Antique Victorian 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Fabulous, Victorian marquise/navette shaped ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Handmade 18K Yellow Gold Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Wedding Dangle Earrings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 1.8 ct Gemstone Shape - Marquise Gemstone Pcs - 6 Gemstone Size - 6 x 3 mm Diamond Weight -...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ring with ruby and marquise shaped diamond up to 0.38ct 18k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold ring set with a ruby up to 1.24 ct and a marquise-cut diamond up to 0.38 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 7.25 – EU 17.5(55) Detailed description: The top of the rin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Roman Malakov 20.71 Carats Total Marquise Cut Ruby & Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A delicate and exquisite pair of chandelier earrings showcasing 26 marquise cut red rubies weighing 16.29 carats total and 4.42 carats of brilliant round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold 1.15 Carat Natural Marquise Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold 2 Carat Natural Marquise Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1960.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Stackable Marquise Natural Ruby Half Eternity Band 18 Karat Solid Rose Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
The round shape represents love which will continue and makes your promises stay forever. Ruby improves mental strength. Designed with marquise cut ruby of 0.77 carats embedded betw...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$11,894Sale Price|24% Off
No Heat Cabochon Ruby G.I.A. Set in Plat Ring with Marquise Diamonds
Located in Tampa, FL
No Heat Cabochon Ruby G.I.A. Set in Plat Ring with Marquise Diamonds Ruby: Weight - Approximately 3.39 Carats Measurements - 8.10 x 8.18 x 4.75 Shape - Cabochon Treatment - No Gem...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Certified 3.01 Carat Marquise Cut Burma Ruby Diamond 3 Stone Halo Ring Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A stunning ring showcasing a rich intense Burmese Red Marquise cut Certified Ruby weighing 3.01 carats surrounded by a row of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Classic Marquise-Cut Ruby with Round-Cut Diamond 10k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
The 10K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Marquise-cut 1 pcs 0.57 carat Ruby and Natural Round-cut white Diamond (6 Pcs) 0.10 Carat accent stones for a lovely design.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.28 Carat Marquise-Cut Ruby with Diamond Accents 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
The 14k Yellow Gold jewelry boasts 6x3 Marquise-cut Ruby (1 pcs) 0.28 Carat and Round-Cut Diamond (3 pcs) 0.06 Carat accent stones for a lovely design.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meghna Jewels 48.08 carat Marquise Cut Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold, this exquisite necklace is hand set with 48.08 carats ruby and 1.85 carats of sparkling diamonds. Matching earrings available separately. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWE...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Shape Red Pink Ruby Floral Flower 14K Rose Gold Cocktail Diamonds Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Marquise-cut rubies form the petals, each surrounded by a delicate halo of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Marquise Shaped Ruby and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Each earring features a mix of marquise and round-cut rubies, carefully arranged to form a vibrant red centerpiece framed by glittering single-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Ruby and Diamond Border Triple Row Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 5.5 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 4.1 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 9 re...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Abstract Open Work Brooch
Located in London, GB
This wonderful one of a kind brooch is beautifully inlaid with a mix of 29 marquise shaped rubies and 36 high quality round brilliant cut diamonds spread throughout it among the vibr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$602Sale Price|20% Off
Deep Red Marquise Cut Ruby & Pave Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Fancy Ring
Located in Birmingham, GB
Deep Red Marquise Cut Ruby & Pave Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Fancy Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Authentic 14k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring with Marquise Ruby and Diamond
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Set with a striking total of 4.09 carats of vivid marquise-cut ruby, the ring radiates playful sophistication.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,750Sale Price|25% Off
Marquise Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A marquise-shaped diamond at its center. It’s encircled by a halo of rubies and diamonds, with a second outer ring of the same gems for added brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Minimal Marquise Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings Gift for Her in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Minimal Marquise Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18K Gold to make a statement with your look.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Minimal Marquise Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings Gift for Her in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Minimal Marquise Ruby Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18K Gold to make a statement with your look.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Marquise Shape Portrait Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
This refined piece is crafted from 18ct yellow gold and showcases a single marquise shaped portrait-cut diamond which has been elegantly set to draw the eye with its elongated form.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
24k Gold Ring for Woman with Bee Engravings, Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamonds
Located in İstanbul, TR
Ruby (1.03) and Diamonds (0.18) Crafted with timeless elegance, this 24 karat gold jewelry piece draws inspiration from the ancient civilizations of Anatolia, where empires like the...
Diamond, Ruby, 24k Gold
13.15 Carat Marquise Ruby and Diamond Halo Drop Necklace in 18K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Showcasing a Marquise shape Vibrant Ruby weighing 13.15 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.15 Carat Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Split Shank Halo Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A special engagement ring style showcasing a long marquise cut ruby, set in a chic intertwined halo design micro-pave set with round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Marquise Shape Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A marquise-shaped ruby takes center stage and highlight its vibrant hue.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,938Sale Price / set|20% Off
Marquise Ruby Natural SI/H Diamond Huggie Stud Earrings Gift 18k Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Item Code :- SEE-12018 Gross Weight :- 8.72 gm 18k Rose Gold Weight :- 7.87 gm Diamond Weight :- 2.05 carat ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Ruby Weight :- 2.22 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
0.41 Carats Marquise Cut Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A beautiful cocktail ring style showcasing a 0.41-carat marquise cut diamond, surrounded by a single row of baguette shape 14 rubies weighing 0.71 carats and another row of 28 brilli...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Marquise 1.12 Ct. Natural Ruby & Diamond Eternity Half Band Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring is crafted in rich 14k yellow gold and features a striking design of marquise-cut rubies totaling 1.12 carats. Each vivid ruby is framed in delicate halos of roun...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Style 14K Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring Gift for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage-inspired cluster ring features four marquise-cut natural rubies totaling 0.88 carat, each measuring 5.5 x 3 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Ruby, Black Diamond with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.32 carats, Black Diamond 2.07 carats with Diamond 0.36 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 "Since we first opened do...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Antique Natural Unenhanced Marquise Ruby Diamond Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Antique marquise ruby and diamond ring. Vertically set to the centre with two round old cut diamonds in slightly raised open back rubover millegrain platinum settings, with a combine...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$175Sale Price / item|50% Off
Marquise Cut Ruby and Halo Diamond Leaf Ring Gift for Girlfriend in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Cut Ruby and Halo Diamond Leaf Ring in sterling silver featuring natural ruby of 0.9 carat and diamonds of 0.15 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
2.65 Carat Marquise Ruby with Diamonds Wedding Band Ring in 14k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Bold yet elegant, this striking ring showcases a vibrant array of marquise-cut ruby totaling 2.65 carats, artfully arranged in a double-row cluster design.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Marquise/Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1880 Step into the elegance of the Victorian era with this stunning marquise-shaped ring, beautifully crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Marquise Cut Ruby & Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18K Yellow Gold 1.29 CTW
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant three-stone ring features 1 marquise cut natural ruby totaling 1.29 carats, set in rich 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Marquise Cut Ruby & Diamond Three Stone Ring in 14K Yellow Gold 1.29 CTW
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant three-stone ring features 1 marquise cut natural ruby totaling 1.29 carats, set in rich 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Shape Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Marquise shape ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set centrally with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1....
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$112Sale Price / item|50% Off
Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring in 925 Silver Jewelry for Women
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring in sterling silver featuring natural ruby of 0.7 carat and diamonds of 0.08 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
14 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby and Round Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Rubies: 6 marquise cut: 0.66cttw Diamonds: 11 round cut: 0.55cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 5.5 (please allow two extra shipping day...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$123,750Sale Price|44% Off
2.05 carat “vibrant” red, no-heat Mozambican Ruby and D IF Marquise Diamond Ring
By SONYA K.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The ruby is framed by eight custom-cut, colorless baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950's Retro Marquise Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Two Tone Gold Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18 karat two-tone (white and rose gold) Retro swirl ring, artfully designed with a captivating center marquise diamond of approximately 0.30 carats at its center.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Heart Pendant - 14k Marquise & Round .36ctw Love
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .36ctw Cut: Marquise & Round Color: Pinkish Red Total Carats: .36ctw Style: Solitaire...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Ruby & Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Gift for her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
A timeless symbol of elegance, this 14k yellow gold eternity band features alternating marquise-ruby and round brilliant diamonds, creating a stunning interplay of color and sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,760Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Inspired 14k Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby & Baguette Diamond Wedding Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 14k Yellow gold Marquise Ruby and Baguette Cut Diamond Wedding Ring .
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : A magnificent marquise ring, probably an antique engagement ring, in very good condition.
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Marquise Red Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring Solid 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.3 Grams Ring Size: 7 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 2 marquise red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.25 carats Diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Marquise Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 This Victorian marquise-shaped ring is a true beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Exquisite in design, this 18ct yellow gold Edwardian ring showcases a stunning marquise-shaped centrepiece featuring a natural ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Gold Marquise Ring with Rose-Cut Diamonds and Ruby
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This antique marquise ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and set with a vivid natural ruby at its center, framed by a halo of rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Ruby and Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The sapphire is flanked on either side by an oval cut and a square cut ruby, totalling 0.85Cts. The marquise shaped frame displays a feature 0.57Ct and 0.55Ct Old European round cut...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Edwardian Ruby Diamond Marquise/Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This fabulous piece is crafted from 18ct white gold and platinum, showcasing a captivating marquise-shaped design. At its heart, a brilliant bezel-set diamond catches the light, surr...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum GIA 2.72ctw Cabochon Star Ruby w/ Marquise & Round Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Ruby - Oval Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Purplish Red Color - Nice Transparent Ruby - Sharp Star - No Heat - Ceylon - 2.26ct (exact) ** Se...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
AGL Certified 12.22 Carat Oval Ruby and Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
The ruby's shape is unparalleled, perfect for your ring or index finger.
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18k White Gold Oval Ruby Cts 1.65 Marquise Diamond Flower Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The rubies are surrounded by a dazzling arrangement of 16 yellow marquise diamonds (2.46 cts) and 12 white marquise diamonds (3.10 cts), all set in luxurious 18k white gold (7.27 gra...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Art Deco Ruby Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum French Stamped Circa 1920’s Fabulous, French made Art Deco ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ruby Cluster 10k Gold Ring. Dome Marquise Shape.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1980s Size: 6 US Materials: White gold Gemstone: Ruby Gem Color: Red Band Color: White Style: Mid-century Gorgeous ruby and diamond 10K yellow gold dome ring.
10k Gold
GRS Certified Natural Ruby and Pear and Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Each Marquise and Pear diamond elegantly alternates around the captivating ruby, creating a mesmerizing dance of sparkle and sophistication.
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.