French Victorian Red Crystal Perfume Bottle
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian ruby colored crystal square perfume bottle with gilt decoration
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Bottles
Crystal
French Victorian Red Crystal Perfume Bottle
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian ruby colored crystal square perfume bottle with gilt decoration
Crystal
Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in Long Island City, NY
The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1...
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, Si...
A Star Set Multi Gem and Diamond Wide Band, by Cartier, France
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Signed Cartier, France, numbered, assay marks. Size 6.5
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire
French 18k Floral Victorian Brooch - 18 Karat solid gold antique Clover pin
Located in Antwerp, BE
We are happy to introduce you to this work of art from the Napoleon III period during the late 19th century, also known as the late Victorian period. This floral themed collar brooch...
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,064Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Regency Crystal Swirl Baccarat style Wall Sconce with Ruby Accents
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1950's Single Mid Century Baccarat style Crystal "Swirl" Pattern Wall Sconce. Ruby crystal accents and features 3 lights.
Crystal
$600Sale Price|66% Off
RARE Important 1900s Large Etched Diamond Cut Ruby Red Etched Crystal Vase
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Antique 1900s Lovely Diamond Cut Cranberry Hand Cut Large Bohemian Crystal Vase. Vase is Finely Detailed Throughout in a Magnificent Diam...
Crystal
$360Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Estate Brushed Gold Plate Metal Vintage Faux Ruby Citrine Compact Pendant
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant Brushed Gold Plate Overlaid Gold Plated Engraved Carved French Flower Faux Ruby and Citrine Compact Case/ Pendant.
Gold Plate
Victorian French Circus Poodle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Charming circus poodle diving through 18K gold hoop. Ruby cab eyes. Exceptional french jeweler at work with novelty motifs of the period.
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
French 1950s 18K Gold En Tremblant Flower Brooch with Gemstone Stamens
Located in Towson, MD
An exquisite 18 karat yellow gold mechanical en tremblant flower brooch, French, circa 1950s, masterfully designed to transform from bud to bloom.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
French 1925s Art Deco Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Line Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head and owl hallmarks and and silver, crab hallmark. In the shape of a curved bar with typical Art Deco lines, the top of the brooch is set w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterl...
French Victorian Old Mine Diamond 18 Karat Green Gold Comedy Mask Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a highly rendered green gold comedy mask with deeply engraved lip and hair texture Featuring a wide open mouth set with an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0....
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Diamond Fox Stickpin of Silver and 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A rare jewel of early 19th-century craftsmanship, this antique stickpin (circa 1830) features a finely detailed fox head pavé-set with glittering diamonds, its keen gaze enhanced by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
$4,798Sale Price|20% Off
French 1820 Baroque Rock Quartz Scent Perfume Bottle Mount 18k Gold with Gems
Located in Miami, FL
French scent bottle with gemstones. Gorgeous antique scent perfume bottle, created in France in the first quarter of the 19th century, circa 1820.
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Quartz, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold French Stamped, Edwardian Rectangular Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Locket 18ct Yellow Gold French Stamped This exquisite Edwardian era locket is a true statement piece, beautifully crafted from 18ct yellow gold.
Gold, 18k Gold
Set of 4 Late 19th Century Ormolu Ruby Glass Comport Dessert Stands
Located in London, GB
On three lines paw feet the dishes attach to the stands via a decorative threaded screw.
Ormolu
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold French Chinos Carved Jade Pendant
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pendant and brooch is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold and showcases a beautifully carved jade centerpiece. It is accented with four carved emeralds, five carved sapp...
Emerald, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Hand-Knotted Persian Kashan Rug in Deep Ruby & Indigo 4.4' x 6.10 - 1C1194
Located in Bordeaux, FR
A truly evocative piece of textile history, this authentic antique Persian Kashan rug, dating to the 1920s, captures the artistry and saturated color palette characteristic of the re...
Wool
$900Sale Price|50% Off
RARE 19th C Large Handcut Heavy Etched Diamond Cut Ruby Red Etched Crystal Vase
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Antique Lovely HEAVY HANDCUT Red Ruby Hand Crystal Glass Vase. Vase is Finely Detailed Throughout in a Magnificent Pattern Surrounded Thr...
Crystal
$600Sale Price|50% Off
Rare Estate 18KT Gold Plate 1960s Lion Faux Ruby CZ Empire Francais Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Overlaid Gold Plated French Lion Faux Ruby Empire Francais Brooch. This Rare Piece has Magnificent Czs and Faux Ru...
Gold Plate
Authentic Augis - Plus qu'hier et moins que demain - French love 18k solid gold
By A. Augis
Located in Antwerp, BE
This lovely 18 k Yellow gold ring holds the most beautiful and popular love medallion of all times. This lovely medallion depicts a small cross and minus. Inside the plus we find a s...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco French Multi-Gem 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Wheel Barrow Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dimensional white gold wheel barrow with a spinning front wheel Featuring a cluster of various gemstones prong bezel, and mounted inside Comprised of an old European cu...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
French Victorian Style Multi Gem and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This whimsical 3.1 carats dragonfly brooch pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing an elegant interplay of vibrant gemstones and intricate pavé detailing. Featuring rou...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 18ct Gold, French Art Nouveau Gold Love Medallion
By Frédéric-Charles Victor de Vernon
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Love Medallion 18ct Gold French Stamped- Eagles Head Circa 1900 Makers Mark F Vernon This exquisite French Art Nouveau pendant necklace, crafted by the renowned Frédéric ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Circa 1910 18K Yellow Gold Multi-Gem Snake Pendant, France
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold and gem set pendant designed as a yellow gold snake or serpent entwined around itself with a gemset pendant bail. Gemstones including moonstone, turquoi...
Chrysoberyl, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Multi-g...
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Red Crystal Hanging Electric Lantern Signed Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Very Rare Form 19thc French Napoleon III Ruby Red Crystal Electrified Oil Lantern Signed by Baccarat.
Crystal
Antique 18ct Gold French, Victorian Cherub Miniature Brooch Mother of Pearl Back
Located in Brighton, GB
The brooch is stamped with the esteemed French eagle's head hallmark, guaranteeing its authenticity and quality.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Table Lamp in Fractal Resin by Pierre Giraudon Made in France
By Lancel and Pierre Giraudon
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A fractal resin lamp by Pierre Giraudon, France, with a ruby red colored base and also with a new square handmade lampshade.
Resin
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. The perimeter of the mirror...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Gay Freres Leopard Necklace and Bracelet
By Gay Freres
Located in San Antonio, TX
Beautiful chic Leopard Necklace and matching Bracelet accented with Diamonds, Ruby and Enamel designed by Gay Freres. Each piece is signed with the maker's marks for Gay Freres. Ci...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Carrera y Carerra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Horse Pendant w/ 18" Chain
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous, Unique Pendant by Carrera y Carrera Features 18k Yellow Gold Horse Bust with Diamond Accents and Emerald Accent and Ruby Eye Appx Total Diamond Weight = 0.10 ct Appx Pear E...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Edwardian Diamond Snake Barrette
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Item #: BO-22433 Artist: Tiffany & Co Country: France Circa: 1905 Dimensions: 3.00" length. Materials: 66 transitional and old European-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 2.40 ca...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Rare Vintage 18k Gold Augis "Lettre d'Amour" Medal - Postal Envelope Design
By A. Augis
Located in BÉZIERS, FR
It features the iconic "Plus qu’hier moins que demain" sentiment, with the "plus" sign elegantly embossed and the "minus" sign set with two vibrant calibré-cut synthetic rubies. The ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels "Sailor with the Accordion" Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Materials: 1 cabochon ruby (approximate total weight 0.03 carat); 12 round diamonds (approximate total weight 0.08 carat); 1 bead coral; 18K Gold Gram Weight: 16 grams Signed: VAN CL...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond and Gemstone Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Signed Cartier, 677586 with French assay and maker's marks. Ring size: is US 5¼.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Chaumet snake sapphire hairpin in 18k gold and horn, unsigned, animal jewelry
By Chaumet
Located in PARIS, FR
The serpent's eyes are set with two small cabochon rubies. Antique pin, circa 1900, Chaumet, France.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Mauboussin 18k Yellow Gold Abstract Gemstone Twist Brooch Gorgeous!
By Mauboussin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Abstract Feather Twist Brooch by Mauboussin Features Appx 4.3 CTW of gemstones, including: 1.25 ct diamonds 1 ct rubies 1.25 ct sapphire 0.80 ct emerald Appx 3 1/4" x 1 1/16...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Briolette Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Three briolette diamonds weigh approximately: 6.20, 3.95, and 3.63 carats Made in France circa 1900 With French stamps Approximate Length: 2.5" Approximate Height: 2.25" Metal type:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Arc-en-Ciel Necklace in 18k Gold and Multicolored Gemstones by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Arc-en-Ciel Necklace in 18k Gold and Multicolored Gemstones by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold, Precious Gemstones (including Rubies, ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Rare Mellerio Dits Meller Rare Early Cerises 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Mellerio Dits Meller Model: Rare "Cerises" Bangle Year: 1930s Material: 18k Yellow Gold, Rose-Cut Diamonds and Cabochon Rubies Measurement: 18mm Weight: 57 Grams Size: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin Musical Automaton Mother Of Pearl Diamond and Multi Gem Gold Clock
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
Mauboussin Musical Automaton Mother Of Pearl Diamond and Multi Gem Gold Clock A clock featuring a musical automaton harlequin playing the mandolin on a box. The clock is set with mo...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$6,500
Multi Gem Floral Ring
Located in New York, NY
Multi Gem Floral Ring A French-made ring set with a cluster of 7 round cut diamonds, 6 emeralds, 15 rubies, and 15 sapphires.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
CARTIER Vintage Floral Motif Ring, 18k Yellow Gold with Emeralds, Sapphires
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
Total weight: 14.98 g. Hallmarks: French hallmark of guarantee and Cartier hallmark.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Precious Stone Jewelled Lame Evening Bag
Located in Riverdale, NY
Austro-Hungarian. Textile, French likely mounted in France. Excellent Condition. 1920's France. 9" x 6" x 2", Body of bag, 11" Handle
Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Falize Reversible Cloisonné Enamel Earrings
Located in New Orleans, LA
The exquisite wire work is rendered in 18K yellow gold, and the opulent design is accented with ornamental seed pearls, rose cut diamonds and old cut rubies. Still in pristine condit...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Arc-en-Ciel Ring in 18k Gold and Multicolored Gemstones by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Arc-en-Ciel Ring in 18k Gold and Multicolored Gemstones by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Ring Size: Available in EU sizes 45 to 60. Please contact us to specif...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Limited Edition Warrior Champions 2026 Sterling Silver Ring by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Limited Edition Warrior Champions 2026 Sterling Silver Ring by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Ring Size: Available in S, M, L (Resizing options available, pleas...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$160,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Tutti Frutti Bangle
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, this Tutti Frutti Bangle by Cartier Paris, created in 1947, captures one of Cartier’s rarest and most celebrated motifs. Inspired by Jacque...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Je t'aime temps L'Hypernova Five Stone Ring in 18k Gold by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Je t'aime temps L'Hypernova Five Stone Ring in 18k Gold by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Ring Size: Available in EU sizes 45 to 60. Please contact us to specif...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Je t'aime temps La Crépuscule Halo Ring in 18k Yellow Gold by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Je t'aime temps La Crépuscule Halo Ring in 18k Yellow Gold by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Ring Size: Available in EU sizes 45 to 60. Please contact us to spe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Joan Fontaine's Retro Compact
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted of sterling and gilded silver, this captivating compact is decorated with a bold floral motif that sparkles with diamonds and ruby cabochons. As practical as it is beautiful,...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Je t'aime temps Supernova Ring in 18k Yellow Gold & Gemstones by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Je t'aime temps Supernova Ring in 18k Yellow Gold & Gemstones by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Ring Size: Available in EU sizes 45 to 60. Please contact us to ...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Red Gems Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Round Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
Each piece of jewelry is checked and repolished by our French workshop, controlled by our expert before being shipped: metal, gem, structure... and presented in a neat and qualitativ...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Multi Gem Cabochon and Diamond Necklace and Bracelet Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef and Arpels Multigem Necklace and Bracelet Set This resplendent set of Van Cleef & Arpels multi-gem 'Médaillon' jewelry exudes timeless elegance and opulence. Comprisin...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Art Deco Jade Jabot Pin
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Embodying the glamor and modish motifs of the Roaring 20s, this exquisite Art Deco-era jabot pin was crafted by the esteemed Cartier. Formed from an exceptional specimen of jade, the...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby
Arc-en-Ciel Earrings in 18k Gold and Multicolored Gemstones by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Arc-en-Ciel Earrings in 18k Gold and Multicolored Gemstones by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold, Precious Gemstones (including Rubies, ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K solid Gold Cherub Brooch – Victorian angel pin with natural diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this marvellous antique Cupid brooch. This 18 karat solid yellow gold beauty with a royal layer of patina, dates back to the 1880's, during Queen Victorias reign. This ro...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arc-en-Ciel Lacrima Face Jewel in 18k Gold with Gemstones by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Arc-en-Ciel Lacrima Face Jewel in 18k Gold with Gemstones by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Adjustable size. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold, Precious Gemstones (inc...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arc-en-Ciel Lacrima Fil Face Jewel in 18k Gold with Gemstones by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Arc-en-Ciel Lacrima Fil Face Jewel in 18k Gold with Gemstones by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Adjustable size. Materials: 18k Yellow Gold, Precious Gemstones ...
Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Broche Art nouveau en or à décor d'iris émaillé et de cabochons de rubis
Located in PARIS, FR
Broche Art nouveau en or 18 carats (750 millièmes). De forme losangique, elle est centrée d'un œillet émaillé et de deux cabochons de rubis stylisant des bourgeons sur un fond martel...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Façade 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Watch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Façade 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Watch - Quartz. 18K Yellow Gold (22 mm x 33 mm) with red cabochin rubies on bezel. White dial with Arabic numerals. Wrist size 6.75 ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.