Rare 1.42ct Burma Ruby Natural Unheated Red Ruby Mogok & Diamonds Ring 18K GRS
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $12,500 Item Stock Number - 4363146573658 Certificate Number - GRS2024-118547 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - Ruby - 1.22ct, Diamonds 0.20ct Measureme...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unique Tiara Convertible Brooch Paradise Bird Diamond Ruby
Located in Geneva, CH
Unique Tiara convertible Brooch Paradise Bird Rose cut Diamond, ruby and emerald. Total approximately 10.15 carats on silver and gold. Early 20th century. Tiara frame in titanium...
Diamond, Ruby
Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A chic and stylish ruby and diamond ring! It features a 0.80 carat oval-shaped ruby with a bright red color with excellent brilliance. It is accented by 0.85 carats of round brillian...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Suzanne Belperron Aquamarine, Ruby and Diamond Brooch, 18k
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in New York, NY
A Suzanne Belperron Aquamarine, Ruby and Diamond Brooch made in 18k gold, circa 1955-1969. The large, emerald-cut aquamarine weighs appx. 52.25 carats, the pear-shaped aquamarines w...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby
Tiffany & Co. Signed 22.41 Carat No Heat Cabochon Ruby and Ruby Bead Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 22.41 Carat No Heat Pear Cabochon Cut Ruby and Diamond Pendant with a 2-Strand Ruby Bead Necklace by Tiffany & Co. Pendant Details: - Metal: 18K Gold - Gross Weight: 2...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Tentacle Ring // Cabochon Ruby with Yellow Sapphires in Sterling Silver and
Located in New York, NY
This artisan ring centers on a glowing natural cabochon Ruby, bezel-set in radiant 14K gold, and surrounded by a constellation of faceted yellow sapphires.
Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold and Rubies Showtime Pin
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our SHOWTIME pin, a dazzling expression of luxury and flair in 18k yellow gold. This distinctive pin is adorned with 86 round rubies, each carefully selected to radiate a...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14K Gold Ruby Band with Emerald Accents, 1.70 Ct Ruby Channel Set
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Details** • Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold • Gemstones: Natural Pinkish Red Rubies • Ruby Weight: 1.70 Carats Total Weight • Setting Style: Channel Setting • Accent Gemstones: Natur...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Enamel Brooch with Diamond & Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
Estate 18k Gold Enamel Turtle Brooch Featuring Round White Diamond Approx. 0.28ct, Round Red Ruby Approx. 0.14ct Total Weight 16.93g Measurements 1.45in x 1.03cm x 0.46cm Very unique...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Ruby, Opal & Pearl Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
Victorian to Edwardian Butterfly Brooch, c.1900–1910 A charming antique butterfly brooch dating from the late Victorian to early Edwardian period, circa 1900–1910. Beautifully crafte...
Opal, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold
Ruby Ring 2.52 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 2.52 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Ring 3.24 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 3.24 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Ring 2.3 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 2.30 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Ring 2.98 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 2.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Blackened Wave Studs
By Jaipur Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fiery pink Rubies set into stylish stud earrings in a contemporary wave design of blackened silver with gold accents. - Natural Pink Rubies weight approx .82 Carats. - Set in Blacke...
Ruby, 22k Gold, Silver
Large Retro Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Large Retro Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch. 1940's multi color rose & yellow gold brooch with round cut diamonds & rubies. approximately 10.00 cts of diamonds Measurements: 3.25" ...
Diamond, Ruby
Ruby ring black silver Large Statement Christmas gift idea Ruby wedding gothic
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This remarkable wide band ring celebrates the enduring symbolism of ivy - a plant long cherished for its resilience, fidelity, and timeless vitality. Crafted in patinated silver, the...
Ruby, Silver
3.30ct Ruby 0.12ct Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a charming platinum ring. The ring is set with lovely oval cut rubies that weigh approximately 3.30ct. The rubies are accentuated by sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh a...
Ruby, Platinum
Sophia D. Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
This piece seamlessly combines bold color with refined elegance, making it a standout addition to any fine jewelry collection. Material: Platinum Gemstones: Ruby: 12.69 CT Diamond...
Diamond, Ruby
14K Gold Ruby Emerald Anniversary Band 0.70 Ct Natural Ruby Channel Set Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Ruby and Emerald Band Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone Ring, Unique Designer Band, Natural Ruby and Emerald Jewelry** Distinctive, elegant, and thoughtfully crafted, this 14K yellow...
Ruby, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1920s Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Shield Cufflinks
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive pair of antique 0.03 carat diamond and 0.03 carat ruby, 18k yellow gold 'shield' cufflinks; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Brooch A platinum brooch set with cabochon rubies and baguette and round cut diamonds. Circa 1930 Approximate Diamond Weight: 4.26 carats Appro...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamond and Ruby Drop Earrings
Located in Bethesda, MD
Whether you're looking for a timeless and classic design or a more contemporary and unique style, these ruby and diamond drop earrings are versatile enough to suit many occasions. ♦ ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ruby Wedding Band. Carre Cut Ruby Eternity Band Platinum Art Deco 1920
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Total Ruby Weight: 2.85 carats Stone Setting: Channel Jewelry Type: Wedding Band Style: Eternity Band Design: An Art Deco eternity band featuring ...
Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine pear-shape ruby takes center stage of this classy platinum pendant. It weighs 2.05 carats and has a rich intense vivid red color with excellent light and brilliance. It is acc...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Ruby Diamond Bone Necklace & Ruby Rainbow Moonstone Pendant
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Beaded necklace consists of: - 35" length total - gold fill chain - large oval double sided pave diamond gold clasp that opens and closes securely allowing to change/remove pendants/...
Diamond, Hematite, Moonstone, Ruby, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold Plate, Sterl...
Ruby and Diamond Ring - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Material: 18 Karat Gold Total Gold Weight: 4.1 grams Gemstones: Ruby and Diamonds Ring Size: US 6 1/2 Stamps: 10MI 750 A refined and elegant piece, ideal for those seeking a timele...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aadiraj Sethi 18K White Gold Ruby Floral Cocktail Ring, 12.42cts Ruby
Located in New York, NY
Delicate yet striking, this floral ring blossoms with the rich allure of ruby rose-cut slices (12.42cts. total weight), each petal radiating a soft, romantic glow. The vivid rubies a...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,770 / item
Ruby And Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Fatih, 34
The Kurenai Collection is an exquisite jewelry line that brings together the rich allure of rubies and the timeless elegance of diamonds.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Ruby Earring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GEMSTONE DETAILS Gold Purity: 18K Solid Gold RUBY: 22.02 CTS GOLD WEIGHT: 8.12 GRAMS We encourage you to examine all the images provided for this item.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Diamond Ruby Emerald Butterfly Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Germany, c.1900 The finely modeled butterfly brooch is handcrafted in silver and 14K gold. The brooch is embellished with bright white old European and old mine cut diamonds, rubies...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Ruby Ring 5.1 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 5.10 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18k White Gold, 1.96cttw Ruby
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Ruby and Diamond Station Bracelet in 18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Station Bracelet features 5 Stations of Oval Rubies and Round Brilliant Diamonds, all set in 18k White G...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.96 carats Ruby Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the "Eternal Radiance" Bracelet – a true embodiment of sophistication and opulence. The bracelet features a breathtaking arrangement of 64 round rubies, each boasting an ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,896Sale Price / item|20% Off
4.41 Carat Ruby Eternity Band, 18K White Gold Ruby Band Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
The circular shape represents love which will continue and makes your promises stay forever. Ruby improves mental strength. This is a perfect July Birthstone Jewelry also perfect Ha...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Star Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Star Ruby Ring with diamonds and carved cabochon "tutti fruttii" rubies all set in a platinum setting Center Stone approximately 19 carats Ring Size: 5.25 Re sizable free o...
Ruby, Platinum
Early Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Floral Spray Brooch
Located in London, GB
Accompanying certification confirms the rubies to be natural Burmese rubies with no indications of heat treatment, a highly desirable and increasingly scarce combination in antique j...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Antique Cabochon Star Ruby And Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Antique Cabochon Star Ruby And Diamond Earrings A pair of earrings featuring cabochon star rubies surrounded by antique cut diamonds and a gold twisted rope motif. Back Type: push ...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby Bracelet 8.78 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 8.78 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Length: 7.25 Inches Custom sizing ava...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Starfish Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking brooch meticulously crafted in the shape of a starfish, adorned with cabochon-cut red rubies. The arms and center are embellished with these vibrant rubies, creating a viv...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Total 2.04ct No Heat Burma Melee Ruby Pendant in 18K Yellow Gold-Ruby Pendant
Located in Singapore, SG
A beautifully designed 18K solid gold pendant featuring fine quality natural Mogok rubies, with a clever two way design that allows it to be worn in different styles. The pendant fe...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An expertly-crafted brooch featuring a combination of pear shape rubies and round brilliant diamonds arranged in a beautiful floral motif. Rubies weigh approximately 4.00 carats tot...
Diamond, Ruby
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Stud Earrings Natural 1.20 Carat Ruby Flower Earstuds Women
Located in Jaipur, IN
Effortlessly versatile, these ruby studs transition seamlessly from day to evening—whether worn as a subtle statement or paired with other fine jewelry for a layered, elevated look.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Knot brooch with rubies and diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Antique knot brooch set in 18ct gold with rubies and rose cut diamonds. Second half of the 19th Century. Highlights: - 18ct gold - Rubies and rose cut diamonds - Second half of the ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 14K Gold and Ruby Egyptian Revival Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Egyptian Revival gold and ruby stickpin. In 14 karat yellow gold. In the form of a long-necked bird (possibly an ibis) perched on top of a pharaoh's head with a bez...
Ruby, 14k Gold
2.87ct Diamond 1.22ct Ruby Earrings
Located in New York, NY
This is a charming pair of platinum earrings. The earrings feature sparkling princess and round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 2.87ct. The color of these diamonds is G-H with ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$3,630Sale Price|25% Off
Tiffany & Co. Ruby Vintage 1960's 18K Gold Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1960's Tiffany & Co. 18KT Yellow Gold Ruby Brooch 1.6 Inches Wide x 1.25 Inches Long 12.3 grams Stamped "TIFFANY & CO 18KT ITALY" We Have Also listed a Matching Sap...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Emilio Jewelry Certified 16.00 Carat Burma No Heat Earrings
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the museum vault at Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Featuring the kings of gems, a Burma Untreated No He...
Ruby
2.92ct Ruby 2.05ct Diamond Gold Bow Pin
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing 18k yellow gold bow pin. The pin is set with sparkling round and emerald cut diamonds that weigh approximately 2.05ct. The color of these diamonds is G-H with VS c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1960s Jade, Rock Crystal and Ruby Floral Brooch
Located in Roma, RM
At the center of each bloom, vibrant rubies are thoughtfully arranged alongside brilliant-cut diamonds, forming intricate clusters that bring a lively sparkle and a touch of warmth t...
Jade, Rock Crystal, Ruby
Cartier Diamond, Ruby, and Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Diamond, Ruby, and Yellow Gold Elephant Brooch This brooch has 52 round diamonds weighing approximately 4 carats and a single ruby all set in 18k yellow gold. Signed Cartier...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamonds & Rubies Cufflinks Platinum Gold
Located in Milano, MI
Deco period cufflinks (1920/30s), finely decorated and hand made set in gold and platinum. With rose cut diamonds and calibrated cut rubies in a horseshoe shape which is for good luc...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
$22,402,250
Platinum Ruby and Diamond Floral Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Material: Platinum - premium and durable Main Stone: Ruby - total weight 0.6 carats Accent Stones: Brilliant Round Diamonds - total weight 0.8 carats Design: Floral / Bloom Motif ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.58 carats with Ruby 1.85 carats and Diamond 1.18 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.4 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 11.98 grams "We first o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Gold 9.30 ct Ruby Pear & Ruby Diamond Cut 1.40 ct Natural Gemstone Earring
Located in Jaipur, RJ
18k Gold 9.30 ct Ruby Pear & Ruby Diamond Cut 1.40 ct Natural Gem Cut Earring Gemstone - Ruby Ruby weight Pear - 9.30 carats Ruby weight Diamond Cut - 1.40 carats gross Weight:...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
0.96ct Diamond 0.92ct Ruby Earrings
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous pair of platinum earrings. The earrings feature sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 0.96ct. The color of these diamonds is H-I with VS2 clarity. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Estate Ruby and Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in South Pasadena, CA
If you have additional questions, contact us right away at Jacob’s Diamond & Estate Jewelry. This is where you connect with the antique and estate jewelry you have dreamed of.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$12,500
Ruby & Diamond Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Diamond Men's Ring An 18 karat yellow gold ring set with a cushion cut ruby, 10 baguette cut diamonds, and 18 round cut diamonds Accompanied by an AGL report stating that th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby & Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Perfect for any occasion that calls for sophistication and glamour, these earrings are a majestic addition to any fine jewelry collection. Details: Metal: White Gold Gemstone: 2 Pe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Red Rubies Necklace
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
TIMELESS Necklace Cross in rose gold 18Kt 6.70 gr with 5 Marquise Red Rubies in total 3.95 ct and diamonds G color VS clarity in total 0.03 ct The Timeless Collection was inspired ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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.