$987Sale Price / item|60% Off
Oval cabochon ruby 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct oval cabochon ruby 14k gold ring. Ruby solitaire. Plain ruby ring.
Ruby, Topaz, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 5.96 carats, Ruby 0.89 carat and Diamond 0.70 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 9.93 grams "We first...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Large Ruby Red Stone Wire Gold Pendant Openwork Brooch
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Vintage Large Ruby Cabochon Stone Round Circle Interlocked Openwork Brooch, Gold Plated Very excellent condition.
Gold Plate
Vintage 1960s 5.00 Carat Cabochon Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 5.00 carats and pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 3.0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18K White Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold vintage ring centered around an impressive oval cabochon ruby weighing approximately 14.36 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold Red Enamel 2 Rubies 1 Pearl 2 Star Paillon
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Reference: V1222/RT/AH/00/102_V1376/00/00/00/10242 Brand: VICTOR MAYER Collection: Romance Material: 18k yellow gold, matt vintage finish Vitreous Enamel: red guilloche enamel with ...
Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Oval Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Red Vitreous Enamel 2 Rubies 1 Pearl 2 Star Paillon
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Reference: V1222/RT/AH/00/102 Brand: VICTOR MAYER Collection: Romance Material: 18k yellow gold, matt vintage finish Vitreous Enamel: red guilloche enamel with two 18k gold star pai...
Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Steve Battelle 5.0 Carats Cabochon Ruby 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A luminous pink 9 x 10 mm oval cabochon ruby is set in an artisan crafted "spirals and jawan" setting with matching wire on the bail in this ancient-insipred pendant design.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Cabochon Ruby Diamond Earrings in 18K Gold
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
These Seaman Schepps earrings from the 1960s center on richly hued cabochon rubies, their softly domed surfaces revealing depth rather than sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 6.10ct Cabochon Ruby Platinum Cocktail Ring, 1930s Design
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Art Deco ruby ring is a refined 1930’s design, centered by a cabochon cut ruby weighing approximately 6.10 carats.
Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Bvlgari Cabochon Emerald and Ruby Earrings with Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Emeralds weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carats, Cabochon Rubies weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carats, and Round Brill...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Alex Jona Amethyst Ruby White Diamond Pink Sapphire 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring band, set with, cabochon rubies, cabochon amethysts, pink sapphires and 0.12 carats of white diamonds.
Amethyst, White Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
11 Ruby Heart Cabochons Cts 9.17
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A symbol of love and passion, these 11 ruby heart-shaped cabochons radiate a deep, fiery red hue that captures the essence of romance.
Ruby
Antique Cabochon Ruby Pearl and Diamond Fly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A duo of additional tiny cabochon rubies can be found at the eyes before the piece is made complete by a single rounded natural pearl at one end.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Etruscan Style Earrings Certified #24331
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Etruscan Style Earrings JAGi Certified- These striking earrings are crafted in 18K yellow gold and designed in an Etruscan inspired square motif with r...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Collar Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Striking and sculptural, this vintage 1980s collar necklace is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing five deep-red cabochon rubies with a total weight of approximately 19.20 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Cabochon Burmese Ruby and Pink Sapphire Necklace
Located in London, GB
This vibrant piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and focally features three cabochon rubies of Burmese origin, each boasting a deep pinky red hue.
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.89 carats Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 63 Total Weight: 8.08 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,652Sale Price|25% Off
GIA Certified 4.63ct Burma Cabochon Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Enhance your jewelry collection with this exquisite vintage platinum engagement ring, featuring a stunning 4.63 carat Burma cabochon ruby. This unique piece is perfect for those who ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Humming Bird Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This charming gold brooch from the 1880's features a real South American Violetear hummingbird head with etched gold wings and ruby cabochon eyes. The Victorians were obsessed with n...
10k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Each earring centers on an oval cabochon ruby framed by a dynamic halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds, continuing into a diamond-set drop suspending a pear-shaped cabochon ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Butterfly Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Pearl Pendant Brooch Necklace Victorian
Located in New York, NY
The eyes of the insect are two round Ruby cabochons. The diamonds and pearls are set in silver as was the custom of the period in order to show off the diamonds to greater brillian...
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$30,400Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Oval Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Oval Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring Crafted in platinum, the ring features a stunning oval cabochon ruby at its center, weighing approximately 17.00 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Retro Gold Cabochon Ruby & 0.25ctw Diamond Spray Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Cabochon Cut - Dark Red Color - 11.11mm (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Ruby - Oval Cabochon Cut - Red Color - Most Likely Burma - No He...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Screw-Back Earrings
Located in New York, NY
These elegant vintage 14K yellow gold earrings feature a pair of luminous natural cabochon rubies, each measuring approximately 6mm and weighing together about 3 carats.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond V Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold contour band featuring a 5.5mm x 4mm cabochon ruby accented by 2 round brilliant cut diamonds of VS clarity and H color totaling 0.20 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Ruby and Emerald Cabochon Bracelet
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Ruby and Emerald Cabochon Bracelet with diamonds sprinkled in between wraps around the wrist perfectly and gives a very dressy look, Closure: Tongue Clasp 18Kt: 6.59...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
16.45 Carat Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A classic cocktail ring that can be worn by either men or women. Showcasing a cabochon ruby, set in a domed setting made in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Dove Bird Swallow Ruby Pearl Peace Pendant Necklace Gold Laurel Wreath
Located in New York, NY
The eye of the bird is a lovely Ruby cabochon. The laurel wreath has stunning gold work with wonderful details of the individual leaves.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Bulgari Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Earrings and Brooch Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Earrings and Brooch Set Description: This vibrant and luxurious set by Bulgari includes a pair of floral earrings and a matching brooch,...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giovane 18K Yellow Gold Emerald & Ruby Dome Sugarloaf Cabochon Band Ring
By Giovane
Located in Baltimore, MD
Giovane 18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Emerald & Ruby Dome Sugar Loaf Cabochon Cocktail Band Ring Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 5.27 grams Emerald: 6.2 x 5mm cabochon 0.94 carats Rub...
Emerald, Ruby
Colomabian Emerald Cabochon, carved Emeralds, Rubies & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
✦ Handmade / Handcrafted Fine Jewelry ✦ Gemstone: natural Colombian Emerald ✦ Gemstone Cut: Cabochon ✦ Gemstone Weight: 2.10 ct. Approx. ✦ Gemstone: natural Zambian Emerald & na...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Gemstone Winged Scarab Pendant of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
The pendant is in good condition with a chip to the emerald in the top right corner and a small chip to the center ruby cabochon (visible only under magnification).
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 3.67 carats with Diamond 0.48 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 2.2 cm Total Weight: 4.15 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in Platinum 900 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 3.35 carats with Diamond 0.41 carat Ring set in Platinum 900 Settings Width: 0.9 cm Length: 0.9 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 18.81 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 9.82 carats with Diamond 2.36 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.9 cm Total Weight: 11.82 grams Certificate GIA 1483567489 GIA 648155815...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.25- This lovely ring features one oval cabochon ruby (7 mm x 5 mm) and 41 round brilliant cut diamonds set...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Tabbah Cabochon-Ruby and Diamond Platinum and Gold Ring
By Tabbah
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Elegant 18 kt Gold and Platinum Ring. cabochon ruby : 1.77 carat Diamonds: 1.88 carat FG VS
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s David Webb Black Lion Stud Set with Cabochon Rubies
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with black and green enamel over 18k yellow gold and Cabochon Rubies on the cufflinks. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Cabochon Ruby with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Cabochon Ruby with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 3.43 grams *Please note that the silver setting is plated w...
Ruby, Silver
Vintage Platinum 3.85ctw Oval Cabochon Crisp Star Ruby Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Ruby - Oval Cabochon Cut - Claw Prong Set - Purplish Red - Strong Vivid Star - 7.6x5.8mm - 2.51ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds -Ro...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,770Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Halo Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold, this stunning halo ring showcases the allure of a deep red cabochon ruby weighing 2.96 carats. Smoothly polished with a velvety glow, the ruby com...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1980s Natural Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Oval Cabochon Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Completely adore the deep purplish red hue of this GIA Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Oval Cabochon Bracelet! This bracelet is majestic and romantic, showcasing 5 translucent oval cabochons.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings Designer Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Elegant 14K yellow gold vermeil silver drop earrings featuring 2 natural cabochon rubies paired with 2 lustrous baroque pearls.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Vermeil, Silver
Vintage 18K Gold Ancient Bronze Coin Earrings with Cabochon Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
The richly patinated coins are beautifully contrasted by sculptural gold settings and accented with cabochon rubies totaling approximately 0.30 carats, adding a refined touch of colo...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Bronze
18 K white Gold bee brooch South Sea Pearl Diamond Rubyfancy Sapphire Tsavorite
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Beautiful Bumble Bee brooch, set with 23 white brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.0.26 ct , G color, vs clarity, 2 Ruby cabochons eyes weighing 0.15 ct, 15 blue Sapphires weighing 0....
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 10.32 carats with Diamond 1.92 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 2.3 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 12.66 grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
AGL Certified 37 Carat Cabochon Emerald Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
At its heart lies a magnificent 37-carat cabochon green emerald, its verdant allure commanding attention and captivating the senses.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Style Aquamarine Carved Ball Blue Sapphire Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classic and elegant 14 K White Gold ring composed of an engraved Natural Aquamarine Ball measuring 17 mm in diameter surmounted by a Round Ruby Cabochon of 6 mm. in diameter set in a...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Solid Yellow Gold Round Cabochon Ruby Cherub Angels Hat Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
Stock Number: MK-78017521-PAR Antique Cherub Angels Holding Up Antique Cabochon Ruby Hat Pin.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 32.28 carats with Diamond 9.10 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 40.0 cm Total Weight: 61.38 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 6.06 carats with Diamond 0.24 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 59 Total Weight: 10.12 grams "We first opened doors in 198...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.13 carats with Diamond 0.29 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 12.33 grams "We first opened doors in 198...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 1.86 carats with Diamond 0.17 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.25 grams "We first opened doors in 1980...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 6.09 carats with Diamond 1.74 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 11.57 grams GIA 2486558183 "We first ope...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Cabochon Jade Diamond Ruby & Onyx Large Cocktail Ring GIA
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Specifications Period: Circa 1970s Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Natural Cabochon Jade Jade Weight: Approximately 50 Carats Jade Treatment: No Indications of Treatment, ...
Jade, Ruby, Onyx, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby Diamond Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A luscious 6.30 carat ruby takes center stage! The cabochon gem has a bright evenly red color with excellent luster as light rolls across its surface.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18 Carat Iberian Cluster ring with Diamonds and Cabochon Ruby
Located in Baltimore, MD
Late 18th century ruby and diamond cluster ring from the Iberian peninsula, with breathtaking cabochon ruby set to a gold octofoil mount set with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.05 carat with Ruby 7.14 carats and Diamond 1.04 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 2.5 cm "Since we first opened doors in 19...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
8.35 Carat Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamonds Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a 8.358 Carat Natural Cabochon Ruby and 0.81 Carat Diamond accents. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of G...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.