3.10 Carat Natural Ruby and 0.92 Carat Marquise Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A total of 0.92 carats of natural marquise-cut diamonds encircle the center stone, their elongated profiles enhancing light return and creating a luminous frame around the ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Marquise Shape Drop Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A refined expression of Art Deco elegance, this pair of drop earrings showcase a brilliant diamond at the center of a striking marquise silhouette. Surrounding the centerpiece is a v...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Marquise Shape Drop Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A refined expression of Art Deco elegance, this pair of drop earrings showcase a brilliant diamond at the center of a striking marquise silhouette. Surrounding the centerpiece is a v...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Cut Ruby, and Pear & Marquise Diamond Cluster Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Ruby and diamonds Ruby Total Weight: 1.62 CTW Ruby Cut: Oval cut Ruby Color: Red Ruby Mineral Type: Natural corundum Diamond Cut: Pear and marq...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,500
Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring A white gold ring set with a center marquise diamond approximately 1.78ct with a halo of marquise rubies surrounded by round diamonds Rubies total appr...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Christian Dior Vintage Crystals Red Ruby Emerald Sapphire Marquise Silver Ring
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1970s Vintage Ruby Emerald Sapphire Red Green Blue Navy Marquise Circle Crystals Charm Elegant Modernist Ring US 7, Silver Tone Very excellent condition, very new.
Silver Plate
Ruby Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rubies are the hardest of the big 3 gemstones (ruby, sapphire, emerald).
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$29,500
Ruby Marquee Lariat Necklace
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Marquee Lariat Necklace Made in 18k Yellow Gold with rubies Ruby Marquee 72 Stones totaling 37.16CT Length: 16.5”
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Pendant 4.42 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 4.42 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 40 x 23 mm
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Pendant 3.1 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 3.10 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 32 x 22 mm
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 14K Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Approximately 6 Carats Rubies
Located in Plantation, FL
The ring is centered by a richly saturated oval ruby measuring approximately 7.2 x 5.9 mm, surrounded by eighteen marquise-cut rubies and accented by a bright cluster of round and ma...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
5.00ct Ruby 2.00ct Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The earrings feature marquise cut rubies that weigh approximately 5.00ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring and Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful versatile piece! 1.86 carat fine marquise shape Ruby 3.70 carats of white round brilliant and baguette cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Red Ruby Sapphire Emerald Crystals Marquise Leaf Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Ruby Sapphire Emerald Citrine Red Green Blue Yellow Fuchsia Crystals Marquise Leaf Water Tear Drop Openwork Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold...
Gold Plate
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
7.50 Carat Ruby Diamond Earrings
By Mehnaz Durrani
Located in Richmond, BC
Glamorous ruby diamond drop earrings. High lustre, very clean, marquise faceted 7.50 carats, deep red (know as "blood pigeon red") natural rubies encased in an open mount with rose g...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Gold Mesh Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Ruby & Diamond Gold Thick Mesh Bracelet,made circa 1940 Retro 28 Marquise shape rubies with baguette & round cut diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Length: 7.5 inches 84.2 Grams
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2 Ct Natural Emerald, 1 Oval Ruby Cocktail Marquise Shape Ring 14 Kt Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This amazing cocktail ring is truly eye-catching and features approximately 2 carats of natural emerald stones. There are 9 fine quality oval-shaped emerald stones, all perfectly mat...
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$770 / item
Melissa Kaye Ruby Hazel Necklace
Located in Weston, MA
A trio of marquise cut rubies is suspended on a delicate rose gold chain.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Heart Shaped Ruby Ring with Marquise Diamond Accents in 18k white gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Heart Shaped Ruby Ring with Marquise Diamond and Round Diamond accents perfect gift for yourself or your loved ones.
Important Pink Sapphire and Ruby Flower Necklace
Located in Bethesda, MD
Radiant pink sapphires and rich rubies dance together in this exquisite 18-karat white gold necklace. Featuring 187 pink sapphires (70 carats) and 29 cabochon rubies, the detachable ...
Ruby, Pink Sapphire
GIA 1.29ct Burma Ruby 1.47ct Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
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 cut diamonds that weigh approximate...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.58 carats with Ruby 1.85 carats and Diamond 1.18 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.4 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 11.98 grams "We first o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
3.53 carats of Ruby earrings
Located in New York, NY
Adorning each earring are 3.53 carats of marquise-cut rubies, arranged in a graceful floral pattern, evoking the vibrant colors of a garden in full bloom.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$112Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Sapphire Ruby Filigree Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
PRIMARY STONE(S) Stone: Ruby Color: Red Shape: Marquise Size: 4 x 2 mm. Number: 2 Weight: 0.16 Carat (approx.)
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$575,000
Ruby and Diamond Ear Clips
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite statement earrings feature a stunning combination of marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds alongside oval and brilliant-cut rubies, all meticulously handset in luxuriou...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pendant natural 1.28ctw Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Yellow Gold / 2.8gr
Located in SE
Seven Rubies marquise cut measure ca. 4.75 mm x 2.5 - 3 mm wide x 1.5 mm deep / average 0.16 ct each or 1.28 ct total weight.
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby & Diamond Waterfall Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
The necklace features 0.78cte of marquise cut rubies, and 2.50ctw of brilliant round diamonds ( H color, SI2 clarity).
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D 2.50ct Diamond 2.80ct Ruby Platinum Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet is set with sparkling marquise and round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 2.50ct.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.0 carats with Ruby 4.63 carats and Diamond 1.29 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 3.0 cm Ring Size: 55 "Since we first opened doors in 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Bangle Bracelet, 17.8g, 3.00tcw
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Stamped 14k and weighs 17.8 grams. The natural rubies are marquise shaped, 3.00 total carats, purplish-red colors.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Negilgee Necklace
Located in London, GB
This platinum piece features an infinity motif at the centre adorned with rich pinky red rubies and a row of old mine cut diamonds for company.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1.60 Carat Ruby and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.60 Carat Ruby & Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring. The ring features marquise Ruby’s weighting approx 1.50 carat and round diamonds weighing approx 0.10 carat.
Diamond, Ruby
$21,250 / item
Vintage diamond & ruby bracelet in platinum.
Located in New York, NY
Set with: 32 pear shape and 40 round brilliant cut diamonds, total weight approximately 8.00ct. color: F-G, clarity: VSSI and 16 marquise and 16 pear shape rubies, total weight of ap...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Graff High jewellery white gold ruby & Diamond earrings
By Graff
Located in Addlestone, GB
These studs feature to important Rubies from Burma, and a surround of marquise and round brilliant-cut diamonds. 1 X Ruby Burna 1.72ct 1 X Ruby Burma 1.69ct 16 diamonds 2.12ct of...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Mid Century 1.23 carat ruby diamond platinum cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid Century cluster ring is set with a lovely marquise cut ruby weighing 1.23 carats, its rich red hue and elongated shape lending an elegant, romantic focal point to the design.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
TIFFANY & CO. Victoria Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Earrings.GIA
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous Tiffany & Co. earrings from the exquisite Victoria Collection are crafted in platinum and set with a round-cut bright red Burma rubies weighing an estimated 1.10 carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Oscar Heyman vintage GIA ruby diamond platinum cluster ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary vintage Oscar Heyman cluster ring is a beautifully sculptural 1980’s jewel, centered by a GIA-certified marquise cut ruby weighing 1.00 carat. Documented as Thai o...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$315Sale Price / item|50% Off
4.8cts Ruby Infinity Ring Ruby Eternity Band in Silver Jewelry for Wife Gift
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS: Metal - 925 Solid Silver Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Shape - Marquise Gemstone Size - 4x2 mm Gemstone Pieces - 24 Pieces Gemstone Weight - 4.8 cts Gross Weight - 3...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
18KT Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold halo Ruby and Diamond necklace. Featuring 0.77ct-tw marquise and princess-cut rubies, accentuated by an extra .16ct-tw of round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18K White gold invisible Ruby Flower Brooch
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use the top quality ruby which make in invisible setting.We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years.The invisible is a highly...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k Gold Ruby Cts 2.76 and Diamond Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Surrounding them are 88 round diamonds (0.32 cts), 2 baguette diamonds (0.10 cts), and 8 marquise diamonds (0.39 cts). Did you know rubies are scientifically known as corundum, seco...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$196Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Ruby Pearl Filigree Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree earrings is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement...
Pearl, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,400 / item
14 Karat Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat ruby and diamond ring, containing 5 marquise cut rubies weighing .45pts. and 6 round full cut diamonds weighing .30pts. bezel set with milgrain.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Hand Holding Ruby Diamond Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.5 Grams Earring Diameter: ~0.75" x 0.35" Diamond Count: 14 brilliant cut Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: SI1 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Bracelet 7.98 Carats 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 7.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availa...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Bracelet 8.98 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 8.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 14K White Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Bracelet 9.48 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 9.48 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availa...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Bracelet 4.98 Carats 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 4.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availa...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Bracelet 7.98 Carats 10K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 7.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K White Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Bracelet 4.98 Carats 10K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 4.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K White Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Bracelet 7.98 Carats 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 7.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availa...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Bracelet 8.98 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 8.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 14K White Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Bracelet 4.98 Carats 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 4.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availa...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Bracelet 9.48 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 9.48 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availa...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Bracelet 7.98 Carats 10K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 7.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K White Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Bracelet 4.98 Carats 10K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 4.98 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Metal: 10K White Gold Length: 7 Inches Custom sizing availab...
Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Gold Elephant Pendant Vintage 18 Karat Animal Jewelry Natural Ruby
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Elephant Pendant as new condition 18k yellow Gold approx 12.20 grams Natural Ruby stones as the eyes and in the bottom approx 0.15 ct Elegant and nice workmanship Size: appro...
Ruby, Gold
Ruby Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.34 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 2.2 cm Total Weight: 11.37 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vic...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Floral Cluster Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Ruby Approx. Carat Weight: 2.05cttw Metal Choice: 14K Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Marquise Dimensions: 29mm x 18mm Closure: Omega Clip On Diamonds & Gem...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,404Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond & Ruby Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Diamond & Ruby Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this ring features a graceful bypass design set with marquise diamonds totaling approximately 0.75 carats tota...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.