Harry Winston 18K Gold Diamond Cabochon Burma Ruby Heart Pendant Choker Necklace
By Harry Winston
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Harry Winston 18K Gold Diamond Cabochon Burma Ruby Heart Pendant Choker Necklace An incredible piece by Harry Winston, this necklace features a cabochon-cut ruby with diamonds surro...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,000
1980s Chic Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Swirl Design Gold Band Style Ring
Located in New York, NY
One Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Band Style Ring Embellished With A >25 Ct Approximate Weight Cabochon Ruby. This Band Is further Designed With Numerous Full Cut Diamonds In A Swirl Type ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$5,400 / item
Baguette Jewellery 14K Rose Gold Carla Hoops with Diamonds and Ruby Cabochons
Located in Teşvikiye, 34
Baguette Jewellery 14K Rose Gold Carla Hoops with Diamonds and Ruby Cabochons Jewellery is an expression of self that shouldn’t be confined to special occasions. That’s why Baguette...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$2,341
18 Karat Yellow Gold Tiger’s Eye Rubies Double Round Cufflinks
By AVGVSTA
Located in Milano, IT
This striking pair of cufflinks is made entirely in tiger’s eye stone and comprises identically shaped front face and toggle, carved as circles whose warm, dark color is accented wit...
Ruby, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,250 / item
Baguette Jewellery 14K Yellow Gold Alessa Ring with Diamonds and Ruby Cabochon
Located in Teşvikiye, 34
Baguette Jewellery 14K Yellow Gold Alessa Ring with Diamonds and Ruby Cabochon Jewellery is an expression of self that shouldn’t be confined to special occasions. That’s why Baguett...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,912
Art Deco Old Cut Diamond and Cabochon Ruby Trilogy Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
Cut – Old mine cut diamond and round cabochon rubies (with rose cut diamonds in the shoulders).
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$28,950
Andreoli Emerald Ruby Diamond Cabochon Bead Art Deco Style 18 Karat Cocktail
By Andreoli
Located in New York, NY
Andreoli Emerald Ruby Dome Diamond Cabochon Bead Art Deco Style 18KT Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Shape Ruby Cabochon and Ideal cut Diamond ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Lake Havasu City, AZ
One of one design by Erica Sanchez-Hawkins. Unique Heart Shape Ruby Cabochon flanked vertically by two Ideal cut half carat diamonds, H/I color and VS2 and SI1 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby
Paris Craft House 9.33 Carat Cabochon Ruby Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Paris Precious Craft House
Located in Hong Kong, HK
PARIS Craft House Cabochon Ruby Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold. - 5 Cabochon Rubies/9.33ct - 54 Round Rubies/1.13ct - 201 Round Diamonds/1.70ct - 18K Rose Gold Designed and cr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
Yellow and White Gold with 0.75 ct Diamonds and Cabochon 1.90 ct Rubies Ring
By HY JEWELLERY
Located in Knightsbridge, GB
YELLOW AND WHITE GOLD RING WITH BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS AND CABOCHON RUBIES 18K Yellow and White gold Total diamond weight: 0.75 ct Color: F-H Clarity: VS-SI Total ruby weight: 1...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Manpriya B Ruby Cabochon and Rose-Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Manpriya B
Located in London, GB
Gross weight: 14.750 grams Gold weight: 13.020 grams Diamond weight: 0.35 carats Rose-cut diamond weight: 0.52 carats Ruby weight: 7.51 carats Glowing ruby petals swirl around a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$25,000
8.3 Carat Burmese Ruby Cabochon and Multicolored Gems Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Zahira Fine Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This 18k yellow gold ring showcases a rare 8.3-carat Burmese ruby cabochon, beautifully complemented by diamonds, sapphires, amethyst, and emeralds, which orbit the center like plane...
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k...
Unavailable|$7,500 / item
Baguette Jewellery 14K Rose Gold Domino Bracelet with Diamonds and Ruby Cabochon
Located in Teşvikiye, 34
Baguette Jewellery 14K Rose Gold Domino Bracelet with Diamonds and Ruby Cabochon Jewellery is an expression of self that shouldn’t be confined to special occasions. That’s why Bague...
Diamond
20.00 Carat Genuine Ruby Cabochon and White Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Pendant
Located in Great Neck, NY
20.00 Carat Oval-shaped Ruby and 0.39 Carats White Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Pendant Center Stone Details: Stone: Ruby Cabochon Shape: Oval (nearly round) Size: 14.45x13.41mm Wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$3,500 / item
Baguette Jewellery 14K Rose Gold Sienna Necklace with Diamonds and Ruby Cabochon
Located in Teşvikiye, 34
Baguette Jewellery 14K Rose Gold Sienna Necklace with Champagne Diamonds and White Diamonds Jewellery is an expression of self that shouldn’t be confined to special occasions. That’...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$2,200 / item
Token Ruby Ring in 18K
Located in New York, NY
Ruby cabochon bezel set in a round band with detailed accents.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,960
Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Bracelet, Paris, circa 1890
Located in Goettingen, DE
Signed with a Paris master's mark. 18K yellow gold 10 rubies as round cabochons 10 rose cut diamonds Size 18 cm long, 1 cm wide Weight 33.8 g stamped with a Parisian eagle head m...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$18,672
18k White Gold, Sapphires, Ruby and Diamonds Pendant Necklace
Located in Rome, IT
The drop shaped pendant is composed by cabochon cut drop shaped ruby, nine cabochon cut round shaped sapphires and a row of brilliant cut white diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,000
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous vintage gold diamond bombe ring contains five pear shape cabochon rubies and 32 round brilliant old mine single cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 carat total, se...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,873
Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Shaped as a band set 4 cabochon-cut rubies and 13 round brilliant-cut diamonds decorated by floreal motifs.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Unavailable|$20,000
Stena Ruby Diamond Gold Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
The Stena Cufflinks showcase two center cabochon rubies, surrounded by round brilliant white diamonds, set in an 18k rose gold handmade mounting. 25.35ct ruby cabs, .90ct white di...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Gorgeous 18k White Gold Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond Ear Clips Petochi Roma
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous 18k White Gold Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond Ear Clips Petochi Roma Beautiful Gemstone Earrings in 18k White Gold Feature Sapphire Cabochon Centerstones with Ruby Cabochon Ac...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$8,625
1970s 22k Yellow Gold Greek Style Emerald & Ruby Drop Earrings
Located in Dallas, TX
Additionally, alternating with the emerald stones, 8 bezel set round cabochon rubies with a combined total weight of 0.40 carats.
Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,000
Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch and Earrings Set
Located in Portland, ME
18K Yellow gold ruby and diamond brooch and earrings set. The free form pair are set with small round cabochon cut rubies and round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$82,500
Natural Pearl Star Ruby Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Composed of beautifully shaped natural pearl weighing 9.40 carats suspended from a cross and wreath pin centered around a star ruby, this pin also includes elongated cabochon rubies ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$4,950 / item
Fabergé 18 Karat Rose Gold Ruby Cufflinks with Red Guilloché Enamel, US Clients
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
Additional Information: Details: 18k rose gold , 2 round ruby cabochons = 0.56cts (Thai) Complimentary: - Gift wrapping - Lifetime warranty - Complimentary worldwide delivery ...
Ruby, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$19,500
Friedrich Moonstone Ruby Diamond Golden Cufflink
By Friedrich Boutique
Located in Frankfurt, DE
Unique Pair of Cufflinks "Riding Hat and Horseshoe" with 2 Moonstone Cabochon Cuts, Pair of cufflinks, "riding hat and horseshoe" model FRIEDRICH, handmade, 18 KT yellow gold, with ...
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,250
14 Karat Yellow Gold Coral Ruby Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 14K yellow gold earrings featuring coral cabochons surrounded by polished onyx panels and round ruby cabochons.
Coral, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$16,795
Cartier Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Naples, FL
This Heirloom Quality Cartier Necklace Is Yellow Gold and Has Two Cabochon Rubies And Round Diamonds That Cover The Pendant On This Necklace.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$8,890
Dramatic Enamel Ruby Diamond Silver Gold Flower Pin Clip
Located in Palm Beach, FL
18k silver large elegant diamond and rubies enamel Lilly flower pin. The lily is topped by a stylized pistil set with old-mine-cut diamonds, centering a line of 11 round cabochon rub...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$375 / item
Billie Enamel Ring with Cabochon Citrine in Gold
By Adore Adorn
Located in Atlanta, GA
Material: 925 Silver, Gold Plated and Ruby Red Enamel Gemstones: Round Cabochon Citrine Weight: 9.8g
Citrine, Gold, Enamel
Unavailable|$4,400
Hidalgo 18 Karat Enamel, Ruby and Diamond Frog Bracelet
By Hidalgo
Located in Pikesville, MD
In classic Hidalgo style, a polished 18 karat yellow gold and green enamel frog bracelet featuring 22 cabochon ruby eyes and 17 round diamonds set on the center gold frog.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1939 Commemorative New York World Fair Charm with Diamond, Ruby, and Black Onyx
Located in Dallas, TX
The charm features two cabochon rubies, round brilliant diamonds, and french-cut black onyx set in Platinum.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$5,250
Cultured Salt Water Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Elephant Pin
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
The pin also contains one 2.5mm round ruby cabochon, bezel-set, with an estimated weight of .12 carats.
Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Gold, Diamond, Ruby and Enamel Brooch 43.7g
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The stunning brooch is comprised of 3 cabochon rubys and round brilliant cut diamonds Please refer to pictures for enamel condition This stunning flower brooch is perfect worn day ...
Diamond, Ruby
Unavailable|$25,000
1960s Boucheron Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Gold Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Boucheron
Located in Portland, ME
The leaf and flower necklace is set with 59 round diamonds weighing approximately 2.36 carats total, 10 small cabochon cut rubies, 10 small round cabochon cut sapphires and 9 small c...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Double Sided Natural Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Vintage Gent 18 Karat Gold Cufflinks
Located in Napoli, IT
Ruby Between Diamonds Double sided, beautifully and crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt gold – unmarked -during 1960 ca - Italian origin Classy oval shaped- centred by natural Ruby cab...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$192,855
Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings Set in 18k White Gold by Shirin Uma
By Shirin Uma
Located in London, GB
"So Ruby" are a showstopper pair of earrings, featuring oval cut and oval cabochon rubies framed with round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
An Art Deco 18K White Gold, Ruby & Plique-à-jour Enamel Brooch! Circa 1900
Located in Pasadena, CA
Designed as a sculpted blue plique-Ã -jour and 18K white gold (tested) flower, central cluster featuring one round diamond, approx. .23ct., surrounded by fourteen round ruby cabochons.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Enamel
Unavailable|$2,500
Retro Tricolored Gemstone Gold Flower Brooch
Located in Vail, CO
Retro tricolored gold and gemstone large flower spray brooch, showcasing three flowers one centering a pavé-set diamond dome with calibre-cut ruby accents and the other two flowers c...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,195
Vintage Multi-Stone, Yellow Gold Bombe Flower Ring
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
Featuring numerous round-cut blue, pink, and white sapphires, emeralds, rubies, round cabochon black star sapphires, and cultured pearls, set in an 18k yellow gold bombe form flower ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Amethyst, Citrine & Diamond Butterfly Clip On Earrings 9.30g
Located in Birmingham, GB
The design is further enhanced by round ruby cabochon eyes set in a yellow gold head, with diamond-set antennae adding a final touch of elegance.
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$18,500
Cartier Ruby Diamond Gold Earclips
Located in San Antonio, TX
18k gold Flower earclips, with ruby cabochon, round diamonds and enamel leaves.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace in 18 Karat Gold with GIA Lab Report
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Splendid 4.11 carats of deep red ruby cabochon round and pear shape surrounded by 0.55 carats of brilliant white diamonds in this 18k white gold dangle pendant necklace.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fraone Milano Vintage Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Collar Choker Cuff Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
The necklace is 15" long x 0.75" wide, with polished round open links, Set with 29 genuine red rubies, cabochon round cut weighing approx. 19.00 carats.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Sold|$39,000
Burma Ruby Round Cabochon and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 15 carat Burma ruby round cabochon surrounded by several white diamond rounds, ovals, and baguettes in size 6.25.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby
Genuine Ruby Round Cabochon Stud Earrings, Sterling Silver
By D'Deco Jewels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 6MM Genuine Ruby Round Cabochon Stud Earrings made in Sterling Silver.
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Vintage Platinum 5.07ctw Round Cabochon Star Ruby w/ Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Ruby - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Purple Color - Very Nice Sharp Star - 8.8mm - 4.32ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 5.07ctw Round Cabochon Star Ruby w/ Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Ruby - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Purple Color - Very Nice Sharp Star - 8.8mm - 4.32ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Sold|$275 / item
Ruby Round Cabochon Stud Earrings Made in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By D'Deco Jewels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 4MM Ruby Round Cabochon Stud Earrings made in 14 Karat Yellow Gold.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Round Cabochon Ruby Braided Bezel Set Lever Back Hoop Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
14 karats white gold braided bezel set cabochon ruby lever back earrings Cabochon rubies weighing 2.10 carat Ruby measuring 4.5 millimeters Ruby hue tone color is of rose red Earring...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,778
Fabergé Cabochon Ruby Egg Pendant
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
This antique piece has been crafted from a rich 14ct yellow gold and features a single round cabochon ruby. This lone stone possesses a deep red hue and has been bezel set atop the p...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 18K Yellow Gold Round Cabochon Ruby Tufted Look Cuff Omega Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (20) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Cabochon Cut - Flush/Burnish Set - Vivid Deep Red Color - 2.3mm each (approx.)
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. This fabulous vintage ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby
Sold|$16,750
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Wailea, HI
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Seven Cabochon Cut Rubies weighing 1.00 carats approximately (Red and Bright) Three Hundred and Sixty Four Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing 7....
Ruby, 18k Gold
16 Ruby Cabochon Cluster Ring with 9 Round Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A 16 Ruby Cabochon Cluster Ring with 9 Round Diamonds made 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 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.