Unavailable|$19,390
Coral Diamond and Ruby Gold Brooch/Pendant
Located in Berlin, DE
1960s-1970s. Cabochon-cut carved coral, 76 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 5,30 ct., 32 rubies weighing circa 8.70 ct. Mounted in 18 K yellow gold. Hallmarked with the ...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,875 / set
Gold Sapphires and Rubies French Vintage Bird Brooch
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
One very lovely bird brooch, made inn France circa 1950. Made in yellow gold 18K, Sapphires and rubies. The principal handgraved sapphire weights 4 carats approximately. Dimensions...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Unavailable|$998
Turquoise and Ruby 18K Gold Bunny Brooch
Located in PARIS, FR
18K Two-toned gold turquoise rabbit brooch. The rabbit's eyes are made of brillant-cut rubies Engraved and brushed gold Vintage from the seventies, probably greek craftsmanship 61...
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1993 Rare Gripoix pour Chanel gilded metal brooch with ruby red cabochons
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
CHANEL (Made in France) Rare example of a gorgeous oval brooch composed of ruby red glass paste cabochons in the shape of tear drops set in gilded metal.
Gilt Metal
Unavailable|$4,200
Retro Gold Cabochon Ruby Pin by Trabert & Hoeffer MAUBOUSSIN
By Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin
Located in Southampton, NY
Retro red and yellow gold, diamond and ruby set flowing swirl pin by Trabert & Hoeffer Mauboussin. A very good example of the departure from geometric Art Deco design by America's le...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
Matsuzaki Rubellite Pink Tourmaline Ruby Diamond Feather Platinum Gold Brooch
By Noriko Matsuzaki
Located in Tokyo, JP
Tourmaline : 10.66ct / Rubies : 0.84ct / Diamonds : 1.16ct Approximate Size of the center stone : L14mm W13.5mm D6.5mm Unique Piece / Brand New Condition All hand made in our own ate...
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
18K White Gold Jadeite & Ruby Chinese Opera Portrait Brooch with Diamonds
Located in Kowloon, HK
18K White Gold Jadeite & Ruby Chinese Opera Portrait Brooch with Diamonds Natural Jadeites & Rubies & Diamonds Total Weight - 14.81 GM Highly Customizable. Natural Jadeite & Ruby ...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, White Gold
Unavailable|$3,055
An 18k yellow gold, emerald and ruby frog brooch by Theo Fennell
By Theo Fennell
Located in KERKRADE, NL
An 18k yellow gold, emerald and ruby frog brooch by Theo Fennell. Origin: London, UK. Age: 1991. Measurements: Circa 2 by 3 cm. Weight: circa 7.8 grams. Hallmarks: marked with the U...
Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,000
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Lion Brooch with Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Texutred Yellow Gold Lion with White Gold Accents Features Melee Diamonds, Ruby Cabochon Nose, and Emerald Eyes Appx 1 1/8" Long x 3/4" Wide Total Mass = 18.0 grams Piece is...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Fox Head 15ct Yellow Gold Pin with Cabochon Ruby Set
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Typically used in the Edwardian era as a pin or brooch whilst hunting, this Fox Head has been hand crafted in 18ct Yellow Gold, with Cabochon Ruby set eyes.
Ruby, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cameo brooch with onyx, 18k yellow gold, with sapphire, ruby, and emerald
Located in Berlin, DE
Details at a glance: Condition: Pre-owned – Good Seller’s note: Good condition with slight signs of wear (see photos) Purity: 18 Karat Type: Brooch Department: Women Shape: Rou...
Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18k/Sterling Plique-À-Jour Sapphire, Ruby, & Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in Narberth, PA
The eyes of the insect are represented by 2 pinkish-red ruby cabochons, which are held within bezel-settings and have an approximate total carat weight of .40ctw.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, E...
Antique 15 Karat Gold Turquoise Pearl Ruby Winged Insect Brooch, circa 1910
Located in Preston, Lancashire
Antique turquoise, pearl and ruby insect brooch crafted in 15 karat yellow gold. This fabulous double-winged insect brooch is set with natural turquoise to its body and wing tips wi...
Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,405
Austrian Amethyst Diamonds Rubies 14 Karat Gold 1980s Turtle Brooch
Located in Munich, DE
There are 17 round diamonds of a high colour and clarity grade and two cabochon ruby eyes. The brooch was made in 14 karat gold with a 585 stamp and has a safety lock.
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Victorian fine fox head stick pin with glass frame back and ruby cabochon eyes
Located in Stratford upon Avon, GB
18ct yellow gold Victorian fox head pin with cabochon ruby eyes.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$600
Antique Art Deco Penguins Brooch
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Such a sweet antique novelty brooch dating from the 1920s. The two penguins have their flippers linked and beaks poised to kiss. They're set with white paste gemstones and finished i...
Ruby, Silver
Unavailable|$24,326
Timeless Flight: Handcrafted 18kt Gold Dragonfly Brooch with Precious Gems
Located in Lugano, CH
The head, a cabochon sapphire, tells a story of uniqueness and authenticity.
White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Unavailable|$5,995
Contemporary Large 18 Karat Carved Jade, Ruby, and Diamond Pin
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely fantastic contemporary jade pin! This gorgeous piece, which is particularly substantial in size, is crafted in buttery 18kt yellow gold and features an oval-shaped plaq...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,638
Art Deco Tutti Frutti Clip Brooch in 18k Gold and Platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco Tutti Frutti clip brooch in 18 karat gold and platinum. Brooch taking the form of a crescent moon, decorated with flowers stylized by petals carved with sapphires, rubies an...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Berca One-of-a-kind 43.25 Carat Lemon Quartz White Diamond Angelfish Brooch
By Berca Atelier
Located in Valenza, IT
Extraordinary, unique yet timeless 43.25 Carat hand inlaid, hand carved natural lemon quartz, 0.81 Carat top quality white diamond(D-E, IF), 0.05Carat natural Ruby, 18k white gold ...
White Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Burma Sapphire 4.60ct Certificated Untreated, Pearl, Ruby Bee/Insect/B
Located in London, GB
An exceptional, exquisite and well preserved Victorian brooch in the form of a bee with ruby eyes, sapphire and diamond wings, natural pearl and cabochon natural untreated Burma Sapp...
Diamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Sapph...
Unavailable|$3,400
Bunny with a Carrot pin
Located in New York, NY
Most appealing figural "rabbit" pin: a seated bunny eating a coral carrot. 18K yellow gold. Sparkling faceted ruby eye. 1 2/3" x 3/4." Alice Kwartler has sold the finest antiq...
Coral, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$9,750
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Carousel Horse
Located in New York, NY
18k Yellow Gold and Cabochon Ruby Carousel Horse Brooch
Unavailable|$19,995 / set
18K Yellow Gold 6.12ctw Diamond Turtle Brooch/Pendant with 44/1ctw Natural Ruby
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite 18K Yellow Gold 6.12ctw Diamond and 44/1ctw Natural cat's Eye Ruby Pendant/Brooch, a dazzling addition to your jewelry collection. An Impressive piece of je...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$8,400
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This impressive grape motif vintage brooch pin is adorned with 10 cabochon rubies approx: 25.6 carats total, enhanced with diamonds weighing approx. 18ct.
Diamond, Ruby
Sold|$6,500
Ruby Cabochon Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in Southampton, PA
A lustrous epitome of prestigious brilliance and tasteful flamboyance, this fantastic brooch is made of shimmering platinum and adorned with two striking rubies weighing in total 1.5...
Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$5,300
Retro Cabochon Emeralds Ruby Diamonds Brooch
Located in London, GB
A ravishing Retro brooch set with cabochon cut emeralds and rubies.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Emerald Cabochon Diamond and Ruby Bird Brooch, ca. 1940s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A cute late Art Deco bird brooch, circa 1940s. The bird body centres an emerald cabochon, weighing ca. 6 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Gold
Sold|$32,775
Tutti Frutti Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Brooch
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
This brooch is made in 18kt yellow and white gold, it features five cabochon ruby stones and 3.86 carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds with D.E.F color and VVS clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mario Buccellati Cabochon Ruby Sapphire Gold Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a flower, with cabochon cut rubies and sapphire. Mounted in 18Kt Gold Signed M. Buccellati, Weight: 23.6 gr Wide 21 mm High 51 mm
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Enamel Cabochon Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Orchid Brooch
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
The estimated weight of the rose cut diamonds is 5.76cts total, and the estimated weight of the cabochon rubies is 1.35cts total.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Gold Cabochon Emerald Diamond and Ruby Frog Pin Brooch
Located in Dallas, TX
18k Beaded Yellow Gold Frog Pin/Brooch has 24 diamonds ranging from 4.5-5mm. There are 18 emeralds and they range from 4 mm-6mm. Two ruby eyes are 4.5mm. Two frog legs. Excellent...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 4.35cts Diamond Cabochon Ruby Sapphire Platinum Floral Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant Heart & Floral inspired vintage diamond & Sapphire open style brooch pin weighing approximately 10.0 grams. crafted in solid Platinum, this exquisite piece is adorned by an...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
BVLGARI ITALY 18K YG, Cabochon Ruby, Diamond & Ancient Roman Monete Coin Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bvlgari Italy 18K Yellow Gold, Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Ancient Roman Coin Monete Brooch Circa 1980s Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer brooch.
Diamond, Ruby
Vintage 18ct Gold Italy Stamped, 1960s Cabochon Chalcedony & Ruby Cat Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Cat Brooch 18ct Gold Circa 1960s Embrace the charm of vintage elegance with this exquisite 18ct yellow gold brooch, featuring a magnificent cat and its adorable kitten bea...
Chalcedony, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS diamond, cabochon ruby and gold bonnet brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A cabochon ruby, diamond and gold bonnet brooch. Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, 18k Gold
South Sea White Pearl and Ruby Cabochon Coin Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful brooch with big white South Sea pearls and 3 ruby cabochon ovals.
Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
George Lenfant Spiral Shell with Cabochon Ruby Tip
Located in New York, NY
Made for Tiffany& Co. by George Lenfant in 18kt Yellow Gold with applied Rope Ridges and a brilliant cabochon ruby at the tip. Ooh la la - Paris. Perfect for every day / late a...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Vintage 1985 Gripoix Cabochon Ruby Emerald Amethyst White Pearl Brooch
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1985 Unisex Gripoix Cabochon Ruby Emerald Amethyst Red Green Purple White Pearl Textured Poured Glass Abnormal Chunky Statement Long Bar Brooch, Gold Tone Very good c...
Gold Plate
Sphinx Golden Turquoise Cabochon and Ruby Crystal Pin Brooch, Mid 1900s
By sphinx
Located in Milford, DE
Vintage pin by costume jewelry designer Sphinx, featuring turquoise-colored cabochons and ruby-red crystals. Set in an oval, floral wreath motif gold plated setting. Hallmarks: Sphi...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Massive Emerald Ruby Sapphire Cabochon Shield Gold Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Massive Huge Gripoix Emerald Ruby Sapphire Green Red Blue Cabochon Enamel Dots Shield Dome Round Circle Sunflower Chunky Brooch, Gold Tone Very excellen...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Massive Emerald Ruby Sapphire Cabochon Shield Gold Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Massive Huge Gripoix Emerald Ruby Sapphire Green Red Blue Cabochon Shield Dome Round Circle Sunflower Chunky Brooch, Gold Tone Very excellent condition.
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Large Ruby Cabochon Openwork Pentagram Heart Gold Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage Large Ruby Red Cabochon Crystal Openwork Pentagram Heart Chunky Brooch, Gold Plated Very excellent condition.
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Massive Emerald Ruby Sapphire Cabochon Shield Gold Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Massive Huge Gripoix Emerald Ruby Sapphire Green Red Blue Cabochon Enamel Dots Shield Dome Round Circle Sunflower Chunky Brooch, Gold Tone Very excellen...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Large Ruby Cabochon Openwork Pentagram Heart Gold Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage Large Ruby Red Cabochon Crystal Openwork Pentagram Heart Chunky Brooch, Gold Plated Very excellent condition.
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Large Ruby Cabochon Openwork Star Pentagram Heart Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Huge Large Massive Ruby Red Marble Cabochon Crystal Round Openwork Star Pentagram Heart Love Elegant Statement Chunky Brooch, Gold Plated Very excellent...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Large Ruby Cabochon Star Pentagram Heart Openwork Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Huge Large Massive Ruby Red Marble Cabochon Crystal Round Openwork Star Pentagram Heart Love Elegant Statement Chunky Brooch, Gold Plated Very excellent...
Gold Plate
Chanel Vintage 1985 Gripoix Cabochon Ruby Emerald Amethyst White Pearl Brooch
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1985 Unisex Iconic Gripoix Cabochon Ruby Emerald Amethyst Red Green Purple White Pearl Textured Poured Glass Abnormal Chunky Statement Long Bar Brooch, Gold Tone Very...
Gold Plate
Sold|$3,800
Vintage ruby 18k yellow gold beetle brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A radiant vintage 18k yellow gold brooch centered with a luminous cabochon ruby and accented by ten sparkling round rubies for a rich, timeless design.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Emerald Turtle Brooch, 63.64 carats
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New Orleans, LA
The turtle’s eyes are adorned with round cabochon rubies totaling 0.05 carat, adding a touch of playful charm to this luxurious creation.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
David Webb Yellow Gold Large Cabochon Gem Combination Pendant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A substantial 18k yellow gold eight-pointed combination brooch/pendant with a large center cabochon emerald, and four each of smaller cabochon blue sapphires and cabochon rubies.
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
HERMES PARIS 18k Yellow Gold & Cabochon Ruby Blowfish Clip Vintage 1970s
By Hermès
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hermes Paris 18k Yellow Gold & Cabochon Ruby Blowfish Brooch 1970s Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer brooch clip.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Opal and Ruby Edwardian style Vintage brooch / pendant
Located in Warminster, GB
This lovely Quality dainty brooch dates from 1960’s and set in 9k gold. A large oval, rich deep coloured natural opals is surrounded with six smaller opals and rubies. The back is ...
Opal, Ruby
GRS Certified 8 Carat Ruby, Diamond and Emerald Flamingo Brooch in 18K Brooch
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant cabochon ruby, diamond and emerald flamingo bow brooch made with 14 karat gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1960s Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch Pin
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
1960s vintage Van Cleef & Arpels, brooch in 18k gold, with ruby cabochons and approx. 1.00ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Harlequin Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
The figure is adorned with vibrant accents to the attire in the form of cabochon-cut pinky red ruby buttons. The crescent moon is embellished with rose-cut diamonds, providing a subt...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Sold|$34,500
David Webb Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds, cabochon emeralds, rubies, and blue sapphires make this 18kt gold and platinum David Webb signed piece a must-have.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
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.