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 1950s Platinum 30.21 Carat Ruby Moonstone and Diamond Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A captivating brooch crafted in platinum, showcasing an organic, flame-like design adorned with approximately 30.21 carats of vivid cabochon rubies.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Floral Vintage Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
This classic Tiffany & Co. 18K yellow gold brooch measures approximately 43 mm in diameter or 1-3/4 inches.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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
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
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
Vintage Diamond Hummingbird with Ruby Eye Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k yellow gold Diamond Count: 9 brilliant cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.30 carats Diamond Color: F-G Diamond Clarity: VS 1 Marquise Red Ruby: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Ruby Diamond Enamel Gold Vintage Dog Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Be the person your dog thinks you are when wearing this fanciful Van Cleef & Arpels Paris ruby diamond enamel 18 karat yellow gold furry vintage dog brooch.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Antique 0.78Ct Ruby and 0.40Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This stunning brooch is exceptional quality set with stunning rubies displaying fine colour, brilliance and presence.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
Amethyst Cats Eye Chrysoberyl Diamond Ruby Gold Owl Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine and stylish owl brooch featuring fine and precious gemstones! The center of the own is a 19.30 carat amethyst with a bright rich and clean purple color.
Amethyst, Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold, 6.75 ct. Ruby, and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Brooch is a testament to luxury and craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 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
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
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
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby & Diamond Bar Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Brooch 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 A rare and distinctive antique bar brooch dating to circa 1900, celebrating the "Big Four" precious gemstones in a refined transiti...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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
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
Vintage French 18K Gold Enamel Sapphire Ruby Blackamoor Figural Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Rare and collectible French Blackamoor enamel brooch, expertly crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, set with high quality rubies and sapphires The beautifully modeled three-dimensional...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Retro brooch, it forms a large amati gold leaf set on one side with two rubies and a diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond 12 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive Victorian ruby pendant/brooch has been crafted in 12k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Black Onyx 18K Gold Turtle Brooch-Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating brooch intricately designed in the shape of a turtle, featuring 1.88 carats of round white diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
René Boivin Ruby, Diamond and Turquoise Gold Butterfly Brooch Clip
By René Boivin
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A rare ruby, diamond and turquoise 18K gold butterfly brooch clip by René Boivin, French, 1957 This is a beautiful and sought after butterfly clip brooch by René Boivin.
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Brooch/Pendant.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Brooch/Pendant in 9 kt rose gold and silver sturcture mounted with a carved coral surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian 1890s Ruby Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold Crescent Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning 2.38 carat ruby and 0.30 carat diamond, pearl and 14 karat yellow gold, 14k white gold set 'Crescent' bar brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cherny 18K Gold, Diamond, Emerald & Ruby Figural Bird Brooch
By Cherny
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The bird itself with a ruby eye, pave-set round cut diamonds in white gold settings to the body, and channel set cushion cut rubies and sapphires in white gold mountings to the tail.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k 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
Antique Art Deco 1920s Ruby and Diamonds Double Clip Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The brooch separates into two small lapel clips. Circa 1920s Brooch 2 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches Each clip 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inch
Diamond, Star Ruby
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
Mid-Century Platinum Ruby and Diamond Scroll Brooch, Circa 1950s
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A glamorous mid-century platinum brooch featuring an elegant scroll design, worn by actress Sarah Snook at the 2025 Met Gala.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Estate Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Bouquet Brooch/ pin Platinum By BVLGARI
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Estate Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Bouquet Brooch/ pin Platinum By BVLGARI Estate Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Flowers Brooch/ pin Flower Bouquet brooch, adorned with Bu...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Chalcedony Pearl Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Snail Brooch
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
The snail brooch evokes an oceanic spirit. Soft blue chalcedony is carved as the shell.
Chalcedony, Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ruby and Diamonds Brooch Pin Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond brooch features a drop shape faceted ruby of pigeon blood color (Mozambique) for the weight of 5.80 carats.
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin 50ct Diamond 14ct Burma Ruby Flower Brooch, 18k Gold
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
This brooch is a true masterpiece, combining the timeless beauty of diamonds and rubies with the elegance of 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vibrant 1940s Retro 18K Gold, Ruby & Diamond Thistle Brooch
Located in Wailea, HI
Vibrant 1940s Retro 18K Gold, Ruby & Diamond Thistle Brooch Add a touch of Mid-Century dramatic flair to your wardrobe with this exceptionally fine 1940s floral brooch.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Flower Brooch, 18KT Gold
Located in Braintree, GB
A generous vintage flower brooch in 18KT yellow and white gold, the blooms massed from clusters of vivid natural rubies above sweeping ribbon leaves pavé-set with diamonds, a half-ca...
White Gold
GIA Certified Natural Jadeite Jade Ruby Gold Turtle Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Handmade 1940’s hand textured 3 dimensional jade and ruby turtle brooch. Well polished jade shell with a 14k yellow gold detailed outer edge accented by 2 rich red Ruby eyes.
Jade, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Ruby Diamond Gold Retro Brooch and Earrings Set
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Tiffany & Co. ruby and diamond brooch and matching earrings set dating to the 1940s Retro period, crafted in 14K yellow gold with platinum diamond accents.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
10k Gold Custom Antique Heart Arrow Brooch w/ Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Antique Brooch Features Garland with Bow Detailing on Arrow with Crowned Heart Ruby Cabochon Centerpiece with Old Cut Diamonds Length of Brooch = 47 mm Width of Brooch = 90 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold
Flato Mid-Century Gold Aquamarine Ruby Diamond Spray Brooch
By Paul Flato
Located in New York, NY
It's feminine and makes a lovely choice for your Spring wardrobe, featuring a faceted aquamarine set in yellow gold with ruby and diamond accents. The floral brooch set with a large...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Ruby Flower Ribbon Brooch - VHK#286A
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Tiffany & Co. 18K Ruby Flower Ribbon Brooch - VHK#286A Item Details: 1970s Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight:8.7 grams Ruby Details: Natural Ruby,...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Serpent Brooch, 1960s Design
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking and sculptural vintage brooch crafted in richly textured 18K yellow gold, designed as a coiled serpent with a lion-like head motif.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s 14K Gold Ruby and Sapphire Openwork Mandala Brooch-Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
A striking vintage 14K gold pendant-brooch masterfully crafted in an intricate openwork filigree design and set with a vibrant array of sapphires and rubies.
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage French Ruby and Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage French 0.15 carat ruby and 0.03 carat emerald, 18 karat yellow gold bird brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewelry ...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Pearl, Garnet, Ruby and Diamond Brooch in 14k Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This antique gemstone brooch is excellent quality, set with fine and impressive rubies and garnets displaying fine color and brilliance.
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
7.00 Carat Citrine Ruby Diamond Silver Spider Brooch Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique reproduction spider brooch and pendant. Set with 1 oval yellow/orange citrine totaling 7.00cts accented with 2 round pinkish rubies as eyes and 2 cabochon red rubies. 95 rose...
Citrine, Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Silver Plate
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Ruby Pearl Heart Brooch Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold Ruby Pearl Heart Brooch Pin Approximate Dimensions: 3.4 cm (Length) 3.3 cm (Width) 3.85 - 4.45 mm (Pearl) Approx. 0.3 carat (Ruby) 7.5 grams in weight...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Emerald Ruby and 1.04 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.93 carat emerald, 0.24 carat ruby and 1.04 carat diamond, 18 carat yellow gold brooch; part of our diverse vintage jewellery collections.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold and Silver Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The eye of the bird is represented with a cabochon cut, pavé set ruby. This 21k yellow gold brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
1.24 Carat Pave Diamond Ruby Gold Pointer Dog Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's Art Deco Pave Diamond Ruby gold pointer dog brooch. This unique brooch features a stunning 31 round cut diamonds totaling 1.24 carat's in a pave setting, radiating brilliance ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Lion Brooch in Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond 1.34ctw
Located in Miami, FL
Powerful and symbolic, this exceptional vintage 14K yellow gold lion brooch is a statement of strength, heritage, and artistic craftsmanship.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Elephant-Shaped 14k Gold Emerald Ruby Diamond Brooch, India, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This pendant features a graceful design crafted in 14-carat gold, adorned with sparkling dia...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Retro Gold Cabochon Ruby & 0.25ctw Diamond Spray Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Cabochon Cut - Dark Red Color - 11.11mm (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Ruby - Oval Cabochon Cut - Red Color - Most Likely Burma - No He...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Diamond Panther Brooch with Sapphires and Rubies
Located in Macau, MO
This is a magnificant panther diamond brooch in 18K yellow gold, set with 354 pieces of white diamond totalling 6.97 carats in weight, 112 pieces of blue sapphire weighing 5.95 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,399Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Poodle Brooch with Ruby Eyes, 5.47g
Located in New York, NY
The dog’s eyes are set with small ruby gemstones, adding a subtle pop of color and character.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rothschild Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Flower Vase Brooch / Pendant 18K
Located in Tampa, FL
Why We Love It Elaborate flower-filled vase composition Approximately 6.01 total carats of diamonds and colored gemstones Strong contrast of vivid ruby, sapphire and emerald color A...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian Platinum Bar Brooch with Diamond & Rubies, Circa 1890s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian platinum bar brooch with a central brilliant diamond of 0.4 carats, flanked by rubies and additional diamonds / Made in Italy 1890-1930s Length 5.8cm
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co. Peridot and Ruby Thistle Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boston, MA
*Shreve, Crump & Low Graduate Gemologist commentary: This exceptional brooch was designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Peridot, Ruby, 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.
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.