Sold|$1,970
Antique Basilisk Arrow Brooch of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking antique brooch dating to 1900, designed as a dramatic basilisk poised upon an arrow, crafted in 18k Gold. The mythical creature is finely rendered with expressive detail, ...
Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Retro 1940s 14K Gold Stylized Bow Pin with Rubies
Located in Houston, TX
Retro 14K yellow gold stylized bow brooch set with oval cabochon rubies. Circa 1940.
Ruby, 14k Gold
David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold Toucan Bird Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Add some Toucan power to your outfit with this lovely vintage brooch. Brooch measures 115mm x 40mm. Decorated with ruby cabochon eye.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Sold|$4,500
Art Nouveau Opal & Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This Art Nouveau bee, or wasp, brooch is a turn of the century wonder. A fabulous and fiery elongated opal composes the body and exhibits a fabulous play of color, glistening with sh...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$1,950 / item
Georgian Turquoise Ruby Parrot Stick Pin
Located in Napoli, IT
This very pretty and unique stick pin is Georgian/Victorian period – 1840 circa An exquisitely made Parrot stands fiery upon the pin, words cannot say how beautifully made this is Ha...
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels 18 Carat Gold and Gem-Set Dog Brooch circa 1960s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A delightful 18ct gold and gemstone brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels c.1960s, finely modelled as a three dimensional little dog in seated position with large floppy ears and textured fur...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$19,850
Renaissance Revival Pearl and Enamel Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
Emanating the romantic elegance of the Renaissance Revival period, this extraordinary "Holbeinesque" brooch is modeled after the archetypal "Chariot of Venus" motif, depicting the go...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, Si...
Boucheron Turquoise Turtle Brooch 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1960
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
His eyes are studded with cabochon ruby accents. Signed "BOUCHERON PARIS", marked "18K" and inscribed with the serial number 13950 Components: Cabochon cut rubies and turquoise 18 ...
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Enamel and Pearl Sailfish Brooch of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique Sloan & Co. Twin Sailfish Brooch in 14k Gold with Pearls, Rubies & Enamel, circa 1915–1920 Evoking the elegance and power of one of the ocean’s most iconic creatures...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Ruby 14 Karat Gold Quail Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a strutting quail with a fanned tail and ruby cabochon eye Feathers are highly rendered and feature a matte finish Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Circa: 1905 Quail mea...
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Flower Interchangeable Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite estate piece from David Webb – an interchangeable removable double flower brooch. This masterpiece is adorned with stunning oval cabochon ruby ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Aldo Cipullo 18k Gold Multi Gem Enamel Toucan Clip Brooch
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage brooch clip by Aldo Cipullo for Cartier exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship and bold design. Made of 18k gold, it depicts a toucan bird adorned with black enamel accen...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
1900s Diamond Ruby and Green Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Gordon Highlanders Cap
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive example of antique brooches. Ruby Quality Cut Cabochon Content 0.07 carat Sapphire Quality Co...
Diamond, Ruby, Green Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Opal and Diamond Bug Fly Pendant Brooch
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the pin/pendant features and insect with opal body, ruby eyes and diamond set wings. Opal cabochon: 2.80ct 14 round brilliant cut diamonds: 0.40ctw. Colo...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Riker Brothers Ruby 14 Karat Gold Ram Stickpin Aries Zodiac
By Riker Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Depicting the bust of a ram accented by a round ruby cabochon eye With scrolling horns and texturous wool Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Maker's mark for Riker Brothers Circa: 190...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.74 Carat Sapphire 1.04 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Tie Pin
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The antique pin is ornamented with a stunning feature 1.04ct ruby and a 1.74ct sapphire, each heart shaped cabochon cut and individually claw set.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Lion Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized lion in a shield-like navette form With ruby cabochon eyes and a matte gold finish And a bright violetish blue round cut sapphire in its jaws weighing approx...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Opal Pearl 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Insect Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant brooch designed as a stylized flying insect with fanciful wings that feature matte green gold detail Thorax centers a bezel set opal cabochon measuring approximately 5.0 x 3...
Opal, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Enamel Bee Pin c.1990s w/Certificate
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Expertly designed with a bezel-set cabochon ruby as the head and a black enamel striped torso, it captures both elegance and charm.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Gemstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chat Malicieux Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Gemstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chat Malicieux Brooch. Featuring one cabochon cut oval onyx, one cabochon cut emerald weighing approximately 0.10 carat, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian French 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Ruby Diamond Hat Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Rubies- Round Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Pinkish Red Color - 1.8mm to 4.8mm (approx.) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Rose Cut - Pave Set - Whi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
27.16 Carat Green Tourmaline 18k Yellow Gold Art Nouveau Inspired Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this brooch inspired by the Art Nouveau era is suitable for a glamorous outfit or for casual daily wear. It features an incredible green tourmaline of 27....
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 6.45 Carats Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bird Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pendant brooch is designed as a song bird with a ruby cabochon eye and polished gold features Pavè set throughout by round cut green sapphires, very well matched, weighing in total ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold...
Vintage Cartier Ruby and Emerald Elephant Pin Set in 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A lovely 1990's ruby and emerald Cartier elephant pin set in 18k yellow gold. The pin depicts an elegant elephant motif, a common symbol of good luck. The elephant is set with an em...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
JUDITH LEIBER 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Fish Brooch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Stunning JUDITH LEIBER 18k yellow gold enamel fish brooch with beautiful colorful enamel in blue & green hues over a lively fish with cabochon ruby eye.
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Insect Bar Pin of 15ct Gold, Circa 1890-1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming Victorian era bar pin from 1890-1900, centered with a finely rendered insect motif, set with a crystal opal body, vibrant natural ruby accents, and delicately arranged spl...
Opal, Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Goose Stickpin of Pearl, Enamel, and 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming antique stickpin, designed as a whimsical goose formed from a baroque pearl, set with a vivid ruby eye and detailed enameled tail feathers, all mounted on an 18 karat gold...
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Sold|$8,750
Unique Bulgari NY Yankees Pin
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Unique Bulgari NY Yankees Pin in 18k Yellow Gold and SIlver, with cabochon rubies. Made in Italy, circa 1970.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Sold|$2,531
Vintage Tigers Eye Tortoise, hallmarked 1981
Located in London, GB
This charming vintage tortoise brooch has hallmarks dating it to 1981. Crafted in 18 carat yellow gold it features a single tigers eye as its shell. A pair of small rubies have been ...
Ruby, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Cabochon Rubies Pendant Brooch 14k, 1900
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Diamonds Cabochon Rubies Pendant or Brooch 14 Karat Gold. Classic marvelous design comprising three parts.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby Diamond Gold Chandelier Pendant and Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An opulent chandelier drop pendant to add to your collection featuring 24.13 carats of cabochon rubies of oval and pear shapes. The succulent ruby reds are accented by 3.01 carats of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.24 Carat Opal and Ruby Yellow Gold Pendant / Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This versatile antique opal pendant/brooch has been crafted in 15k yellow gold. This pendant/brooch displays a feature quatrefoil composition of four impressive opals with an elevat...
Opal, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist 14k Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Pendant/Brooch
Located in Birmingham, AL
It is made in 14k yellow gold with 5 cabochon rubies, 6 cabochon emeralds, 4 cabochon blue sapphires and 8 round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Sold|$31,500
Verdura Byzantine Pendant Brooch Necklace
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura "Byzantine" cross convertible pendant brooch in 18k yellow gold, centering a larger sugarloaf cabochon-cut amethyst surrounded by cabochon-cut emeralds at the cardinal points...
Amethyst, Citrine, Emerald, Peridot, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Ru...
Verdura Byzantine Pendant Brooch with Chain Necklace
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Verdura "Byzantine" pendant brooch in 18k yellow gold, centering a larger sugarloaf cabochon-cut amethyst surrounded by cabochon-cut emeralds at the cardinal points, as well as a var...
Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
French Van Cleef & Arpels Péry et Fils Gold, Diamond & Ruby Cabochon Brooch 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Péry et Fils Textured Gold, Diamond and Ruby Cabochon Brooch made in 18k yellow gold. The brooch weighs 23.57 grams, and the dimensions are 1.88 inches x 1.73 in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$16,500
David Webb Jade Ruby Gold Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, jade and ruby brooch. David Webb. 1971. Designed as a carved jade disc, enhanced at the top with a scrolling hammered gold frame, set with oval and pear shap...
Agate, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Ruby Cabochon Diamond Gold Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14k gold brooch by Seaman Schepps, with three diamonds - approx. 0.45ctw and ruby cabochons (multiple stones have chips).
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Retro Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Scroll Pin Brooch
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Scroll Brooch/Pin Featuring 12 Cabochon & Square Cut Rubies Totaling Approximately 1.00 Carat & 24 Single Cut Diamonds Of VS Clarity & G/H Color Totaling Approxi...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.5 Ct Cabochon Ruby Diamonds Medal Transformer Pendant Brooch, 1900
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
2.5Ct Cabochon Ruby with 1.5Ct Diamonds brooch turns (transforms) into a pendant.
Diamond, Ruby
Estate 18K Gold Red Guilloche Enamel Cabochon Ruby Spider Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Naturalistically modeled spider brooch in 18k gold with rich red guilloche enameled body and cabochon ruby eyes. 20th Century The spider represents mystery, power and spiritual grow...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Cabochon Red Ruby Gold Square Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Tiffany & Co. ruby brooch. 12 round cabochon cut rubies in a square 18k yellow gold brooch.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Cartier 14K Gold Flower Brooch Cabochon Burma Ruby Timeless Masterpiece
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Gemstone: Central Cabochon Burma Ruby: At the heart of the brooch lies a mesmerizing bezel-set cabochon Burma ruby.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Diamond and Cabochon Ruby Yellow Gold Chihuahua Brooch
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A round diamond and cabochon ruby 18 karat yellow gold chihauhua brooch.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Cabochon Pin Brooch
Located in Baltimore, MD
14K White Gold Diamond & Ruby Cabochon Pin Brooch Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 20.6 grams Diamonds: Approx. 79 round single cut diamonds approx. .90 CTW G VS Rubys: 9 cabochon purp...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co 13.94ct Unheated Cabochon Ruby Eagle Brooch in 18KYG
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. cabochon ruby eagle brooch set in 18k yellow gold.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brooch circa 1950 Yellow Gold 18 Carat Ruby Cabochons and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Brooch in 18 Carat yellow Gold Vintage circa 1950 with Cabochon Rubies and Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: between 1.5 and 2 carats Gross weight: 38 g This Brooch matches the Vinta...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960's Penguin Brooch 18 Karat Yellow Gold Turquoise Cabochon Ruby Eye
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This lovely little penguin was made in Italy in 1960 ca out of 18 karat gold. It has a turquoise cabochon belly and in his eye a facetted ruby. The body of the penguin shows a variet...
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Turtle Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
This is an iconic Van Cleef & Arpels cabochon ruby and Diamond 18 karat yellow gold turtle brooch.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Butterfly Brooch Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 9.49 carats with Cabochon Emerald 0.16 carat and Diamond 1.07 carats Brooch set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 5.9 cm Length: 4.0 cm Total Weight: 18.77 grams "We first op...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps, 12 Carat Oval Cabochon Ruby, Gem-Set and Diamond Clip-Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
3 oval & round cabochon sapphires & one oval cabochon ruby ap. 12.00 cts., 7 round sapphires ap. .95 ct., 3 round pink tourmalines, small single-cut diamonds, signed Seaman Schepps, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Sold|$12,000
Ruby Diamond Gold Enamel Zebra Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18k gold zebra ring, set with ruby cabochon eyes, enamel and approx. 1.20ctw in SI/H-I diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Stick Brooch Gold 585 Ruby Cabochon Diamonds 0.55 Carat, Vienna 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Golden Art Nouveau Stick Brooch with Ruby Cabochon and Diamonds. Gold (14 ct / 585) / Diamonds (vintage cut / 0.55 ct) Ruby Cabochon (diameter 0.5 x 0.7 cm / 0.19 x 0.27 inch) WEI...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Emerald with Diamond and Cabochon Ruby Brooch/Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald 1.48 carats with Cabochon Ruby 0.16 carat and Diamond 0.11 carat Brooch/Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 3.5 cm Length: 3.3 cm Total Weigh...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$4,950
French Vintage Turtle Brooch 18k Gold Ruby
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Each section features a cabochon ruby, thirteen in total. The paw, tail, and head are textured gold.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,068
Ruby Sapphires Ruthenium Silver Brooch
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
3.5 millimeters Central Ruby, Sapphires of different colors, Ruthenium Silver and 18 Karat Gold Brooch. This brooch represents the tradition of the “Moretti”. We have given it a per...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold, ...
Sold|$2,500
Tiffany & Co Ruby Yellow Gold Holly Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Tiffany & Co ruby and yellow gold holly leaf brooch circa 1980. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #P5040.
Ruby, 18k Gold, 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.