Mid Century marquise cut ruby diamond platinum band ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Alternating with the rubies, four marquise cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.60 carat, graded H-I color and VS clarity, add bright, elongated sparkle, their tapered shape echoing...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Marquise Ruby and Diamond Alternating Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
It showcases 9 marquise-cut rubies, each individually bezel-set in yellow gold to highlight their vibrant red hue.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Ruby and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Brilliant Cut Diamonds .93CT Marquise Cut Rubies 2.22CT Measurement: Ring Size 6.50
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,380Sale Price / item|20% Off
Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond 14 Karat Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold ruby and diamond ring, containing 1 marquise cut ruby weighing .40pts. and 12 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighing .40pts. on a ribbed band.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Oval Ruby and Marquise Diamond Butterfly Wing Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Ruby and Marquise Diamond Butterfly Wing Ring Description: This elegant cocktail ring is crafted in solid platinum and features a vibrant 1.58-carat oval-cut ruby as its center...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring — Marquise Center Ruby
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This elegant cluster ring is crafted in 18K white gold and features a vivid marquise-cut ruby at its center, framed by a halo of sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Ruby Wing Style Earrings 14k White Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Ruby Approx. Carat Weight: 1.57cttw Stone Cut: Marquise Material: 14k White Gold Dimensions: 14MM x 9MM Backing: Butterfly Gemstones are Natural.
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,200 / item
Ruby Diamond Meghna Jewels Marquise Claw Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18k gold and sterling silver. These beautiful marquise earrings are handset in 4.80 carat ruby and .60 carat of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
1980s European Cabochon ruby and marquise diamond stud earrings
Located in London, GB
Each ruby is surrounded by 18 marquise cut G-H colour diamonds of VVS2 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Marquise Diamond and Ruby Convertible Ring, circa 1950.
Located in London, GB
Marquise diamond and ruby convertible ring. Set to centre with a marquise shape brilliant cut diamond, D colour, IF clarity, with a weight of 1.62 carats in an open back rubover sett...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Marquise Ruby Floral Cluster Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Ruby & Diamonds Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Shape: Marquise Diamond and Gemstones are Natural.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
PLatinum Marquise Diamond Ruby Art Deco East-West Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Skip to the end of the images gallery Skip to the beginning of the images gallery 0.92 Carat Marquise Diamond Ruby Platinum Art Deco East-West Ring GR032657 A captivating expression ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.02 Cts Natural ruby earring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
Real ruby marquise drop small diamond hoops earrings gold Natural ruby small hoop earring gold Ruby drop marquise hoops earrings gold GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Ruby ✦ Gemsto...
Ruby, 18k Gold
27.51 Carat Marquise Cut Ruby Flower Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Suspended on a row of marquise rubies set in 18k yellow gold. Rubies weigh 27.51 carats total.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ELY ADAMS 13.58 Carat Marquise Rubies Bracelet in 14K
Located in New York, NY
A delicate yet luxurious Ruby tennis bracelet consisting of marquise-shaped rubies by Ely Adams Inc.
Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s 1.25 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond Ring with Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Marquise cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.25 carats, Square cut Rubies weighing approximately a total of 1.20 carats, and Round Brilliant cut Di...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
29.30 Carat Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Drop Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A unique style necklace showcasing marquise cut rubies set in an alternating/ V shape design.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Spectacular 6 Carats Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in London, GB
Its centre stone is a large ruby featured in an elegant marquise cut, whose deep red colour is amplified by numerous baguette white diamonds on either side.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Tiara Ring, 1ct Marquise Ruby, 0.70ct Diamonds
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This enchanting Art Deco tiara ring is a beautifully romantic 1920’s design, centered by a marquise cut ruby weighing approximately 1.00 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2 Carat Marquise Ruby with Diamond Accents Tennis Bracelet
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Tennis Bracelet Description ♥ Main Stone: Ruby & Diamonds Approx. Carat Weight: 2.00cttw Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Marquise & Round Metal Weight: 19 grams Width: 8mm...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.92ct Marquise Ruby Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Tustin, CA
Introducing our exquisite 0.92ct Marquise Ruby Diamond Ring, a true embodiment of elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Ruby and Marquise Diamond Bracelet
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
9 Oval shaped Rubies weighing 11.75 Carats in a semi bezel setting with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$3,516Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Marquise Cocktail Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Offered by Claris-A, this striking cocktail ring is crafted in 18K white gold and showcases a bold, architectural arrangement of 1.74 ct created rubies and 1.5 ct diamonds. The desig...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum 1.79ctw Marquise & Oval Bright Ruby and Baguette Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (9) Natural Genuine Rubies - 8 Marquise w/ 1 Oval Cut - Prong Set - BRIGHT Pinkish Red Color - 1.47ctw (exact) (12) Natural Genuine Diamond - Baguette Cut - Channel Se...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Diamond Marquise Ruby Ring 14K Gold Vintage Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
The ring is set with natural marquise cut Rubies, round brilliant cut diamonds and channel diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.66 Carat Marquise Ruby Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Trumbull, CT
Twelve marquise rubies are artistically crafted with brilliant cut white diamonds to form floral motifs.
White Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
18 kt & Pearl, Diamonds, Ruby Necklace, Cognac Marquise Center Diamond
Located in Antwerp, BE
Diamonds : Cognac Color Marquise Natural Diamond of Ca. 3 Carat , White Brilliant Cut Diamonds Ca. 5.10 Carats Ruby : Princess Square Cut Necklace Length : 43 cm Pearls : 8mm A...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
$620Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ruby Flower Ring with Marquise Cut Ruby Set in 14k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Flower Ring with Marquise Cut Ruby Set in 14K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.77 carats.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Marquise Shaped Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This 18-karat diamond and ruby ring is made from 3.7 grams of gold. This ring is adorned with VS2, G color diamonds, made out of 40 diamonds totaling 0.39 carats, and 1 marquise-shap...
Diamond, Ruby
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Marquise .19ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $25 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): ...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond and Ruby Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in solid 18K white gold, this 16-inch choker features 11.76 carats of natural rubies framed by 10.51 carats of marquise cut diamonds and 1.99 carats of diamond accents.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,250 / item
18k Marquise Ruby & Diamond Stargazer Ring
Located in London, GB
The distinctive marquise cut ruby of this Stargazer ring gives it real energy with its asymmetrical position on the finger and juxtaposition with the three pointed diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Marquise Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Ring Size: 4.5 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 marquise red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.16 carats R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring - 14k Marquise .78ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .69ct Cut: Marq...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby Swirl Clip-On Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby Swirl Clip-On Earrings Description: These vibrant estate earrings are crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and feature a dynamic, tiered swirl design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Halo Ring - 18k Marquise 1.50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.18ct Cut: Marquise ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Marquise 1.00ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .62ct Cut: Marquise Color: Pinkish Red Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .38ctw Cut: Baguette &...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$101,500Sale Price / set|30% Off
Gia Certified Ruby and Marquise Diamond Earrings
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Centered upon 2 elongated Rubies weighing a total of 7.63 Carats. Certified by GIA as Heated. 14 Marquise Diamonds weighing a total of 5.07 Carats.
Ruby, Diamond
Antique Outstanding Ruby & Diamond Marquise Heart Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique Outstanding Ruby & Diamond Marquise Heart Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet truly exquisite diamond and ruby bangle The item comes without the box in the photos but will be pre...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Marquise Ruby Cross with Diamond accents 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Ruby & Diamond Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Marquise Dimensions: 46MMX 24MM Weight: 2 grams Bail: Enhanced Chain: 18" 14k Yellow Gold Diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Ruby with Diamond Halo and Sapphire Channel-Set Band
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Ruby with Diamond Halo and Sapphire Channel-Set Band Description: This 14kt white gold ring features a central marquise-cut ruby held in a secure four-prong setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Marquise & Round 2.54ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $30 or Down 1/2 a size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Marquise-Shaped Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
A marquise-shaped bezel centring a lush red ruby, and studded with 0.64ct old cut diamonds of varying sizes is the centerpiece of this Victorian era ruby and diamond cluster ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Marquise .51ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Down 2 sizes for $30 or up 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Genuine Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .35...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring - 10k Marquise 2.72ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 2.70ctw Cut: Marquise N...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Halo Ring - 10k Marquise .65ctw Floral
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .55ct Cut: Marquise Na...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Emerald Sapphire Ruby Pendant - 14k Marquise .71ctw Flowers
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Emeralds Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .18ctw Cut: Marquise Natural Sapphires Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .25ctw Cut: Round...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Marquise .85ctw Floral
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .35ct Cut: Marquis...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Gold Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring, Marquise Cut, 20th Century
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At its center rests a marquise cut ruby, its elongated form lending elegance and presence while drawing the eye with rich, saturated color.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Edwardian 0.50 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
At its heart lies a striking marquise-cut diamond, expertly bezel set to catch the light.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Estate 18K Marquise Pavé Round Diamond & Ruby Wide Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Specifications * 18 karat yellow gold * Approximately 3.30 carats total weight in marquise and round brilliant-cut diamonds * Diamonds average G–H color and VS2–SI2 clarity * Ap...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 4.03ct Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring - Fei Liu
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
This exquisite platinum ring features a marquise‑cut ruby weighing 4.03 carats, surrounded by a halo of 0.51 carats of fine diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Peter Suchy .76 Carat Marquise Ruby Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Bright red marquise .76 carat ruby in a bezel set solitaire 14k yellow gold engagement ring.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Contemporary Marquise Cut Ruby & Diamond Floral Ring in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Pair this ring with marquise ruby stud earrings or a delicate ruby pendant for a coordinated and timeless look.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
At its center sits an oval ruby of a deep, vivid red, framed by two additional round rubies set vertically for a harmonious and elongated silhouette.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring - 14k Marquise .79ctw Five-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .63c...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Diamond and Pear-Shaped Ruby Three-Stone Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Diamond and Pear-Shaped Ruby Three-Stone Cluster Ring Description: This multi-stone ring is crafted in platinum and white gold, featuring a central 0.57-carat marquise-cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Pendant - 10k Oval & Marquise 2.10ctw Swirl
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 2.06ctw Cut: Oval & Marquise Color: Pinkish Red Natural Diamonds Cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings with Marquise Rubies & Diamonds, Italy
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Channel Set Ruby and Marquise Diamond Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6 (resizing available for a fee) Ring Height: 4.8 mm tall Total Weight: 3.1 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 5...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k 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.