Gold, Sapphire & Ruby Stacking Rings
$1,650 / set
Gold, Sapphire & Ruby Stacking Rings
Located in New York, NY
Ruby eternity band shown in image #6 for photo-op only.
Vintage 1970s Modern Band Rings
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,650 / set
Gold, Sapphire & Ruby Stacking Rings
Located in New York, NY
Ruby eternity band shown in image #6 for photo-op only.
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$27,500Sale Price|59% Off
NWT $67, 500 18KT Gold Ruby Flower Fancy Ruby Drop Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Gorgeous Glittering and Sparkling Magnificent Fancy Ruby and Diamond Dangle Earrings. Earrings contain app...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$25,000Sale Price|60% Off
NWT $62, 500 18KT Gold Ruby Flower Fancy Ruby Drop Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Gorgeous Glittering and Sparkling Magnificent Fancy Ruby and Diamond Dangle Flower Earrings. Earrings cont...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Brooch 3.2g 1.82in Length
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian Diamond and Ruby Brooch Total Weight: 3.2g Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Cut: Rose Primary Stone Color: White Secondary Stone: Ruby Secondary Stone Color...
Diamond, Ruby
Platinum Burma Ruby Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Plaitnum 7 ruby band, ruby weighing approx. 2.1 cts ring size 6 3/4, weight 2.6 dwt
Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and architectural vintage ring crafted in platinum, centered by a richly saturated cabochon ruby weighing approximately 5.04 carats. The ruby displays a vivid raspberry-red h...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14.00ct Ruby 1.40ct Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This is a charming 18k white gold bracelet. The bracelet is set with lovely pear shape rubies that weigh approximately 14.00ct. The rubies are accentuated by sparkling round cut diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$3,200 / item
18k Yellow Gold Wrap-Arround Ruby Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with our exquisite 18k Wrap Around Ruby Cufflinks, a testament to timeless sophistication. Crafted with precision, these cufflinks boast a stunning design that sea...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bloom 18ct Gold Petal Earrings
By Mayveda Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
BLOOM drop earrings featuring bright gemstone drops. The BLOOM drop earrings are available in Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond. These one of a kind earrings are handmade in London s...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
14K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Wide Band Ring Natural Square Rubies Size 7
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
14K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Wide Band Ring Natural Square Rubies Size 7 Description Offered is a wide band ring crafted in tested 14-karat white gold containing natural rubies...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1950s Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
This finely handcrafted platinum 1950s ring features 3 vivid red round rubies spaced by 2 bright white round cut diamonds. An amazing contrast of color, beautifully set on a gallery ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
No Heat Burma Melee Ruby Pendant Ball in 18K Yellow Gold-Ruby Charm
Located in Singapore, SG
Unheated Burmese rubies are rare and highly valued. This lovely pendant symbolizes love and passion, making it a timeless and meaningful gift for someone special. As one of the worl...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,750 / item
Ruby Diamond Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These stud earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold and sterling silver, set in 6.3 carats ruby and 0.6 carats glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
French Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Late 20th Century's design this lovely Oval Ruby centers a yellow gold 18k 750 ring surrounded by diamond. French marks. Ring size: 6 US.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, Platinum Butterfly Earrings.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion earrings in platinum structure mounted with diamonds on the head and wings. The body is mounted with a ruby. These earrings were totally handmade by Italian master goldsmith...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring 14kt Yellow Gold Natural Untreated Ruby Cabochon
Located in Jupiter, FL
GRAM WEIGHT: 4.58gr METAL: 14KT yellow gold NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Cut: Round Color: H Clarity: SI (average) Carat: 0.06ct NATURAL RUBY (NATURAL UNTREATED) Cut: Oval Cabochon0 Color: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$5,049Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond drop earrings.
Located in Firenze, FI
PAIR OF CALIBRATED RUBY DROPS They feature an oval motif set with calibrated rubies, a central Ruby, held by an articulated line set with brilliant-cut diamonds. 18K white gold setti...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring, Calibré-Cut Ruby Panel, circa 1930´s
Located in OVIEDO, AS
A timeless jewel, equally suited for a collector of fine period jewellery or as a distinctive statement ring. Details • Period: Circa 19350(Art Deco) • Metal: Platinum • Weigh...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Leaf Brooch 18 Carat White Gold
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This design brooch we intent for everyday use as simply elegant. So you can pin many occasions. It looks not too much but it looks classic and precious. We use the top quality ruby w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$16,250
Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Geneva, CH
Diamond weigh 1.03 carats and Rubies weigh 8.32 carats total, on rose gold 18K.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$946Sale Price / item|44% Off
Two Tone Gold, Emerald Engagement Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald solitaire ring in 14k two tone gold. Emerald engagement ring. 14k gold ring with natural emerald. May birthstone ring. Emerald jewelry. Metal: 14k solid gold. 2 color tone...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold
Natural Diamond Ruby with 1.90 Carats Diamond & Ruby 3.50 Carats in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
this is an amazing ring with diamond : 1.90carats ruby:3.50carats gold : 9.25 gms Please read my reviews to make yourself comfortable.
Diamond, Ruby
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring with 1.63 Carats Diamond & 0.84 Ruby in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
this is an amazing ring with diamond : 1.63carats ruby:0.84carats wex: 0.42 gold : 8.70 gms Please read my reviews to make yourself comfortable.
Diamond, Ruby
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 5.96 carats, Ruby 0.89 carat and Diamond 0.70 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 9.93 grams "We first...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Pearl Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring A ring featuring one baroque pearl surrounded by a cluster of round cut diamonds and marquise cut rubies. Ring Size: 7.75 Complimentary Resizi...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 2.10ct Diamond and Ruby Retro Brooch MF17-020526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Designed like a stylized bouquet or floral spray, this platinum brooch features large, sweeping curves of platinum that wind around a cluster of vibrant ruby cabochon buds. The contr...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K Diamond and Ruby Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Look at this stunning 18k diamond and ruby bracelet! 18K Diamond and Ruby Bracelet Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Length: 7.5 inches...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sleek Seventies Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in Litchfield, CT
Remarks from Lawrence Jeffrey: “In Switzerland quality is expected, and luxury is a way of life"” SIZE: 16 inches long WEIGHT: 13.9 grams STONES: 14.0 carats total weight of H...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Tsavorite and Diamond Strawberry Pendant
By Theo Fennell
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous pendant come charm. This whimsical piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold into the shape of a plump strawberry and pave set with a vast array of vibrant ...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring. 0.90ct Cushion Cut Ruby FIligree Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 0.90 carats Center Ruby Type: Natural Center Ruby Cut: Cushion Cut Center Ruby Origin: Burma Center Ruby Setting: Bezel Set S...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.10ct Diamond 1.58ct Ruby Chandelier Earrings
Located in New York, NY
This is a charming pair of platinum earrings. The earrings feature sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 2.10ct. The color of these diamonds is H with VS2 clarity. Th...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$19,838
Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
Pictures do not do these earrings justice! Vibrant rubies surrounded by white pear shaped diamonds. 4.23 carats of fine red Ruby. 4.09 carats of white pear shaped diamonds. Set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum Ruby & Diamond Double Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This pendant necklace is a graceful and highly romantic design, combining ruby and diamond in an elegant double heart motif.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Red Ruby Bee Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
Shaped from the finest 14K yellow gold, its body is adorned with a cluster of radiant, natural red rubies that have been carefully treated to accentuate their fiery hue.
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Cartier Vintage Ruby and Platinum Dress Set, circa 1950
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier ruby and platinum dress-set, comprising a pair of cufflinks, four buttons and two studs, the buttons and cufflink heads are each set with two rows of eight calibre-cut rubi...
Ruby, Platinum
2.09 Carat Mozambique Ruby - Pear Cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Heated 2.09 carats Mozambique pear shaped 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 sou...
Ruby
2.03 Carats Mozambique Ruby - oval cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Heated 2.03 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 et...
Ruby
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.04 carats, Ruby 6.93 carats with Diamond 1.11 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 11.29 grams "We f...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1.50 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautifully crafted cluster ring. At the centre of the face we find a single oval faceted ruby of Burmese origin possessing a naturally rich, deep red colour tone. Thi...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Pendant Necklace A necklace with a pendant set with two cabochon rubies & round cut diamonds. The pendant is removable & can be worn as a brooch. Oval Cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cockerel Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 0.10 carat diamond and 0.01 carat ruby, 15k yellow gold and 15 karat white gold set 'cockerel' brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Shooting Star Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a sensational Victorian brooch featuring a radiant combination of rubies and diamonds. The brooch takes on a shooting star design with a prominent round faceted old mine...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring A ballerina ring featuring a pear-shaped ruby surrounded by round and baguette-cut diamonds. Approximate Ruby Weight: 1.27 cts Approximate Diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Ballerina Style Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Ballerina style Diamond Ring Ruby is 1.62 carats with certification that it is of Thailand origin Platinum Size-able to any ring size
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
3.09 Carat Mozambique Ruby - Cushion Cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 3.09 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
Ruby Ring 3.5 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 3.50 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 8 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Zelda Ring – Platinum with Natural Ruby & Diamond Accents – 0.29 ct Round Ruby
Located in Greeneville, TN
Introducing the Zelda Ring — a delicate yet powerful symbol of passion, elegance, and refined beauty from Mountain Song Jeweler. 💕 This exquisite piece showcases a 0.29 carat natur...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$575,000
Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips
Located in New York, NY
This thoughtful arrangement enhances the cluster motif, making the earrings not only a statement piece, but also a celebration of craftsmanship and artistry in jewelry design. Total...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Dragonfly Brooch Pendant, Circa 1900
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Huge Dragonfly Brooch (pin) comprising of fine Emeralds degrading in size from the body to the tail. Five Oval shaped Rubies and Sapphires have decorated the wings with old-cut Diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Hoop Earrings Length 22.51 mm x Width 11.06 mm (0.89in x 0.43in). Total weight of the set 12.1 grams. Baguette-cut rubies and diamonds. Hoop earring, fo...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamond, Tsavorite & Ruby Owl Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in BILBAO, ES
-Creator: Taka, Singapore - Metal: 18K White Gold - Stone: Diamond, Black Diamond, Tsavorite, Ruby - Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut -Stone Details: 70 Diamonds – 1.44 ct 2 Bl...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, White Gold
Antique English 9ct Rose Gold 6.1tcw Star Ruby Shirt Studs
Located in New York, NY
Their classic shirt-stud format reflects a period style of formal dress and offers particular appeal to collectors of antique English jewelry and vintage men’s accessories. With thei...
Star Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Buccellati Ruby Ring. 7.40ct Oval Cut Burma Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold 1970
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 7.40 carats Center Ruby Cut: Oval Cut Gemstone Origin: Burma Secondary Stones: Diamonds Stone Setting: Bezel-set Jewelry Type...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Dolphin Pin
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The dolphin’s eye is accented with a single round ruby weighing approx. 0.023 carats, providing a vivid pop of color.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman "Burmese No Heat" Ruby and Diamond Brooch.
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman Ruby and diamond pansy design. brooch. Center isset with oval ruby weighing 3.17 carats, "Burma No Heat" surrounded by petals encrusted with 46 calibré-cut rubies and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Ruby Starburst Flower Brooch Pin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Ruby Starburst Flower Brooch Pin Signed: Tiffany & Co. K18 ITALY NUMBERS HAND ETCHED ON CENTER OF BACK Approximate Dimensions: 4.5 cm (Diame...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,040Sale Price / item|40% Off
Sapphire, Amethyst 14k Gold Earrings Studs.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst, Sapphire 14k gold earrings studs. Purple, blue gemstones earrings. Material: 14k gold. Weight: 2.3 gr. Size Earrings: 10x16.6mm Central stones: Natural Sapphire - 2 piece...
Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
$15,000
Ruby & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Diamond Earrings, round earrings with cluster of 24 baguettes approximately 1.62 cts and 40 round cut diamonds approximately 3.31 cts and 2 center ruby approximately 2.40 ct...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Emerald Lion Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The lion’s expressive face features vibrant emerald cabochons for eyes and a deep red ruby at the nose, adding a charming pop of color.
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 7.39ct Opal Ruby and 18k Yellow Gold Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of vintage jewelry/estate jewelry. Opal Quality Cut Cabochon Content 7.39 carats Ruby Quali...
Opal, 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.