Natural 18K Gold Necklace with 40.08ct Ruby, New Design
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 RUBY. ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural ruby 0.31cts earring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=10.02gm NW=9.96gm ruby=0.31cts THIS IS A BRAND NEW PIECE FOLLOW MonalisaJewelry Inc. storefront to view the latest collection. Free Shipping with in United States We encourage ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 18K Gold Ruby 1.51ct Stud Earrings, Timeless Elegance
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a RUBY g...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 18K Gold Ruby 1.07ct Stud Earrings, Timeless Elegance
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a RUBY g...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Eye Catching Mozambique Ruby Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Eye Catching Mozambique Ruby with Diamond 1 Oval shape ruby in 0.83 CTS 42 Diamond 0.33 18 K Rose gold in 3.47 GMS SIZE-6.5 us can be resize
Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
RUBY: 0.45CTS DIAMOND: 0.24CTS 18K GOLD GOLD WEIGHT: 5.32 GRAMS GROSS WEIGHT: 5.46 GRAMS We encourage you to examine all the images provided for this item. To accurately represent...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
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 and a di...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Monkey Necklace Pearl Rosario Ruby Diamond Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monkey Necklace Pearl Rosario Ruby Diamond Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN The Monkey Necklace is a silver monkey charm set with a diamond at the belly and ruby eyes, hanging from a bea...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Silver
Natural Ruby & Diamond Earring in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Gross Weight: 8.54 gms Gold Weight: 6.64 gms Gold Purity: 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Weight: 1.68 cts Ruby Weight: 7.82 cts We encourage you to examine all the images provided for this...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Natural Ruby & Diamond Earring in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Gross Weight: 2.390 gms Gold Weight: 1.926 gms Gold Purity: 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Weight: 0.22 cts Ruby Weight: 2.10 cts We encourage you to examine all the images provided for th...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
9ct Gold Ruby 1.61ct & Diamond 0.82ct Stud Earrings
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 9-carat gold and features a ruby & ...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold
Natural Ruby, Lapis, & Diamond Earring in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
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, lapi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$11,980
13.23 cts of Ruby Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Leaf-Inspired Stud Earrings, a perfect fusion of nature’s elegance and luxurious design. These stunning earrings feature a beautiful silhouette inspired by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Stud Earrings, 3ct
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
Natural Ruby, Lapis & Diamond Earring in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GEMSTONE DETAILS DIAMOND WEIGHT: 0.60 CTS RUBY WEIGHT: 0.02 CTS LAPIS WEIGHT: 44.44 CTS 14K GOLD GROSS WEIGHT: 12.36 GRAMS GOLD WEIGHT: 3.348 GRAMS CODE: SW FOLLOW Monalisa Je...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Natural Ruby, Lapis, & Diamond Earring in 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GEMSTONE DETAILS DIAMOND WEIGHT: 0.60 CTS RUBY WEIGHT: 0.02 CTS LAPIS WEIGHT: 44.44 CTS 14K GOLD GROSS WEIGHT: 12.36 GRAMS GOLD WEIGHT: 3.34 GRAMS CODE: SW FOLLOW Monalisa Jewe...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Natural 1.95cts Ruby Ring in 18k Gold
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 yellow gold and features a RUBY g...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,250
3.48 carats of Ruby ring
Located in New York, NY
Behold the allure of our Oval Ruby Halo Diamond Ring, a mesmerizing masterpiece in sophistication and grace. At its heart, a stunning 3.48-carat oval-shaped ruby commands attention w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,436Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Oval Band 14K Gold
Located in Rutherford, NJ
Stone : Ruby Type : Natural Ring Weight - 3.45 gms Ring Size - US 6.75 Ring Width : 5.1 mm Ring Height : 3.00 mm Shape : Oval Size : 5x3 mm Weight : 5.8 Carats Metal : Rose Gold Enha...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby 5.55ct & Diamond 0.78ct Earrings
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 &...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ruby 3.22ct & Diamond 0.60ct Earrings
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 &...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14K Gold Ruby 0.83ct & Diamond 0.12ct Stud Earrings
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
14K Gold Ruby 1.47ct & Diamond 0.7ct Stud Earrings
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
14K Gold Ruby 0.32ct & Diamond 0.38ct Stud Earrings
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
14K Gold Ruby 1.0ct & Diamond 0.30ct Stud Earrings
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
Ruby 0.59cts & Diamond 0.24cts Earring in 14k Gold
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
14K Rose Gold Ruby 1.80ct & Diamond 0.42ct Earrings
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
Elegant 18K Gold Ruby 9.75ct & Diamond 0.43ct Bracelet, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This bracelet features a graceful design crafted in 18-carat gold, adorned with sparkling RU...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
1.60 Ct Natural Ruby Cluster Mens Ring 14K Gold Ruby Emerald Band Unique Design
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Mozambique Ruby and Zambian Emerald Cluster Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone Ring, Ruby Emerald Statement Ring** A vibrant celebration of color and craftsmanship, this handcrafted 1...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Diamond 0.13ct and Ruby 1.29ct Stud Earrings
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Diamond 1.93ct Ruby Stud Earrings, New Creation
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 18K Gold Diamond 0.59ct and Ruby Stud Earrings
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Elegant 18K Gold Ruby 2.84ct & Diamond 0.39ct Bracelet, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This bracelet features a graceful design crafted in 18-carat gold, adorned with sparkling RU...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$3,780Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Ruby & Diamond Bracelet in 18k Rose Gold
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 stunning blend of luxury and elegance. Crafted in 18k yellow go...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
French Cut Burmese Ruby & Diamond Bracelet
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
An absolutely fabulous Ruby & Diamond bracelet from the Mordern era! Crafted in rose gold, this beautiful piece features sixty unique french cut burmese rubies and display a stun...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Ruby and Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A timeless tribute to vintage elegance, this exquisite ring features a rich, fiery ruby at its heart, weighing 0.83cts., symbolizing passion and strength. Surrounding the center ston...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.02 Cts Natural ruby earring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
Real ruby marquise drop small diamond hoops earrings gold Natural ruby small hoop earring gold Ruby drop marquise hoops earrings gold GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Ruby ✦ Gemsto...
Ruby, 18k Gold
6.10 Carats Ruby and Diamond Earring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
If you are looking for Ruby and Diamond earrings, this is the ultimate find, 6.10 carats . Perfectly matched in color and size. Diamonds 0.18 Carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Designer 14K Gold Ruby 3.61ct & Diamond 1.27ct Stud Earrings
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
Designer 14K Gold Ruby 2.82ct & Diamond 0.51ct Stud Earrings
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
14K White Gold Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Stud Earrings
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, AN E...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 14k Gold
Designer 14K Gold Ruby 4ct & Diamond 0.69ct Stud Earrings
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
Designer 14K Gold Ruby 11.37ct & Diamond 1.39ct Stud Earrings
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
Stunning 18K Gold Ruby & Diamond Necklace, 1.5ct & 3.8ct Gemstones
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 18-carat gold and features a ruby and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Designer 14K Gold Ruby 0.98ct & Diamond 0.47ct Stud Earrings
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
18K Gold Necklace with 34.83ct Ruby, Elegant Design, New Creation
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 RUBY. ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
New 18K Gold Necklace with 44.88ct Ruby, Elegant Design, 25.97g
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 RUBY. ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Designer 14K Gold Ruby, Lapis & Diamond Stud Earrings, 0.60ct
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, lapi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Eye Catching Mozambique Ruby Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Eye Catching Mozambique Ruby with Diamond 1 Oval shape ruby in 0.94 CTS 16 Ruby Baguette 2.57 CTS 16 Diamond Baguette 0.74 18 K Rose gold in 6.16 GMS
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Gold Ruby 4.16ct & Diamond 0.86ct Bracelet, Designer Unknown
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This bracelet features a graceful design crafted in 14-carat gold, adorned with sparkling RU...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
18K Gold Ruby 7.45ct & Diamond 0.90ct Bracelet, Designer Unknown
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This bracelet features a graceful design crafted in 18-carat gold, adorned with sparkling RU...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Red Oval Shaped Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous piece of jewelry, red ruby ring is certain to draw admiration. The centerpiece of the ring is an exquisitely faceted 0.82 carat red oval shaped ruby set in 18k white gold....
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Designer 18K Gold Ruby 7.45ct & Diamond 2.35ct Halo Earrings
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
Designer 18K Gold Ruby 2.50ct & Diamond 0.65ct Halo Earrings
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
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
14K Gold Emerald Ruby Band 1.25 Ct Ruby Channel Set 0.50 Ct Emerald Band
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Ruby Emerald Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone Ring, Ruby Band Ring, Emerald and Ruby Statement Ring** A captivating fusion of color, movement, and contemporary design, this handcraf...
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,000 / item
Ruby Supernova Earrings in 18kt Gold
By Estaa
Located in Mumbai, IN
Ignite your inner fire with the Ruby Supernova Earrings from the Akasa Collection, where passion and power come together in a breathtaking design. These earrings, weighing 32.68 gra...
Diamond, Ruby, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby 10.15cts Earring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Gold Purity: 18K Solid Gold (stamped) RUBY: 10.15 CTS CUT: OVAL CUT 18K YELLOW GOLD NET WEIGHT: 3.45 GRAMS CODE: K FOLLOW Monalisa Jewelry Inc.'s storefront to view the latest...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,710 / item
Ruby Flower Studs in 14kt Gold & Diamond
By Estaa
Located in Mumbai, IN
Ruby Flower Studs in 14kt Gold & Diamond Total wt-7.730gm, Gold 18KT-5.868gm, Natural Diamonds Round-12/0.66cts, Ruby-150/8.65cts
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Emerald Toi etMoi Ring 1.01 Ct Ruby 0.95 Ct Emerald 14KGold Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
Celebrate the beauty of two extraordinary gemstones with this elegant 14K Yellow Gold Toi et Moi Ring, featuring a stunning pairing of a 0.95 carat natural Zambian emerald and a 1.05...
Ruby, Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold
Certified Natural Ruby Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
Located in Jaipur, IN
An expression of glamour and artistry, this 18kt gold ring is a breathtaking statement piece. At its center lies a magnificent certified natural ruby weighing 1.78 carats. The striki...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.