 1980's frog motif brooch pin is excellent for nature lovers, Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold by Hammerman Brothers, topped by (11) round cut diamonds, pave set, wei...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Retro Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 0.64ctw Round Ruby Fluted Circle Wreath Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous retro vintage brooch was crafted from solid 14k yellow gold. This wreath style brooch features a circular fluted disk design with sets of four natural round cut rubies ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,022Sale Price|40% Off
Yellow Gold Heliotrope Brooch by the Artist with Rubies and Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The brooch is made of 14 karat yellow gold and is encrusted with 16 diamonds and 9 small and 5 larger rubies, totaling 5.75 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Gold and Plique-à-Jour Enamel Calla Lily Brooch
By Moira
Located in London, GB
A Moira Collection ruby, diamond and enamel calla lily brooch, with a yellow diamond set spadix, ruby set petal and a plique à jour enamel leaf with a diamond set midrib and diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique Victorian 18K Gold & Silver 1ctw Diamond & Ruby Kookaburra Bird Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique, diamond, ruby, silver, and yellow gold brooch, comprising fifty round cut diamonds, and one ruby cabochon, set in silver and 18 karat yellow gold, with 18 karat yellow go...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Estate 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby and Jade Wasp Pin Brooch
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby and Jade Wasp Pin Brooch. This gorgeous vintage diamond ruby and jade wasp pin brooch is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Jade, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.83 Carat Diamond Butterfly Brooch Ruby Sapphire 18K White Gold Estate Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
1.83 Carat Diamond Butterfly Brooch Ruby Sapphire 18K White Gold Estate Jewelry Sapphire Weight: 1.46 Carat Ruby Weight: 0.48 Carat Diamond Weight: 1.83 Carat This exquisite butte...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.02ct Ruby and 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch, Circa 1980, Italy
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The brooch is further embellished with a 0.02ct round faceted cut ruby, representing the eye.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Plique À Jour Enamel, Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Gold Dragonfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A modern gem set dragonfly brooch, with a cushion shaped faceted sapphire, weighing 0.86 carats, set in the thorax, with surrounding round brilliant-cut diamonds, with blue to green...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Knot Brooch with Rubies and Diamonds, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat yellow gold brooch designed as a knot, with rubies and diamonds, Italy late 1800s Diameter 3cm
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Amethyst Triangular Floral Brooch Pin in Gold, Early 1900s
Located in Milford, DE
Three faceted rubies, 2.3mm in diameter, are set around the center motif.
Amethyst, Ruby, Gold Plate
CARTIER American Indian Hunter Turquoise Diamond Ruby Sapphire 18k Gold Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
A Legacy on Your Lapel: Rare Cartier Brooch Depicts American Indian Hunter This exceptional vintage brooch from Cartier is a captivating fusion of artistry, history, and precious ma...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Shell Brooch with Ruby and Diamond, Made in Italy
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This brooch, offered by Claris-A, is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features a ribbed shell form.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bird Brooch, 18 Karat Rose Gold with White Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Berlin, DE
Luxurious bird brooch, 18 Karat gold with 10 white diamonds and big ruby.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Ruby, Diamond, Pearl Luckenbooth Heart Crown Circle Brooch, Circa 1910
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century, luckenbooth double witch's heart brooch, with one heart set with Burma rubies and the other set with old-cut diamonds, in grain settings, surmounted with a cor...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
$8,032Sale Price / item|20% Off
18kt Gold Tutti Frutti Brooch with Carved Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
This exuberant design is inspired by the iconic Art Deco “Tutti Frutti” aesthetic, made famous by houses like Cartier. The brooch is centered with a luminous 8 mm white pearl, encir...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Brooch with ruby, sapphire, emerald and single cut diamonds gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Gold and silver brooch with sapphire, ruby, emerald and single cut diamonds. 1.00 ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 8.1 cm long and 3.6 cm wide.
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, 10k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) France Ruby and 18k Yellow Gold Feather Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tampa, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels France Ruby and 18k Yellow Gold Feather Brooch Circa 1965 Brooch Metal - 18k Yellow Gold Weight - 15.5 G Dimensions - 2.75in x 1.0in Signature...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950 Duck Novelty brooch Pearl Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A delightful 18 K yellow Vintage Duck brooch feauturing 1 cultured pearl, Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 18k Gold Enamel Diamond Ruby Donkey Brooch, USA 2010
Located in New York, NY
Figural donkey decorated with rubies and micro pave diamonds. Overall weight approx. 23.34 grams, made of 18k gold and enamel; circa 2010.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Bow Brooch Pin with Diamonds and Ruby Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and ruby bow brooch features a bow design set with round diamonds en pavé (5.80 carats) and decorated with pear shape faceted Thai rubies of brilliant color (8.95 carats).
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique TT Gold Diamond & Ruby Detailed Crown w/ Sceptre Pin Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a beautiful and unique antique pin/brooch or pendant which was crafted from solid 14k yellow and white gold.
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, Enamel, Rose Gold and Silver Dragon Shape Brooch / Pendant.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion dragon shape brooch in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a ruby as eye.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Enamel
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Retro 1950s Diamond Ruby Large Bouquet Brooch in 18K Gold & Platinum
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant retro brooch modelled in the form of an enchanting flower bouquet of shimmering gold leaves, glowing ruby flower buds, and glittering diamond accents.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Flowershaped brooch with ruby and pink quartz 18k yellow gold 7.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold in a flower shape set with ruby and pink quartz detailed description: the size of the brooch is 2.4 cm wide weight 7.7 grams set with - 1 x 2.4 cm shape of a ...
Quartz, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boucheron 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Ruby Bird Brooch Pin, 1960s
By Boucheron
Located in Zurich, CH
Adorable 18 karat yellow gold and ruby bird brooch pin by renowned French jewelry house Boucheron, 1960s.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Brooch from ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION Gold with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Brooch From ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION White and Yellow gold 18kt with Diamonds ct 8.59 and Rubies ct 5.20.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Modern Plique à Jour Enamel, Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby and Gold Dragonfly Brooch
By Moira Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A modern gem set dragonfly brooch, with trembling wings, with an oval faceted sapphire, set in the thorax and in each wing tip, with a total weight of 1.37 carats, with blue to green...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Enamel
Victorian 0.80 Carat Diamond and Ruby 9k Yellow Gold Pin Brooch Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.80 carat diamond and 0.08 carat ruby, 9 karat yellow gold and silver set pin brooch; part of our diverse Victorian jewelry collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 14k Two Tone Gold 21.53ctw Ruby & 4.98ctw Diamond Ribbon Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Subtle variations in size enhance the sense of drape and movement, giving the composition depth without breaking its cohesion. Overall, the brooch balances strong structural lines wi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$33,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mistletoe Brooch with Pear-Shape Diamonds and Cabochon Rubies in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your Christmas party ensemble with 27 pear-shape and 2 round-brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 13.86 carats laid out in an intricate and delightful mistletoe design a...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier Paris Flower Brooch 18K Yellow Gold Ruby & European Cut Diamonds ~4.5ctw
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier Paris Flower Brooch 18K Yellow Gold Ruby & European Cut Diamonds ~4.5ctw This vintage Cartier Paris brooch is designed as a sculptural floral spray in 18k yellow and ros...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D. Platinum Brooch with Emerald-Cut Rubies and Old Mine Diamonds
By Sophia D
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A magnificent brooch by Sophia D. crafted in platinum, showcasing 16 richly saturated rubies in a mix of emerald and oval cuts, totaling approximately 23.51 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch, Circa 1950.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier ruby and diamond 18 karat yellow gold brooch circa 1950.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Retro 14K Gold 2.5 Carat Natural Ruby Bee Pin Brooch Circa 1985
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14K yellow gold bee-shaped brooch set with approximately 2.5 carats of natural round rubies.
Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique 20k Yellow Gold 22.5ct Amethyst Tourmaline and Ruby Floral Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique brooch features a richly hued 22.5ct amethyst as its centerpiece, framed by an elegant arrangement of pink tourmalines and vibrant rubies.
Amethyst, Ruby, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Coral, Tsavorite, Diamond and Ruby Gecko Gold Vintage Statement Brooch Pin
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Whimsical Coral, Tsavorite, Diamond and Ruby Gecko Gold Vintage Statement Brooch Pin. Securely Hand set with Coral, 2.50tcw Tsavorite, 0.12tcw Diamond and 0.03tcw Rub...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 0.34 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Clover Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This pretty Victorian brooch features diamonds, ruby and sapphire forming a three-leaf clover.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Pink Red Ruby & Diamond Antique Style Bow 18K White Gold Pin Brooch
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A truly beautiful white gold bow brooch set with diamonds and French cut rubies. The milgraining of the metal edges allow the diamonds and gemstones to sparkle without competing with...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Silvorra Luxury Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Parrot Motif Silver Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 925 sterling silver brooch cum pendant showcases a charming bird-inspired design adorned with GF-blue sapphire, GF-ruby, emerald, and diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Meghna Jewels 2.94 carats ruby diamond 14K Gold Floral Pendant Brooch
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning brooch is set in 2.63 carats ruby and 1.28 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Edwardian Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Gold Platinum Antique Winged Hermes Foot Brooch
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized foot with winged sandal symbolizing the Greek god Hermes Featuring bead set round cut rubies weighing approximately 0.70 carat total Transparent medium purplis...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
$1,169Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic Dragon “Orient” Ruby & White Zircon Brooch In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic Dragon “Orient” Ruby & White Zircon Brooch In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby - 9.70 carat Natural White Zircon 3 carat The Brooch is from the "Orient" collection...
Sapphire, Ruby, Zircon, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Sasportas, France Retro Gold, Ruby and Diamond Stylized Flower Brooch/Pendant
By Sasportas
Located in New York, NY
A Retro ruby, diamond, and gold clip brooch in the form of a stylized flower, with pendant loop, in 18k.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Brooch - 1960's Floral Bouquet Pin-Pendant Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
This is a versatile vintage brooch and pendant combination piece dating from the 1960s.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold...
Edwardian 18 Karat Gold Pearl Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Bow Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Edwardian bow pin brooch crafted in 18K gold. The piece features cultured pearl, rose cut diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique 22.27 Ct Ceylon Sapphire 1.01 Ct Sapphire Ruby Diamond Palladium Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 22.27 carat Ceylon sapphire, 1.01 carat sapphire, 0.35 carat ruby, 0.30 carat diamond and palladium brooch with platinum settings; part of our diverse...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Palladium, Platinum, 14k Gold
Hammerman Brothers Vintage Diamond Ruby Floral 18 Karat Gold Brooch Pin
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Miami, FL
Adorning the center is a cluster of bright, transparent Rubies and icy white Diamonds. The 5 Rubies weigh approx. 0.40 carats while the 6 diamonds weigh appx. 0.70 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage French 38.65 Carat Oval Cut Citrine and Ruby Gold Turtle Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This stunning vintage turtle brooch is exceptional quality set with rubies and citrine.
Citrine, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian 9KT Gold & Silver Natural Pearl, Ruby & Rose-Cut Diamond Fish Brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions - • Size: approximately 4.5 x 2.5 cm • Weight: 10 grams Specifications - • Era: Victorian, c.1870s • Metal: 9KT gold and silver (silver-topped diamond settings) • Type:...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver
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.
Vintage brooches, which refer to decorative jewelry traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
While jewelry trends come and go, brooches are indeed back on the radar thanks to fashion houses like Gucci, Versace, Dior and Saint Laurent, all of which feature fun pinnable designs in their current collections. Whether a dazzlingly naturalistic Art Nouveau dragonfly, a whimsical David Webb animal, a gem-studded bloom or a streamlined abstract design, these jewels add color and sparkle to your look and a spring to your step.
Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones. Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.
At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric. Chanel, of course, has never abandoned this style, producing gorgeously baroque CC examples since the 1980s.
Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.
Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches for sale on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.
The care that went into crafting this jewel, with its lifelike carved petals and diamond accents, matches the sentiment it represents.
For starters, it is one of the jewelry designer’s most celebrated works.
Though it sparkles with more than 27 carats of diamonds, this multifaceted gem delivers more than just dazzle.
Stellene Volandes takes us on a glittering, engrossing tour through the centuries.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.