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
$2,141Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond, Pink Enamel and Ruby Eye Coiled Snake Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The snake’s head is opulently adorned with 0.60 carat of brilliant-cut pave diamonds, beautifully punctuated by two cabochon ruby eyes that impart a mysterious and lifelike gaze.The ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s Turquoise and Pink Agate Cats Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Turquoise and Pink Agate, as well as four Round cut Rubies.
Agate, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Gorgeous 18k White Gold Link Bracelet Features Diamond Station Links w/ three Li
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous 18k White Gold Link Bracelet Features Diamond Station Links w/ three Links Featuring Large Star Rubies Each Diamond Station Link has Three Pave-Set Round Brilliant Diamonds ...
Diamond, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hermes Collier De Chien Red Enamel Ring
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold red enamel with a Cabochon Ruby charm hanging from the center. Signed by Hermès, from their Collier De Chien collection Size 5 1/2
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Bird Brooch with Eggs in Nest
Located in Darnestown, MD
This 18 karat gold bird brooch is made especially charming by the three pearl eggs in a nest. The bird has a ruby eye and an emerald on the branch on which she sits. The gold has a n...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Large Ruby and Diamond Headband in 18K White and Yellow Gold
By Fratelli Coppini
Located in Firenze, IT
Exclusive, handcrafted domed cocktail ring in 18-karat gold. The design, sumptuous and highly sculptural, features an imposing three-dimensional surface entirely embellished with a s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Multi Gem Coral and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gem Coral and Diamond Bangle Bracelet A bracelet featuring one cabochon coral, one pear shaped ruby, three pear shaped sapphires, three round cut rubies 29 round diamonds, one...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$150,000 / set
Bvlgari Sapphire Flower Brooch And Earrings Set
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Sapphire Flower Brooch And Earrings Set Circa 1960. A set featuring cabochons sapphire, round rubies and diamonds in a floral motif.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Turquoise Swallow Brooch of 800 Silver, Circa 1880
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This finely crafted brooch captures that sentiment beautifully, featuring a graceful swallow adorned with vibrant turquoise cabochons and two fiery ruby eyes. The piece is composed ...
Ruby, Turquoise, Silver
Vintage 1960s Multi-Gemstone Brooch Pendant Sautoir Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in 18k yellow gold with a center Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 28.00 carats, additional 35 Cabochon Rubies weighing approximately a total of 31.50 carats, 21 Ca...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,800
Antique Owl Stick Pin
Located in New York, NY
Antique Owl Stick Pin A stick pin with an engraved gold owl at the top, with two cabochon rubies set as its eyes. Approximate Length: 3.75 inches Approximate Weight: 6 grams Metal...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s "Big Three" Flower Vine Brooch in 18k Gold
Located in Greenwich, CT
This is a flower spray brooch in 18k gold as a gathered cluster of blossoms rising from a single tied stem. The flower heads are a mix of four and five petal blooms, each petal pavé ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Double Headed Frog Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with blue enamel over 18k yellow gold and platinum with 6 Cabochon Rubies and 64 Round Brilliant cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
David Webb 18K Gold & Platinum Diamond Enamel Zebra Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
• House: David Webb • Metal: 18K yellow gold & platinum • Gemstones: 2 cabochon ruby eyes • Diamonds: 28 round brilliants • Detailing: Black & white enamel • Finger size: Up to 7 (...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Certified 14k Emerald Necklace 297 carats emerald 14k gold 27gms Diamond 7.95
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Certified Emerald Drop Diamond Necklace 14k Gold Gross weight 80.257 gms 14k gold 27.297 gms Total Emerald weight 296.85 carats Emerald natural Zambian Emerald Cabochon Oval drops...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Mid-Century Cat's Eye 5.34ct Tourmaline White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One mid-century cat’s eye tourmaline ring in 18K white gold centering one round cabochon tourmaline weighing 5.34 ct. The ring is further enhanced by nearly 1 ct. in round brilliant ...
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Custom 14k Emerald Drop Necklace 297 carats emerald 14k gold 27gms Diamond 7.95
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Custom Emerald Drop Diamond Necklace 14k Gold Gross weight 80.257 gms 14k gold 27.297 gms Total Emerald weight 296.85 carats Emerald natural Zambian Emerald Cabochon Oval drops 18...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique Goose Stickpin of 18k Gold with Baroque Pearl
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming antique stickpin, designed as a whimsical goose formed from a baroque pearl, set with a vivid ruby eye and detailed enameled tail feathers, all mounted on an 18 karat gold...
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
A refined contemporary bypass ring crafted in 18 karat white gold, centered by
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A refined contemporary bypass ring crafted in 18 karat white gold, centered by a bright red natural cabochon ruby weighing approximately 1.40 carats. The ruby is bezel set within a ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Scheeps Vintage Classic Turbo Shell Earclips
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Bethesda, MD
The silvery-white shells with pink overtones are caressed in gleaming gold wire with a cabochon ruby terminal. Signed 'P.S.V. of Seaman Shepps" for Seaman Schepp's daughter - Patric...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Gio' Pomodoro brooch, unique piece 1953
Located in Pesaro, IT
Gio' Pomodoro, unique gold brooch, 1953, jewel of Italian modernist artist. An extraordinary example of wearable art, this unique piece belongs to the early and most experimental pha...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Gold and Turquoise Snake Necklace with Gem-set Head
Located in New York, NY
An antique Georgian period gold, turquoise, diamond and ruby snake necklace in the form of an articulated ouroboros serpent with a turquoise studded body, diamond-set head, and caboc...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
$10,450
Alabanda Diatrita Necklace
Located in Istanbul, TR
Inspired by the floral and geometric rosettes of Ancient Roman mosaics, the Alabanda Diatrita Necklace is built around a balanced four-part composition. A cabochon ruby forms its cen...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 24k Gold
Exquisite Vintage Earrings with Coloured Gemstones & Diamonds, Italy, c. 1985
Located in Berlin, DE
The pair is accompanied by a detailed appraisal of its materials from Vienna. Material: A natural ruby, untreated, moderate oil, cabochon cut, oval, c. 10.55 ct, 11.0 x 15.0 mm A n...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
David Webb Frog 18K Yellow Gold Double Head Clamper Cuff Bangle Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Each frog is beautifully detailed with glossy black enamel, polished gold accents, raised gold spots, and cabochon ruby eyes. The substantial bangle features a richly textured gold ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18k Yellow Gold 2.78ct Blue Moonstone Nugget Dual Textured Elongated Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Moonstone - Round Cabochon Cut - Multi-Prong Set - Blue Color - 8.1mm - 2.78ct (exact) (2) Natural Genuine Ruby or Spinel - Round Cabochon Cut - Pr...
Moonstone, Ruby, Spinel, Yellow Gold
Antique Bull Stickpin of 14k Gold and Platinum, Circa 1890
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Powerful and refined, this fine antique stickpin (circa early 20th century) showcases a meticulously modeled bull’s head in warm 14k gold, crowned with sleek platinum horns and set w...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum
A Rare Mughal Style Gem-Set Jade Hand Mirror and Comb India, Late 19th Century
Located in Long Island City, NY
The mirror, of graceful tear-drop form, is framed by a delicately scalloped border set with cabochon rubies, creating a rhythmic jeweled halo that accentuates its sculptural silhouet...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 24k Gold
Victorian 2.50 Carat Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The brooch is an excellent gauge of gold and is in excellent condition. Opal Quality Cut Cabochon Content 2.50 carats Ruby Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 0.40 carat Diamond Qua...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,850
Egyptian Revival Pendant
Located in New Orleans, LA
This bold necklace features a colorful, intricately crafted Egyptian Revival pendant. The design artfully combines turquoise, rubies, diamonds and enamel in a stunning representation...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Enamel
Modernist Signed Poured Glass Sterling Silver Abstract Swedish Brooch 1960s
By Rune Tennesmed
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in 1962 by Swedish Rune Tennesmed, this modern minimal sterling-silver geometric brooch features a faux ruby poured-glass red cabochon, concave sheet metal, and openwork that fo...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
VERDURA Green Jade and Gem-set 'Maltese' Cuff Bracelet
By Verdura
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Designed as a wide dark green jade cuff, centering upon a polished and matte-finished 18K gold Maltese Cross, set with cabochon amethyst, ruby, and bezel-set citrine, accented by cul...
Amethyst, Citrine, Jade, Cultured Pearl, Ruby
on HOLD Certified 14k Emerald Tanzanite Diamond Necklace 325 carats 14k gold Set
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Gross wt 87.37 gm Diamond 16.65 carats Emerald 325 Carats Tanzanite 19.05 Carats 14 kt Gold 35.34 gms Available for shipping immediately! 3 piece Earrings Necklace Set - An extraord...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
$6,680Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sapphire Matte Finished Ring In 18 kt Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Ring in 18 kt gold studded with Blue sapphire. Accessorize your look with this elegant Blue Sapphire Ring. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy o...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage diamond gemstone 18k yellow gold large hoop earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The pair carries two cabochon cut emeralds of approximately 2.80 carats in total, sixty-four round brilliant cut diamonds of approximately 2.50 carats in G-H color and VS clarity, an...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$733Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lotus Earrings Studs with Sapphires in 14k Gold, Blue Sapphire Gold Earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus earrings studs with sapphires in 14k gold. Sapphire cabochon earrings. Blue sapphire Gold Earrings. Flower gold earrings. Round sapphire earrings studs. Everyday earrings wit...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Gemstone and Yellow Gold Bracelet and Pendant Suite
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The bracelet is composed of eight claw-set cabochon cut gemstones including: 2.95ct ruby, 2.98ct yellow sapphire, 5.90ct garnet, 1.52ct opal, 1.80ct moonstone, 1.95ct green quartz an...
Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Opal, Quartz, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Custom 14k Emerald Drop Necklace 188 carats emerald 14k gold 27gms approx
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
Custom Emerald Drop Diamond Necklace 14k Gold Gross weight 80 gms approximately 14k gold 6.8 approximately 150- 250 carats Emerald approximately depending on the Emerald quality you...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Retro Boucheron 18k rose gold silver lipstick holder
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Its substantial weight and compact 2.15 inch form give it both presence and refined practicality. Four vivid cabochon rubies add a touch of sensual color, their smooth domed surfaces...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
David Webb Gem-Set and Diamond Earrings United States, Circa 1970
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A vibrant pair of David Webb earrings, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and set with richly colored cabochon gemstones and diamonds. The design centers around a floral cluster compose...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Snake Brooch
Located in London, GB
These vivd green stones ascend the brooch whilst a tiny cabochon ruby portrays the eye and completes the piece.
Garnet, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Hand Made 18K Gold and Silver Dragonfly Brooch, Circa 1880-1910
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
The eyes are bezel set with two oval cabochon cut rubies measuring approximately 4.0x2.7mm
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Lagos Mabe Pearls .60ct Diamonds Clip Earrings 18kt Gold*
By Lagos
Located in New York, NY
E-F color vs1 vs2 clarity. .30ct natural cabochon ruby 3mm. 18 karat yellow gold & 14kt Omega clip Total weight 28.8 grams Overall earrings measure 25 x 30mm Depth: 13mm Co...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 10k Yellow Gold Crest Craft US Army Airborne Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage military ring is crafted in 10k yellow gold and was produced by Crest Craft, featuring the U.S. Army Airborne insignia. The bold design and solid construction reflect th...
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Portuguese Sailboat Brooch of Garnet, Circa 1930
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking and beautifully composed vintage brooch (circa 1930), depicting a Portuguese sailboat crafted in 19.2k white and yellow gold and accented with rose cut diamonds, rubies, e...
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Adler Genève Earrings Precious Stones & Diamonds H.M.Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Oman
Located in Antwerp, BE
Adler Genève Earrings Set with Precious Stones & Diamonds from Estate His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Oman Qaboos bin Said Al Said was Sultan of Oman from 23 July 1970 until ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1950s Western Germany Gold-Tone Filigree Brooch with Green Rhinestones and Faux
Located in Milford, DE
1950s Western Germany Gold-Tone Filigree Brooch with Green Rhinestones and Faux Pearls This dazzling mid-century brooch, marked "Western Germany," showcases the intricate craftsmansh...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Western Germany Smoky Rhinestone and Faux Pearl Filigree Brooch, 1950s
Located in Milford, DE
This lavishly detailed brooch from 1950s Western Germany is a standout piece of mid-century costume jewelry, featuring ornate gold-tone filigree accented with smoky rhinestones, faux...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Western Germany Pink Rhinestone and Faux Pearl Filigree Brooch, 1950s
Located in Milford, DE
This lavishly detailed brooch from 1950s Western Germany is a standout piece of mid-century costume jewelry, featuring ornate gold-tone filigree accented with pink rhinestones, faux ...
Ruby, Pearl, Gold
Ancient Roman Coins 18K Yellow Gold Clip-on Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
The setting is made in 18-karat yellow gold adorned with small cabochon sapphire and ruby on the lower side of the coin bezel.
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Dragonfly Important Art Deco Style 18 Karat Natural Pearls Blackstar Brooch Pin*
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Style Insects. 10.00ct Black Star Gems, Cabochon Cuts Natural Cultured Pearls & Natural Cabochon Rubies (2) Eyes. 18kt. yellow gold. 39.7 grams.
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Other, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Double Serpent Snake Cuff Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
From Kingdom Collection Twin Serpent Cuff Bracelet by David Webb, crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with cabochon rubies for eyes. Width from 40mm to 23mm.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Gold Nephrite Jade Panther Ring
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This David Webb vintage cocktail ring in 18k yellow gold features a whimsical carved nephrite jade panther head with bezel-set cabochon ruby eyes. Solid gold interior band with carve...
Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Etruscan Revival Locket c.1870
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The front of the locket is set with a large oval cabochon piece of nephrite jade which is bordered by six natural red rubies.
Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$733Sale Price / item|20% Off
Lotus Earrings Studs with Opals in 14k Gold, Opal Gold Earrings
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lotus earrings studs with opals in 14k gold. Opal cabochon earrings. Opal Gold Earrings. Flower gold earrings. Round cab opal earrings studs. Everyday earrings with opals. Flower ...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Opal, 14k Gold
Peridot 9K Rose Gold Drop Earrings – Handcrafted in Italy
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
The pair is set with two cabochon-cut peridots weighing a total of 4.0 carats.
Peridot, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 14kt gold multi coloured gem flower bouquet brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions: Height x width: 8.3 x 5.1 cm Weight: 30 grams Various Sapphires : Quantity: 7 Cut: Oval faceted, Oval cabochon , Round faceted Carat weight: 7.66 cts. totalling Ca...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$75,000
Carvin French Night Light
By Carvin French
Located in New York, NY
Carvin French Night Light A very unusual working nightlight set with one large citrine on a base of 18 karat gold and onyx set with 4 cabochon rubies. Made by Carvin French Measu...
Citrine, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Spectacular Sixties Chandelier Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, Genève, Switzerland. These earrings are sixties, pop-art perfection. At almost a four inch long drop, they are bold and playful! .60 carats of rich red rubies and ....
White Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White 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.