Natural Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings in 14K Gold, India, 1.68ct
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby and a...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Natural Ruby 2.10ct & Diamond 0.22ct Stud Earrings in 14K Gold, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby &...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Contemporary 1.15ct Diamond Serpent Ring with Ruby Eyes, Silver, India
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
1.15 Carat Diamond Serpent Snake Ring This Victorian art-deco style visceral reptile long snake zigzag diamond ring is articulate. The pave set round diamonds form the body of the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
$10,400Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold, Handmade, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Bracelet is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby gems...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold, Handmade, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Bracelet is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby gems...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Style 14k Gold Ruby and Diamond Dangle Earrings, India
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Victorian Style Diamond and Ruby Dangle Earrings This Victorian style wine red ruby and diamond long earring is gorgeous. The bottom overall kite shape formed with the beautiful des...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Natural Ruby Necklace in 18K White Gold, Handmade, 22.31 Carats, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This elegant necklace features a continuous strand of vivid pink rubies and 18k gold, each c...
Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold 2.8ct Ruby Infinity Ring by Designer Gems Paradise, India
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Inspired by the concept of eternal elegance, the 18 Karat Gold 2.8 Carat Ruby Infinity Ring embodies a seamless flow of vibrant beauty and luxury. The infinity design, a symbol of ne...
Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, Designer Made, India, 3.5 Carats
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby & Di...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Stud Earrings, India, 10.33 cts
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby, pear...
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Gold 2.8ct Ruby Infinity Ring by Designer Gems Paradise, India
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Inspired by the concept of eternal elegance, the 18 Karat Gold 2.8 Carat Ruby Infinity Ring embodies a seamless flow of vibrant beauty and luxury. The infinity design, a symbol of ne...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby & Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold, Made in India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made earring is crafted from 18-carat white gold and features a RUBY...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Emerald and Ruby Diamond Ring in 18k Gold, India, 5.38ct
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made oval-shaped ring is crafted from 18-carat white gold and featur...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby and Diamond Link Necklace in 18k Gold, India, 6.50ct
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This refined necklace features an alternating pattern of dazzling white diamonds and vivid p...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Rose Gold 5.39ct Ruby Solitaire Ring by Gems Paradise, India
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Step into timeless romance with our 18 Karat Rose Gold 5.39 Carat Ruby Solitaire Ring, a perfect blend of cozy rose gold and a stunning 5.39 carat ruby. Each ring is carefully made f...
Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Bracelet, India, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Bracelet is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a pink sapp...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Rose Gold 0.85ct Ruby Eternity Ring by Gems Paradise, India
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Elevate your collection with the allure of eternal love embodied in our 18 Karat Rose Gold 0.85 Carat Ruby Eternity Ring. Each ring stands as a unique work of art, meticulously curat...
Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold 0.85ct Ruby Eternity Ring by Gems Paradise, India
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Discover the epitome of everlasting elegance with our 18 Karat White Gold 0.85 Carat Ruby Eternity Ring—an exquisite testament to the artistry and precision that defines our collecti...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby 3ct Round Cut Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, India, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a Diamond gemst...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, Custom Design, India, Size 7
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby, white s...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$279Sale Price|20% Off
Emma Chapman Ruby Gold Plate Statement Flower Ring, Handmade in India
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
This lovely Ruby Gold Plate Statement Flower Ring, has been handmade in our workshops. Each petal has been exquisitely hand engraved and the ring is embedded with a ruby. It is mad...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Art Deco 14k Gold Diamond and Ruby Tennis Bangle, India, 53.3g
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Diamond and Ruby Tennis Bangle in Art-Deco Style This Victorian period art-deco atypical polki diamond and wine red ruby bangle is sensational. The uneven triangle and U-cut flat po...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
18K Gold 2.75ct Ruby Half Band Ring by Designer Gems Paradise, India
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Crafted with a focus on timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship, the 18 Karat Gold 2.75 Carat Ruby Half Band Ring offers a captivating balance between luxury and simplicity. Feat...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 17.2 Carats India Star Ruby Granulated 22K Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two well matched Indian 9 x 11 mm cabochon pink star rubies are set in deep 22K gold bezels decorated with intricate hand-set tiny geometric "jawan" granulation motif in these beauti...
Ruby, Star Ruby, 22k Gold
Elephant-Shaped 18k Gold Emerald Ruby Diamond Brooch, India, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This pendant features a graceful design crafted in 14-carat gold, adorned with sparkling dia...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$8,937Sale Price|35% Off
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire and Pearl Bangle from the "India"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite Bracelet boasts a delicate filigree design crafted in 14k gold adorned with dazzling Rubies, Sapphires and Pearls. Its intricate and detailed craftsmanship makes it th...
Ruby, Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Ruby and Diamond Polki Choker Necklace Set in 14k Gold, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This exquisite necklace set features a traditional design adorned with uncut diamonds (polki...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Mozambique Ruby Blood Red 4.05 cts 100% Natural Ruby Unheated Ruby Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Transparency: Translucent Shape: oval Gemstone Color: Red Gemstone Type: Ruby Size: 9.94x8.67x5.19 mm Color: Red Cut Grade: Excellent Gemstone Shape: Oval Gemstone Creation: Natural ...
Ruby
Mozambique Ruby 1.65Cts Cut Stone Unheated Ruby AAA+Natural Certified Ruby
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Oval Modified Item: No Country/Region of Manufacture: India Certification: IGI Natural/Lab-Created: Natural Depth: 4mm Gemstone Type: Ruby Length: 7.48 mm Width: 5.45 mm Cut G...
Ruby
18K Gold Ruby & Diamond Bracelet, 12.50ct Ruby
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Bracelet is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring, India, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a RUBY and a di...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Mozambique Ruby 1.00Cts Cut Stone Unheated Ruby 100% Natural Certified Ruby
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Oval Modified Item: No Country/Region of Manufacture: India Certification: IGI Natural/Lab-Created: Natural Depth: 2.80 mm Length: 6.95 mm Width: 5.55 mm Cut Grade: Excellent ...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Mozambique Ruby 1.55 cts Purplish Red Natural Ruby Cut Stone Loose
Located in Chicago, IL
Country of Origin: Mozambique Gemstone Creation: Natural Country/Region of Manufacture: India Item Length: Unknown Treatment: Natural Item Depth: Unknown Color: Red Gemstone Shape: P...
Ruby
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace, 2.32ct Ruby, 0.41ct Diamonds
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This necklace features a graceful design crafted in 18-carat gold, adorned with a sparkl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Pendant, 0.73ct Ruby, 0.64ct Diamonds
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This pendant features a graceful design crafted in 18-carat gold, adorned with a sparkli...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings, 1.02ct Ruby
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made, STUDS-SHAPED earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and feature...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond and Baguette Ring in 18K Gold, 2.73ct, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a fashion bague...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Exquisite 14k Gold Ruby and Diamond Bracelet, 16.81ct Rubies
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This exquisite bracelet is masterfully crafted in 14-carat gold, featuring rows of vibrant r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Contemporary Gold Tabla Ring with Uncut Diamonds, India, Kahana Jewels
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabla Gold Ring by Kahana Jewels Dimensions: D 2.5 x H 2.9 cm Materials: Gold, diamonds The Tabla ring is an ode to India's most famous percussion instrument - a pair of hand drums...
Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Gold
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, 0.82ct Ruby
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat white gold and features a RUBY ge...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace, 0.26ct Ruby, 0.22ct Diamond
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Necklace is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
1.00 Ct Ruby Channel Band Natural Ruby Diamond Band 14K Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Ruby Diamond Band Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Ruby Ring, Channel Set Ruby Band, Natural Diamond Accent Ring** Elegant, vibrant, and timeless, this 14K yellow gold ruby and diamond band ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Channel Earrings, 4.61ct Ruby, 2.02ct
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. These stunning earrings are beautifully designed in 18-carat gold, bringing together the ric...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Bracelet, 9.75ct Ruby, 0.43ct Diamonds
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This exquisite bracelet is a true statement of luxury and elegance, crafted in 18-carat gold...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, 1.08ct Ruby, 0.75ct Diamond
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a gemstone set ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Stunning 14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, 1.02ct Ruby
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat white gold and features a RUBY ge...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Stunning 14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, 0.32ct Ruby
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat white gold and features a RUBY ge...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Elegant 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1.94ct Ruby
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This elegant ring is beautifully crafted in 14-carat gold, featuring a stunning oval-cut rub...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Mozambique Ruby 6.72 Cts Red Unheated Blood Ruby Certified IGITL No Heat
Located in Chicago, IL
Transparency: Transparent Shape: rectangle Gemstone ColorRed Gemstone Type: Ruby Number of Pieces: 1 Size: 11.52x9.38x4.73 mm Cut Grade: Excellent Color: Red Item Length: 11.52 Gemst...
Ruby
Designer 18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Earrings, 7.55ct Ruby
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a RUBY gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning 18k Gold Ruby and Diamond Floral Halo Earrings, 4.80ct Ruby
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. These stunning earrings are crafted with a timeless blend of ruby, diamond, and 18-carat gol...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, 0.55ct Ruby
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat white gold and features a RUBY ge...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mozambique Ruby 5.48cts Purplish Red Rare Size IGI Certified Natural Ruby Cut
Located in Chicago, IL
Gemstone Creation: Natural Country/Region of Manufacture: India Item Length: 12.7 mm Length: 12.73 mm Item Depth: 6.2 mm Depth: 6.21 mm Gemstone Shape: Pear Color: Red Transparency: ...
Ruby
1.50 cts Mozambique Ruby Unheated Blood Red Cut Stone Natural Ruby AAA+
Located in Chicago, IL
Transparency: Transparent Shape: Oval Gemstone Type: Ruby Size: 7.50x5.60x3.80 mm. Item Length: 7.5 mm Gemstone Shape: Oval Gemstone Creation: Natural Depth: 3.80 Gemstone Treatment:...
Ruby
14K Gold Ruby and Diamond Hoop Earrings, 6.56ct Ruby, 0.85ct Diamonds
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Floral 18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1.00ct Ruby, 0.17ct
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made, floral-shaped ring is crafted from 18-carat white gold and fea...
Ruby, 18k Gold
14k Gold Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Floral Ring, 2.73ct Ruby, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. These are rings made of emerald, ruby, diamond, and 14-carat gold. At its center lies a stri...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Captivating 14k Gold Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Ring, 6.00ct Ruby, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. These are rings made of Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, and 14-carat gold. At its heart glows a capt...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Attractive Victorian Gilt Ruby Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Opening 2.25" x 2" high. 1870's India.
Ruby, Gilt Metal
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
14K Gold Ruby Dome Ring 1.80 Ct Natural Ruby Dome Ring Emerald Ruby SapphireRing
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Ruby Emerald Sapphire Dome Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Statement Ring, Natural Gemstone Cocktail Ring** A bold celebration of color and craftsmanship, this handcrafted 14K yellow gold d...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k 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.