Natural Burma Ruby Ring. AGL 12.90ct Cushion Cut Rare Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 12.90 Carats Center Ruby Cut: Cushion Cut Certification: AGL Certified Gemstone Origin: Burma Treatment: Heated Secondary Sto...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
11.74 TCW Natural Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings 9.32 Carats Ruby 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted in 18K white gold weighing approximately 5.07 grams, the setting provides a refined foundation that highlights both the diamonds and rubies without distraction. Combining sub...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$788Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Minimalist Ruby Diamond Pendant Art Nouveau Style Ruby Pendant
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Art nouveau pear cut ruby diamond pendant in 18K Gold. It has a pear cut ruby with diamonds that completes your look with a decent touch.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,088 / item
Ruby Halo Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
At the center of these eye-catching 18 karat white gold stud earrings rest 1.28 carats of brilliant oval cut rubies. A sparkling halo of white diamonds surrounds each center stone wi...
White Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
David Webb Carved Jade and Ruby Cufflinks
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Jade & Ruby Cufflinks Carved jade set with a ruby in the center. Measurements: 1" long Signed David webb & stamped 18k 18K Yellow Gold
Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Citrine 18k Gold ring
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Rose Gold 21g magnificent citrine 12cts surrounded by ruby princess cut. All Giulia Colussi jewelry is new and has never been previously owned or worn.
Citrine, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby Emerald and Diamond Bird Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous Victorian brooch depicting a mid flight soaring bird. Crafted from a harmonious blend gold and silver, this piece has been adorned with a dazzling array of ro...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Kt Yellow Gold Brooch.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing brooch in 18 kt yellow gold structure composed of a bouquet of emeralds, rubies and multicolor sapphires. The structure is studded with diamonds. This brooch was totally han...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby , Ruby and White Sapphire Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Cabochon Ruby , Ruby and White Sapphire Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 3.42 grams *Please note that the silver setting is pl...
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver
Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sweet and stylish ring featuring a fine 1.02 carat square-shaped ruby. It has a bright and intense slightly purplish red color that is extremely fine. It is accented by 1 carat of ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Magnificent 4.8ctw Mozambique Ruby Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This elegant ring centers a 4.81-carat natural ruby from Mozambique, pear-shaped and faceted, certified untreated and unheated by C. Dunaigre. The vivid red gemstone is accented by d...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,900 / item
Platinum Diamond Ruby Target Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Weight 3.5g Center Round Diamond Approx. 0.25ct Ruby Approx. 0.20ct Target Ring Size 6.25 Measurements 10mm x 19mm
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Ring 2.18 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 2.18 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 9 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Ruby Dragon Stickpin of 14k Gold - Circa 1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking antique stickpin circa 1900, designed as a finely sculpted dragon crafted in 14 karat gold, gripping an early flux grown synthetic ruby cabochon in its mouth. The expressi...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby Ring 4.04 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 4.04 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Fine Burma Ruby Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant ruby and diamond bracelet set in platinum. 11.41 carats of oval Burma Rubys. Over 22 carats of beautiful white diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
Ruby Ring 3.3 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 3.30 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Their warm gold setting, vivid ruby centers, and intricate diamond-set framework make them a distinctive choice for collectors drawn to ornate estate jewelry.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burma Unheated Ruby Ring in 18K Yellow Gold (Ruby Unisex Ring)
Located in Singapore, SG
Features: Main Gemstone (9pcs) - Ruby Total Carat Weight (9pcs) - 3Ct (Approx) Measurement of ruby -4.8x4.5x2.3 mm Cut - mixed (off round) Clarity - SI Transparency - Transpar...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby & Rainbow Moonstone Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
At its heart lies a blue flash hand-cut Rainbow Moonstone accompanied by natural rubies and tourmaline that shimmer with breathtaking brilliance from every angle.
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Eight-Sapphire Body Ruby Eyes Dragonfly Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Crafted in the 21st century, this exquisite brooch features a striking design of a delicate insect. The body is adorned with vibrant blue sapphires, totaling 1.0 carat, complemented ...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Midcentury Synthetic Ruby Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in 1950, this mid-century gem from American jewelry manufacturers Budlong Docherty & Armstrong, Inc features an emerald-cut synthetic ruby measuring approximately 2.00 carats...
Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1 Carat Ruby Engagement Ring. Oval Cut Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 1.50 Carats Center Ruby Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50 Carats Diamond Cut: Old M...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Victorian Seed Pearl and Ruby Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian seed pearl and 0.04 carat ruby, 15 karat yellow gold swallow brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Natural Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby & Diamond 18k Gold Butterfly Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exquisite antique brooch depicting a royal butterfly features approximately 20 carats of rubies and diamonds. The rubies all have a bright and intense vivid-red color that is so m...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Red Ruby and Diamond Ring, 5.45ct Ruby, 2.3ct Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
RED RUBY RING WITH DIAMONDS IN YELLOW GOLD 14k yellow gold Ring size: 8 Sapphire: 5.45ct, 10x10mm Diamonds: 2.3ct, VS clarity, E-F color Retail: $7,500
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Yellow Rose Gold Diamonds Rubies Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your ensemble with these opulent cuff links, a harmonious fusion of 20k yellow gold, 18k yellow, and pink gold, adorned with exquisite diamonds and rubies. Crafted with preci...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
14ct White Gold Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
An elegant ruby cluster ring crafted in 14ct white gold, featuring a timeless design with beautifully set rubies creating a classic and sophisticated look. Perfect for both everyday...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Geometric Ruby Cufflinks
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K white gold Ruby: 88 princess cut = 4.75cttw Dimensions: cufflinks measure 31.75 X 8.35mm Weight: 15.65 grams
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Wedding Band 18KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
We are connoisseurs of jewelry with high quality standards and passion for unique jewelry workmanships.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Modern Dragonfly Diamond Ruby 18K Platinum Brooch Pin
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite articulated dragonfly brooch crafted in platinum and 18K white gold, brilliantly set with approximately 6.00 carats of G–H color, VS1–VS2 clarity diamonds. Full-cut and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Bulgari Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Swan Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Swan Brooch A Bulgari brooch from 1988, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and designed in the shape of a swan.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Flower Cluster Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 16.9 Grams Stone: Ruby 0.24tcw Measurements: 50.55 x 29.7 x 14.8mm Hallmark: Cartier, 18k Item #: BR-1856-040826-08
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Flato gold, ruby, and diamond hand brooch watch
By Paul Flato
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold, ruby, and diamond brooch in the form of a lady's hand holding a watch, and further embellished with a diamond eternity band and ruby bracelet with a diamond charm, in 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby with Diamond and Ruby Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.24 carats with Diamond 2.06 carats and Ruby 1.92 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 9.73 grams "We first op...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rare untreated ruby oval 9mm certified
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare untreated ruby, heat only, stunning color! NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): NATURAL RUBY Clarity/Color: Slightly Included/Pinkish Red Cut: Rectangular 9X6.5MM Treatment: none pof WHAT Y...
Ruby
Edwardian Ruby Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional pair of 0.16 carat ruby and 0.06 carat emerald, 0.08 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold cufflinks; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold 1.80tcw Art Deco Ruby Cocktail Ring, Vintage Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elegantly displayed is a vintage ruby and diamond ring. Expertly handcrafted in gleaming 14K yellow gold; this ring features numerous natural rubies that lay horizontally across the ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Luna Ruby Diamond Ring, Platinum with 0.78ct Natural Oval Ruby & 0.28ctw Diamond
Located in Greeneville, TN
This elegant ring combines classic beauty with modern refinement, making it a perfect choice for fine jewelry lovers. ✨ Why You’ll Love It: Platinum Setting – A durable and luxurio...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
3.00ct Ruby 3.00ct Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 14k white gold bracelet. The bracelet is set with sparkling baguette cut diamonds that weigh approximately 3.00ct. The color of the diamonds is H with VS clarity. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
Stunning rubies totaling approximately 0.35 carat create an elegant floral design in this gorgeous Edwardian ring. Surrounded by approximately 0.70 carat of brilliant diamonds and se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified Burma Ruby Vivid Red "Pigeon's Blood" 0.49 Half-Carat Loose Ruby
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) with certificate number #6492604706, this ruby is an exquisite addition to any fine jewelry collection, promising both rarity and ...
Ruby
Rubies, Diamonds, White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 9 kt white gold structure mounted with diamonds and, between of them, rubies. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditi...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Lizard Brooch Ruby Eyes 18K Gold Taka Singapore
Located in BILBAO, ES
lizard brooch, diamond lizard brooch, ruby eyes brooch, animal jewelry, diamond brooch, taka singapore jewelry, luxury brooch, 18k gold brooch, pavé diamond brooch, reptile jewelry, ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
1970s 18k Tiger Diamond, Ruby & Enamel Gold Cufflinks
Located in Miami, FL
18K Yellow Gold – Circa Mid-20th Century – With Appraisal These striking vintage retro cufflinks are inspired by the bold and powerful imagery of a tiger, masterfully crafted in soli...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Gold Pearl Diamond Ruby Sapphire Sombrero Brooch
Located in New York, NY
14k gold brooch, depicting a man in sombrero hat, with 28mm blister pearl, rubies, sapphires and diamonds (1 is missing). Brooch measures 65mm x 30mm. Tested 14k. Weight - 31.8 grams.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Diamond Enamel Ruby Gold Walrus Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Whimsical 18k gold Italian made walrus brooch, decorated with enamel, ruby eyes 0.66ctw in diamonds. Walrus with movable stick. Brooch measures 2.5" x 1.75". Marked; Italy, k18. Weig...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Ruby Tennis Bracelet Rare Princess Cut Natural Untreated Ruby Bracelet 18Kt Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
GRAM WEIGHT: 12g GOLD: 18KT yellow gold SIZE: 6.5" NATURAL RUBY(S) Cut: Princess Color: Pinkish Red Clarity: Very Slightly Included Carat: 2.00ct Treatment: none WHAT YOU GET AT ST...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Roberto Coin Diamond Ruby Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in New Orleans, LA
Roberto Coin is a globally celebrated luxury jewelry brand launched in 1996. This statement-making bracelet exemplifies Coin's talent for merging contemporary aesthetics with centuri...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
2.25cts Ruby Pearl Bangle 14k Yellow Gold Estate Ruby Pearl Bracelet Vintage
Located in Jupiter, FL
A timeless combination, a ruby and pearl bangle bracelet. Expertly crafted in glistening 14k yellow gold, this piece features genuine rubies set in strong prongs. The rubies are extr...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Ruby Enamel 18K Gold Flag Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
Compact yet impactful, this unique piece blends symbolism with fine craftsmanship, making it a standout addition to any vintage jewelry collection. Details Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ge...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Gem Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A royal ring featuring an intense 3.64 carats red ruby in a double prong setting. The immaculate precious oval shaped ruby is surrounded by 3.35 carats of round and trapezoid cut VS ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unheated Natural Mozambique Ruby – 2.03 Carats
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Its balanced proportions and lively glow make it an exceptional gemstone of both rarity and presence. Set into fine jewellery, this ruby would create a powerful focal point—whether ...
Ruby
Antique 2.30 Carat Diamond Sapphire and Ruby Platinum Elephant Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine, and impressive antique elephant brooch featuring diamonds, sapphires, and a ruby; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Mozambique Ruby Cushion Cut – 2.09 Carats
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Its balanced proportions and lively glow make it an exceptional gemstone of both rarity and presence. Set into fine jewellery, this ruby would create a powerful focal point—whether ...
Ruby
Impressive 1940s Platinum Brooch with Old-Cut Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Milano, MI
Its elegant, structured design is adorned with approximately 5 ct of old-cut diamonds and about 1 ct of natural carrè cut rubies, adding a refined touch of color. An important vintag...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum 1.72 carat Ruby Stud Earrings
Located in Big Bend, WI
A pair of platinum stud earrings with genuine rubies. The round rubies measure about 5.5mm and weigh 1.72 carats total. They have pinkish-red color. The rubies are set in a double cl...
Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Spray Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.78 carat diamond and 0.43 carat sapphire, 0.29 carat emerald and 0.62 carat ruby and 18 karat gold spray brooch; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collecti...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold...
Platinum Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Platinum Ring features a captivating centerpiece with an approximate 1.0-carat natural diamond, beautifully complemented by approximately 0.50 carats of additional diamonds and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Unheated Ruby and Moonstone Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Unheated Ruby and Moonstone Brooch A very fine Art Deco diamond brooch set with two moonstones and an AGL-certified unheated cabochon Burmese ruby, Approximate Ruby Weigh...
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Platinum
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.