Pair of Signed Mid-Century Modern Cartier 18K Gold & Ruby Cabochon Cufflinks
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of vintage gold & ruby cufflinks. By Cartier. In 18 karat yellow gold. Each cufflink comprised of two grooved gold discs with bezel-set garnet cabochons to their cente...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Cross Chain Cuff Bracelet Gold Adjustable Sculptural
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Each piece is made by hand using traditional jewelry-making methods. Materials: 14k gold-plated brass Gemstone: One natural ruby Color: Gold, red Design: Linked chain cuff with a...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Art Deco Diamond, Ruby and Platinum Double Clip Brooch, Circa 1930
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco diamond and ruby double clip brooch, in an oval, geometric design, which can be worn as a single brooch or as a pair of dress clips on the neckline or collar of a dress. ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Gold and 6.00 Carat Ruby Cufflinks with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with two Cabochon Rubies weighing approximately a total of 6.00 carats, and small Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Circa 1980s
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond Hummingbird with Ruby Eye Brooch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k yellow gold Diamond Count: 9 brilliant cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.30 carats Diamond Color: F-G Diamond Clarity: VS 1 Marquise Red Ruby: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring 5.02 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 5.02 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 6 US Custom si...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Pear Shape Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pear Shape Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring 1 pear shape ruby approximately .85 cts & baguette cut diamonds approximately 1.12 cts set in 18k yellow gold Ring Size: 7 Resizable fr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Revisit 0.30ct Natural Ruby Diamond Brooch Pin 3D Still Life 12552*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
0.30ct natural round rubies vivid reds / clean clarity and transparent 18kt yellow gold 12 grams 44mm x 22mm
Ruby, 18k Gold
18ct Gold & Platinum Ruby Diamond Bracelet, 1930s
Located in London, England
A beautifully made Art Deco 18ct gold and platinum bracelet from the 1930s. The design features a graduated row of emerald-cut synthetic rubies, each framed by clusters of brilliant-...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
$6,031 / item
Ruby Feather Twister Hoop Earrings
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ruby feather twister hoop earrings, in silver and gold and ruby or saphire finish Irama Pradera is a Young designer from Spain that searches always for the best gems and combines cla...
Ruby, Silver
Italian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Eye Dragon Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The combination of 18K yellow gold and ruby creates strong visual contrast, making it an appealing choice for collectors of figural jewelry, animal-inspired designs, and distinctive ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A statement piece of exceptional beauty, perfect for collectors of fine jewelry. Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Rubies: Two cabochon rubies, approximately 6.00 carats to...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Pearl Ruby Link Bracelet
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 18K Gold Pearls and Rubies Link Bracelet. It depicts a bracelet made of large oval shaped gold links adorned in the center with two scrolls joined by a ruby (3.5 mm ) or a...
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond and Ruby Eternity Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Eternity Rings make an excellent gift, especially this new design. This band contains 7 deep red rubies totaling 0.30 carats with 21 round VS2, G color diamonds in between totaling 0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Amber Ruby Floral Pendant Necklace
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
This unique amber and ruby piece makes a stunning addition to any fine jewelry collection.
Amber, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Oval Ruby & Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Certified Oval Ruby & Diamond Ballerina Ring A ring featuring an oval cut ruby surrounded by baguette diamonds. Ruby Weight: 2.02 carats Ring Size: 4.5 Complimentary Resizing ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Ruby and 18ct Yellow Gold Grouse Brooch, circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 1890s 0.01 carat ruby and 18 karat yellow gold grouse brooch; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.20ct Diamond 1.20ct Ruby Gold Bangle
Located in New York, NY
This is a fabulous 18k yellow gold bangle. The bangle is set with sparkling round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 1.20ct. The color of the diamonds is G with VS clarity. The di...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Made of 14k white gold, this pin is set with sparkling round cut diamonds weighing approximately 4.00ct. The diamonds are accentuated by round and oval cut yellow sapphires, blue sa...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, White ...
A Magnificent 4.02ct Thai Ruby & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in bangkok, TH
simply extraordinary and utterly unique estate Jewel set in solid platinum and featuring a stunning Ruby from Thailand weighing an impressive 4.02ct. The beautifully made ring conta...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Fine Yellow Gold Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire Brooch Pin, Boxed, 1920
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
The brooch is set with six diamonds with a total approximate weight of 1 carat. Gemstones: Oval ruby: 6.5 × 5 mm Two sapphires: 3.3 mm each Presented in a fine period-correct jewe...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Diamond 2.76ct Ruby Stud Earrings, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Ring A diamond ring featuring an old mine cut diamond, accented with round cut diamonds and four square cut rubies. Approximate Center Old Mine Diamond We...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous ruby and diamond cluster ring. At the centre of the face we find a round faceted bright pinky red synthetic ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Exquisite 18K White Gold Ruby Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in 台東区, JP
An exquisite pair of 18K white gold chandelier drop earrings featuring approximately 5.20 carats of pear-shaped rubies and 0.90 carats of brilliant diamonds in a glamorous cascading ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Ruby Earrings with Natural Diamonds 14k White Gold Untreated Large Rubies
Located in Jupiter, FL
Rubies are treated with heat only. GOLD: 14KT white gold NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Clarity/Color: VS-SI/F-G-H Carat:1.04ct NATURAL RUBY(S) Clarity/Color: Slightly Included/Pinkish Red Car...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Natural 14K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Necklace Set
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Necklace set is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Stunning 14K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Necklace Set
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Necklace set is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Stunning 18K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Necklace Set
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Necklace set is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a r...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Stunning 14K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Necklace Set
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Necklace set is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Stunning 14K White Gold Ruby & Diamond Necklace Set
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Necklace set is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
.2 Carat Ruby Yellow Gold Textured Duck Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1980's hand textured duck brooch in 18k yellow gold. Beautiful detailed texturing. Round ruby eye. 1 round red ruby, approx. .2cts 18k yellow gold Stamped: 18k 13.3 grams ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Collier
Located in Berlin, BE
A stunning Art Deco diamond and ruby collier, crafted in 18k white gold, weighing 48.2 g. Set with approximately 7 ct of diamonds and a natural ruby of around 4 ct. Please note that ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace
Located in Geneva, CH
Immerse yourself in the luxurious fusion of timeless elegance and vibrant allure with this Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this stat...
Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Ruby and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with Tapered Baguette cut Rubies weighing approximately a total of 2.50 carats and Round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0....
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Diamond, Ruby & Sapphire Flex Cuff Bracelet
Located in Webster, NY
Stunning Diamond, Cabochon Ruby, and Cabochon Sapphire flex cuff bracelet crafted in 18k yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond, Ruby, & Sapphire Diamond Carat Weight: Approximately 1.50CT...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Natural 18K Gold Ruby 5.44ct & Diamond 0.88ct Bracelet
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This bracelet features a graceful design crafted in 18-carat gold, adorned with sparkling RU...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Cabochon Ruby Pearl and Diamond Fly Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderfully crafted bar brooch taken from the Late Victorian period. The bar has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and plays host to an intricate insect design...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 0.90ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF12-080426
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring is crafted in platinum and centers on a round faceted ruby weighing approximately 1.20 carats. The ruby is framed by a swirling design of round and tapered baguette diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Bird Brooch/Pendant
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The sculptural gold body is richly textured, giving the bird lifelike movement and depth—an iconic hallmark of mid-century jewelry design. Surrounding the bird is a vibrant frame of...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Serpent Brooch, 1960s Design
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A rare and collectible example of 1960s jewelry design, blending playful figural artistry with luxurious materials.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval Ruby Necklace
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This stunning 14K Yellow Gold Oval Ruby Necklace showcases the luxurious beauty of rubies in a classic "by the yard" design. Each oval ruby, totaling approximately 10.76 carats, is e...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$38,002,100
Vintage ruby diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A single cabochon ruby sits at the center of this broad, softly domed band, its polished surface the color of deep raspberry against the warm yellow gold. Two carré cut diamonds are ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Burmese Ruby & Diamond Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
Certified Burmese Ruby & Diamond Men's Ring Ruby Weight: Approximately 1.50 cts ring size: 6.25 resizable free of charge Yellow Gold
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Sapphire Ruby and Diamond Cufflinks in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive pair of antique French 0.33 carat sapphire and 0.30 carat ruby, 0.59 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold cufflinks; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 14K Gold Double Clip Ruby Swirl Around 2 Diamond Rosettes Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A Retro Diamond and Ruby Brooch mounted in 14k Gold. Circa 1940. Length: 2.57 in. Width: 0.75 cm. Total weight: 21.4 g.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Paperclip Chain Diamond and Ruby Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Paperclip chain Diamond and Ruby Necklace Mint condition 14K Yellow and White gold Diamond and Ruby Chain 16" Pendant 16x18m Weight 6gr Approx. 1.09CT Día / 1.23CT Ruby
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Swallow Diving Diamond Silver Rubies Gold Brooch
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This most exquisite elegant diving diamond swallow wears a ruby set ribbon around its neck. It is entirely set with old cut diamonds.The charming bird is mounted as a brooch, howev...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
18K Gold Diamond 0.59ct Ruby Stud Earrings, New
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay the tax and shipping expenses. This stunning designer-made Earring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Navette Style Ruby & Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Stunning vintage Diamond & Ruby navetté ring made in 18k white & yellow gold. Diamond Carat Weight: .55ctw Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant & Round cut Color: F-H Clarity: VS1-SI2 Gem...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning 5.48CT Ruby & Diamond 18K Gold Ring GIA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Cocktail Ring Stunning 3.48CT Oval Ruby Deep Red, Clean & Brilliant GIA Report 2.00CT Baguette Diamonds G-H Color SI-I Clarity 18kt Yellow Gold The Top is19mm x 16m...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an excellently crafted dress ring showcasing a bold cluster of rubies and diamonds. Rendered in 18ct white gold, this piece features a single slightly risen ruby at the ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Platinum OEC Diamond Ruby Engagement/Cocktail Ring
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: Platinum Natural Old European Cut Diamond 1.40 cttw - center stone 0.82ct Ruby Ring size: 6.75 Weight: 5.1 grams R-77 Gorgeous antique ring crafted in platinum and adorned...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$2,399Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Poodle Brooch with Ruby Eyes, 5.47g
Located in New York, NY
The dog’s eyes are set with small ruby gemstones, adding a subtle pop of color and character.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby 2.70ct Necklace in 14K Gold, India
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Necklace is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby gems...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Platinum 30.21 Carat Ruby Moonstone and Diamond Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A captivating brooch crafted in platinum, showcasing an organic, flame-like design adorned with approximately 30.21 carats of vivid cabochon rubies. Two luminous moonstones—together ...
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Platinum
Aquamarine and Ruby Ring. 1.60ct Round Aquamarine Ruby Side Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.80 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Center Aquamarine Setting: Prong Set Secondary Stones: Ruby Ruby Wei...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
GIA 1.29ct Burma Ruby 1.47ct Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is an elegant platinum ring. The ring is centered with lovely GIA certified marquise cut Burma ruby that weighs 1.29ct. The ruby is accentuated by sparkling round and baguette c...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,162Sale Price|40% Off
Ruby and Diamond Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Toronto, ON
Ruby and Diamond Eternity Ring 14Kyellow gold. The ring set with 10 round brilliant cut diamonds, total diamond weight approximately 0.73 ct, average VS2-SI1 clarity, average H colou...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Horseshoe Natural Ruby Diamond Necklace 14kt gold*
Located in New York, NY
Horseshoe pendant .50ct. Natural Ruby VS clean clarity Billiant oval cut 5.6 x 4mm .30ct diamonds Overall Pendant Measurement: .94 x .80 inch 14kt. white gold & necklac...
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.