$10,500
22.5 carats Ruby bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elegance and opulence come together in this stunning bracelet adorned with 45 oval-shaped rubies, each possessing a rich and fiery allure. With a total weight of 22.47 carats, these ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White 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
Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Yellow gold bracelet set with 18 oval rubies and 198 round diamonds. Metal Type: 14-karat gold Approx. ruby weight: 6.12 carats Approx. combined diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
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
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Fly Bar Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful Victorian bar brooch crafted from a combination of 18ct gold and silver. This antique piece showcases a fly motif at the centre set with a single round face...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Regency Deco Ruby Diamond Swirl Brooch Pin 14kt 12533*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
regency revival deco swirl brooch pin 0.60ct natural round diamond 0.13ct natural ruby 14kt yellow gold 10 grams 44 x 36mm
Ruby, 14k Gold
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
$11,232Sale Price|20% Off
Mozambique Ruby 5.48cts Purplish Red Rare Size IGI Certified Natural Ruby Cut
Located in Chicago, IL
Mozambique Ruby 5.48cts Purplish Red Rare size IGI Certified Natural Ruby Cut Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New without tags: A brand-new, unu...
Ruby
Modern 2.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
These contemporary cufflinks feature 1.20cts of striking princess cut rubies on each link, flanked by 0.28cts of sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds on either side. The diamonds t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
$12,000
Oval Ruby & Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Oval Ruby & Diamond Bracelet A bracelet featuring two rows of oval cut rubies set with a row of baguette cut diamonds. Measurements: 7.5" long Metal Type: 14 karat white gold
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari 18k Gold Ruby Diamond Bow Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari 18k Gold Ruby Diamond Bow Brooch Details: Length 1.78" x width 1.1", weight 26.3 grams. Has double pins. Hallmarked: Bvlgari In excellent condition
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Gold & Platinum Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Weight 5.0g Art Deco Featuring Old Mine Diamond Approx. 0.94ct Ruby Accents Approx. 0.48ct Measurements 0.8in x 0.82in Ring Size 6.75 Sizable
Diamond, Ruby
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a suburb crescent brooch exuding Victorian elegance. This piece features a harmonious arrangement of vibrant pinky red rubies and chunky old mine cut diamonds, each ston...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
14k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, 5-6ct Ruby, 0.65ct 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 white gold and features a RUBY ge...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Theo Fennell Ruby Love Heart Pendant
By Theo Fennell
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful little pendant come charm from the renowned British jewellery designer, Theo Fennell. This romantic piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold into the sha...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sophia D. Ruby and Diamond Cufflinks
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Sophia D. cufflinks with 3.16 carats and 0.79 carats diamonds set in platinum. Sophia D has been known world-wide for over 40 years because of its rich history of design and quality...
Diamond, Ruby
$38,000
Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Necklace A necklace with 43 oval-cut rubies separated by round-cut diamonds set in a floral motif Approximately Measures: 16" long Metal type: 18 Karat gold
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
18k White Gold Pave Ruby and Diamond Ring, 4.38ct Ruby, Unisex
Located in New York, NY
This stunning piece features a captivating arrangement of Rubies and white diamonds. The vibrant rubies weigh an impressive 4.38 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,310
5.03 cts Ruby ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold Sapphire Ring Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 5.83 grams Set with- Stone type: Sapphire Shape: Oval Carat: 5.03 ct Colour: red ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18k yellow gold ruby flower pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A Tiffany & Co. flower pin, crafted in Italy in 18K yellow gold. The petals are grooved rather than smooth, so the gold reads as a set of fine channels that break the light inste...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Solstice - Natural Burma Mogok Ruby No Heat Pigeon's Blood GRS Cert Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some rings feel like a moment in time. Ruby Solstice glows with the warmth and brilliance of a sunlit turning point. At its center burns a 3.94‑carat Burmese ruby, Mogok‑sourced, No...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond Ruby Gold Lizard Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful 14k white gold pin features sparkling old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50ct. graded F color with VS1 clarity. The diamonds are accentuated by round cut r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.99 carats Unheated Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 1.99 carats Mozambique ruby, a perfect size for a ring or a pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sourced from ethical mines in Mont...
Ruby
Vintage Emerald, Sapphire & Ruby Circular Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Emerald, Sapphire & Ruby Circular Brooch A simple and charming vintage brooch featuring a looping openwork circular design in 14K yellow gold. At the center sit three vibran...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Enamel Pearl Ruby Diamond Brooch
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian 18K yellow gold and enamel brooch set with rubies, diamonds and pearls will be a dramatic vision on your shoulder or lapel. The pin measures 1 1/2" wide by 1 1/8" high.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
$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
Ruby Diamond Illusion Ring
By Bn Green Star
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A radiant fusion of classic grandeur and modern craftsmanship, this ruby ring dazzles with a structured elegance that commands attention. The centerpiece is a masterfully set illusio...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ruby Pave Diamond Butterfly Brooch Pin
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Key Features & Specs: Material: 18K White Gold Gemstones: 48 natural round rubies 1.6 carats total and 62 brilliant round diamonds 0.3 carats total Brooch Size: 15/16 inch long x 1 i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Floral Brooch
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An elegant 18K yellow gold floral brooch showcasing a vibrant arrangement of rubies emeralds, sapphires, and round brilliant diamonds. Richly textured gold petals and colorful gemsto...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Gold Floral Brooch, 18k
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Gold Floral Brooch made in 18k yellow gold. The total weight of the brooch is 13.54 grams. The dimensions are 2 3/8 inch x 1.38 inch wide.
Ruby, Gold
6.80 Carat Ruby Diamond Hoop Earrings Oval Cut Rubies 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
6.80 Carat Ruby Diamond Hoop Earrings Oval Cut Rubies 14K White Gold Rubies Weight: 6.80 Carats (Oval Cut) Diamonds Weight: 2.04 Carats Vibrant and luxurious, these 14K white gold ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring — Marquise Center Ruby
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This elegant cluster ring is crafted in 18K white gold and features a vivid marquise-cut ruby at its center, framed by a halo of sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Retro Diamond and Ruby Floral Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Details: Brand: Cartier Metal: 18k Rose and Yellow Gold Gemstones: Diamonds: Old European-cut Rubies: Cabochon-cut, deep red hue Measurement: 2.5 x 1.5" Signature: Signed "Cartier" ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Bead Torsade Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Bead Torsade Necklace A 14 karat yellow gold necklace with a strand of 262 ruby beads Approximate Ruby Weight: 21.4 carats Length: 17" Gross Weight: 95.1 grams
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,300 / item
1.24 Carat Octagon Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This ruby is sourced from the ethically operated Montepuez mines in Mozambique.
Ruby
Platinum Ruby Stud Earrings, 3.16 Carats
Located in Warszawa, PL
Each earring is set with a natural ruby in a classic round cabochon cut, with a total ruby weight of approximately 3.16 carats.
Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Ruby and Pearl Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined oversized crescent brooch showcasing Victorian charm. The design features a captivating array of rich pinky red rubies paired with chunky white old mine cut di...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$870Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver 35.44CT Ruby Unisex Link Bracelet with Oval Cabochon Rubies
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS : Metal - 925 Sterling Silver Gemstone - Stone Ruby Gemstone Size - 5X7 mm Gemstone Pieces - 21 Gemstone Shape - Oval Gemstone Weight - 35.44cts Gross Weight - 17...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 14K Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Approximately 6 Carats Rubies
Located in Plantation, FL
An impressive vintage ruby and diamond cluster cocktail ring crafted in solid 14 karat gold, showcasing a vibrant and dimensional floral burst design. The ring is centered by a richl...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
22k Seventies Boho Byzantine Ruby Earrings
Located in Litchfield, CT
SIZE: 1 3/4 in long WEIGHT: 16.4 grams total STONES: 2.0 carats total weight of ruby HALLMARKS: Tested 22k. STOCK NUMBER: 28036 Jewelry acquired from this dealer m...
Ruby, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby Wedding Band. Calibre Cut Ruby Channel Set Eternity Band Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Cut: Calibre Cut Stone Setting: Channel setting Jewelry Type: Band Ring Style: Eternity Design: Calibre cut rubies are arranged in a ...
Ruby, Platinum
Spectacular Vietnamese Ruby Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
WEIGHT: 3.8 grams STONES: 3.38 carat low heat antique Vietnamese ruby (GIA report) and 1.40 carats total weight of H color, VS clarity diamonds HALLMARKS: 18k STOCK NUMBER: 25...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring. A ring featuring marquise cut rubies & round cut diamonds set in 18 karat yellow gold. Ring Size: 6.5 Complimentary Resizing
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Tiffany and Co. Diamond Ruby Ring. 18k Gold Tiffany Ruby Trinity band
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Rare Tiffany and Co. Ruby and Diamond Trinity Band. 18k Yellow Gold Condition: Excellent condition for the age. Details: Size 6.5 3mm Center Diamond 3mm Natural Rubies. 2.4 grams
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Pearl and Ruby Golf Club Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a playful brooch dating back the Edwardian period. Crafted from a warm 18ct yellow gold, this brooch takes on the form of a golf club. The shaft is adorned with square c...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful diamond and ruby cluster ring. The ring features a central ruby and is surrounded by a halo of rose cut diamonds and crafted in 18ct yellow gold. This ring starte...
Diamond, Ruby, 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
$143,750
Ruby and Diamond Drop Earring
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
An elegant pair of Ruby Dangle earrings. 37.20 carats of certified “Intense Red” Ruby 17.08 carats of colorless white round and pear shape diamonds. Set in Platinum. Approxi...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
18K Gold Ruby Diamond Bracelet with 16.06ct Ruby and 5.24ct Diamonds
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Ruby Diamond Bracelet is contemporary but just beautiful. There are 8 oval Ruby stones weighing in at 16.06 carats plus Diamonds of 5.24 carats to total 16.00 carats total wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Wedding Band. 1.30ct French Cut Natural Ruby Eternity Band Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Ruby Ruby Weight: 1.30 carats Ruby Type: Natural Ruby Cut: French Cut Ruby Color: Red Stone Setting: Channel Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: Eternity...
Ruby, Platinum
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Star Ruby, Ruby and Brown Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 3.36 carats, Ruby 1.51 carats and Brown Diamond 0.66 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 8.20 grams "We fi...
Brown Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
No Heat Ruby Ring. GIA 1ct Ruby Diamond Halo Accent Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Gemstone Weight: Approx 1.00 Carats Gemstone Cut: Cushion Cut Gemstone Origin: Madagascar Gemstone Treatment: No Heat Gemstone Certification: GIA C...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Bailey Banks & Biddle Ruby Platinum Diamond Brooch
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage Bailey Banks & Biddle Ruby Platinum Diamond Brooch Marked: BBB 83229 Approximate Dimensions: 4.12 cm (Diameter) 15.2 grams in weight
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$14,160Sale Price|20% Off
Plain and Smooth Ruby Beads with a Ruby Cabochon Clasp
By D'Deco Jewels
Located in New York, NY
A necklace consisting of three strands of smooth & plain Ruby beads. The length ranges from 17” to 20” and the bead sizes range from 3MM to 5MM. The clasp consists of a Ruby cabochon...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Multi Stone Natural Ruby & Diamond Ring - Pigeon's Blood Red Rubies
Located in London, GB
Gemdaia Jewellery enables globally conscious customers to purchase ethically-sourced fine gemstone jewellery that they can hold onto forever.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$10,100Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Bracelet, 2.4ct Ruby, 0.65ct Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Ruby Diamond Bracelet in 14K gold showcases 2.4 carats of endlessly sparkling natural ruby and 0.65 carats of diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Large illusion double band ruby ring 18KT yellow gold wine color ruby ring natur
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning ruby ring with natural 9x7mm oval ruby, wine color ruby 100% natural ruby.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
PT950 Platinum GIA Certified Burmese Ruby And Diamond Ring Approx 6cts in Rubies
Located in Plantation, FL
This exceptional contemporary high-jewelry ring is crafted in PT950 platinum and showcases five natural Burmese rubies totaling approximately 6.00 carats, set in an elegant five-ston...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Turquoise Lovebirds Boat Brooch Pin
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Gemstones: 19 Natural Turquoise (round & oval, 2 mm each) 2 Natural Round Rubies (2 mm each) Design: Lovebirds Brooch Pin Measurements: 2 inche...
Ruby, Turquoise, 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.