$12,500 / set
David Webb Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Darnestown, MD
David Webb oval shaped earrings, each with a cabochon ruby and emerald. On either side are three rows of diamonds with an approximate weight of 1.2 carats.
18k Gold
$688Sale Price / item|20% Off
Genuine Ruby Split Band Halo Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold Gift for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Genuine Cabochon Ruby Diamond Halo Split Band Ring in 14K White Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.38 carats and diamonds of 0.11 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Gold Diamonds Rubies Black Enamel Rock Crystal Round Carved Drops
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
In these classic and totally handmade Art Deco Style Earrings the tops are 2 round black onix of 10 mm in diameter with small ruby round cabochons in the center,middle part in white ...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
REINSTEIN-ROSS Cultured Pearl Ruby Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
7 concentric oval circle ornaments each centering a cabochon ruby approximately 3.50 carats, 39 grams 22k gold, 50 cultured pearls 7.25mm to 7.50mm
$640Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Deco Style Black Onyx Carved Ball Ruby 14k White 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 Black Onyx Ball measuring 18 mm in diameter surmounted by a Ruby Round Cabochon of 6 mm. in diameter set in ...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$18,000Sale Price|20% Off
20.50 Carats Total Emerald, Diamond and Ruby Fish Brooch in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat Yellow & White Gold Weight: 48.47 grams Natural Emeralds: 12.75 carat total weight Emerald cut: Round mixed Emerald color: Green Natural Diamonds: 7.60 carats Dia...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ornate Silver & Ruby Plaque Earrings 1980s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A wonderful pair of Vintage Silver & Ruby Plaque Earrings. Chased panelling set with a rope twist design is topped with a large ruby red cabochon and a quad of mounted white chatons.
Vintage Art Deco Insect Necklace Opal Sapphire Seed Pearl Ruby 14k Gold 18.5"
Located in Torrance, CA
Pear cut opal measures 7.5mm x 58mm, accented with an estimated 0.10 carat blue sapphire, two 0.01 carat cabochon cut rubies. 1mm seed pearls are set into the wings.
Opal, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Turtle 0.50 Karats Diamonds 0.60 Kt Sapphires 0.35 Karat Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
A Turtle shaped cocktail ring finely handcrafted in 18 karats gold by expert artisans and adorned with 0.60 Karats cabochon Sapphires, 0,35 karats cabochon Ruby and 0,50 karats grey ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow G...
18k Two Tone Gold Detailed Mosaic Green Enamel W/ Diamond & Ruby Frog Brooch Pin
Located in Montclair, NJ
The eyes of the frog are bezel set with round cabochon rubies that nicely stand out with their rich red color.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Large Lion Ring Sz 8.5 Ruby Eyes Diamond Sz 8.5 Blue Enamel Fine Animal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Particulars: Weight: 14.8 grams Stones: 1 round brilliant diamond is estimated 0.10 carats (estimated at H-I color and SI2 clarity), accented with a further 7 small diamonds. Two ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Enamel
Price Upon Request
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Retro Tank Ruby Necklace
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Retro style necklace from the early 1940s with arc shaped gilt chevrons with ruby glass cabochon centers. These strong architectural motifs emerged in the ...
Gold Teddy Bear Pin on a Rainy Day with Diamonds & Rubies by E. Wolfe & Co.
By E. Wolfe & Company
Located in Palm Beach, FL
With a diamond encrusted tummy, vibrant cabochon ruby eyes, and a charming umbrella, this little guy is certain to evoke smiles in all who cast eyes upon him.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Ribbed Gold and Ruby Glass Earrings By Valentino, 1980s
By Valentino
Located in McKinney, TX
Each earring features a radiant ribbed gold oval set with a deep ruby-red glass cabochon that glows like poured candy under the light.
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 11.8 grams Diamond Details: .25ct total weight, Round Brilliant, Na...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s 18K 14K Yellow Gold Emerald Ruby Sapphire Byzantine Bracelet
Located in Westport, CT
The bracelet features natural cabochon emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, each bezel-set within the sculptural gold motifs.
14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond GIA Certified 6.69 Carat Ruby Engagement Ring
By DeKaraDesign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stones- GIA Certified Oval Cabochon Ruby 6.69 Carats, 2 Princess Cut Diamonds, 28 round Diamonds G-H-I color VS1-VS2 Clarity 1.10 Carats.
Certified GIA Star Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Platinum Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
GIA* Certified, it features 5 cabochon genuine natural blue star sapphires no heat approx. 31.45cts, 5 genuine natural cabochon star rubies no heat approx. 35.63cts, and 5 genuine na...
Star Sapphire, Platinum
Christian Dior Iconic Rare Gripoix Ruby Emerald Sapphire Baroque Clip Earrings
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Baroque Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Ruby Green Navy Blue Red Cabochon Dome Half Hoop Openwork Exquisite Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent con...
Gold Plate
Vintage Inspired 18K 9.02 Carat African Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Bold, dramatic, and unmistakably one-of-a-kind, this extraordinary ring centers around 9.02 carat African ruby framed by layers of white diamonds. The striking contrast between the r...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Synthetic Ruby and 10k Yellow Gold Graduation Ring 1971
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is ornamented with a feature cabochon cut synthetic ruby, surrounded by 'Rock Hill High School' within a bead decorated border.
Yellow Gold
Trifari Alfred Philippe Moonstone and Ruby Golden Leaf Bracelet
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Trifari, Alfred Philippe Retro sterling vermeil golden leaf link bracelet of faux moonstone cabochons and ruby crystals. Each leaf panel is further accented in minute crystal pave r...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal
Vintage Coro Ruby Red Duette Camellia Gold Tone Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Following the same curve and gently winding into one another, the gold toned floral elements with luscious and well scaled geometric forms gently surround two Cabochon Ruby Centers i...
Chanel Vintage Maison Gripoix Ruby Emerald Maltese Cross Pearl Brooch Pendant
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1980s Maison Gripoix Poured Glass Ruby Emerald Red Green Cabochons Maltese Cross White Pearl Brooch Pendant, Gold Tone Very excellent condition.
Gold Plate
Vintage 1950s E. Wolfe & Co. Eagle Cufflinks
By E. Wolfe & Company
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white and yellow gold with Cabochon Rubies as the eyes. Signed by E. Wolfe & Co.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Christian Dior Iconic Rare Gripoix Ruby Gold Large Peacock Eye Crystals Earrings
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Gripoix Ruby Red Cabochon Large Peacock Eye Crystals Water Drop Exquisite Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition.
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Gripoix Green Red Blue Emerald Ruby Sapphire Earrings
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1970s Baroque Gripoix Cabochon Emerald Ruby Sapphire Green Red Navy Blue Domed Half Hoop Openwork Exquisite Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent co...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Haute Couture Gripoix Ruby Clover Heart Brooch Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Haute Couture Arty Gripoix Huge Ruby Red Cabochon Four Clover Heart Love Pendant Choker Necklace Modernist Elegant Chunky Statement Brooch, Gold Tone Very exc...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Haute Couture Iconic Ruby Large Heart Openwork Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Unisex Large Two 2 Ruby Red Abnormal Cabochon Stone Circle Heart Love Interlocked Openwork Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition, only dark ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Kramer Rare Unisex Ruby Emerald Sapphire Opal Trio Oval Brooch
By Kramer for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Kramer 1950s Unisex Trio Three Oval Opal Moonstone Emerald Green Ruby Red Cabochon Sapphire Navy Blue Intertwined Crystals Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very go...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Haute Couture Iconic Gripoix Ruby Citrine Pearls Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1970s Arty Large Gripoix Cross Clover Citrine Ruby Yellow Orange Red Cabochon White Pearls Modernist Elegant Chunky Statement Pendant Brooch, Gold Tone...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage 1962 GROSSE Unisex Gold Red Ruby Turquoise Leaf Brooch
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior GROSSE 1962 Vintage Turquoise Blue Green Ruby Red Crystals Beads Cabochon Flower Leaf Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition.
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Vintage Huge Gold Red Ruby Emerald Sapphire Sunburst Domed Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Huge Large Round Circle Gripoix Emerald Ruby Sapphire Green Red Blue Cabochon Dome Statement Chunky Brooch, Gold Tone Very excellent condition.
Gold Plate
$5,469Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Retro Gold and Platinum ruby and diamond leaf shaped brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage Retro Gold and Platinum baguette cut 1.74 cts. diamond and 3.71 ct. cabochon ruby leaf shaped brooch. Design: The design follows a retro-modernist aesthetic, from the 1950s ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Crown TRIFARI Philippe 1940s Bird Ruby Red Eye Crystals Swallow Perch Brooch
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Crown TRIFARI Philippe 1940s Vintage Unisex Vivid Ruby Red Eye Whole Crystals Cabochon Swallow Bird Perch Brooch, Silver Tone Very good condition.
Silver Plate
Chanel 1985 Gripoix Haute Couture Iconic Rare Ruby Emerald Amethyst Pearl 2 Set
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1985 Unisex Iconic Gripoix Cabochon Ruby Emerald Amethyst Red Green Purple White Pearl Textured Poured Glass Abnormal Chunky Statement Long Bar Clip 2 Set, Gold Tone ...
Gold Plate
Cartier Retro hand mirror pendant
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold fan-shaped hand mirror with engraved design and twisted borders, set with a cabochon ruby, in 18k. Cartier, #795. Original silk fitted case.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Christian Dior Vintage 1963 Rare Gold Green Jade Brown Ruby Marquise Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1963 Textured Green Jade Brown Ruby Red Cabochon Marquise Water Tear Drop Patchwork Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition.
Gold Plate
Chanel Gripoix Iconic Gold Ruby Red CC Coco Spiral Flower Round Clip Earrings
By Chanel
Located in Wokingham, England
Chanel Vintage 1970s Gripoix Ruby Red Cabochon Crystal Logo CC Coco Flower Round Twist Spiral Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition.
Gold Plate
Fendi Vintage Gripoix Ruby Emerald Lapis Crest Maltese Cross Logo F Earrings
By Fendi
Located in Wokingham, England
Fendi Vintage Gripoix Logo F Fendista Crest Maltese Cross Cabochon Emerald Sapphire Ruby Green Navy Blue Red Pierced Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition.
Gold Plate
Amazing 8, 27 Carats of Burma Rubies and Diamonds on Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
So chic and elegant style for that earrings in 18k gold with two pieces of Burma rubies,fine quality, in cabochon cut of 5,95 carats, and diamonds in special cut of 2,32 carats,F/VS.
18k Gold
Fendi Vintage Gripoix Gold Ruby Emerald Lapis Crown Maltese Cross Logo Brooch
By Fendi
Located in Wokingham, England
Fendi Vintage 1980s Gripoix Logo F Fendista Crown Crest Maltese Cross Cabochon Ruby Emerald Lapis Onyx Red Green Blue Black Chunky Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very excellent conditi...
Gold Plate
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Pearl, Crystal and Ruby Statement Earrings By Grossé For Christian Dior, 1980s
By Henkel and Grosse for Christian Dior
Located in McKinney, TX
These 1980s Grossé for Christian Dior earrings showcase the maison’s signature opulence — radiant ruby-red glass cabochons encircled by luminous faux pearls and twinkling crystal acc...
Christian Dior 1964 Vintage Gold Emerald Ruby Green Brown Water Drop Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1964 Jade Green Brown Ruby Red Cabochon Marquise Water Drop Patchwork Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition.
Gold Plate
Trifari Alfred Philippe Moonstone and Ruby Fruit Salad Giant Bouquet Brooch
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in New York, NY
Composed of faux ruby jelly mold stones and fruit salad leaves. The round flower heads composed of faux small moonstone leaves with the ruby jelly mold cabochons.
Rhodium, Base Metal
Vintage 1970s David Webb Gold and Multi-Gemstone Cuff Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires. Signed by David Webb Circa 1970s Size 6 1/4 inches
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1970s 18kt Gold Bee Brooch Pendant Diamond Ruby Opal Rock Crystal Tourmaline
Located in Aventura, FL
The eyes of the bee are beautifully set with two cabochon rubies, adding a striking contrast and a touch of vibrant color.
Citrine, Crystal, Diamond, Moonstone, Opal, Pearl, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k...
Vintage 1970s David Webb Gold and Multi-Gemstone Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires. Signed by David Webb Circa 1970s 1 1/4 x 1 inch
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Crown TRIFARI Philippe 1940 Vintage Gold Sapphire Ruby Crystals Cute Duck Brooch
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Crown TRIFARI Philippe 1940s Vintage Blue Red Sapphire Ruby Crystals Cabochon Running Cute Duck Hat Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition.
Gold Plate
AIG Certified 12.00 Carats Burma Rubies 3.80 Ct Diamonds 18k Gold Earrings
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Exclusive design Art Deco in 18k gold two with cabochon cut Burma rubies of 12,00 carats , and natural diamonds ct 3,80 F/VS.
18k Gold
Crown Trifari Vintage Unisex Gold Red Ruby Eye Green Jelly Belly Dog Brooch
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Wokingham, England
Crown Trifari 1950s Vintage Vivid Poodle Dog Jelly Belly Green Jade Ruby Red Eye Crystals Cabochon Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition, 100% genuine.
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Ruby Square Crystal Crescent Chunky 2 Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage by Robert Goossens Arty Textured Ripple Gripoix Ruby Red Square Cabochon Crystal Collar Choker Chunky Modernist Elegant Necklace Crescent Clip Earrings...
Gold Plate
Vintage 1960s David Webb Dragon Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with white enamel over 18k yellow gold with a Pear-Shaped Cabochon Ruby. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
$18,000
David Webb Frog Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold, green enamel, and Cabochon Rubies for the eyes. Signed by David Webb 1 3/4 x 1 1/4 inch
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Fish Brooch Pin Diamonds Ruby South Sea Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The eyes are accented with cabochon cut rubies. The fish suspends a voluminous South Sea Pearl of 18mm diameter.
Crystal, Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s David Webb Multi-Gem Cuff Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with a 4.77 carat Cabochon Sapphire, a 2.98 carat Cabochon Emerald, two Cabochon Rubies weighing a total of 7.04 carats, and Round Bril...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Green Enamel Frog Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Green Enamel Frog Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold. The frogs feature cabochon cut ruby eyes. Clip-on backs. The frogs measure approximately 1 inch by 0.70 inches, and have a total weight...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique gemset heart locket
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian gold heart locket set with cabochon ruby, emerald, and sapphire trefoil motif, in 15k. 1" height
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 15k Gold
Vintage 1970s Gold and Pearl Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Mabe Pearls, Cabochon Rubies, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cassis 9.50ct Precious Gemstone 0.60ct Diamond Gold Bangle
Located in New York, NY
The bangle is set with lovely cabochon sapphire, emerald and ruby that weigh approximately 3.50ct, 2.50ct and 3.50ct respectively.
Ruby, Sapphire, 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.