Brooch-1940s Sunburst Spray Brooch 50g 18k Gold 18.00 Ct Cabochon Ruby Plaque.
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional, investment-grade antique Retro-era statement sunburst plaque brooch, masterfully set with 30.60 total carats of fine precious gemstones and bright white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Victorian 14k Gold Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Trinity Knot Brooch
Located in Flushing, NY
VICTORIAN 14K GOLD RUBY, SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND TRINITY KNOT BROOCH A Victorian 14 karat yellow gold brooch designed as three interlocking circles forming a trinity knot motif, symboli...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Vermeil Ace Of Spades Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A striking and highly unusual Victorian vermeil brooch centered with the iconic Ace of Spades motif, richly embellished with vibrant rubies and old-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Spinel, Silver
Platinum Brooch with 3.95 Carat Diamonds and 1.10 Carat Rubies
Located in Warszawa, PL
Platinum brooch with diamonds and rubies, 3.95 carats diamonds, 1.10 carats rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$5,100Sale Price|25% Off
French 18K YG Emerald Ruby and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous mid 20th century French dragonfly brooch expertly crafted in richly textured 18K yellow gold, designed with sculptural rope-twist detailing and vibrant gemstone accents.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Burmese No Enhancement Carved Ruby Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Impressive, Burmese ( Myanmar) carved ruby & diamond brooch. The brooch is designed as a pave-set plaque of rectangular outline , enhanced with foliate motifs, centering a carved r...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Hallmarked Antique 18kt yellow Gold Pin Brooch with Rubies & Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Period: Antique Style: Pin Brooch Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stones: Natural Diamonds & Natural Rubies Measurements: Approx. 4.50 inches long (114.3 mm) Total weight: 7.8...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bunny Brooch
Located in Troy, MI
Vintage 18 karat yellow gold 3 dimensional bunny brooch featuring 10 diamonds = 0.16 Cttw, 4 rubies = 0.32 Cttw and 6 sapphires = 0.48 Cttw.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Adorable Oscar Heyman Carved Ruby Diamond Platinum Bird Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Adorable platinum bird brooch by Oscar Heyman, set with carved ruby, enamel accents and approx.0.85ctw FG/VS diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Pearl Diamond Ruby Emerald Gold Silver Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Antique 14k gold and silver top butterfly brooch, adorned with 6.8mm x 8mm pearl, pear shaped emerald, ruby eyes and approx. 2.20ctw in old mine cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Tiger Eye Ruby Enamel 18k Yellow Gold Hummingbird Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
A beautifully crafted hummingbird brooch, exquisitely detailed in rich 18k yellow gold.
Ruby, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Rachel Koen Ruby Diamond Floral Long Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunningly beautiful diamond gemstone brooch features a pop of color with round cut rubies, diamonds, and green chrysoprase all studded in a floral pattern design crafted in 18k...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin Paris Leaves Brooch 18k Gold , Ruby and Diamonds
By Mauboussin
Located in istanbul, TR
The Mauboussin brooch is a fine jewelry piece crafted from 18k rose gold, featuring 10 round diamonds and a ruby as the secondary stone.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 2.50ct Sapphire and Ruby Butterfly brooch, c.1980s
Located in London, GB
Adorned with thirty nine sapphires, this wonderful brooch has been crafted in the likeness of a butterfly.
Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Etruscan Brooch Star Set Ruby Centre
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Brooch 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Fabulous Victorian Brooch with the Most Beautiful Etruscan Detailing.
Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian ruby diamond 18k yellow gold golf club brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian brooch showcases vibrant calibre cut rubies framed by delicate rose cut diamonds in a graceful 18k yellow gold and platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum Diamond Brooch, Circa 1900, Rubies, Sapphires, Pearls
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Early 20th-Century Edwardian era Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond & Pearl Brooch Platinum-Set — In Richard Ogden Case A beautifully executed early 20th-century gem-set brooch, crafted in...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Mid Century whimsical ruby emerald 18k yellow gold cat brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One eye is set with a single round emerald that gives the cat its knowing, half-winking expression, while a cabochon ruby forms the nose above a set of fine gold whisker wires.
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Blister Pearl Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Chick Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive blister pearl, 0.02 carat ruby and 0.33 carat diamond, 9 karat yellow gold and silver set chick brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Bulldog Brooch
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 8.9g (5.7 dwt) Total Diamond Weight: 0.51ctw Number of Diamonds: 50 Secondary Stone: Ruby (2 stones) Setting: Pavé Length: 1.20 inches (3cm) T...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
Dolphin Diamond Brooch 18KT White Gold Natural Rubies
Located in Jupiter, FL
Astonishgly beautiful dolphin made with natural rubies and diamonds in 18KT white gold. GRAM WEIGHT: 11.70gr GOLD: 18KT white gold SIZE: 1.72" long by 1.30" wide NATURAL DIAMOND(S) C...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Platinum Salamanca Eagle Brooch with Diamonds and Ruby, 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.29 carat diamond and 0.02 carat ruby, platinum 'Salamanca eagle' military brooch; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Sapphire Ruby Pearl and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.09 carat ruby, 0.08 carat sapphire, 0.20 carat diamond and pearl, 18 karat yellow and white gold brooch; part of our organic style jewelry c...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Invisible Set Ruby Flower Brooch with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with invisible set Rubies weighing approximately a total of 22.00 carats, as well as Round Brilliant and Square cut Diamonds weighing approximately a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Pendant Brooch Metal: Yellow Gold Excellent Condition Year of Manufacture: 1940s Gemstone: Ruby & Emerald Ruby (Center Stone) Weight: 2 CT Item Weight: 36....
18k Yellow Gold Elephant Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Brooch
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
The sparkle of diamonds is contrasted with the rich colors of the rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, giving the brooch both depth and a sense of dynamic energy.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby Diamond Gold-Stag Brooch, Circa 1890
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning antique from the late 19th century featuring old European-cut diamonds and vivid red Burmese rubies! The rubies are set in a U shape while the diamonds are set in the oppo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Tiffany and Co. Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Wreath Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Tiffany & Co. brooch is a timeless classic, designed as a delicate open circular wreath.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.25 Carat Ruby Gem Tulip Brooch Pin 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 0.25 Carat Ruby Gem Tulip Brooch Pin 18k Gold. Very elegant design of the Tulip flowers with Ruby gemstones makes this brooch very creative.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco No Heat Burma Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite Art Deco brooch features an AGL-certified natural no-heat ruby center stone surrounded by meticulously arranged diamonds in platinum and 14K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Victorian 3.50ct Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian brooch displays a captivating circular design, featuring a single original antique synthetic ruby at its centre.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.25ct Diamond and Ruby Bird Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This charming brooch from the 1880s has been crafted in the likeness of a swooping bird atop a pin brooch.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Diamond Pearl Ruby and Yellow Gold Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 1.30 carat diamond and pearl, 0.02 carat ruby and 9 karat yellow gold, silver set 'dragonfly' brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.25 Carat Ruby and Diamond Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Five rubies are surrounded by rose cut diamonds in this Victorian brooch.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver
$6,060Sale Price|20% Off
Charming Art Deco Rose-Cut and Ruby Lizard Brooch
Located in Firenze, FI
Charming early Art Deco Lizard Brooch with Rose-Cut Diamonds and Ruby , set in 14k gold and Silver .
Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
1960s Diamond Emerald Ruby Pearl Platinum Birds Nest Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully designed and masterfully hand-crafted this unique brooch worked in platinum depicts a pair of birds in a birds nest.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Fine Ruby, Diamond and Enamel Brooch Circa 1925
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Hand-crafted in platinum, this long ribbon bow brooch features openwork floral design lacework intricately adorned with a mixture of antique cut diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Retro Gold, Aquamarine, and Ruby Fan-Shaped Clip Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold clip brooch of scrolled, fan-shaped design set with a large central aquamarine framed on three sides by calibre cut rubies, accented with inset round cut rubies, in 18k.
Aquamarine, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
1940s Opal Ruby Sapphire and 3.50ct Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 3.50 carat diamond, opal, ruby and sapphire 18 karat white gold brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, own hallmark. Splendid retro brooch, it forms an openwork knot with gold threads.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt Solid Gold Rubies Newlywed Couple Horse Carriage Brooch
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
EXTRAORDINARY Vintage 18kt gold , genuine rubies and cultured pearls ,newlywed couple pin /brooch The newly weds are sitting in an horse carriage with beautiful details , groom and ...
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Vintage Herbert Rosenthal Bumble Bee Diamond & Ruby Large Brooch Pin
By Herbert Rosenthal
Located in Boston, MA
The brooch measures 1.25 inches in both length and width.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Emerald Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cat Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Measuring 2 1/4 x 1 7/8 inches and weighing 43.4 grams, this brooch is a substantial and elegant accessory. The harmonious blend of emerald, ruby, and diamond gemstones, all set in l...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman 18Kt Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Elephant Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
The 18 karat yellow gold and platinum elephant brooch is set entirely with round brilliant Diamonds and an Oval Ruby cabochon at the foot and the eye.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 19.2K Yellow Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Flower Basket Brooch
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A striking vintage flower basket brooch crafted in 19.2K yellow gold, bearing the Lisbon assay mark (1938–1984).
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Diamond and Ruby "Flower" Brooch Set in Yellow Gold
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Rosior One-off "Flower" Brooch set in Yellow Gold with: - 26 Diamonds with 0,31 ct (G-VVS); - 43 Rubies with 0,72 ct.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Unicorn Black Enamel, Ruby, Diamonds Vintage Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Unicorn Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Unicorn Black Enamel, Ruby, Diamonds Brooch. Circa 1965 Round brilliant-cut diamonds and pear-shaped rubies Signed Platinum and 18 kara...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Calvaire Retro Ruby Heart Clip Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Rare Calvaire retro faux ruby gilded heart brooch from the 1940s. USA Excellent condition.
Victorian 2.00 carat ruby seed pearl 14k yellow gold brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Victorian brooch is a beautifully detailed jewel from the 1900’s, featuring 13 cushion cut rubies weighing approximately 2.00 carats in total.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
English Ruby Sapphire Turquoise Diamond Yellow Gold Bird Brooch, 1971
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage English 0.04 carat ruby, 0.02 carat sapphire, 0.02 carat turquoise and 0.02 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold bird brooch; part of our diverse vintage...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and 14k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.01 carat ruby and 14 karat yellow gold bird brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewellery collections.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Clown Pendant Brooch of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This playful vintage clown (circa 1950) is crafted in 18k gold with natural ruby and diamond accents, its articulated body designed for movement and charm.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1970s Large Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
In addition there are 18 genuine carved rubies, approx. 12.00 carats in total, of a lovely red color.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Gorgeous Dragonfly Brooch Sliver Gold, Ruby, Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Eyes have two genuine rubies mounted in higher grade silver and 14kt gold accents .
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Ruby Diamond Bow Brooch with Openwork Design in 14KWhite Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Ruby Bow Brooch features vivid rubies accented by brilliant diamonds in an elegant Art Deco-inspired bow silhouette.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Pennino Retro Ruby Sterling Silver Brooch
By Pennino Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful Pennino Retro rose gold washed sterling silver, triple faux ruby floret and leaf cluster brooch of faceted oval stones, bullet cabochons centers and crystal pave accents.
Vermeil, Sterling Silver
1910s Pearl Diamond Peridot and Ruby Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.12 carat diamond, pearl, peridot, ruby and 9 karat yellow gold, platinum set brooch; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 8.65Ct Aquamarine and 0.20Ct Ruby 21k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 8.65 carat aquamarine and 0.20 carat ruby, 21 karat yellow gold brooch; part of our diverse antique Victorian brooch collections.
Aquamarine, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Renaissance Revival Enamel, Ruby, Diamond, and Pearl Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Renaissance Revival Enamel, Ruby, Diamond, and Pearl Pendant Brooch Description: An extraordinary Renaissance Revival pendant brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold, this highly detailed...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s 12.80 Carat Ruby Flower Brooch with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with Round cut Rubies weighing approximately a total of 12.80 carats and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1....
Blue Diamond, Ruby, 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.
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.