14K Yellow Gold Oval Ruby Tennis Bracelet 10.50 Carats Natural Rubies Bracelet
Located in Jaipur, IN
Key Highlights A continuous line of natural oval rubies totaling 10.50 carats Rich, deeply saturated red gemstones with captivating brilliance Crafted in luminous 14K yellow gold for...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unheated 1.50 carat Oval Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This ruby is sourced from the ethically operated Montepuez mines in Mozambique.
Ruby
$979Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon: Crescent Moon Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Crescent Moon Ring Opal. Half moon opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Meta...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
$799,250
Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
An Important and Spectacular Piece. 93.78 carats of Certified Intense Red Rubies. 69.49 carats of colorless white round, pear and marquise shape diamonds. Set in platinum with ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sorrel Ruby & Diamond Earrings 14K Yellow Gold, 2.86ct Ruby Gemstone Earrings
Located in Greeneville, TN
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, these stunning earrings feature 2.86ct of vibrant rubies accented by dazzling diamonds, creating an exquisite piece of fine jewelry.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Eli Frei Ruby White Gold Cufflinks
By Eli Frei
Located in New York, NY
Eli Frei ruby white gold cufflinks French-cut rubies set on 18 karat white gold Size: width 8 mm, length 30 mm Total weight: 16.4 grams
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18K Gold Ruby Pig Cufflinks
By David Webb
Located in Flushing, NY
David Webb 18K Gold Ruby Pig Cufflinks Marked: WEBB 18K Approximate Dimensions: 2.2 cm (Length) 1.8 cm - 2.5 cm (Width) 14.8 grams in weight.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
5mm ruby studs 14 karat yellow gold studs natural ruby earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
5mm ruby studs in 14kt yellow gold, pretty pink- red rubies 100% natural.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
9K Gold Ruby and Diamond Bangle, Late 19th Century, 4.09ct Ruby
Located in New York, NY
This ruby diamond gold bangle consists of 16 round-cut diamonds and 9 oval-cut rubies. Diamond approx. 0.08ct in total and ruby approx. 4.09ct in total. Diamond: 0.08ct Ruby: 4.09ct...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold
18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Rubelite and Green Garnet Brooch
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Bug Shaped Rubelite and Green Garnet Brooch 7 Mixed Diamonds - 0.07 CT 48 Green Garnets - 0.73 CT 1 Rubelite - 1.44 CT 2 Rubies - 0.02 CT 12 Yellow Sapphires - 0.13 CT...
Diamond, Garnet, Rubelite, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond cluster ring, 9k gold, Glass filled Ruby
Located in NEWARK, GB
A really pretty vintage glass filled Ruby and Diamond cluster ring! It features a lovely pinky red ruby with a faceted oval cut where the facets catch the light beautifully. The Ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Wedding Band 14 Karat Pink Natural Ruby Stacking Ring Authentic
Located in Jupiter, FL
GOLD: 14KT gold NATURAL RUBY(S) Size of the band:2.6-2.7mm Clarity/Color: Slightly Included/Blue Grams:3.21 size: 6.25 Item#: 200-00056kmt WHAT YOU GET AT STAMPAR JEWELERS: Stampar ...
Ruby, 14k Gold
$6,000
Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Ring A ruby and diamond ring set with an oval cut ruby and baguette cut diamonds. Approximate Ruby Weight: 1.57 carats Approximate Diamond Weight: 1.30 carats R...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.06 Carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This 2.06 carat unheated natural ruby displays a rich, vivid red hue with lively brilliance and depth.
Ruby
Star Ruby, Diamond, Pear-shaped Ruby and Pink Sapphire Stud Earrings in 18k Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These spectacular, one-of-a-kind earrings feature two beautiful star rubies encircled with brilliant white diamonds and surrounded by a stunning arrangement of fancy-shaped rubies an...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold,...
$3,104Sale Price|20% Off
Pearl, Ruby, Brown Diamond, Cabochon Ruby Brooch Set in 18 Karat White Gold Set
Located in Bangkok, TH
Pearl, Ruby 0.13 carat, Brown Diamond 1.17 carats, Cabochon Ruby 0.07 carat, Tsavorite 0.18 carat and Diamond 0.10 carat Brooch set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 4.0 cm Le...
Brown Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural ruby studs 18KT gold dark wine ruby studs rich vivid color
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning dark ruby stud earrings in 18KT gold, these have a very nice dark red color.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Large Star Ruby Ring gold Big Cocktail ring Pink Red Unisex ruby wedding gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
A unique and timeless piece, perfect for anyone who loves rare, natural gemstones and meaningful jewelry. 14K yellow gold ring with natural cabochon-cut Ruby with Star ruby origin -...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.80ct Ruby
Located in Marcianise, IT
Elegant ring crafted in 18-karat white gold, a refined piece of jewelry that combines harmonious design with the finest quality materials.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Honeycomb Ruby Bracelet 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Fancy Ruby Bracelet Special cut hexagonal Natural Ruby gemstone Natural Diamonds 18k Approx 59 grams Length: 7.5' inches Width approx 13mm Pre-owned on good condition, has ...
Diamond, Ruby
18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Serpent Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A rare and collectible example of 1960s jewelry design, blending playful figural artistry with luxurious materials.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Frascarolo Tucan Brooch with Ruby
By Frascarolo
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with green enamel over 18k yellow gold and a Round cut Ruby as the eye. Signed by Frascarolo Circa 1970s 1 1/2 x 1 1/8 inches
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Ruby Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A 7.34 carat natural ruby is the centerpiece to this special pendant. Rubies are the hardest of the big 3 gemstones (ruby, sapphire, emerald). Accenting the center stone in halo sett...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring. 0.9ct Cushion Cut Ruby FIligree Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Its low-profile silhouette and carefully balanced arrangement of ruby and diamonds make it a versatile choice for an engagement ring or an elegant addition to a fine jewelry collecti...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamond Ruby Gold Mistletoe Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The holiday season is around the corner! Enjoy this gold mistletoe brooch during a festive evening dinner. It features 5.80 carats of vivid red rubies used as the berries. Additional...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,700
0.94 Carat Ruby Ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold ruby ring with diamonds Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 4.896 grams Set with- Stone type: Ruby Shape: Oval Carat: 0.94 Colour: - Cl...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$240Sale Price|26% Off
New 1.14 Carat Red Ruby Cabochon & Diamond Cut Ruby Sterling Pendant Necklace
Located in Eagan, MN
This is such a beautiful necklace. It has a 7 x 5 x 3 ruby cabochon stone that totals 1.14 carats. The stone is from Madagascar. It is surrounded by diamond cut rubies. The pen...
Ruby, Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$2,400 / item
Ruby and Peridot Cherry Dangles
Located in Missoula, MT
A celebration of color and craftsmanship — luminous ruby cabochons and a fresh green peridot leaf set in 14k gold create a piece that feels both playful and charming. -2, 3mm ruby ...
Peridot, Ruby, 14k Gold
Silver-topped-Gold Ruby Enamel Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional Victorian-era diamond and enamel brooch exemplifies the period’s fascination with naturalism, symbolism, and technical bravura. Fashioned as a flowering spray, it co...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Diamond and Ruby-set Heart Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Stone Details: Sparkly white diamonds and bright rubies leaning towards a pink shade Remark: "I love jewelry that is cheerful!"
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,400
Rubies and Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
This dynamic and fiery ring features an undulating line of twenty-three sparkling round white diamonds totaling 0.20 carats punctuated above and below by seven contrastingly rich red...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Iridium Platinum GIA Ruby and Diamond Brooch In Circle
Located in Sewickley, PA
GIA Certified with papers Ruby 4.80 CTW Diamond 1.12 CTW
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Attractive Victorian Gilt Ruby Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Victorian Gilt Ruby Bangle from the 19th Century. Made of gilt metal with foiled rubies in a high Victorian style with grape clusters and ornate foliage. Made circa 1870 l...
Ruby, Gilt Metal
$17,300
18K Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold ruby and diamond ring of sculptural domed form, pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, intersected by polished gold ribs framing vivid pear-shaped rubies. The design reflects m...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$11,000
Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Bracelet A link bracelet set with square cut rubies and round cut diamonds Measures approximately: 7.24 inches long Rubies weight approximately: 3.85 carats Dia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Gold Diamond Pearl Ruby Bird Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Bird Brooch Pin From the Retro and Art Deco eras Beautiful detail workmanship Platinum & 18k Gold Mother of Pearl /Shell, Diamonds, Ruby, and Enamel Approx weight: 12 grams...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
$18,195Sale Price|20% Off
Mozambique Ruby 6.72 Cts Red Unheated Blood Ruby Certified IGITL No Heat
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 6.72 Cts EmEra: ld Cut Ruby Unheated Blood Red Ruby Certified It can be Also can be certified by IGI on buyer request Additional information: Condition: New without...
Ruby
Vintage 14K Gold & Ruby Figural Sand Piper Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold stickpin. In 14 karat yellow gold with ruby eyes. In the form of an sand piper. Marked to the reverse of the owl. Simply a wonderful stickpin! Date: 20th Ce...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Necklace
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving this vintage beauty!! Necklace Details Material: 18K White Gold Pendant; 14K White Gold Chain Chain Length: 16 Inches Pendant Width: 7/8 Inch Total Necklace Length: 16...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,500
Cabochon Star Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Star Ruby Ring A ring with a center star ruby surrounded by 12 round cut diamonds and 2 baguettes. Approximate Ruby Weight: 9.40 carats Approximate Diamond Weight: 1 carat...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco ruby earrings 14KT white gold natural ruby earrings asscher cut ruby
Located in Boca Raton, FL
We are connoisseurs of jewelry with high quality standards and passion for unique jewelry workmanships.
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Round Ruby Bee Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Rubies: 20 round cut= 0.50cttw Dimensions: the pin measures 18.0mm x 18.0mm Weight: 2.5 grams
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Fly Shaped Orange Sapphire and Yellow Sapphire Brooch
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Bug FLY Shaped Orange Sapphire and Yellow Sapphire Brooch 8 Mixed Diamonds - 0.06 CT 8 Diamonds - 0.05 CT 23 Green Garnets/Pink Sapphires/Rubies - 0.21 CT 64 Orange Sa...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby & Diamond Band 14Karat White Gold Natural Pink Rubies Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
GOLD: 14KT gold NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Clarity/Color: SI/H Carat:0.66ct Cut:Round Brilliant NATURAL RUBY(S) Clarity/Color: Slightly Included/Pinkish Red Carat:0.30ct Grams:4.19 size: 5.5...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$38,500
Ruby Diamond Dice Earrings
Located in New Orleans, LA
Bold geometry and playful luxury define these exceptional Art Deco-style “dice” earrings. Alternating square step cut rubies and baguette cut diamonds evoke the lucky image of fives ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Natural Ruby Cluster Ring Silver and 18k Gold Cluster Design Natural Ruby
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Brilliant Ring with a Cluster of Natural Ruby Stones Approx ruby area size 17 x 13 mm Mostly Sterling Silver 925 and the bezel is Real 18k yellow gold. Well craftsmanship - m...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Silver
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Brooch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Brooch White Gold Chevrons set with calibre-cut rubies and round diamonds. Details: 18K white gold Single-cut diamonds with approx. total weight...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Ruby Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 5.38 carats with Ruby 1.59 carats Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 4.9 cm Total Weight: 7.39 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when i...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold and Ruby Cufflinks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970 Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Cufflinks, 2 sided Toggle style and set with Square cut very fine color Rubies. Each end having a ribbed design and measuring 7/8 in...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet in 18K Gold, 2.71ct 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 gems...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$13,220Sale Price|20% Off
Burma Ruby Invisible Setting Ring 18 Karat Gold Ruby Cocktail Bowtie
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ring, never used. Special Natural Ruby from Burma Unique Invisible setting Square Natural Ruby's and center Round Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Approx 13.0 grams. Ruby App...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unheated 1.76 carats Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 1.76 carats Mozambique ruby, a perfect size for an engagement ring or a special pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sourced from ...
Ruby
14K Yellow Gold Chevron Ruby Band Ring 0.50 Carat Natural Mozambique Ruby Band
Located in Jaipur, IN
Product Details Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Style: Chevron / Trident Band Ring Gemstone: Natural Mozambique Ruby Total Ruby Weight: 0.50 Carat Ruby Cut: Princess Cut Setting: Channe...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Ruby Swirl Brooch Yellow Gold ~4.7ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Vintage Burma Ruby Swirl Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold This vintage brooch features a sweeping curved design set with approximately 4.60 carats of Burma rubies. The rubies are arranged ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,000
A 3.02 carat Mozambique ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 3.02 carat Mozambique ruby — an ideal size for a refined ring or pendant. Rubies are known as the king of gems. This stone comes from the Montepuez mines and was purchased through...
Ruby
French 1960s Yellow Gold Ruby Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
French made circa 1960s 18k yellow gold brooch with ruby cabochons, depicting a flower. The flower petals open and close. Brooch is 2.25" x 1.5". Marked on the back: made in France. ...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
$3,492Sale Price|20% Off
1.50 cts Mozambique Ruby Unheated Blood Red Cut Stone Natural Ruby AAA+
Located in Chicago, IL
1.50 cts Mozambique Ruby Unheated Blood Red Ruby Cut Stone Natural Ruby Gemstone Note: There May Be Little Variation In Colour Between Image And Actual gemstone due to the resolutio...
Ruby
10.50 Carat Ruby Minimalist Tennis Bracelet 14K Gold Red Ruby Bracelet For Women
Located in Jaipur, IN
Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Natural Ruby Total Carat Weight: Approx. 10.50 Carats Length: 7.5 Inches (More length available) Setting: Fine linked tennis style Closure: ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond and Ruby Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Diamond and Ruby Necklace Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Length: 18.5 inches Markings: "PT900" Metal: Platinum Weight: 86.9 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Floral Brooch 1 Cabochon Ruby surrounded by 108 antique cut diamonds all set in yellow and white gold. Measurements: 2.5" long
Diamond, Ruby, White 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.