$7,927Sale 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
Modernist 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Queens, NY
18K Yellow Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Ring, featuring one bezel set round ruby cabochon, adorned further by three bezel set oval ruby cabochons, decorated with nine channel set square s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$15,345
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
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold 2.25ct Cabochon Ruby 1.30ct Diamond Solitaire Ring Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful French Cartier Ruby, Diamond, Gold Ring The ring features an oval-shaped ruby cabochon measuring 7.80 x 6.30 x 4.75 mm and weighing approximately 2.25 carats Enhanced by fu...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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...
Kabana Three Stone Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 22 Karat Yellow Gold
By Kabana
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A rich red ruby cabochon sits at the heart of this charming ring, its smooth, polished dome catching light with a soft, glowing luster.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k 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
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
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
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
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...
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
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...
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
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
Retro Cabochon Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Earrings in 18K Gold and Plat
Located in Tampa, FL
A striking pair of Retro earrings crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum, designed around a bold arrangement of richly colored cabochon gemstones and diamonds. Each earring centers...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
12Ct Star Ruby Ring with Natural Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, Oval 15x12mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A dramatic star ruby cabochon glows deep red beneath a shimmering halo of diamonds, set in warm solid 14K rose gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 9carat gold ring holds a glossy ruby cabochon stone with sparkling diamonds surrounding it.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Mabe Blister Pearl Heart Shaped Necklace Rope Chain 14kt Emerald Ruby Sapphire*
Located in New York, NY
Large Sized Heart Shaped Blister Pearl Necklace 3ct Natural Sapphire Emerald Ruby Cabochon Cut Heart Overall Measures: 1.8 x 1.7 inch Necklace: 19 inch long.
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$930Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby Earrings Studs in 14 Karat Gold, Elephant Ruby Studs, Cabochon Ruby Studs
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold elephant earrings studs with natural ruby cabochons. Ruby birthstone. Total weight: 2.2 g.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
GRS Columbian Emerald and Burmese Ruby Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Columbian minor oval cabochon trillion with 9.68 ct. Burmese ruby cabochon oval.
Emerald, Ruby
Cartier La Baiser Du Dragon Ruby Gold Drop Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k gold earrings by Cartier, from La Baiser du Dragon collection, featuring black cord drops with ruby cabochons. Earrings are 2.5" long, the black cord drop can be removed.
Ruby, Gold
Natural 19.83 ct Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
19.83 carats Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring features a 19.83 carat Oval shaped Natural Ruby Cabochon with Purplish Red color surrounded by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 14k Yellow Gold and Ruby Muskellunge Fish Cufflinks
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Each fish is set with a ruby cabochon eye, adding a touch of color and elegance to the playful design.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Silver Gold Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Antique 14k gold and silver brooch, featuring rose cut diamonds and center 8mm ruby cabochon. Brooch measures 46mm x 30mm. Tested gold and silver, not marked.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
18K Yellow Gold 24.70ct Ruby Ring MF25-043026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Opulent scrollwork accents the 18K Yellow Gold setting, while a captivating 24.70 carat Ruby cabochon makes a statement at the center. This piece features a 4mm wide band and a top h...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 10.47 Carat Colombian Cabochon Emeralds
By Stephanie Windsor
Located in New York, NY
Please contact us for more details. Options: Cabochon Ruby, Cabochon Emerald or Cabochon Sapphire
Emerald, Platinum
18k White Gold 10.30ct Sapphire 1.15ct Diamond and Ruby Butterfly Pendant-Brooch
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Completed by a bail, pin stem and catch on the reverse. The eyes are ruby cabochons weighing 0.02ct. Featured in Heritage Auctions April 19, 2016 Fine Jewelry Signature Auction - New...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century 1950s Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Mid century circa 1950s ring, with two ruby cabochons (stones are abraded) and approx. 1.60ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Lion Doorknocker Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold brooch/pendant, depicting a lion's head, adorned with ruby cabochon eyes and approx. 1.50ctw in H/Si1 diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Cat Brooch with Rock Crystal Head, Amazonite Body, and Ruby Eyes
Located in Greenwich, CT
The eyes are set with round ruby cabochons, and a small ruby cabochon is set at the nose as well.
Amazonite, Quartz, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Signed 22.41 Carat No Heat Cabochon Ruby and Ruby Bead Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 22.41 Carat No Heat Pear Cabochon Cut Ruby and Diamond Pendant with a 2-Strand Ruby Bead Necklace by Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,000
Ruby ring
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
3 stone ruby cabochon ring. in 22 karat gold and 20 karat gold band.
Ruby, 22k Gold
Steven Battelle 13.5 Carats Carved Ruby 18K Gold Drop Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two flower-pattern, pear shaped carved ruby cabochons approximately 10 x 14 mm dangle below a simple matte finish fluted component and safety clasp wires in this Steven Battelle desi...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At its center resides a vivid 3.7ct cabochon ruby, its rich red hue emphasizing the gem's natural beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Burma Cabochon Ruby 13.60 carats and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Burma Cabochon Ruby 13.60 ct and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring features a GIA certified natural Burma Ruby Cabochon weighing 13.60 carats with a halo of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unique 8.33ct Natural Winza Sapphire Ruby Blue Red Untreated Pear Cabochon Cut
Located in Birmingham, GB
Unique 8.33ct Natural Winza Sapphire Ruby Blue Red Untreated Pear Cabochon Cut Unique Natural Untreated Blue Red Winza Ruby Cabochon Sapphire 8.33 Carat with a pear cut cabochon and...
Ruby, Sapphire
Seaman Schepps Retro Gold, Diamond and Ruby Bangle, Andy Warhol personal
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Weston, MA
The hinges are accented with beautiful ruby cabochons. Dated from the 1940s Bright diamonds totaling approximately 6.5 carats Ruby cabochon accents 14k yellow gold Inner circumferen...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
David Webb 18k Yellow Gold Green Enamel Ruby Diamond Frog Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dimensional gold spirals, round diamonds and oval ruby cabochon eyes bring the frog to life, in the playful, sculptural style of Webb's celebrated animal jewelry.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Edwardian Circular Ruby Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian paste and faux ruby cabochon brooch set in silvered metal. The circular brooch is slightly domed with open work set with the faux rubies, and a surround of clear pastes. 2....
Base Metal
Diamond, Tsavorite and Ruby Insect Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
This charming insect brooch from the Haruni Vaults is handmade in 18k yellow gold with vibrant tsavorite garnets forming the body, pave-set sparkling diamonds in the wings, and round...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fred Elephant Brooch in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ruby Enamel
Located in Paris, FR
The legs are highlighted with black enamel and the eye is set with a ruby cabochon. The brooch is signed FRED on the pin.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
12 Carat Certified Natural Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful no heat, natural oval shape ruby cabochon weighing over twelve carats, accented with two tapered trapezoid shape step-cut diamonds, set in Platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Insect Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
This charming insect brooch from the Haruni Vaults is handmade in 18k yellow gold with deep blue sapphires forming the body, pave-set sparkling diamonds in the wings, and round ruby ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
GIA Unheated 3.64ct Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Certified Unheated 3.64 carats Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring features a GIA certified 3.64 carat Natural Ruby Cabochon, which has not b...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Twisted Straight Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An openwork yellow gold bar pin featuring a central oval ruby cabochon within a diamond-set infinity swirl motif, flanked by diamond-accented loops and open teardrop terminals.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 4.97 ct UnHeated Cabochon Ruby Necklace Halo Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Unheated Ruby Cabochon Pendant with Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace features a GIA certified Cushion Sugarloaf Double Cabochon Ruby with Purple-Red...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980's Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Cabochon Ring 14k
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Wide gold band set with a large ruby cabochon and diamond accents. What makes this ring really unique is the small cabochon sapphire and emerald set above and below the ruby!
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
13.82tcw Natural Emerald Cabochon & 6-Ray Star Ruby Dangle Earrings Gold 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
A spectacular, and one-of-a-kind pair of emerald and ruby cabochon dangle earrings. As the true statement piece it is, two ravishing 6-ray star rubies captivate all the attention wit...
Emerald, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carlo & Arthur Giuliano Brooch, Circa 1890.
By Carlo and Arthur Giuliano
Located in London, GB
Moonstone, diamond and ruby cabochon brooch by Carlo & Arthur Giuliano, circa 1890.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage cabochon cut sapphire ruby 22k yellow gold bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The alternating arrangement of blue sapphire and red ruby cabochons produces a visually balanced design that reflects the bold, expressive gemstone styling characteristic of the 1970s.
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oxidized chain with 22 Karat Ruby clasp
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
This oxidized copper chain offers a striking contrast to its clasp—a classical ruby cabochon set in rich 22 karat gold and adorned with delicate granulation.
Ruby, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
10k Gold Custom Antique Heart Arrow Brooch w/ Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Antique Brooch Features Garland with Bow Detailing on Arrow with Crowned Heart Ruby Cabochon Centerpiece with Old Cut Diamonds Length of Brooch = 47 mm Width of Brooch = 90 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold
Platinum 4.14ct Diamond and Ruby Brooch MF38-0222026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
At the center, a 7.37 carat Ruby cabochon adds a breathtaking pop of color. It measures 1.0 long by 1.50 wide.This jewelry piece is offered in estate condition and includes a gift box.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14.06 ctw No-Heat East African Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Tysons, VA
A remarkable statement of rarity and refinement, this vintage style ring showcases a captivating 12.66 carat East African ruby in a smooth cabochon cut, celebrated for its rich red h...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.