vintage Givenchy bright pink earrings 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in Wilmslow, GB
The cabochon emulating a ruby with silk like inclusions.
vintage Givenchy bright pink earrings 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in Wilmslow, GB
The cabochon emulating a ruby with silk like inclusions.
Georgian 1785 Antique Earrings in 15kt Gold and Enamel with 5.64 Ctw in Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Like the term Victorian (used for jewelry during Queen Victoria's rule), it is accepted in use as a term that refers to certain styles of jewelry. Pearls, sapphires, rubies and garne...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Christian Dior Vintage Jewelled Gold Tone Chain Sautoir Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN DIOR vintage gorgeous gold toned chain sautoir necklace featuring faux gem glass cabochons (sapphire, ruby, emerald) and clear crystals.
$4,587Sale Price|44% Off
Bochic Classic & Chic Star Black Diamond Earrings Set In 18K Black Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Hand-crafted in 18K gold and silver, this exquisite earring features an extraordinary ensemble of natural Ruby and Sapphire cabochons totaling around 6 carats.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
English Georgian 1780 Ring in 14 Kt Gold and Silver with Diamonds and Turquoise
Located in Miami, FL
Like the term Victorian (used for jewelry during Queen Victoria's rule), it is accepted in use as a term that refers to certain styles of jewelry. Pearls, sapphires, rubies and garne...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
14kl White Gold Ruby Cabochon Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Add a touch of elegance with the Ruby Cabochon Ring. Featuring a beautiful cabochon ruby, this ring brings a luxurious feel to any outfit. 14k White Gold Ring 3.24 carat cabochon r...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
A Pair Of Ruby Novelty Nautical Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
A pair of ruby novelty nautical cufflinks, each with a ruby cabochon set propella and ship's wheel, with chain link connections between, hallmarked 18 carat gold, London 2003, beari...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,800
18k Cabochon Ruby Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
18k Ring with a stunning 2.77 carat cabochon ruby, four square cut sapphires totaling 0.57 carats, and twenty-eight sparkling round diamonds totaling 0.72 carats, all weighing a luxu...
Ruby, 18k Gold
A Edwardian diamond and demantoid garnet butterfly brooch
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian diamond and demantoid garnet butterfly brooch, the thorax set with an oval mix-cut demantoid garnet, estimated to weigh approximately 0.15 carat, the abdomen set with a...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Art Deco Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A cabochon ruby weighing approximately 3 carats is set in a platinum mounting accented with old European, round and rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.40 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$54,877
Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in London, GB
The eyes of the bee are set with cabochon rubies, another detail that references Victorian era craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Platinum Burma Star Ruby Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Indulge in luxury with this platinum ring boasting a 4.49 carat GIA certified Burma Star Ruby and 10 round diamonds, each weighing 1.64 carats. With a total weight of 7.40 grams, thi...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
$111,540
1950's Burma Ruby Bracelet
Located in Sarasota, FL
Platinum Bracelet with 35 Burmese cabochon rubies weighing 43.67 carats and 70 marquis cut diamonds weighing 14.31 carats. 72.99 grams
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$41,400
8.61 Carat Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Platinum ring with one 8.61 carat Burma, no heat, cabochion ruby and 3.31 carats of pave set round brilliant diamonds. 10.75 grams, size 6 (sizable)
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$20,000
Burma Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
AGL certified 7.98 carat cabochon Burma Ruby set in 18k mounting with 18 round brilliant and 10 tapered baguette diamonds weighing 5.11 carats, 9.89g
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Keith Davis 12.33 ct Burma Ruby Ring
By Keith Davis
Located in Sarasota, FL
Available in size 8. 18k Hand fabricated ring by Keith Davis 12.33 carat cabochon Burma ruby 2 round diamonds weighing 0.25 carats Total Weight 12.39 grams Size 8
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby and Pearl Snake Stick-Pin
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby and pearl snake stick-pin, the coiled snake with three faceted rubies set on the forehead, two cabochon-set ruby eyes, suspending a pearl from the mouth, the finely ...
Pearl, Ruby
A Burmese star ruby and diamond cluster ring
Located in London, GB
A Burmese star ruby and diamond cluster ring, the oval cabochon star ruby weighing 4.67cts accompanied by Gemlab certificate stating to be untreated and of Burmese origin, with brill...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Faberge Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Lozenge-Shaped Brooch
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A Faberge ruby, sapphire and diamond lozenge-shaped brooch, with a white fluted baton-shaped motif set with a cabochon-cut sapphire and ruby at finials, with rose-cut diamond collars...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
An Edwardian Star Ruby And Diamond Cluster Stick Pin
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian star ruby and diamond cluster stick pin, the oval shaped cabochon-cut ruby estimated to weigh 0.5 carats, surrounded by eighteen rose-cut diamond, all fine millegrain-se...
Diamond, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Emerald, Diamond and Ruby Dragonfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
An antique Russian emerald and diamond dragonfly brooch, the body a square-cut emerald with estimated weight 0.6 carats, the tail set with twelve emeralds and four diamonds, the wing...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Renaissance Revival Emerald, Ruby and Pearl Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Renaissance revival emerald, ruby, pearl and enamelled gold pendant, the rectangular-cut emerald estimated to weigh 1.5 carats rub-over set to the centre, flanked with one diamond-...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gol...
Early 20th Century Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
It features a central pigeon’s blood red cabochon cut ruby flanked by two dazzling diamonds that complement the central stone wonderfully.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An Early 20th Century Harlequin Moonstone And Ruby Stick-pin
Located in London, GB
The collar is gracefully accented with five round cabochon-cut rubies, all elegantly set in rose gold dating back to the early 20th century.
Moonstone, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Green Enamelled Serpent Bangle
Located in London, GB
A Victorian green enamelled serpent bangle, with diamond-set head, nose and brows and cabochon ruby eyes, the tapered diamond encrusted body hinged in five places to form a wrap-arou...
Diamond, Ruby, Enamel
A pair of Victorian spider and turtle scatter pin brooch
Located in London, GB
A pair of Victorian spider and turtle scatter pin brooch, consisting of a pearl-set turtle and a pearl-set spider with cabochon-cut ruby-set eyes, to closed back yellow gold mounts, ...
Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
Fred Leighton Multi Gem Bird of Paradise Brooch with Articulated Tail Feathers
By Fred Leighton
Located in New York, NY
A custom made "Bird of Paradise" brooch of 18kt gold, with cabochon ruby eyes = .10 carats, the head and back set with 80 yellow diamonds = 1.75 carats, the breast paved with 34 bril...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Diamond Set Partridge Brooch
Located in London, GB
The eye of the partridge is a vivid cabochon ruby. The partridge’s legs have been meticulously rendered, featuring wonderful detail.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
A Victorian sapphire and diamond bee brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian sapphire and diamond bee brooch, the thorax set with a cushion-shaped diamond weighing approximately ½ carat, the abdomen with two rows set with five cushion-shaped facet...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Pair of Garnet and Diamond Beetle Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
A pair of garnet and diamond beetle cufflinks made by Bentley & Skinner, each beetle set with two cabochon-cut segments and rose-cut diamonds to the body, with yellow gold head a...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Round Gold Brooch with Gem-Set Twin Heart Motif
Located in London, GB
One of the hearts is set with a verdant emerald, and the other with a vibrant ruby, both stones cabochon cut. The stones are framed within the hearts by pearls.
Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Art Nouveau Grasshopper Brooch
Located in London, GB
The body of the insect features a bright and vivid blue opal, tallow and green enamel, rose-cut diamonds, and a cabochon-cut ruby eye all set in bright yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
A Late Victorian Diamond-set Pheasant Stick-pin
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set pheasant stick-pin, the realistically carved pheasant with a cabochon ruby set eye and old-cut diamonds set through the body, estimated to weigh 0.3 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
A late Victorian diamond-set duck stick pin
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set duck stick pin, the polychrome enamelled head with a cabochon ruby-set eye, the body set with fifteen small rose-cut diamonds, all mounted in silver and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond Double Serpent Brooch
Located in London, GB
The intertwined serpents are set with further scintillating diamonds, and the eyes of the creatures are set with glinting cabochon-cut rubies. The stones are set to bright silver and...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
$13,460 / item
Victorian Diamond Serpent Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond serpent brooch, the serpent curled in a figure-of-eight design, the head, the body and snout encrusted with old brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Gem-Set Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian gem-set butterfly brooch, the body is a gold spring terminating to a natural pearl, the eyes set with two cabochon-cut rubies, the wings set with two oval-shaped rub...
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
A Victorian diamond-set frog brooch/pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond-set frog pendant/brooch, the head, with an open mouth, set with a large pear-shaped diamond and two round cabochon ruby eyes, the body set with five smaller pear...
Diamond, 9k Gold, Silver
A diamond-set white rabbit brooch
Located in London, GB
A diamond-set white rabbit brooch, the upright rabbit carrying an umbrella under his arm and a yellow gold pocket watch in his hand, set throughout with brilliant and rose-cut diamon...
A Victorian Garnet And Diamond Scarab Pin/ring
Located in London, GB
The beetle is made from a single impressive and glowing cabochon garnet set with glittering diamond details on its body and bright ruby eyes.
18k Gold, Silver
An Early 20th Century French Frog Brooch
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century French frog brooch, set with old European-cut diamonds and demantoid garnets, with a round cabochon-cut ruby eye, the diamonds estimated to weigh 2 carats in to...
18k Gold, Silver
A Fabergé Nephrite And Crystal Stamp Dampener
Located in London, GB
A Fabergé nephrite and crystal stamp dampener, the base carved from a single piece of nephrite resting on four round-shaped feet, the nephrite decorated on each side with rose gold r...
Rose Gold
Natural Pearl Necklace with Diamond Set Snakes
Located in London, GB
A Victorian natural pearl an diamond necklace, consisting of three graduating from the centre diamond set snakes, each coiled snake set with old-cut diamonds with cabochon ruby-set e...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Magnificent Late Victorian Diamond-Set Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
The eyes of the butterfly are set with cabochon-cut rubies, a typical feature of Victorian jewellery depicting insects.
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Edwardian Fly Bar Brooch with Three Ascending Flies
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian fly bar brooch featuring four Gem-set flies, each fly with an oval demantoid garnet thorax and half pearl set wings with cabochon ruby-set eyes, the one upon a bar brooc...
Garnet, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Rock Quartz Turban Fashion Ring Ruby Cabochon 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Melon cut Rock Quartz Round Bead of 20 mm. in diameter and 16 mm. thick with in the center a round Ruby cabochon of 8 mm. in diameter set in 14 kt yellow gold is mounted on top of a ...
Quartz, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
AGL Certified 24.25 Carat Ruby Cabochon & Diamond Ring In 18 K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
An attractively deep red ruby is the heartbeat of this stunning ring. This cabochon ruby is an incredible 24.25 carat – 19.02 x 14.05 millimeter.
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Jade Donuts Gold Diamonds Rubies Red Enamel Dangle Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
2 round black onix tops with small rubies cabochons in the center,middle part in white gold, 8 round full cut diamonds, red enamel, bottom parts are 2 Burma Jade Donuts Length 56 mm ...
Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau Butterfly Pendant Brooch 30 OMC Diamonds Ruby Enamel 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
These diamonds are just stunning - very white with the incredible sparkle of the antique diamonds that we just love. Two Ruby cabochons form the eyes of the butterfly. The jewel is...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Bamboo Shaped Jade Gold Diamonds Ruby Cabs Black Enamel Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
the top has 2 large ruby cabochons, then we have a central part in white gold diamonds black enamel and 2 small round cabochon rubies, finally the bottom is composed of 2 Burmese jad...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Burma Jade Buddha Gold Diamonds Rubies Red Enamel Dangle Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
2 round Black Onix buttons tops with small round rubies cabochons in the center,central parts in white gold,small round rubies,14 round full cut diamonds,red enamel,and 2 Burma Jade ...
Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Rock Crystal Black Onyx Ruby Gold Diamonds Enamel Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classic art deco style earrings, with 2 Black Onyx round buttons with at the center 2 small round ruby cabochons, the central part consists of 2 elements in white gold diamond and bl...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Rubies Emeralds Gold Red Enamels Diamonds Amethyst Drop Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
In these Art Deco Style earrings in the upper part we have 2 oval Ruby cabochons measuring 7 mm x 8 mm, the central part is composed of 2 elements in white gold ,20 full cut diamond...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
$2,600Sale Price|68% Off
9 Carat Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Solitaire Ring 10.50 CTW
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
One 14-karat white gold ring consisting of Fifty-two round brilliant diamonds is set in a wide 11.50 mm ring featuring a center red ruby gemstone.This ruby pave set diamond ring make...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Diamond, Ruby & Fancy Color Sapphire Necklace Set 18K
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Red Ruby & Fancy Color Sapphire Necklace Set in 18K & Silver Elegant and Classic Italian style Natural Red Ruby - 39 Carats Natural Multi Color yellow - 8 ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$11,395 / item
Diamonds Rubies Saxophone 18 karat Yellow Gold Brooch
By Mousson Atelier
Located in Bangkok, TH
Our saxophone is made of 18 Karat Yellow Gold, its keys are decorated with small cabochon-shape Rubies, and Diamonds are fixed on the rim of the bell.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Rose Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Chick Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
An antique charm pendant designed as a chick in gold and silver set with 21 rose-cut diamonds with an estimated total weight of 0.32 carats and a cabochon ruby eye. Unmarked but test...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Elegant 12 Carat Red Ruby, Blue Sapphire, and Diamond 18K Gold Earrings
Located in Tustin, CA
Very elegant, red round cabochon ruby, oval blue sapphire, round blue sapphire, and white diamond earrings feature retractable posts, suitable for both pierced and non-pierced ears.
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Elephant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The elephant head, with a captivating cabochon ruby eye and a high-polished gold tusk, exudes both strength and grace.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Tribal Ethnic Ring and Bracelet
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage gun patina engraved tribal ethnic motif ring and bracelet embellished with large ruby resin cabochons. Adjustable ball chain bracelet with hook closure.
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.