1950s Western Germany Gold-Tone Filigree Brooch with Green Rhinestones and Faux
Located in Milford, DE
1950s Western Germany Gold-Tone Filigree Brooch with Green Rhinestones and Faux Pearls This dazzling mid-century brooch, marked "Western Germany," showcases the intricate craftsmansh...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique Hand Made 18K Gold and Silver Dragonfly Brooch, Circa 1880-1910
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Antique, circa 1880-1910, 18K yellow gold and silver handmade dragonfly brooch/pendant slide with sapphire, opal, ruby and diamond.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
VictorianVictorian 14K Gold Rose Cut Diamond Winged “En Tremblant” Insect Brooch
Located in Venice, CA
The brooch contains a beautiful array of diamonds, rubies, and an emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Labradorite Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Devil Antique Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized devil with textured horns- carved out of labradorite Semi-translucent gray in body color with strong adularescence - blue flashes throughout With bezel set rub...
Labradorite, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
AUSTRIAN 1900 Art Nouveau Fire-Enamel Flying Pigeon In Sterling With Ruby In Box
Located in Miami, FL
Materials: .800 silver, fire enamel and ruby. Ruby: The eye of the pigeon is mount in an inlaid setting, with 1 round cabochon cut of a natural vivid red ruby.
Ruby, Silver, Enamel
18 Karat Yellow gold Crown Brooch / Pendant with Precious Stones and Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt Yellow gold Crown Brooch / Pendant with Precious Stones Beautiful 18 kt gold crown Brooch/Pendant set with brilliant cut diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and Huge citrin...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Extraordinary 30.00 Ct Blue Moonstone Gemset Fancy Cat Brooch 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
Extraordinary Fancy cat brooch pre 1970 circa- Italian origin Hand crafted as unique piece of jewelry – no other one like this – solid 18 KT white gold Marvelous Cut face created wit...
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Cat’s Eye, 18k Gold
Garavelli 18 Karat White Gold, 4.58 Carat Diamond Turtle Brooch with Citrines
By Garavelli Aldo
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat white gold turtle brooch is beautifully set with a shell of diamonds and faceted bottom cabochon citrine stones.
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s Mid-Century Natural Diamond Pearl 18K Yellow Gold Brooch Grain Setting
Located in Marcianise, IT
Specifications: Net Total Weight of the brooch grams 39.9 Metal: 18k Yellow and White Gold (750/1000) Main Stone: Large White Baroque Pearl Gems: Natural Rubies (Cabochon cut, appro...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Ruby and Enamel Frog Pin in 18K Yellow Gold
By David Webb
Located in Dallas, TX
David Webb Ruby and Enamel Frog Pin in 18K Yellow Gold. The pin measures 2 by 1.25 inches and weighs 46 grams. Stamped webb 18k.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
3.06 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Turtle Brooch Pin 18K Yellow Gold Estate Style
Located in New York, NY
3.06 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Turtle Brooch Pin 18K Yellow Gold Estate Style Sapphire Weight: 3.06 Carats Diamond Weight: 0.46 Carats A beautifully crafted 18K yellow gold sapph...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Gold Ladybug Brooch with Cabochon Ruby and Rosé Diamonds
Located in Napoli, IT
Refined figurative brooch in the shape of a ladybug, made of 18K rose gold, an example of fine jewelry with vintage taste and strong decorative value. The body of the insect is embe...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mauboussin Art Deco Love Birds Ruby and Diamond Pin, ca. 1920s
By Mauboussin
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Mauboussin Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Lovebirds Pin, ca. 1920s A very romantic Art Deco pin from the 1920s by the Parisian jeweller Mauboussin. This pin features two beautiful love b...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Diamond Goat Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
These diamonds add a brilliant sparkle, enhancing the overall allure of the brooch. The eyes of the goat are set with ruby cabochons, adding a touch of color and depth to the design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Bochic “Orient” Retro Multi Sapphires & Opal Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Retro Multi Sapphires & Opal Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver Can be worn as a brooch and a pendant Blue color Natural Sapphires from Sri Lanka 27 carat M...
Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Tutti Frutti clip brooch in platinum and gold, crescent moon
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco Tutti Frutti lapel clip in 18k yellow gold and platinum. The brooch takes the shape of a crescent moon, decorated with stylized flowers with sculpted petals of 17 sapphires ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold
Mid Century Multi-Gem Platinum Vintage Giardinetto Floral Tutti-Frutti Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a plant sprouting from a dimensionally carved rock crystal quartz vase Transparent colorless with frosted matte finish - measuring 12.0 x 12.5 mm Featuring transitional c...
Diamond, Emerald, Quartz, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Diamond Goat Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The careful placement of diamonds enhances the playful and luxurious nature of the brooch. Two ruby cabochon eyes add a pop of color and depth to the design, bringing the ram/goat t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Bochic “Orient” Retro Multi Sapphires & Opal Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Retro Multi Sapphires & Opal Brooch Set In 18K Gold & Silver Can be worn as a brooch and a pendant Blue color Natural Sapphires from Sri Lanka 7 carat Mu...
Opal, Sapphire, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Owl Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a highly rendered gold owl with engraved feathers and grooved detail Depicted perched upon a carved lapis lazuli sphere measuring 7.0 mm round Opaque ultramarine blue wit...
Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Silver, Rose Gold & Cat's Eye Quartz Bee Brooch - France - Circa 1870's
Located in Chatham, CA
Antique French silver topped 18K rose gold bee brooch (possibly by Alphonse Auger - Place des Victoires, Paris) - featuring exceptional Cat's Eye Quartz round and oval cabochons for ...
Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, Rose Gold, Silver
Dragonfly Important Art Deco Style 18 Karat Natural Pearls Blackstar Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Style Insects. 10.00ct Black Star Gems, Cabochon Cuts Natural Cultured Pearls & Natural Cabochon Rubies (2) Eyes. 18kt. yellow gold. 39.7 grams. Overall: 2.8 X 4.1 in...
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Other, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold Fish Brooche Natural Turquoise and Ruby Handmade Pin, circa 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Gold Fish Brooche Natural Turqoise & Ruby Pin Circa 1950. The piece weighs 7.5 grams total. Condition is Pre-owned.
Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
$3,188Sale Price|20% Off
MONSTER BEETLE 1950 Retro Brooch In 14Kt & Sterling Silver With Multi Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
The beetle is fitted with four-wings similar to a big scarab and is embellished with twenty-six natural earth mined gemstones, such; a huge rutilated quartz, red rubies and blue aqua...
Aquamarine, Quartz, Ruby, Multi-gemstone, Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Si...
"Bird on A Tree" Baikalla Jewelry Signature Neck-piece Brooch Necklace
Located in Portland, OR
Secondary Stone: Genuine Reddish-Orange Burmese Jadeite Secondary stone size:6mm*6mm Secondary stone setting:4 prong setting Secondary stone cut: Cabochon Tertiary stone: Genuine Bur...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Green Emerald, Rubies, And Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
At the center of the brooch is a vibrant cabochon cut green emerald, radiating a vivid hue.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cellini 18 Karat Gold Bee Brooch with Diamonds, Gem Stones and South Sea Pearl
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully designed 18 karat yellow gold bee brooch. The bee's wings are set with round brilliant diamonds and cabochon rubies.
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow...
Antique Edwardian Kirkpatrick Co 18K Gold Platinum Opal Diamond Ruby Pin Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Kirkpatrick Co 18K Gold Platinum Opal Diamond Ruby Pin Pendant. This incredible Edwardian Kirkpatrick Co diamond opal and ruby pendant and pin is crafted ...
White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Sultan Brooch Hand-Carved Coral Head Multi-Gemstones 18K 9K Gold Silver
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
On the sides of the bust, two ruby cabochons further enrich the brooch, adding depth and a nod to passion and courage.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Coral, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow ...
Albert Lipten 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hobby Horse Brooch with .60 Carat Diamonds
By Albert Lipten
Located in New York, NY
The rein is set with round brilliant diamonds along with a single bezel set diamond. The eye is a cabochon ruby. The brooch measures 2 7/8" in length.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,800
Antique Owl Stick Pin
Located in New York, NY
Antique Owl Stick Pin A stick pin with an engraved gold owl at the top, with two cabochon rubies set as its eyes. Approximate Length: 3.75 inches Approximate Weight: 6 grams Metal...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Swedish 1960s Sterling PouredGlass Signed TennesmedStigbert Geometric RedBrooch
By Rune Tennesmed
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in 1962 by Swedish Rune Tennesmed, this modern minimal sterling silver geometric brooch features a faux ruby poured-glass red cabochon, concave sheet metal, and openwork that fo...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Gio' Pomodoro brooch, unique piece 1953
Located in Pesaro, IT
Gio' Pomodoro, unique gold brooch, 1953, jewel of Italian modernist artist. An extraordinary example of wearable art, this unique piece belongs to the early and most experimental pha...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Bull Stickpin of 14k Gold and Platinum, Circa 1890
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Powerful and refined, this fine antique stickpin (circa early 20th century) showcases a meticulously modeled bull’s head in warm 14k gold, crowned with sleek platinum horns and set w...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Yellow Rhinestone Brass Dress Clip with Filigree, 1930s
Located in Milford, DE
This bold Art Deco dress clip from the 1930s features a striking triangular design crafted in antiqued brass-tone metal with intricate openwork and repoussé detailing. Three vibrant ...
Ruby, Gold, Brass
Antique Yellow Gold Diamond and Turquoise Butterfly Pin
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in gold, this exquisite piece features intricately designed wings adorned with sparkling diamonds. The body showcases an aged turquoise stone, adding a pop of color. Two ruby...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold
GIA Certified Russian Emerald & Burma Sapphire White & Yellow Diamond Joker Pin
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified Russian Emerald & Burma Sapphire White & Yellow Diamond Joker Pin GIA report # for Emerald is 5222519629 Natural beryl , Emerald Origin Russia GIA report # for Sapph...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Faraone Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond Heart Earring & Brooch Set
By Faraone
Located in New York, NY
Faraone Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond Heart Earring & Brooch Set This playful heart-shaped suite by Faraone includes a pair of earrings and a matching brooch, all set in rich...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1940s Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
The case is supported and articulated by two rows of 8/8 diamonds and two geometric motifs set with calibrated rubies. A tubogaz mesh is connected to a double clasp adorned with a ro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.90ct Opal 0.25ct Ruby and 15ct Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 2.90 carat opal, 0.25 carat ruby and 15 karat yellow gold floral pendant / brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate je...
Opal, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian Snake Serpent Brooch Ruby Eyes Pendant Necklace Antique 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
The snake is set with two gorgeous bright red ruby eyes. These rubies are cabochon cut and are a stunning color with incredible fire.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Parrot Colorful Pendant, Necklace Brooch. Diamond Ruby Onyx Amethyst Bird
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
18k Gold Brooch and Pendant with cord necklace. Rare Colorful Parrot with custom cabochon cut Amethyst, Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, and Green agate to create beautiful collage.
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Multi-Gemstone Brooch Pendant Sautoir Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with a center Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 28.00 carats, additional 35 Cabochon Rubies weighing approximately a total of 31.50 carats, 21 Ca...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Faberge Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Lozenge-Shaped Brooch
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Faberge ruby, sapphire and diamond lozenge-shaped brooch, with a white fluted baton-shaped motif set with a cabochon-cut sapphire and ruby at finials, with rose-cut diamond collars...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Fred Leighton Multi Gem Bird of Paradise Brooch with Articulated Tail Feathers
By Fred Leighton
Located in New York, NY
A custom made "Bird of Paradise" brooch of 18kt gold, with cabochon ruby eyes = .10 carats, the head and back set with 80 yellow diamonds = 1.75 carats, the breast paved with 34 bril...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
An Edwardian Star Ruby And Diamond Cluster Stick Pin
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian star ruby and diamond cluster stick pin, the oval shaped cabochon-cut ruby estimated to weigh 0.5 carats, surrounded by eighteen rose-cut diamond, all fine millegrain-se...
Diamond, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,000
Vintage Art Deco Ruby Cabochon Diamond Brooch
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A striking Art Deco brooch set with a natural cabochon ruby and diamond centrepiece.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$6,800
Vintage Midcentury Massive Cabochon Ruby Diamond Brooch
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Retro Gold Estate Brooch Pave Brilliant cut diamonds 0.75 Ct (TWT) 21 Cabochon Rubies 3.5 mm each 5.25 Ct (TWT) Engraved 557701
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$16,000
Flower Brooch with Diamonds, Cabochon Ruby set in Platinum
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautifully crafted circa 1930 deco transitional flower form brooch with pave diamonds and a substantial cabochon ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$45,000
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Diamond Ruby Cabochon Gold Leaf Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A 1970's Diamond & Cabochon Ruby Leaf Brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$78,000
Andreoli Ruby Cabochon Pink Sapphire Diamond Titanium Flower Brooch Pin
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli Ruby Cabochon Pink Sapphire Diamond Titanium Flower Brooch Pin.
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Titanium, Gold, White ...
Unavailable|$3,500
Yellow Gold Dragon Pin with Ruby Cabochon Eye
Located in DALLAS, TX
Antique 14k yellow gold dragon pin brooch with cabochon cut ruby eye. Dwt 3.7
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,689
Vintage Scales and Rubies Brooch
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage 18K gold round and spiraling brooch. Engraving forming scales centered by a round-cut diamond and cabochon-cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold, Enamel, Cultured Pearl, 0.75ct Diamond & Ruby Cabochon Bird Brooch 21g
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Bird and Nest Brooch Features Enamel, Cultured Pearl, Diamonds, and Rubies in 18k Yellow Gold Features 0.75ct Diamonds Dimensions: 2-1/4" x 1-1/4" Total Mass = 21 grams Feat...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Unavailable|$2,392
Martine Enamel Sapphire and Ruby Clown Brooch
By Martine
Located in Summerland, CA
Four on the collar, and one on top of the cap. Cabochon ruby on the nose. Articulates from the collar.
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Enamel
Unavailable|$2,585
Enamel Ruby 14 Carat Gold Frog Brooch
Located in Berlin, DE
1960's. Made in 14 carat yellow gold with rubies eyes. Enameled. Total weight: 7,30 grams. Measurements: 0.98 x 0.79 in ( 2,5 x 2 cm )
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$21,403
Sapphire Ruby Diamond and Tanzanite Butterfly Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Adorn yourself with the exquisite elegance of the Sapphire, Ruby Diamond and Tanzanite Butterfly Brooch. Crafted with precision and artistry, this stunning piece captures the essence...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 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.