Fancy Colored Diamond Ruby Gold Rooster Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A proud and beautiful rooster! It features 3.23 carats of fancy-colored diamonds, which include yellows and cognac colors. Its mesmerizing eye is made of a single cabochon ruby. The ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Cabochon Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A simply yet elegant ring featuring a luscious 4.30 carat cabochon ruby. It is a pleasing bright red color with a hint of pink and an excellent polish that allows the light to roll a...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K Pink Rose Gold Ruby Pinky Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Details: Metal: 18K Pink Gold Gemstones: 2 Natural Oval Rubies (4 × 6 mm Each) Top Width: Approximately 1/2" Ring Size: 6.25 (Resizing Available) Weight: 1.1 Grams Style: Pinky Ring ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$3,199Sale Price|20% Off
Eye Catching Mozambique Ruby Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Eye Catching Mozambique Ruby with Diamond 1 Oval shape ruby in 0.83 CTS 42 Diamond 0.33 18 K Rose gold in 3.47 GMS SIZE-6.5 us can be resize
Ruby, 18k Gold
18K Rose Gold Turtle Shell Layer Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
As a creature that has survived the prehistoric era, they have a connection to the planet that stretches far back to the beginning of life itself. Althoff Jewelry’s Turtle Ring is i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby Leaf Ring 1.86 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 1.86 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$34,472Sale Price|44% Off
GFCO Certified 3.63 Carats Untreated Mozambique Ruby
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A very stunning GFCO certified natural Untreated Ruby from Mozambique, in oval cut, of 3,63 carats, extra fine quality, spectacular color. It is a investment stone. Very rare stone. ...
Ruby
Red Oval Shaped Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous piece of jewelry, red ruby ring is certain to draw admiration.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Wedding Band. 1.30ct French Cut Natural Ruby Eternity Band 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: Approximately 1.30 carats total Center Ruby Cut: French cut Stone Setting: Channel setting Jewelry Type: Wedding band Style: ...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
0.65ct Diamond 3.50ct Ruby Gold Bangle
Located in New York, NY
This is a fabulous 14k yellow gold bangle. The bangle is set with sparkling baguette cut diamonds and rubies that weigh approximately 0.65ct and 3.50ct respectively. The color of the...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.84 carats, Ruby 1.10 carats with Diamond 0.75 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 3.5 cm Total Weight: 11.87 grams "We first ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Brooch with 3.95 Carat Diamonds and 1.10 Carat Rubies
Located in Warszawa, PL
Platinum brooch with diamonds and rubies, 3.95 carats diamonds, 1.10 carats rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Ruby Diamond and Emerald Snake Necklace
Located in London, GB
No matter what they symbolise there is no denying their beautiful mysterious nature and elegance when used within jewellery. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 21.1 grams Wearable...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Ring. Centered by an oval Ruby of 1.49 carat and Diamond of 2.8 carat total estimated F color and VVS2 clarity. Size: 6 3/5.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Round Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
Elevate your style with this enchanting tennis bracelet, showcasing vibrant red rubies totaling 5.54 carats, beautifully accented by 1.05 carats of sparkling natural diamonds. Crafte...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Platinum Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A simple set chic and stylish platinum band featuring ruby and diamonds! The ruby weighs 0.48 carats and has a bright vivid pinkish-red color. It is accented by 4 large round brillia...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold 18K Ring. Centered by an oval Ruby of 0.54 carat and 20 Diamond of 0,69 carat total estimated F color and VVS2 clarity . Size: 6 1/2.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Burma Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
The bypass ring showcases a stunning 5.18-carat oval Burmese ruby. For centuries, Burmese rubies have been among the world’s most sought-after gemstones, prized for their exceptional...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Double Heart Arrow Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A beautifully designed vintage brooch crafted in 18K white gold, featuring two interlocking hearts pierced by a stylized arrow—an enduring symbol of love and unity. The hearts are se...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$31,168 / item
Towards the Stars Sunlight Heart Ring
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Towards the Stars Collection The allure of this ring lies in its remarkable ability to surprise and enchant, much like the intricate wonders of the universe we inhabit. At first glan...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby Enamel Ladies Face Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.02 carat ruby and blue enamel, 18 karat yellow gold brooch; part of our diverse vintage estate jewelry collections.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Ruby, Onyx, Diamonds, Platinum Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic retrò ring in platinum structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a frame of diamonds and onyx. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it ...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
$1,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Classic Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 41-RND-0,12-G/VS1A Ruby 1-0,28ct Ruby 2-0,25ct Weight 1.59 grams Size 16.5 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelr...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
3.80 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 18k white gold oval earrings, set with two rubies, approx. 3.80ctw, surrounded with approx. 1.70ctw in diamonds. Earrings are 15mm x 14mm. Weigh 8.3 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
19th Century French Tri Color Gold Ruby Brooch
Located in New York, NY
French Tri Color Gold Ruby Brooch set in 18k gold from the 19th Century, Originally a cover for a fancy pocket watch, this was converted in the period into a brooch with bale for pen...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Floral Brooch, Italy, 15.8g
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A captivating expression of nature-inspired elegance, this exquisite Tiffany & Co. brooch showcases the maison’s signature Italian craftsmanship and timeless design. Expertly fas...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
Fancy Cut Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Vintage Brooch
Located in Aspen, CO
The 26 natural vivid red rubies (probably from Burma), weigh an estimated 1.45 cts.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire
Sophia D Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A striking Art Deco ring featuring a 2.07-carat oval ruby, framed by 0.72 carats of baguette-cut diamonds and 0.27 carats of round diamonds. The geometric design is further enhanced ...
Diamond, Ruby
Vintage Ruby Platinum Ring Band Filigree Design
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ruby Ring Band Platinum With Filigree artwork Approx weight 4.0 grams Finger Size 7.25 Natural Square Ruby Gemstones. Brilliant Red Color. 7 Ruby stones sizes approx 3 x 3.5m...
Ruby, Platinum
Vivid Red “Pigeon’s Blood” Ruby Pear – 1.78 Carats
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Measuring approximately 8.36 × 6.18 × 4.41 mm, this beautifully proportioned pear-cut ruby is an exquisite choice for collectors and fine jewelry creations.
Ruby
Vivid Red “Pigeon’s Blood” Ruby Pear – 2.19 Carats
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Measuring approximately 8.56 × 6.64 × 4.80 mm, this beautifully proportioned pear-cut ruby is an exquisite choice for collectors and fine jewelry creations.
Ruby
Tiffany & Co. Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Floral Spring Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Style: Ruby & Diamond Floral Brooch Material: 18k yellow gold Gemstones: Natural rubies approximately 0.30 carat total weight Gemstones/Diamonds: Natural dia...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round and Baguette Diamond & Ruby White Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Round and Baguette Diamond & Ruby White Gold Brooch This striking White Gold brooch is a true testament to vintage glamour and expert craftsmanship. Designed with an intricate sweep...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
9.2 Carat Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
By Non Branded
Located in New York, NY
With its contrasting gemstones and gold setting, this ring offers a distinctive addition to a fine jewelry collection. Gemstone Details Type: Ruby Weight: 9.2 Carat Color: Red Cut: O...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Snake Colored Diamonds & Green Garnet Dangle Drop Earrings
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Snake is a symbol of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. Wearing snake jewelry is believed to be associated with protection and renewal.
Garnet, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,900 / item
Marquise Ruby & Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Tennis Bracelet Description ♥ Main Stone: Ruby & Diamonds Approx. Carat Weight: 2.30cttw Approx. Ruby Carat Weight: 2.00ct Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .30ct Metal Type: 14K Yell...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Ruby Ballerina Brooch by Pampillonia Jewelers
By Pampillonia
Located in Bethesda, MD
This elegant brooch was designed and made at Pampillonia Jewelers. The skirt is done in a matte finished rose gold with the bottom outlined in diamonds. • Metal: 18kt Rose Gold and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond eye brooch, boxed, 9k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
This brooch is a bar style brooch with a double sided bar featuring the gem set eye to the centre, the eye has a single cultured pearl to the centre with rose cut diamonds and calibr...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
$297Sale Price / item|20% Off
Sterling Silver Horse Ring with a Ruby Eye, Containing 1 Round Ruby Weighing .04
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sterling Silver horse ring with a ruby eye, containing 1 round ruby weighing .04pts. ring size is 6 and can be size to fit for free. weighing 11 grams
Ruby, Sterling Silver
VIctorian Pair of Ruby and Pearl Paisley Brooches
Located in New York, NY
VIctorian Pair of Ruby and Pearl Paisley Brooches Made circa 1900 Measurements: .75" long Gram Weight: 8.1 grams Metal Type: 14 karat yellow gold
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold and Ruby Frog Pin Italian
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A beautiful vintage frog pin crafted in 18k yellow gold from Italy. It features enamel detailing and natural rubies set into the eyes. This is a heavy piece weighing 20.79g. On the b...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
9.2mmx7mm Oval ruby pair natural and untreated
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rare matching pair of rubies, untreated and certified. NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): NATURAL RUBY Clarity/Color: Slightly Included/Pinkish Red Cut: Rectangular 9.2mmx7mm Treatment: none RPK...
Ruby
Victorian emerald diamond ruby 18k gold and silver brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At its center sits an octagonal step cut emerald weighing approximately 0.40 carats, its cool green tone set off by two round rubies and a shimmering field of 61 old European and ros...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Circa 1890 9k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Horseshoe Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat ruby and 0.18 carat diamond, 9 karat yellow gold pin brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collection.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,620Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ring 18kt Gold Spring & Ruby Oval
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted from 18kt Rose Gold 11.70 grams, the magnificent Ring comes enriched with one Oval Ruby 0.68 carats. Size 7. Every single Ring is handcrafted by our professional jewelry mak...
Ruby
Antique Art Deco 1930s Diamond and Ruby Circle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k white gold with Old Mine and Single cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.50 carats, G-H color, SI1-SI2 clarity. The brooch also features Cabochon Ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Earrings Description: A striking pair of 1960s earrings featuring two richly hued cabochon rubies framed by fourteen round brilliant-cut diamonds i...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Fine Ruby, Diamond and Enamel Brooch Circa 1925
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Rampant throughout the 20’s and 30’s, Art Deco used stones such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies to accentuate the stylized lines of the jewellery.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Long Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Opera length ruby and diamond necklace is 32" long, features Five flower stations totaling 17.50 carats of round cut diamonds and 12.00 Carats of Rubies.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamonds and Ruby 5.01 Carat
Located in Paris, FR
Ring in 18 Carat yellow Gold setting in its center a large Ruby set with Claws weighing 5.01 Carats supported on each side by a Shuttle cut Diamond Dimension 8 x 4.5 mm or approxi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Oval Ruby Loose unset 9mm oval untreated
Located in Jupiter, FL
Unset loose ruby certified, will come with a box. NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): RUBY Clarity/Color: Slightly Included/Pinkish Red Cut: Rectangular 9mm x 7.1mm Treatment: heat only WHAT YOU...
Ruby
Ruby Station Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Ruby Station Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this necklace features a 0.67 carat oval ruby in a sleek solitaire station design. The rich red ruby is framed b...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cherry Ruby Earrings 14KT white gold Natural ruby earrings huggies leverbacks
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
Ruby Mom Pendant 0.48 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 0.48 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 29 x 22 mm Chain Length: ...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$7,500 / item
Ruby Diamond Platinum Band Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold. It is set in 1.44 carats ruby & illuminated with .80 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 4.5 and m...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming cluster ring crafted from platinum during the height of the Art Deco movement. At the centre of the face we find captivating cabochon ruby boasting a vibrant ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,225Sale Price / item|24% Off
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold ruby and diamond ring containing 1 cabochon cut ruby weighing .98pts. and 36 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighing .30pts. set in a 4mm wide ring. Thi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Gold, Coral, Turquoise, and Ruby Turtle Brooch
Located in Princeton, NJ
A vintage 18 karat yellow gold, coral, turquoise, and ruby brooch designed as a turtle with articular head and tail, the carved cabochon coral serving as the shell of the turtle outl...
Coral, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Ring Ruby Sapphire circa 1950 Yellow Gold 18 Carat, Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Lovely 1950s ring drawing a knot of twisted 18 Kt (750°/ooo) yellow gold wires set with lines of sapphires, rubies and diamonds. Signature F.RO. 7 sapphires including 3 larger, 15 ru...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman American Flag Ruby Sapphire Diamond Brooch
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New Orleans, LA
This patriotic brooch forms an elegant American flag crafted by the famed American jeweler Oscar Heyman. Using some of the most beautiful sparkling white diamonds, rubies and sapphir...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 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.