Ruby Flower Ring 8.08 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 8.08 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ruby 6.22cts Bracelet in 14K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This exquisite bracelet is a stunning blend of luxury and elegance. Crafted in 14k yellow go...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Important Pink Sapphire and Ruby Flower Necklace
Located in Bethesda, MD
Radiant pink sapphires and rich rubies dance together in this exquisite 18-karat white gold necklace. Featuring 187 pink sapphires (70 carats) and 29 cabochon rubies, the detachable ...
Ruby, Pink Sapphire
$1,102Sale Price / item|30% Off
Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold ruby and diamond ring, containing 1 round cut ruby of fine quality weighing .33pts. and 12 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighing .35pts. set in a halo ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Cabochon Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Geneva, CH
Cabochon Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant. Late 20th Century. Height: 5.00 centimeters. Width: 3.40 centimeters. Thickness: approx. 1.20 centimeters.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Jade Ruby Diamond Gold Pendant Object
Located in New York, NY
Gold jewelry object. can be worn as a pendant, decorated with jade, rose cut diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 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
$30,923 / item
Fortune Kinetic Bracelet in White & Yellow Gold
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
This sophisticated white & yellow gold Fortune kinetic bracelet is sure to encourage you to be bold, be brave, and grasp life with the belief that luck is on your side. Combines futu...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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
$3,181Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald & Pave Ruby Long Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This long fabulous pave ruby knuckle ring with oval shape emerald on top is perfect for a hip hop to a casual party. This ring covers your whole finger and is very comfortable when b...
Emerald, Ruby, Silver
Ruby and Diamond You & Me Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond You & Me Ring A "You and Me" ring set with a emerald-cut ruby and diamond. Diamond is accompanied by GIA stating it is K Color VS1 Clarity Ruby is accompanied ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$940Sale Price / item|44% Off
Blossom ring with multicolored gemstones
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold Blossom ring with pink gemstones. Flower bouquet gold ring. Pink tourmaline ring. Tourmaline, sapphires, amethyst ring. Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size 14k solid gol...
Amethyst, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$10,000
Ruby and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Earrings Oval shaped earrings set with 2very fine oval rubies and 32 baguette-cut diamonds Accompanied by AGL certificate stating rubies are of Thailand origin. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bulgari Burmese ruby Trombino ring, circa 1980.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Burmese ruby Trombino ring. Set to centre with one oval mixed cut natural no heat Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with a weight of 1.88 carats, flanked to either si...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, Platinum Retrò Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic flower ring in platinum structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect condi...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Fontana Ruby Damond Platinum Gold Insect Brooch Pin
By Fontana
Located in New York, NY
Fontana Roma 18k gold and platinum insect brooch, set with rubies and approx. 1.00cts in diamonds. Brooch is 30mm x 26mm. Marked: Fontana Roma, PT 750. Weight - 11.5 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Ruby and Diamond Domed Band
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Domed Ring Featuring a Bezel Set 0.15 Carat Round Ruby Accented by 8 Round Diamonds of SI Clarity and H Color Totaling an Additional 0.20 Carats. Finger Size 5.2...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.23ct Burma Ruby 1.08ct Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant platinum ring. The ring is centered with lovely oval cut Burma ruby that weighs approximately 2.23ct. The ruby is accentuated by sparkling round cut diamonds that ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,800 / item
Contemporary Ruby and Diamond Band
Located in Montgomery, AL
These stunning ruby and diamond bands are contemporary pieces. Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting dance of gemstones adorning these extraordinary bands.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$14,690
6.20 Carat Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
6.20 carat Ruby cabochon Yellow Gold Ring.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Blackened White Gold Ruby and Diamond Tulip Brooch
Located in Lucerne, CH
Elegant Tulip brooch in blackened white gold 18 Karat – meaning the piece of jewellery is plated with a black rhodium finish to give it it’s dark look.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Victorian Ruby Emerald and Diamond Peacock Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. This antique brooch presents a peacock motif, predominantly adorned with shimmering rose cut diamonds alongside pinky...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 3.05 Carat Diamond and Ruby Dolphin Brooch Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique jewellery. Ruby Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 0.03 carat Diamond Quality Col...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.25ct Ruby and Diamond Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Five rubies are surrounded by rose cut diamonds in this Victorian brooch. The rubies are old cut, and are a slightly purplish red. Each ruby is 0.25 carat. Two diamond studded swirls...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Oval Cut Ruby & Baguette Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Cut Ruby & Baguette Cut Diamond Ring AGL Certified 18K Gold Ring with Center Oval Ruby approximately 1.87 cts with 54 Surrounding Tapered Baguette Cut Diamonds approximat...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,250
3.48 carats of Ruby ring
Located in New York, NY
Behold the allure of our Oval Ruby Halo Diamond Ring, a mesmerizing masterpiece in sophistication and grace. At its heart, a stunning 3.48-carat oval-shaped ruby commands attention w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Retro Brooch with Rubies and Diamonds
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Darnestown, MD
This scrolling gold, diamond and ruby brooch by Tiffany is the epitome of Retro design. Two draped lengthwise loops of gold give the appearance of fabric. Scrolling across the front ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Mid Century whimsical ruby emerald 18k yellow gold cat brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A joyful, wearable piece of mid-century goldsmithing for anyone who wants their jewelry to make people smile.
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Tanzanite And Ruby Ring
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an artistic and truly unique ring. This large Tanzanite which weighs 6.25Ct is very deep and saturated in color and is also quite transparent. The addition of rubies to the...
Ruby, Tanzanite, Platinum
Gold Ruby Ring 2.10 Cts Natural Red pink Ruby Engagement Ring art nouveau style
Located in Berlin, DE
The cabochon-cut ruby weighs 2.10 carats and measures approximately 0.16 × 0.28 × 0.28 in (4 × 7 mm).
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald & Ruby Flower Basket Necklace
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Ruby & Emerald Stone Cut: Round Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: 30mm x 19mm w. bail Weight: 3 grams Chain: 16" 14k Yellow Gold Diamonds &...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A smaller sized yet still very fine ruby ring. The ruby weighs 0.89 carats and has a rich vivid red color, very fine quality. It is accented by a halo of bright white round brilliant...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14K Gold Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring Vintage
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold and Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring. Ring features a slightly larger central ruby encircled with eight vibrant round rubies, creating the appearance of a blooming ...
Ruby, 14k Gold
$1,845Sale Price|25% Off
Handcrafted Ruby Cabochon Double-Sided Cufflinks 14K Gold Bezel Set
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
A perfect synthesis of artisanal detail and modern glamour, these ruby cufflinks reflect the renewed appreciation for gender-fluid luxury accessories and the timeless allure of handc...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ruby Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ruby Ring Size 7.75 GAI Certified- This stunning ring features one round cabochon purple star ruby (12 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold. Wid...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold
Raymond Yard Retro Diamond Ruby Gold Flower Brooch
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New York, NY
Retro classic 14k gold flower brooch by Raymond Yard, set with vibrant rubies and approx. 0.65ctw in diamonds. Brooch measures 1.75" x 1.5". Hallmarked 14k and Yard. Weight - 11.5 gr...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Silver Brooch with Natural Thai Rubies (No Heat) and Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful silver brooch set with natural Thai rubies (no heat) and diamonds. Total diamond weight is approximately 0.50 ct, and total ruby weight is approximately 2 ct.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring This captivating ring showcases an extraordinary cabochon-cut ruby, weighing an impressive 29.79 carats, radiating with its rich and velvety hue. Surr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Invisible-Set Ruby and Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Invisible-Set Ruby and Diamond Bracelet This bracelet is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features an intricate geometric layout. This bracelet consists of 277 square-cut rubies ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$212,750
Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A stunning pair of rare Burma Ruby earrings. 9.45 carats of Certified INTENSE RED Oval Burma Ruby. 7.72 carats of white pear and marquise shaped diamonds. Set in platinum and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
$66,125
Ruby and Diamond Earrings
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
Classic Ruby and Diamond Earrings 10.16 carats "intense red" ruby 5.90 carats of white round brilliant cut diamonds 18k white gold Approximately 10 x 6 mm Certified by Christi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby
14 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ruby Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Star Ruby Ring Size 3- This lovely ring features one round cabochon purple star ruby (12 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold. Width: 18 mm. Height: ...
Ruby, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k Two Tone Gold Sapphire, Diamond & Ruby Bouquet Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Elegant yet expressive, this sapphire, diamond, and ruby bouquet brooch captures the romance of fine floral jewelry with striking estate presence.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Deakin & Francis Garrard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Cufflinks
By Deakin & Francis
Located in Baltimore, MD
Deakin & Francis Garrard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Cufflinks Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 9.3 grams Diameter: 11.5mm Ruby: Approx. 0.50 CTW square natural Rubies Signed: Garrard D...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sabbadini Diamond & Ruby 18k Gold Bee Pin Brooch
By Sabbadini
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The Sabbadini Diamond & Ruby 18k Gold Bee Pin Brooch is a luxurious and elegant piece of fine jewelry.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Diamond & Ruby Multi Tone Gold Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Retro Diamond & Ruby Multi Tone Gold Brooch A 14-karat gold brooch set with 21 round cut diamonds, 4 round cut rubies, and 4 square cut rubies Circa 1940's Measurements: 2.25" x 2"
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera y Carrera Eagle Ruby White Yellow Gold Cufflinks
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
These unique Carrera y Carrera cufflinks are feature an eagle design hand-crafted out of yellow and blackened 18k gold with sculpted details and ruby eyes of an estimated 0.18 carats...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum 2.80ct Diamond and No-Heat Burma Ruby Brooch MF02-021926
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 2.80 carats allow it to effortlessly catch the light, while a radiant 1.10 carat No-Heat Burma Ruby center stone adds a stylish pop of color...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
No Heat Burma Ruby Ring. AGL 1.40ct Cushion Cut Ruby Diamond Platinum Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 1.40 carats Center Ruby Cut: Cushion Cut Center Ruby Treatment: No Heat Certification: AGL Gemstone Origin: Burma Secondary S...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Sophia D. 4.34 Carat Ruby Cufflinks in Platinum
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Sophia D 4.34 Carats of Ruby Cufflinks set in Platinum. Sophia D by Joseph Dardashti LTD has been known worldwide for 35 years and are inspired by classic Art Deco design that merge...
Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Ring 0.48 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
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: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sapphire & Ruby Gold Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
s timeless aesthetic, making this bracelet a distinguished addition to any fine jewelry collection. Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Blue Sapphires and Red Rubies Measurem...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Diamond Gold Bombe Large Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 14k Gold Gemstone: Ruby, Diamonds approx. 1.04 ctw Measurements: 27 x 25 mm Marked: tested 14k Weight: 21.8 grams
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
18k Yellow Gold Emerald Ruby and Pearl Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At its radiant core lies a 14.4 mm pearl—silky, luminous, and born from the ocean’s quiet magic. Surrounding it, 11.68 cts of fiery rubies, 6.79 cts of lush emeralds, and shimmerin...
Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$372Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Ruby Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold These contemporary stud earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold and feature round-cut red rubies held in a sleek tension-style setting. The com...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,960Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring Natural Untreated Ruby Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
GRAM WEIGHT: 3.34gr METAL: 18KT white gold NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: SI (average) Carat: 0.45ct NATURAL RUBY (NATURAL UNTREATED) Cut: Oval Cabochon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring, 2.00ct Rubies, UK Made
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A ruby and diamond dress ring set in 18k white gold. The ring is composed of 18 princess cut rubies totalling 2.00ct and 9 princess cut diamonds totalling 0.50ct. The ring is 7mm in ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Ruby and Diamond Necklace 2.45 Fancy Shaped Ruby in 18 Karat
Located in Wailea, HI
Modern Ruby and Diamond Necklace 2.45 Fancy Shaped Ruby in 18k One Fancy Shaped Ruby Weighing 2.45 Carats [bright with no imperfections visible to the naked eye] Forty One Round Br...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Gold Emerald Ruby and Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Gold Emerald Ruby and Diamond Pendant Details: On the back of the pendant featuring enamel birds and flowers Length 3" x width 2" Weight: 42.1 grams In excellent condition
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Ruby & Diamond Pave Cocktail Ring
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Diamond & Ruby Approx. Carat Weight: 1.15cttw Approx. Ruby Carat Weight: 1.00ct Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .15ct Diamond Cut: Round Band Material:...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k 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.