Vintage Marquise Ruby Pinky Ring, 0.3CT Ruby ring, diamonds halo, 14K Gold ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Vintage Marquise Ruby Pinky Ring, 0.3CT Ruby ring, diamonds halo, 14K Gold ring Jewelry Material: Yellow Gold 14k (the gold has been tested by a professional) Total Carat Weight: 0....
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$13,690 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby 1.1 Carat Sculpture Ring
By Thomas Kurilla Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby 1.1 Carat Sculpture Ring, Tiffany Designer Thomas Kurilla keeping it simple, modern, and elegant.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$36,772
Certified Natural Bahraini Pearl and Marquise Rubies 18k Gold Brooch
By Mattar Jewelers
Located in Manama, BH
The pearl is surrounded with marquise shaped rubies and round VS1 diamonds. Gold Weight: 43.2 g Pearl Weight: 9.68 ct.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,889 / item
Beating Heart Pendant, 10kt Gold
By LeBlanc Jewellery
Located in Stoke-On-Trent, GB
The pendant features a lab grown 3.50ct heart shaped lab grown ruby and set with a lab grown ruby marquise halo.
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold
Unavailable|$795
Vintage 14 Karat Marquise Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1950s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous vintage 14K white gold ring featuring a richly saturated 0.50ct marquise cut ruby center stone surrounded by fourteen bead set single cut diamonds which have a combined wei...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$16,603
Sabine Getty Ruby Diamond Gold "Marquise" Earrings
By Sabine Getty
Located in London, GB
Sabine Getty ‘Marquise’ earrings in 18k rose gold set with diamonds and rubies Diamond: 1.06 Ruby: 0.26 Relic was the debut collection by Sabine Getty launched in September 20...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$46,828
Siam Marquise Ruby Ring 2.95 Cts Heated C.Dunaigre Certified Unworn
Located in Geneva, CH
Intense Siam Marquise Ruby 2.95 carats ring unworn Mounted in an 18K White Gold ring The ring size is 53 The total weight of the ring is 6.4 grams Set with 84 Round Diamonds for a to...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,650
Art Deco Style .40 Carat Marquise Diamond Ruby Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This is a beautiful vintage art deco style ring with an amazing setting. The 6 natural French cut rubies and 6 sapphires are nice quality with great color. The head of the ring is 18...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,090
New Gabriel & Co. Marquise Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 14K White Gold
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Vienna, VA
New Gabriel & Co. Marquise Ruby and Diamond Band Ring in 14K Gabriel & Co.
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
0.60 tcw Marquise Cut Ruby and diamond accent Engagement ring 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Marquise cut deep red ruby is set atop of this magnificent ring, surrounded by a glistening set of round diamonds and accented by 4 marquise cut white diamonds on the sides.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$5,850
Marquise princess illusion with double halo of ruby & diamond
Located in Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Circular design with Natural Ruby & diamond halo ring. This incredible Diamonds engagement ring features a 0.70 ct diamonds (G VS), surrounded by a beautiful halo of 0.64ct total w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Manpriya B Marquise Ruby and Rose-Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Manpriya B
Located in London, GB
Gross weight: 14.550 grams Gold weight: 12.610 grams Rose-Cut diamonds weight: 0.73 carats Diamond weight: 0.29 carats Ruby weight: 8.26 carats A beautiful rose-cut diamond ce...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Cut Ruby & Baguette Diamond Ring Set in 18K Yellow Gold, 3.01 Carats
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully made 18K Yellow Gold ring set with Marquise Cut Red Rubies and Baguette Shape Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat Marquise Cut Ruby and Round Diamond Pave 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Damati
Located in New York, NY
Featuring a Double row of 1.00 Carat natural Marquise Cut Ruby stones , set in a Prong setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$21,100
3.81 Carat Ruby Cushion Three Stone Ring Marquise Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Weight: 3.81 CTS Diamond Weight: 0.78 CT Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 7 Shape: Cushion Color: Red Hardness: 9 Birthstone: July
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Tie Pin in Gold with Marquise Burma Ruby & Diamond Cluster, English circa 1900
Located in London, GB
A good quality Burma Ruby of marquise shape in a surround of small rose cut diamonds, mounted as a tie pin, angled in design, set in platinum and 18 carat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$86,080
Unique 18K Gold Marquise Cut Ruby Necklace
Located in Orlando, Florida
Unique 18K Gold Marquise Cut Ruby Necklace, Natural Ruby Bridal Necklace, Vintage Bridal Ruby Wedding Necklace, Anniversary Gift Item Description → Handmade, Made to order → Mat...
18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,746
Burmese Ruby Diamonds Platinum 18 Carat Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Paris, FR
Yellow gold and platinum marquise ring centred by a Burmese ruby and paved with old-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Style 1.92 Carat Marquise Ruby White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Dario Ferrara
Located in Marcianise, IT
This Ring has 1.92 Carats of Natural Marquise Cut Ruby. This Ring is inspired by Art Deco.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$11,121
Monseo Pear Shape Aquamarine Rubies and Marquise Diamond Drop Earrings
By Monseo
Located in Porto, PT
Crafted in 19.2K white gold and set with a pair of aquamarine two marquise cut diamonds and pink sapphires pavé with blue rhodium finishing. The pair of drop shape aquamarines amoun...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,634
Ruby Diamond Marquise Ring in Rose Gold and Silver, Wedding Ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Ruby diamond marquise ring in rose gold 18 karats and silver.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$6,141
Manpriya B Marquise Ruby, Rose-Cut Diamond and 18 Karat Gold Pendant
By Manpriya B
Located in London, GB
Diamond weight: 0.26 carats Rose-cut Diamond weight: 0.99 carats Ruby weight: 8.51 carats Two sparkling rose-cut teardrop diamonds are framed by marquise-cut rubies and intersperse...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Circa 1970s Marquise Ruby & Diamond Flower Cluster Ring 18 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
The four smaller round brilliant cut diamonds are estimated to total 0.06 carats with H to J colours and SI to P1 clarity grades. The faceted marquise bright red rubies measure appro...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Mounting Set With Marquise Diamond D, VVS2, Round Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Chicago, IL
Art Deco, satin and bright finish platinum mounting, set in center with one marquise diamond weighing 1.50 carat, D color, VVS2, GIA certified, bezel set with milgrain edge, and 42 r...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1930s Mounting Set with Marquise Diamond Gia D, VVS2 Round Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Chicago, IL
Art Deco, satin and bright finish platinum mounting, set in center with one marquise diamond weighing 1.50 carat, D color, VVS2, GIA certified, bezel set with milgrain edge, and 42 r...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$17,500
18 Karat White Gold, Rose Cut, Marquise and Ruby Cabochon Studded Ear Clips
By Manisha & Saurabh Mody
Located in MUMBAI, IN
Designed with the same spirit, the pear shape rose cut diamonds & brilliant cut marquise shape diamonds emit from the centre stone which is a ruby cabochon in these earrings.The plac...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$87,360
Unique Marquise Cut Ruby Diamonds Gold Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Orlando, Florida
Unique Marquise Cut Ruby Diamonds Gold Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Necklace For Her, Vintage Diamond Bridal Necklace Item Description → Handmade, Made to order → Mate...
18k Gold
Unavailable|$85,440
Unique Marquise Cut Ruby Diamonds Chevron Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Orlando, Florida
Unique Marquise Cut Ruby Diamonds Chevron Necklace, 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace, Vintage Natural Ruby Diamond Necklace Item Description → Handmade, Made to order → Materia...
18k Gold
2.41 carats of Pear shape rubies with marquise and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
This stunning ring is a luxurious statement piece featuring a dazzling arrangement of diamonds and rubies set in a warm-toned gold band. At the center, a large cushion-cut diamond cl...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Unavailable|$7,495
18 Carat Gold Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Marquise Ring
Located in Perth, AU
18ct gold ruby (0.50ct) and diamond (2.20ct) ladies dress ring. Old mine cut diamonds. Measures 1cm wide and 2cm long. Currently size M 1/2 (US=6 3/4) and will be safely sized by our...
Unavailable|$7,500
18 Carat Gold Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Marquise Ring
Located in Perth, AU
18ct gold ruby (0.50ct) and diamond (2.20ct) ladies dress ring. Old mine cut diamonds. Measures 1cm wide and 2cm long. Currently size M 1/2 (US=6 3/4) and will be safely sized by our...
Unavailable|$4,900
Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring features 1.55 carats of white diamonds and 2.25 carats of ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$1,824 / item
Series 7.83 Marquise Sapphire Diamond Necklace
By Series 7.83 Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Striking and symbolic, this Evil Eye pendant is crafted in polished yellow gold and features a marquise-cut sapphire at its center, framed by a sparkling halo of pavé-set diamonds. K...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold,...
Unavailable|$5,200
Victorian Marquise Shaped Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Oh so pretty and the perfect ring. The marquise shaped top is set with rose cut diamonds and pear shaped rubies and one rose cut ruby in the center The ring is 24 mm long and 8 mm ...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
Ruby and Diamond Line Earrings
By Maximira
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Line earrings with Beautiful Ruby and Diamonds. Handcrafted in 18k white gold and suspended from a hidden post and omega back, these earrings feature 2.60 carats of prong s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,270
ROBERTO COIN 18k Ruby & Diamond Locket Pendant Necklace
By Roberto Coin
Located in Narberth, PA
One side of the locket features a bezel-set marquise cut ruby, which exhibits a bold pinkish-red hue.
Diamond, Ruby
Unavailable|$21,000
Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful cocktail ring features 3.74 carats of round white diamonds and 3.94 carats of burma ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$15,703
Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in La Neuveville, Berne
Mounted in 18 karat pink gold ( 13.14 Grams ) these gorgeous drop earrings features 84 pave set round diamonds ( 1.34 total carat weigh , F color VS1 Clarity) , and 8 prong set pear ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$1,520
Ruby Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Houston, TX
GIA very fine marquise shape ruby of about 1.28 carats measuring 9.83 x 5.23 x 3.07mm.
Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$29,900
18ky Double Arabesque Cuff Bracelet with Rubies
By Thomas Kurilla
Located in New York, NY
18ky Double Arabesque Cuff Bracelet with Rubies "Ariella" 10 - Rubies 10.01 ct. wt. Inspired from a collection of architectural gates, iron work, and other metal elements collecte...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$22,185
Tiffany & Co. Victoria Collection Ruby Diamond Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in La Jolla, CA
There are approximately 6.75cts of round faceted rubies and approximately 5.7cttw of round brilliant and marquise cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,520
GIA Certified 1.69 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Marquise cut Ruby of about 1.69 carats certified as GIA.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$5,392
18kt white gold Invisible set butterfly Ruby & diamond earrings
Located in Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Invisible set ruby butterfly earrings are given form by precious ruby stones from East Africa and Marquise diamond A tribute to feminine beauty embodied in the most delicate and me...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,646 / item
Series Starlight Ruby Diamond Star Necklace
By Series 7.83 Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
The center features a striking marquise-cut ruby framed in gold, surrounded by a radiant pavé of diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$18,360
Geraldo Ruby Diamond White Gold Heart Earrings
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Experience the beauty and joy of life with the Geraldo Ruby Diamond Heart Earrings, a true masterpiece of jewelry design. These stunning earrings feature 7.06 carats of vibrant rubie...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,275
18ct White Gold Diamond & 0.60ct Ruby Earrings
Located in Birmingham, GB
Each stud earring features four marquise-shaped rubies, meticulously arranged to form a delicate flower.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,580
14K Yellow Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
At the center is a naturally grown, untreated ruby in marquise/navette shape, whose intense red color gives the ring an expressive and luxurious character.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,534 / item
Series Love Heart Ruby Diamond Ring
By Series 7.83 Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
This captivating ring features a heart-shaped diamond pavé surface, beautifully centered with a marquise ruby. Crafted in 14 K yellow gold, it blends romantic symbolism with bold ele...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,800
1970s Asymmetrical Ruby and Opal Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Retro ring has a combination of 5 Rubies, 6 Opals and 3 Diamonds weighing in at 2 Carats total.
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$6,830 / item
Invisible set butterfly Ruby ring with a diamond
Located in Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
We have used 6 carats of rubies in total and 2.50 carats are set finally The marquise used is 0.40 caratt single diamond making this ring one of its kind.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$27,600
Earrings with 8.58 Carat Rubies and 8.97 Carat Diamonds
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
An unusual pattern of earrings with pear-shaped rubies (8.58 carats) fused with full cut marquise and round diamonds (8.97carats) mounted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$432
Vintage Natural Ruby & Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Key Features: Metal: 14k yellow gold. Gemstone: 0.14 carat ruby total. Excellent color and saturation. Marquise shaped ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$280,000
Harry Winston 1970 Diamond and Ruby Chandelier Earrings 49 Carat
By Harry Winston
Located in Lakewood, NJ
At the center of these jewels are 32 Unheated Rubies of Burma Origin set in 18 carat Yellow Gold surrounded by 26 carats of magnificent marquise and pear shaped diamonds set in plati...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$16,560
Geraldo Ruby Diamond White Gold Invisible Setting Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Make a statement with the Geraldo Ruby Diamond White Gold Invisible Setting Ring, a true masterpiece of jewelry design. This stunning ring features 1.85 carats of round diamonds of V...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Unavailable|$79,950
Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Necklace 18K Gold Platinum Certified 59ct GIA
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Brambleton, US
The necklace consists of 53 cabochon rubies. Total ruby weight is 51 carat. There are 34 marquise diamonds, VVS clarity, E color.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Crimson Red Ruby Abstract Floral 18K Gold Studs with Detachable Chandelier Drops
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crimson Ruby Abstract Floral 18K Gold Studs with Detachable Chandelier Drops Gold: 18K Yellow Gold, 13.99 g Ruby: round, oval and marquise, 7.30 total carat, Burmese Length: 5.5 cm
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,780
Fred 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage hinged bangle bracelet in 18-karat yellow gold with a ruby and diamonds by FRED. Marquise cut natural Ruby at center surrounded by numerous round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.