Modern Gold Natural Multicolor Marquise & Colorless Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 18K yellow gold statement ring featuring a bold three-layer stacked design set with multicolor gemstones, including marquise-cut ruby, sapphire, and emerald, each measuring app...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby 0.33ctw Diamond 0.04ctw Earrings with Post Backs
Located in Sewickley, PA
These charming vintage style earrings are crafted in rich yellow gold and feature a delicate floral-inspired design accented with vibrant marquise-cut rubies and sparkling diamond hi...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
A marquise-cut ruby sits at the center, framed by near colorless diamonds and surrounded by round and tapered rubies for a bold floral-inspired look.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Breathtaking 14K Yellow Gold Earrings with 1.38 Carat Ruby and Diamond
Located in רמת גן, IL
These rubies are meticulously cut into marquise and oval shapes, allowing them to radiate with a fiery brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.53 Carat Ruby and 1.03 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone in this vintage marquise cut ruby engagement ring. Condition This marquise-shaped clu...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$19,000Sale Price|30% Off
4.17 Carat Ruby 6.76 Carat Yellow Diamond Earrings
Located in Trumbull, CT
This meticulously crafted Marquise Yellow Diamond embodies a striking contrast with rubies in the center.
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,950 / item
Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold. It is hand set in .08 carats Ruby & .04 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,416Sale Price / item|55% Off
Snake design 14k gold Ruby engagement ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Snake design 14k gold engagement ring. Marquise ruby gold ring. Open ended, adjustable ruby ring.
Topaz, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Pearl & Ruby Floral Shaped Studs 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Freshwater Pearl & Ruby Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Marquise Dimensions: 12mm x 10mm Closure: Butterfly
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gemistry 14K White Gold Ruby and White Topaz Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
• Each stud earring features 14K White Gold frames; 3 pear-cut, prong-set Rubies; 7 prong-set, pear-cut White Topaz stones • Earrings measure 4.5mm x 18mm x 17mm; 5.41 cttw; post and...
Ruby, Topaz, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies Yellow gold ring with round cut diamonds and twelve marquise cut rubies around.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring Natural Genuine 14K Yellow Gold Cocktail Floral Flower
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
The ring is set with natural marquise cut rubies and round brilliant cut diamonds. 10 marquise cut rubies are 4x2mm each and one is round gem 3mm.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
The ring's face showcases a central marquise cut ruby with three old cut diamonds set above and below and crafted in 18ct yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Wide 18k Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in La Jolla, CA
Wide 18k Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond Bangle Bracelet Bangle Bracelet features seven flower stations set with Marquise-shaped Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds and acc...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18KT White Gold 1.31 CT-TW Ruby and Diamond Circle Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18KT white gold ruby and diamond circle pendant featuring marquise cut rubies totaling 1.31 CT-TW arranged in an open halo design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Ruby Edwardian Style Filigree Dangle Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning marquise shaped ruby at the center, surrounded by intricate gold filigree detailing.
Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,064Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
A marquise-cut ruby sits at the center, framed by a halo of sparkling round diamonds and surrounded by an outer border of round and tapered rubies that give the ring striking color a...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,100 / item
Ruby Diamond Meghna Jewels Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This one is hard to resist. Bold and modern, these mini claw stud diamond earrings exude a captivating sophistication. Cast in 18K gold and sterling silver. It is hand set in 3.30 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Ruby Earrings Diamonds 1.2 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Rubies = 1.00 Carats Treatment: Filling 80 White Diamonds = 0.20 Carats Treatment: No Treatment Meta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Earrings Diamonds 1.2 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Rubies = 1.00 Carats Treatment: Filling 80 White Diamonds = 0.20 Carats Treatment: No Treatment Meta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine Snake Ring Emerald Ruby Victorian Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The two snake heads wrap around the finger to meet at the center, framing a marquise-cut aquamarine. Each serpent head is set with gemstone eyes, utilizing two natural emeralds and t...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold Plate
Ruby Earrings Diamonds 1.2 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Rubies = 1.00 Carats Treatment: Filling 80 White Diamonds = 0.20 Carats Treatment: No Treatment Meta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Earrings Diamonds 1.2 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Rubies = 1.00 Carats Treatment: Filling 80 White Diamonds = 0.20 Carats Treatment: No Treatment Meta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1.05ct Natural Burmese Ruby and 0.80ct Old Mine Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A 1.05ct marquise shaped natural ruby is set in a glittering halo of Old Mine-cut diamonds totalling approximately 0.80ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Aquamarine Snake Ring Emeral Ruby Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The architectural form is centered around a vivid marquise cut natural aquamarine, flanked by two natural emeralds and two natural rubies set as the serpents eyes and accents.
Ruby, Emerald, Aquamarine, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Freeform Ring
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby And Diamond Free Form Ring 0.15 Total diamond weight. Size 8 4 grams total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Fashion Ring with Ruby Stones and Diamonds. 0.24 Total diamond weight. Size 5 2.82 grams total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
18k Gold Oval Burmese Ruby Cts 1.17 and South African Diamond Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
All set in 18k gold weighing 3.32 grams. Accenting the rubies are eight marquise-cut South African diamonds (0.43 carats) and four princess-cut diamonds (0.18 carats).
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Drop Earrings, Late 20th Century Design
Located in Sewickley, PA
These elegant drop earrings are crafted in rich yellow gold and feature a delicate, nature-inspired design. Each earrings begins with a cluster of ruby gemstones, forming a graceful ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 1940's Diamond, Ruby and 14k Rose Gold Brooch
Located in Derby, NY
Jewelry Type : Brooch/Pendant Metal Type : 14K Rose Gold Metal Weight : 55.12 grams Brand : Estate Period : 1940's Measurement : (W) 3.5" x (L) 3" Center Stone : Stone Type : Diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Certified Natural Pave Diamond Ruby Sterling silver bridal wedding necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
This beautiful ruby diamond necklace consists of: Diamond- Pave diamonds Diamond color- white with a tint of grey Diamond origin- Natural Diamond weight- 8.30ct Gemstone- Ruby Gems...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
$1,599Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Earrings Diamonds 1.2 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Rubies = 1.00 Carats Treatment: Filling 80 White Diamonds = 0.20 Carats Treatment: No Treatment Meta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,599Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Earrings Diamonds 1.2 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Rubies = 1.00 Carats Treatment: Filling 80 White Diamonds = 0.20 Carats Treatment: No Treatment Meta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring Flower 14K White Gold Band Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Two marquise cut rubies total .26 carat. These gems are very clean and transparent.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Choker Necklace with Ruby-Eyed Leopard Heads by Gay Freres
By Gay Freres
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is an 18k Yellow Gold Choker Necklace Featuring Marquise-Cut Red Ruby Eyes on Leopard Heads by Gay Freres Stone Information - 4x Marquise Ruby 3x1.75mm Total Weight - 53.0g
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 2.05 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring Made in Gold
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
*ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE PREPAID TARRIFS & CUSTOMS DUTIES FOR USA CLIENTS.* A beautiful ring set in 18K white gold featuring a single piece weighing a total of 2.05 carat of the lege...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
14k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This yellow gold ruby and diamond ring features a classic cluster of gemstone design with vibrant color and sparkle. Three rich red rubies are set across the top, and are accented by...
Diamond, Ruby
14 Karat White Gold Necklace with Diamond and Ruby Pendant 1.25 TDW
Located in Manhasset, NY
14Kt White Gold Charm 18 inch Necklace with Diamond And Ruby Pendant 1.25 Total Diamond Weight 0.20ct Ruby Weight 6.53 grams total weight
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 14k Two-Tone Gold Ruby and Diamond Pendant & Earrings Set
Located in New York, NY
Each piece is adorned with vibrant marquise-cut rubies arranged in a layered foliate pattern, accented by a curved ribbon of brilliant-cut diamonds set in contrasting white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Solid 18k Yellow Gold Red Ruby & Diamond Byzantine Cocktail Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The centerpiece showcases 1.5 carats of marquise-cut rubies, their deep red hue creating a striking contrast against the gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 11.7 Carats Carved Ruby 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A 10 x 22 mm marquis shaped flower carved pink ruby cabochon is held in a handmade 18K gold "multiple hearts with jawan" decorated bezel setting atop a slightly tapered similarly orn...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Bracelet With Diamonds 7.74 Carats 10K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 7.58 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Diamond: 0.16 Carats Metal: 10K White Gold Length: 7 Inches ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Bracelet With Diamonds 6.74 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 6.44 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Diamond: 0.30 Carats Metal: 14K White Gold Length: 7 Inches ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Bracelet With Diamonds 6.76 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 6.44 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Diamond: 0.32 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Length: 7 Inches...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Bracelet With Diamonds 7.74 Carats 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ruby: 7.58 Carats (Treatment: Filling) Diamond: 0.16 Carats Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Length: 7 Inches...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.78ctw Ruby Diamond Tiered Ring 14k Yellow Gold Rooftop Pyramid Size 5.75
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Rubies - Total Carats - 0.63ctw Cut - Marquise Brilliant Color - Red Treatment - Routinely Enhanced - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.15ctw Cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
33 Carat Carved Lavender Jadeite Jade Drop Earrings With Rubies & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
33.02 carat carved grade a lavender jade drop earrings. Adorned with 12 marquise cut rubies, 6 at the base of the ear and 6 at the base of the connection to the jade, 1.73 cttw. 3 r...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby
Diamond & Ruby Ring MCM 4.38 Carats - A Tray of Cocktails Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Perfectly, outrageously flashy, and fun, this Midcentury (circa 1950s) cocktail ring is bursting with marquise-cut rubies and round brilliant diamonds. There are 3.30 carats of rubie...
Diamond, Ruby
0.70ctw Tiered Ruby Diamond Pyramid Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 6.25 Stackable
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Rubies - Total Carats - 0.65ctw Cut - Marquise Color - Red Treatment - Routinely Enhanced - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.05ctw Cut - Single C...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Price Upon Request
18K Gold Diamond Ruby Emerald Flower Bouquet Brooch, Handmade
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The tradition of making floral compositions with precious metals and stones had been popular since the middle of the 19th century in Russia and Europe. Flower miniatures made by the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,089Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This Art Deco-style ring is crafted in 18K gold and features diamonds and rubies. It has a weight of 5.32 grams and is sized ES 18.5 / EU 58.5 / US 8.5 / 18.75 mm. The ring is adorne...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Earrings Diamonds 1.2 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Rubies = 1.00 Carats Treatment: Filling 80 White Diamonds = 0.20 Carats Treatment: No Treatment Meta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Earrings Diamonds 1.2 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 2 Rubies = 1.00 Carats Treatment: Filling 80 White Diamonds = 0.20 Carats Treatment: No Treatment Meta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Flower Shaped Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Pendant Summary ♥ Main Stone: Emerald, Ruby & Diamond Material: 14K Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Round & Marquise Dimensions: 22MMX 12MM Diamonds & Gemstones are Natural.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Freeform Ruby with Diamond Accent Ring
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Free Form Ruby With Diamond Accent Ring Size 5.5 Size 5.5 2.80 grams total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Drop Earrings Freeform Ruby with Diamond Accents
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat White Gold Free Form Button Ruby Earrings with Diamonds. 0.32 total diamond weight. 2.53 grams total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co France Ruby Emerald Frog Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
20k Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Frog Pin Brooch by Tiffany & Co. The Tiffany & Co. France 20k Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Frog Pin Brooch is an enchanting piece. This whimsical d...
Emerald, Ruby, 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.