$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring 14kt Yellow Gold Natural Untreated Ruby Cabochon
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning ruby & diamond cocktail ring made with oval cabochon (100% natural and untreated ruby) in 14KT yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Oval Shape Red Pink Ruby Cabochon 14K White Gold Statement Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Each piece showcases a vibrant pink red cabochon rubies, elegantly set within a delicate openwork frame.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$28,880
Dm 2.37 in L 1.19 in
Cabochon Ruby, Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Snake Bangle Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 0.16 carat, Cabochon Emerald 0.13 carat and Diamond 2.80 carats Bangle set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Diameter: 6.0 cm Length: 3.0 cm Total Weight: 100.79 grams "We ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby, Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.90 carats, Cabochon Ruby 4.08 carats and Diamond 3.86 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 2.5 cm Total Weight: 27.67 grams "We first opene...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby, Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 17.19 carats, Cabochon Ruby 0.86 carat and Diamond 1.51 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 2.3 cm Total Weight: 19.58 grams "We first opened...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Cabochon and Round Diamond 3 Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold ring featuring an oval cabochon ruby estimated to weigh 1.00 carat accented by 2 round diamonds of VS clarity and H color totaling approximately 0.20 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.30 Carat Ruby Cabochon Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA Certified No-Heat
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning piece featuring a large 10.30 carat cabochon ruby which as been certified by the GIA. Rubies of this size are rare, especially ones that are free of any treatment such as ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$600
W 0.63 in L 1.11 in
Carved Amethyst Round Drops Ruby Cabochons 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic stud earrings with a pair of ruby oval cabochon size 10 x 11 mm set in 14 kt solid yellow gold on the top and 2 Natural Amethyst carved round drops of 16 mm in diameter...
Amethyst, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt Yellow Gold Blue and Black Enamel Cufflinks with Ruby Cabochon Stones
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Yellow Golden Blue & Black Enamel Cufflinks With Ruby stones Stamped with MV,and you can see on the enamel the signs M and V as well. I can t find which brand handcrafted tho...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Shape Red Pink Ruby Cabochon 14K White Gold Statement Pendant Necklace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This piece showcases a central red cabochon ruby with a deep, rich hue. Surrounding the ruby is an intricate openwork design adorned with small, sparkling diamonds, creating a captiv...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Pink Red Ruby Cabochon Cluster Diamond Pave Rose Gold Statement Cocktail Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This exquisite piece features a cluster of vibrant pink red rubies set in a luxurious gold band. The stones are arranged in a captivating dome shape, creating a bold and eye-catching...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Pink Red Ruby Cabochon Cluster Diamond Pave Rose Gold Statement Cocktail Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Experience the exquisite craftsmanship with this captivating ring, this remarkable piece features a spherical design, encrusted with vibrant pink red rubies meticulously set to creat...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Engraved Oval Shape Natural Amethyst Round Ruby Cabochon Gold Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique style ring with a Big Natural Engraved Oval Shape Amethyst ,measuring 22 mm. x 18 mm x 14 mm. and weighing 41 Carats with a nice Round Ruby Cab measuring 6 mm in diameter set...
Amethyst, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 50 Carat Star Ruby Cabochon 18K White Gold Gypsy Style Heavy Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Jewelry Details: - Item Type: Ring - Metal Type: 18K White Gold - Weight: 31 grams - Size: 8 Center Stone Details: - Gemstone Type: Star Ruby - Carat: 50 Carats (approx.) - Cut: Cab...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fancy Shape Red Ruby Cabochons White Diamonds 18 Karat White Black Gold Earrings
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Crafted with precision, these stunning earrings feature vibrant red pink rubies set in a delicate, intricate design. The stones are surrounded by shimmering accents, creating a capti...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Shape Dark Red Ruby Cabochon 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Accented Cocktail Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking ring featuring a red cabochon ruby set in a band adorned with small diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9.91 Carat Unheated Star Ruby Cabochon Ring in Platinum with 1.71 Carat Diamond
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cut as a classic cabochon to showcase the star effect at its finest, this ruby offers an unmistakable presence and a heritage level look that connoisseurs immediately recognize.
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
3.79 Carat Ruby Cabochon and Brown Diamond White Gold Pendant with Gold Chain
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A magnificent pendant necklace comprised of two luscious red heart-shaped cabochon rubies weighing 3.79 carat, with flowing brown diamond lines weighing 1.81 carat.
Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
"Marquee" Ring with Raw Ruby Cabochon Between Rows of Faceted Rubies in 18K Gold
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The twelve faceted, pavé-set rubies below and above the oval cabochon center are bright vivid pink.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,052Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.56 in L 7.68 in
Art Deco Style White Diamond Ruby Cabochon Cut Turquoise Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Bracelet has 0.70 Carats of White Modern Round Cut Rubies. This Bracelet has 45.00 Carats circa of Natural Cabochon Cut Turquoises.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$850
W 0.36 in L 2.68 in
Art Deco Style Ruby Cabochons Gold Diamonds Enamels Trapeze Shape Jade Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The tops are 2 Ruby Oval cabs measuring 7x8 mm ,middle parts are composed of 2 white gold elements with 22 round full cut diamonds and Black Enamel ,in the bottom parts we have 2 Tra...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
$320Sale Price|31% Off
W 0.63 in L 1.25 in
New 5.78 Carat Red Ruby Cabochon & Oval Cut Ruby 14k Y Gold PL Sterling Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
They are very high-quality stones. There is a large cabochon ruby in each earring that measures 10 x 8 mm and they are surrounded by diamond cut rubies in a scalloped design.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,437
W 0.95 in L 0.95 in
Chanel Vintage 1995 Gripoix Ruby Cabochon Crystals Logo CC Coco Square Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1995 95 A Gripoix Ruby Red Logo CC Coco Cabochon Crystals Square Cube Round Circle Clip On Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition.
Gold Plate
Cartier 18 KT Yellow Gold Cuff Links with .94CT Diamonds 1.25 Ct Ruby Cabochon
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The cuff links are set with 0.94 carats of round diamonds, and 1.25 carats of (4) cabochon rubies . When fully opened they measure 1.25".
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,890
W 0.6 in L 1.07 in
Carved Ruby, Cabochon Blue Sapphire and Emerald Buddha Pendant set in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Carved Ruby 8.96 carats, Cabochon Blue Sapphire 0.11 carat and Emerald 0.28 carat Pendant set in 18K Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.7 cm Total Weight: 3...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Original No#56026 10.00 Cts. No Heat Ruby Cabochon Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
VCA Original Platinum earrings featuring center 10.00 cts Unheated cabochon rubies oval shape. Platinum and 18 kt yellow gold prongs set with 20 marquise cut diamonds EF color VVS/V...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold
Big Size Pear Shape Baroque Pearls Oval Ruby Cabochon 14 Karat Gold Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic stud earrings with a pair of Oval Ruby Cabs measuring 10 x 11 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold on the top and in the lower parts 2 unusual shape , big size and excellen...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$550
W 0.52 in L 1.34 in
Big Size Pear Shape Cream Color Pearls Oval Ruby Cabochon 14 Karat Gold Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic earrings with a pair of Oval Ruby Cabs measuring 8 x 10 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold on the top and in the lower parts 2 big size and excellent luster Cream Color...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$227
W 0.4 in L 0.79 in
David Grau Vintage 1980s Oval Ruby Cabochon Crystal Hoop Dome Gold Clip Earrings
Located in Wokingham, England
David Grau Vintage 1980s Unisex Oval Ruby Red Cabochon Crystal Hoop Dome Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition and very new.
Gold Plate
$9,850
W 0.56 in L 3.47 in
18 K Gold Bar Pin Brooch with Baguette Diamonds and Sapphire and Ruby Cabochon
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Elegant 18 K yellow and white Gold bar pin brooch set with a heart shaped Sapphire Cabochon and and pear shaped Ruby. Both gems are connected by a bar completely set with 14 baguette...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ruby and Turquoise Cabochon Ring with Diamonds, 18k
Located in New York, NY
The ruby cabochon is 1.25 carats. Ring Size 6.25 US.
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Chanel Ruby Gripoix Cabochon Earring
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Ruby Cabochon Earring from the 1990's. Twisted gold surround with ruby Gripoix pate de verre handmade cabochons.
Gilt Metal
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 5 round brilliant cut = 0.06cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Ruby: cabochon and princess cut = 0.64cttw Dimensions: ring top meas...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Cabochon Ruby Pendant in a Diamond Halo Setting
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional 14K White Gold Necklace Featuring a 26.01 Carat Ruby Cabochon and 3.50 Carats of Diamonds An extraordinary display of elegance and sophistication, this striking necklace...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$14,690
6.20 Carat Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
6.20 carat Ruby cabochon Yellow Gold Ring.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
17.71 Carat Certified Untreated Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Beautiful Estate Platinum Natural Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring! Showcasing one oval shape red ruby cabochon gemstone weighing 17.61 carats 100% natural no heat - unt...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14 Karat Two-Tone Yellow and White Gold Brooch with Ruby and Sapphire Cabochon
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat Two Tone Yellow and White Gold Brooch With Ruby And Sapphire Cabochon Center Ruby cabochon.
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Burmese Ruby No Heat Oval Cabochon & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of oval Burmese No Heat Ruby Cabochon Earrings with brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18kt White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Dangle Earrings
Located in Missoula, MT
The perfect dangle with a pop of color. Featuring rare Ruby Cabochon's. Hanging on a 14k Gold French ear wire
Ruby, 14k Gold
$8,200Sale Price|20% Off
LEYSER 18k Rose Gold Ruby Pendant
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Pendant in 18k Rose Gold (4.95g), featuring: - 1 oval Ruby Cabochon (9.4x6mm) - 38 brilliant-cut Diamonds (1.8-1.9mm, TW/VSI) A timeless and elegant design crafted to perfection.
Ruby, Rose Gold
Mid Century Platinum Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century platinum cocktail ring, with center ruby cabochon, side rubies and approx. 1.00ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
7.46 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Vivid Red 7.46 carat of Mozambique Ruby Cabochon with 0.73 carats of white diamond are set in this unique ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Carved Jadeite Ruby Brooch
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
An unusual jadeite brooch, centering a carved translucent lavender jadeite, depicting two small dragons hoarding four natural ruby cabochon eggs in their center. Circa 1940s.
Jade, 18k Gold
French 1960s Yellow Gold Ruby Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
French made circa 1960s 18k yellow gold brooch with ruby cabochons, depicting a flower. The flower petals open and close.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
$35,000
H 2 in W 1.25 in D 0.4 in L 2 in
18k White Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Drop Cocktail Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Metal - 18k White Gold Stones - Natural Diamonds and Cabochon Rubies Weight - 32 Grams Striking 18k white gold drop earrings showcasing approximately 35 carats of smooth, richly co...
14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with a 9.0ct Ruby and Diamond Accents
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Here is a 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring featuring a 9.0ct Oval Ruby Cabochon Center stone, accented by White Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.34 Carat Ruby Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum cocktail ring, with center 4.34ct ruby cabochon ( stone measures approx. 13.7 x 11.5 x 9.5mm).
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Onyx Bead Yellow Gold 18K Necklace
Located in Geneva, CH
Ruby cabochon and calibrated and Onyx Bead Yellow Gold 18K Necklace.
Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage David Webb Frog Ruby Black Enamel Yellow Gold Cufflinks
By David Webb
Located in Southampton, PA
With Ruby Cabochon eyes. Black enamel. Details: Measurements: 19mm x 15mm Weight: 20.3 grams Stamped Hallmarks: Webb 18K T3111tddd
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cabochon Cut Ruby, Sapphire, Jade, and Diamond 18K/Platinum Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
Jewelry Details: Item Type: Brooch Pin Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Weight: 35.70 grams Center Stone Details: Gemstone 1: Ruby (Cabochon-Cut) x 14 Gemstone 2: Sapphire (...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18k White Gold Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Metal - 18k White Gold Stones - Natural Diamonds and Rubies (Approx 10 and 65 Carats) A bold and luxurious 18k white gold cocktail ring featuring approximately 65 carats of rich ru...
$6,254
W 1.15 in D 0.44 in L 1.3 in
Double Sided Flower Vase 18K Yellow Gold Carved Sapphire Ruby Emerald Pendant
Located in London, GB
The other side is set with a turquoise cabochon, two ruby cabochons a sapphire cabochon, two carved sapphires and a carved ruby.
Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gol...
Zolotas Cabochon Ruby 22 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Finish Gypsy Ring
By Zolotas
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A bold and richly crafted statement ring, this Zolotas cabochon ruby gypsy ring is fashioned in luxurious 22 karat yellow gold with a hand-hammered finish that enhances its artisanal...
Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 kt. Gold Ring With 1.20 ct. Cabochon Sapphire & Ruby & Diamond
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificant 18 kt. Gold Ring With Cabochon Sapphire and Ruby and Diamond Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds together 1.16 ct.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Vintage Ruby Ring Cabochon Oval Ruby Gemstone & Diamonds 5.60 Carat 18 Karat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ruby & Diamonds - Hand Made in Italy 18k Two Tone Yellow & White Gold 8.40 grams - mat finish (not shiny gold) Ruby Cabochon 5.60 Carat Oval shape / Dome approx size 12 x 10...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond & Ruby 18K Gold Roman Coin Replica Clip-On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
The Roman coin replicas sit within an 18K gold bezel adorned with eye-clean, white full-cut and single-cut diamonds. The rich ruby cabochon at the base adds a vibrant contrast.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
BVLGARI Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The ring has oval and pear-shaped ruby cabochons with diamonds weighing appx. 1.80 carats (G–H color and VS clarity).
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.