11.28 Carats Cabochon Star Burmese Ruby & Round Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
Accented with 1.90 carats total of round melee rubies and 0.40 carat total of round melee diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Natural Ruby and Round Brilliant Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A cabochon natural ruby and round brilliant diamond 18 karat white gold ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$17,500
Bulgari Diamond & Cabochon Ruby 18k Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari 18 karat yellow gold ring with a 4.05 carat cabochon ruby and round brilliant diamonds. Made in Italy, circa 1980.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$27,000
Buccellati Gold Cabochon Ruby Bracelet
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
A Gold and Cabochon Ruby Cuff Bangle Bracelet by Buccellati. 18 kt yellow gold, fashioned of overlapping textured leaves tipped by 30 round cabochon rubies, signed Buccellati, Italy,...
Ruby, Gold
Vintage Cartier Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Cartier
Located in London, England
Each earring is set with a round cabochon ruby stone which is securely rub over set to the center of a teardrop motif.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Cabochon Diamond and Sapphire Ring, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
SKU 1180 A Ruby Cabochon Diamond and Sapphire Ring, Platinum. The center ruby weighs 1.90 carats. The total weight of the ring is 4.84 grams. The ring size is US 6.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire
Vintage Cabochon Ruby Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Round Cocktail Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
The elegant ring features a rich red cabochon cut ruby perched in the middle of the round mount with diamond set swirls.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Round and Tapered Baguette Diamonds and Star Ruby Cabochon Oval Platinum Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
The incredibly resplendent diamond stones that are beautifully set against elegant platinum present a fitting pedestal for the extraordinary star ruby in this fabulous jewelry piece....
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
David Webb Gold Ruby Emerald Sapphire Cabochon Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The top bezel-set round cabochon ruby, emerald, and sapphire mounted between 18K hammered finished gold.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Sold|$1,175 / item
14 Karat Rose Gold Cabochon Cut Ruby Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k rose gold cabochon cut ruby ring, containing 1 round cabochon cut ruby weighing .30pts., ring is a size 7.5 and can be sized to fit.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Yellow Gold Stack Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold band featuring a 4.5mm x 3mm cabochon ruby accented by 6 round brilliant cut diamonds of VS clarity and H color totaling 0.06 carats.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$18,820
Diamond Onyx and Ruby Cabochon Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond details: Approx. 0.50ctw of round cut diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity Ring Size: 6.75 Total Weight: 21.3g (13.7dwt) Measureme...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Star Round Cabochon Natural Ruby and 3.5 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring Approximately 2.5 Carat or over , of very clean natural Cabochon with star Ruby and Approximately 3.5 Ct Diamond Ring Star Ruby Cabochon 2.5 ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Cabochon Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A breathtaking ring featuring a GIA certified 3.00 carat cabochon Burma ruby surrounded by 1.00 carat of dazzling round cut diamonds in a platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Rhodium
Sold|$15,000
Ruby, Diamond and Pink Cabochon Coral Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat white gold are 14 carats of faceted Rubies, 146 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds and a Cabochon cut Pink Coral for the center of this Flower Design Ring.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,500
Retro Cabochon Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The ring features a 2.82 carat ruby cabochon gemstone surrounded by round, single, and baguette cut diamonds.
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Platinum GIA 2.89ctw Cabochon Star Ruby & Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Ruby - Drilled Round Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Purplish-Red Color - No Heat - 2.47ct (exact stmaped) ** See Certification Details Below...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Platinum Round and Tapered Baguette Diamonds and Ruby Cabochon Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
"Bringing out the majestic allure of the center stone in an exceptionally luxurious manner, the diamonds lend their lustrous resplendence to this exquisite platinum ring. The center ...
Diamond, Platinum
Double Sides Cufflinks Matched Pair of Cabochon Ruby
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Fourteen karats yellow gold fabulous pair of matched men’s double-sided chain link cufflinks Four matching vibrant and vivid cabochons red ruby weighing 2.75 carats The rubies tone c...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Mid-Century Cabochon Ruby Rose Gold Sphere Cufflinks
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Clearly and simply mid-century modern, these round cabochon ruby and 14 karat rose gold sphere cufflinks are guaranteed to become your favorite sleek wardrobe accessory.
Ruby, 14k Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet features 54.65 carats of Cabochon ruby weighing 49.4 grams and 0.82 carats of diamonds set in 18K rose gold. Double prong closure. 7.5 inches long. Viewings available ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby Diamond Gold Floral Button Earrings
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A cabochon ruby and round brilliant diamond floral earrings.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
1.00 Carat Natural Cabochon Ruby Toggle Bracelet 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
1.00ct. Round Cabochon Ruby Toggle Bracelet. 14kt. Yellow gold 17.6 grams 8 inches 9.7mm wide 15.8mm circle diameter 33mm toggle bar 14kt yellow gold.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Opal Ruby Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Flanked by triad clusters of round ruby cabochons. Weighing collectively approximately 1.00 carat.
Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Opal Ruby Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Flanked by triad clusters of round ruby cabochons. Weighing collectively approximately 1.00 carat.
Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Round and Tapered Baguette Diamonds and Ruby Cabochon Oval Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
This stunning ring is sensationally designed from classy platinum and embellished with 0.6ct of dazzling diamonds around an elegant ruby, weighing 3.05ct. Ring Top Dimensions: 14 m...
Diamond, Platinum
Sterling Silver Guilloché Mauve Enamel Cabochon Ruby Card Case
Located in New York, NY
20th-century sterling silver Guilloché mauve color enamel card case Cabochon ruby weighing 0.45 carats Handmade in Italy The Ocie Minaudiere collection was created to incorporate pre...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sterling Silver Guilloché Enamel Cabochon Ruby Picture Frame Case
Located in New York, NY
20th-century sterling silver Guilloché enamel picture frame case Round cabochon ruby weighing 0.60 carats Handmade in Italy The Ocie Minaudiere collection was created to incorporate ...
Ruby, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Bvlgari Italy 18k Yellow Gold, Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Earrings Vintage
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bvlgari Italy 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Cabochon Ruby Earrings Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer pair of earrings. They are vint...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby Solitaire Sterling Silver Ring White Gold Plate
Located in New York, NY
Sterling Silver solitaire cabochon ruby solitaire ring Round cabochon ruby weighing 2.50 carats Cabochon emerald measuring 6 millimeter Ring finger size 5 New Ring The ring cannot b...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, White Gold, Rhodium
Suzanne Belperron Retro Gold and Cabochon Ruby Bombe Ring, circa 1940s
By Belperron
Located in London, GB
This ring is typical of Belperron’s style, she often employed soft rounded and domed shapes in her jewels and cabochon gems feature frequently, this is a lovely example of her motto ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum AGL 5.00ctw Cabochon No Heat Burma Ruby & Diamond Flower Clip Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Enjoy :) -- Item Details -- Material: Solid .950 Platinum Weight: 19.14 Grams -- Stone(s): (2) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Cabochon Cut - 5.00ctw (approx. - based on AGL meas...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Mario Buccellati Vintage Cabochon Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage M. Buccellati Ruby Cuff Bracelet, Inspired by the power of the flowers, is 34.0 Grams of Luxurious 18K Yellow Gold. with the Rigato satin finish is a characteristic style o...
Ruby, Yellow 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
18 Karat Gold, Black Onyx, Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Earclips
Located in New York, NY
They are adorned with 6 genuine cabochon cut rubies approx. 8.35 carats and 40 round diamonds of approx. 1.00ct.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Amethyst, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k yellow gold Diamonds: round brilliant cut= .60cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 8 ¼ (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing re...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 4.35cts Diamond Cabochon Ruby Sapphire Platinum Floral Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
crafted in solid Platinum, this exquisite piece is adorned by an outstanding (4) Large Genuine Diamonds round-cut, prong-set, ( G-H color and VS clarity) & (16) Large Genuine Diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
This delightful circa 1940s vintage cluster ring centres a cabochon ruby within a glittering garland of round brilliant cut diamonds, all set within a scalloping pierced gallery.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
CARTIER PARIS 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Cabochon Ruby Necklace 1980s Vintage
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The necklace is from the 1980s made in France, designed by Cartier. The cabochon ruby is 0.95 points oval shaped in great condition.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k Solid Gold 2.89ctw Cabochon Sapphire Ruby & Diamond Navette Shape Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (2) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Blue Color - 0.28ct (exact) (6) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Re...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Maltese Cross Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds, Cabochon Ruby Broo
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Designed as a textured gold Maltese cross, centering a cabochon ruby, accented by 164 round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 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
Emerald Cabochons, Carved Blue Sapphire, Ruby & Diamonds Tutti Frutti Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and one of a kind, Emerald, Blue Sapphire & Ruby Tutti Frutti Necklace set in 18K Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald Cabochons is 128 carats. The Emeralds are...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage 1960’s Cabochon Ruby Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14K yellow gold Ring Size: 5.75 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing requests) Dimensions: ring top measures 14.75mm wide Weight: 4.50 grams
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 18.11 Carat Emerald Sugarloaf and Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring in Gold
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
A beautiful ring with a Emerald Cabochon Sugarloaf in the centre and Round Ruby Cabochons carefully set under the stone giving the stone the height and making it stand out as it dese...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Italian 18k Yellow Gold, Hematite, Cabochon Ruby & Emerald Coin Tubogas Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Italian 18k Yellow Gold, Hematite & Cabochon Ruby & Emerald Coin Tubogas Necklace Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible Italian necklace. Truly...
Emerald, Hematite, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Burma Cabochon Ruby Diamond Yellow Sapphire Open Shank Cocktail Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Eighteen karats rose gold cocktail open shank facing ring Round shape Burma cabochon ruby weighing 4.60 carat Trillion Ceylon Yellow sapphire weighing 0.75 carat Diamond weighing ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Carlo Weingrill Italy 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Cabochon Ruby Tubogas Bracelet
By Carlo Weingrill
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Carlo Weingrill Italy 18k Yellow Gold & Cabochon Ruby Tubogas Bracelet Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer bracelet. Truly a great ...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Cabochon Ruby Figaro Link Bracelet 1980
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
There are 1.10 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. There is 3 plus carats of cabochon ruby, in great condition.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond 0.72 Carat Cabochon Ruby 1.70 Carat Engagement Ring Size 6.25
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Platinum Diamond and Cabochon Ruby Engagement Ring, a true testament to timeless elegance and undeniable beauty. This meticulously crafted piece features a ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Byzantine Style Cabochon Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
All 3 stones are surrounded by good quality bead set diamonds. 1 oval cabochon emerald approx. total weight .85cts. 1 round cabochon ruby approx. total weight .30cts. 1 round ca...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold 36.67 Carat Cabochon and Carved Ruby and Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A gorgeous Cabochon and Carved Ruby Cocktail Ring set in 18K gold & Diamonds. The Rubies are completely natural, without any treatment and originates from Mozambique. The combined we...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Bezel Set Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 2 round brilliant cut = 0.12cttw Color: H Clarity: I1 Dimensions: ring top measures 9.85mm wide Ring Size: 6.5 (please all...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow 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. Coin image in center. Handmade in 18k yellow gold.
Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
14 Yellow Gold Cabochon Cut Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 55 round single cut = 0.25cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Weight: 21.96 grams Dimensions: bracelet will fit up to a 6.5-inch wrist
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jeweled Diamond Cabochon Ruby and Enamel Gold Exotic Skin Silver Minaudière
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind, 20th-century sterling silver Guilloché enamel gold exotic skin Minaudière Silver Clasp pave set with 0.15 carats of diamonds, yellow gold plated Bezel set cabochon rub...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate
Bvlgari Made in France 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond, Cabochon Emerald & Ruby Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bvlgari Made in France 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond, Cabochon Emerald & Ruby Ring Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring The ring size is 6. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.