Ruby and Diamond Studs in 18K Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
A pair of ear studs with fine Red Oval Rubies and diamonds all set in high polish 18Karat Gold. The studs are light weight, simple and elegant. The colour of the Rubies makes it dre...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18k Gold Necklace with Pink Sapphire, Ruby, and 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 18-carat gold and features a pink sapp...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
Approximately 0.70 Ct Natural Ruby & 0.75 Ct Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring prong set 18 K White Gold: 4.2 gram Stamped 18K Ring Size ( can be altered for no charg...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
3.30 cts of Ruby Petal Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Leaf-Inspired Stud Earrings, a harmonious blend of nature's elegance and refined craftsmanship. These stunning earrings feature a delicate leaf motif, with ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,387 / item
Moi Freida Gold Ruby and Diamond Clip Earrings
Located in Lawrenceville, GA
Gold(14K) : 5.38g Diamonds : (VS clarity & H-I colour) : (Brilliant cut ) : 0.49ct Gemstone : Creative Ruby Rubies. Diamonds. Made in 14K gold. Earrings that are not-too-big-not-to...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Regal Victorian-Style Ruby & Emerald Elongated Statement Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
The elongated, geometric frame is meticulously crafted with 15.54g of oxidized silver, providing a dark, vintage backdrop that allows the 2.2ct of shimmering diamonds to shine with m...
Emerald, Ruby
14K Yellow Gold Red Ruby Bee Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the enchanting elegance of this exquisite brooch, masterfully crafted to mirror the delicate form of a bee. Shaped from the finest 14K yellow gold, its body is ad...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Gold Snake Ring Emerald Serpent White Diamond Ruby
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Emerald Marquise White Diamond Ruby Eyes Gold Serpent Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring is handcrafted in 14k gold plated silver, a serpent that coils around the finger...
Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
14k Gold Ruby, Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring, 1.45ct 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 Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features RUBY, BLUE SAPP...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Natural 2.25cts Ruby & 0.66cts 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 floral-inspired ring showcases vivid pear-shaped rubies, artfully arranged as ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
3.30cts Mozambique Ruby Blood Red Cut Stone Unheated 100% Natural Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Oval Modified Item: No Country/Region of Manufacture: India Certification: IGI Natural/Lab-Created: Natural Depth: 4.95 mm Length: 9.62 mm Width: 7.20 mm Cut Grade: Excellent ...
Ruby
$10,800Sale Price|22% Off
Natural Diamond 2.76ct & Ruby 5.97ct Earrings in 18K Gold, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. These elegant natural diamond and ruby earrings in 18-carat gold are a perfect fusion of lux...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$7,896Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Ruby, Earring In 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
EARRING DISCRIPTION Earring in 18 kt gold studded with Ruby Accessorize your look with this Ruby Earring. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy ou...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby East West Octagon Band 14k Gold
Located in Rutherford, NJ
Stone : Ruby Type : Natural Ring Weight- 2.44 gms Shape : Octagon Weight : 4.67 Carats Metal : Rose Gold Enhancement : Heated Please allow 5-10% fluctuation in stone weight & gold...
Ruby, 14k Gold
$4,562 / item
Moi Serendipity Gold and Ruby Pendant Necklace
Located in Lawrenceville, GA
Gold(22K) : 8.06g Gold(18K) : 3.46g Gemstones : Ruby, Yellow Quartz, Glass-filled Ruby The belief and the motif of the 'claw' both transcend time and geography, and have seen multi...
Quartz, Ruby, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
3.94 Carat Ruby & Round Diamonds Drop Earring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
If you are looking for Ruby earrings, this is the ultimate find, (3.94 carats) of the finest Ruby color is the focal point. Perfectly matched in color, size, luster, and transparency...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.30cts Mozambique Blood Red Unheated Ruby Cut Stone 100% Natural Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Gemstone Shape: Oval Certification: IGI Gemstone Creation: Natural Gemstone Color: Red Modified Item: No Length: 8.80 mm Width: 5.98 mm Cut Grade: Excellent Star Ruby: No Country/Reg...
Ruby
Snake Ring Serpent Emerald Ruby Gold Wrap Ouroboros
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Serpent Emerald Ruby Gold Wrap Ouroboros Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring is handcrafted in 14k gold, a serpent coiling around the finger with an emerald set on the he...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Open Ended Pave Ruby & Diamond Ball Chain Necklace
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
D:10.1ct,Slv:60.42gm, Ruby:16.65ct
Ruby, Diamond
Crest Signet Ring Ruby Skull Memento Mori Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Note: I dropped weighted per your banned list and described the band as solid instead. Symbolism went a touch deeper on the memento mori idea while staying factual, held to your tigh...
Ruby, Bronze
Natural Ruby 1.08ct Baguette & Diamond 0.30ct Ring 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 Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a RUBY and diam...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Gold Bracelet with 13.05ct Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald Gems
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 BL...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Designer 18K Yellow Gold Ruby 3.30ct & Diamond 0.40ct 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 18-carat gold and features a RUBY gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Ruby Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Earrings, 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 stunning, designer-made earring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a RUBY, BLUE...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Designer 18K Yellow Gold Ruby 2.82ct & Diamond 0.63ct 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 18-carat gold and features a RUBY gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Designer 14K Gold Ring with Ruby, Amethyst, and Diamond Accents
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 gemstone set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Amethyst, 14k Gold
Stunning 18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
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
Designer 18K Yellow Gold Ruby 1.96ct & 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 18-carat gold and features a RUBY gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Stunning 14K Yellow Gold Ruby, Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring
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 Zamb...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Mozambique 5.10 cts Blood Red Unheated 100% Natural Ruby Cut Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
Cut Grade: Excellent Country/Region of Manufacture: India Transparency: Transparent Gemstone Type: Ruby Gemstone Form: Cut Shape: Oval Treatment: None (No Enhancement), Unheated Natu...
Ruby
Mozambique Ruby 7.00 cts Blood Red Unheated 100% Natural Cut Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
Gemstone Shape: Oval Certification: IGI Gemstone Creation: Natural Gemstone Color: Red Size: 13x10x4.8mm Cut Grade: Excellent Country/Region of Manufacture: India Transparency: Trans...
Ruby
Ruby Invisible Setting Flower Studs in 14kt Gold & Diamond
By Estaa
Located in Mumbai, IN
Ruby Invisible Setting Flower Studs in 14kt Gold & Diamond Total wt- 7.540gm, Gold 14KT-6.052gm, Natural Diamonds Round-82/0.87cts, Ruby-90/6.57cts
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby Invisible Setting Flower Earrings in 14kt Gold & Diamonds
By Estaa
Located in Mumbai, IN
Ruby Invisible Setting Flower Earrings in 14kt Gold & Diamonds Total wt-14.600gm, Gold 14KT-11.938gm, Natural Diamonds Round-52/1.41cts, Ruby-199/11.90cts
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Natural 0.36cts Ruby & 0.50cts 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 yellow gold and features a RUBY g...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 2.52cts Ruby & 0.39cts Diamond Studs Earring 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 earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ruby gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Gold Ruby Cufflinks, 0.5 Carat, Designer Gems Paradise
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
These 18 Karat Gold cufflinks are adorned with 0.5 carats of rubies, offering a harmonious balance of sophistication and modern refinement. Each ruby, meticulously selected for its v...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 0.30cts Ruby & 0.15cts Diamond Ring 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, radiant-shaped Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Mozambique Natural Purplish Red Ruby 1.03ct Cut Stone 100% IGI Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 1.03ct Cut Stone Red 100% IGI Certified Natural Purplish Red Ruby Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New without tags: A brand-new,...
Ruby
Mozambique Ruby 3.72 cts Pear Blood Red Unheated Cut Stone Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
Transparency: Transparent Shape: Pear Gemstone Color: Red Gemstone Type: Ruby Size: 11.95x8.54x4.30 mm Cut Grade: Excellent Color: Red Gemstone Shape: Pear Gemstone Creation: Natural...
Ruby
Ornamental Style Bracelet with Pave Ruby & Sapphire Stones
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
An intricate ornamental bracelet crafted in silver, adorned with pave-set sapphires and rubies for a vibrant pop of color. Elegant and artistic, this piece makes a bold statement for...
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver
Stunning 18K Gold Ruby 3.15ct & Diamond 1.79ct Ring, Designer
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, Yellow Gold, Gold
Contemporary Emerald-Cut Ruby & Diamond Milgrain Halo Stud Earrings in 18K Gold
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Vivid emerald-cut rubies take center stage in these Contemporary Emerald-Cut Ruby & Diamond Milgrain Halo Stud Earrings, crafted in warm, lustrous 18K yellow gold. The natural rubies...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Skull Ring Crest Signet Ring Ruby Gold Coktail Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby Skull Signet Ring: Gold Memento Mori "Secret Doors" 14k Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Designer: J Dauphin The Ruby Skull Crest Signet Ring is a signature piece from the "Secret ...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver
Natural Ruby 3.85cts & Diamond 0.85cts Earring 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 earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a RUBY gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold 2.15 Carat Ruby Flower Stud Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Radiating elegance, the 18 Karat Gold 2.15 Carat Ruby Flower Stud Earrings are a stunning display of nature-inspired artistry. Each earring showcases a meticulously designed floral m...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby & Diamond Ring Studded in 18k Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Its an elegant ring studded in 18k gold with Mozambique natural ruby weight 1.74 carat & Diamond 0.35 Carat , this entire ring studded in 18k gold weight 5.21 grams. Ring Size ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring Studded in 18k Rose Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Its an elegant ring studded in 18k rose gold with 4 pieces Mozambique natural ruby weight 3.52 carat, this entire ring studded in 18k rose gold weight 6.17 grams, ring size can be ch...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Heart Charm Bracelet Ruby Diamond Chain Cuff Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Charm Bracelet Ruby White Diamond Arrow Link Chain Cuff J Dauphin Designer: J Dauphin The Heart Charm Bracelet is a chain of large open links that wraps the wrist as a cuff, ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Ruby Ring Studded in 18k Rose Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Its an elegant ring studded in 18k gold with 4 pieces Mozambique natural ruby weight 1.46 carat & Diamond weight 0.02 carat , this entire ring studded in 18k gold weight 3.70 grams,...
Ruby, Rose Gold
Lucea New York Ruby Drop Earrings
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
Life In Color Collection Bright Crimson Ruby pave pebble elongated earrings set in sterling silver and 14k plated gold Ruby : 11.73ct total weight.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Natural 1.73cts Ruby & Diamond 0.28cts Earring 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 Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an RUBY and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural 6.48cts Ruby & Diamond 1.07cts Earring 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 Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an RUBY gems...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14KT White Gold Alternating Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in polished white gold, this delicate romantic necklace features an open-heart pendant suspended from a fine cable chain. The heart motif is set with alternating round vibran...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
2 Pear Shaped Red Ruby ByPass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the allure of vibrant red with this exquisite 2 Pear Shaped Red Ruby Bypass Ring. The two 0.65 carat pear-shaped red rubies elegantly bypass each other, surrounded by a ha...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Gold
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
Handmade in Jaipur by extremely skilled artisans, this ring in 18k Gold features a 0.55 cts centre ruby surrounded by Ruby baguettes weighing 1.22 cts and 0.58 cts of Diamond baguett...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Gold Coin Ring Cocktail Ring Ruby Naked Woman Medal Signet
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Coin Ring Cocktail Ring Ruby Naked Woman Medal Signet Designer: J DAUPHIN The Signet Ring is handcrafted in gold plated brass, a coin medal face engraved with a masked woman ...
Ruby, Brass, Gold Plate
18K Gold Ring with Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire & Diamonds, 3.07ct
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 an emerald, RUB...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$14,400 / item
Natural Ruby & Diamonds Bangle 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 is a beautiful bangle made up of 18K Gold, high-quality diamonds, and rubies. This is p...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold 9 Carat Ruby & Emerald Drop Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Experience the epitome of luxury with our 18 Karat Gold 9 Carat Ruby & Emerald Drop Earrings, where timeless elegance meets contemporary allure. Each pair is meticulously crafted...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Serpent Gold Open Adjustable J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serpent Snake Ring Ruby Marquise Open Adjustable Gold Plated Silver Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring, named Gypsy Wisdom, is a coiled serpent in gold plated silver with a marqui...
Ruby, Silver, Gold Plate
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.