16.31 Carats Diamond, Ruby, and Black Onyx Drop Earrings in Contemporary Style
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
16.31 Carats Diamond, Ruby, and Black Onyx Drop Earrings in Contemporary Style Breathtaking design and amazing combination of black onyx, diamonds and ruby is what makes this pair o...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
5.10 Carat Mozambique Ruby 5.38 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of these stunning examples of vintage ruby jewelry. Ruby Quality Origin Mozambique Cut Calibre Creation Natural C...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 10.31 Carat Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new premium ruby and diamond earrings crafted by Rewa jewels in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Red Ruby And Diamond Flower Stud Earrings. Simple And Elegant.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The earrings are set in 18k white gold. There are 10 marquise shaped rubies totaling 3.31 Cts. The rubies have high fluorescence (photo #3) which is a main characteristic of rubies f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 1.37 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
This striking ring showcases a magnificent marquise mixed cut ruby, a gem that exudes both elegance and a touch of the dramatic.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,784Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sapphire and Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.65 carats and Ruby 2.71 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 2.5 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 5.83 grams "We first opened doors in 19...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.16 carats with Diamond 1.06 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 11.08 grams "We first opened doors in ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.14 carats with Diamond 0.75 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.9 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 7.77 grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cocktail Ring White Gold White Diamonds Ruby with Micromosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$15,200Sale Price|20% Off
43.06 Carat Vivid Red Burma Ruby and 1.44 Carat White Diamond Classical Bracelet
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Rare combination of 43.06 carat of Marquise Cut Burma red ruby set along with 1.44 carat of white brilliant diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 4.84 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Each earring showcases a striking marquise-cut ruby, totaling an impressive 4.84 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold 40.26 Carat Ruby and Diamond Chandelier Cocktail Dangle Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Dangling below, a drop with marquise-cut pigeon blood color rubies takes center stage.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,062Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Ruby Sapphire Pendant
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. Totally is emerald 0.60 ct. Totally is sapphire 0.30 ct. Totally ruby 0.60 ct. Please contact for any q...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Oval Red Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.4 Grams Ring Size: 6.25 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 oval red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.52 carats Ruby M...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 2.24 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
This exquisite ring features a captivating marquise-cut Burmese ruby, weighing 2.24 carats. The ruby's vibrant red color is a hallmark of Burmese rubies, known for their exceptional ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Earring Enhancers 14k Marq .36ctw Floral Stud Jackets
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .30ctw Cut: Marquise Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .06ctw Cut: Single Co...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Pearl and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Pearl and Diamond Brooch A brooch featuring oval cut rubies, a marquise cut ruby and round cur diamonds, suspending a gray pearl Measurements: 2.5" long Ruby Weight: 4.20 c...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 46 Carat Ruby & Diamond Filigree Floral Motif Bracelet in 18k White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Featuring 36 vivid red marquise-cut rubies and 268 sparkling round-cut white diamonds, each stone carefully selected for its exceptional quality and brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Statement Pigeon Blood Ruby Drop Earrings with Brilliant Cut Diamond in 18K Gold
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Statement Pigeon Blood Ruby Drop Earrings with Brilliant Cut Diamond in 18K Gold These exquisite 18 Karat Gold Pigeon Blood Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings embody refined luxury and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Ruby and Diamond Clip-On Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond clip-on earrings feature a spray of custom cut marquise shape faceted Thai rubies of fiery color (7.80 carats).
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14kt Yellow Gold Retro Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1980s, USA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The spring band forms a striking peak silhouette, drawing the eye to a luminous 11 x 5.5mm marquise ruby secured in a six-prong setting. This center stone, weighing approximately 2.0...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Motif Diamond and Ruby Pendant with Chain
Located in Addison, TX
18K Yellow Gold Flower Motif Diamond and Ruby Pendant with Chain. The delicate pendant depicting a flower features eight bright red marquise shaped rubies weighing approximately 0....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold This striking vintage cocktail ring showcases a bold domed design adorned with vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds. Its dram...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$108,000Sale Price|55% Off
Spectacular 18.20ct Ruby & Diamond Bracelet in 18K Gold High Jewelry Statement
Located in Great Neck, NY
Complementing the Burmese rubies are a dazzling array of 10.33 carats of F-color, VS-clarity diamonds — meticulously set with 4.91 carats of brilliant round cuts and an additional 5....
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
6.00 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond Coral Patina Chevron Cuff Bracelet 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Natural ruby & .50ct Diamond bracelet. Marquise, full cuts Clean clarity Transparent & Vivid Reds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Ring Double Head Snake with White Diamond and Ruby Eyes
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Ring Gold plated Snake with White Diamond and Ruby Eyes J DAUPHIN “Eternal Renewal” A double-head serpent ring in 14k gold-plated brass, set with a marquise-cut emerald, nat...
Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Brass, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Sutra 18kt Blackened Gold 12.25 Carat Ruby and 1.48 Carat, Diamond Drop Earrings
By Sutra Jewels
Located in New York, NY
These drop earrings from Sutra are composed of 12.25 carats of marquise, oval and pear shaped rubies and 1.48 carats of round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sicis Jewels 18K White Gold Diamond Ruby Micro Mosaic Drop Earrings
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Elegant Natural Ruby and Diamond Pendant for Wedding Gift Jewelry in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Ruby and Diamond Pendant in sterling silver studded with marquise cut ruby and round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
18ct Gold Heart Floral Design Pendent, Set with Rubys Emeralds & Diamonds
Located in Brighton, GB
Preloved Heart Pendant 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1990’s Pretty Little Vintage Heart Shaped Pendant. Floral Design, Set with Ruby's, Emeralds & Diamond Stones. Pendant Measures Ap...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Le Vian Red Ruby Flower and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Le Vian
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Le Vian Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 5.1 Grams Diamond Count: 11 brilliant cut Diamond Color: J-L Diamond Clarity: SI2-I1 Diamond Ca...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Sapphire & Ruby Eyes Detailed Dual Double Snake Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (2) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Marquises Cut - Burnish Set - Nice Blue - 0.11ct (exact) (2) Natural Genuine Rubies- Marquises Cut - Burnish Set - Nice Red - 0.10ct (e...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mellerio Dits Meller Diamond Ruby Yellow Brooch 18k Brooch, 1960s
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in Geneva, CH
Mellerio dits Meller Paris Diamond and Ruby on Yellow Brooch 18K and platinum Brooch. Signed Mellerio dits Meller. French marks. Circa 1960. Total weight: 26.21 grams
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ruby Diamond Spray Ring Sz 6 Cocktail Band 9k Rose Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish contemporary ruby & diamond spray ring crafted in 9 karat rose gold. 2 marquise cut rubies measure 4mm x 2mm.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Gold 9.50 Carat Ruby and Diamond Solitaire Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
This beautiful diamond eternity band is perfectly set with rubies and diamonds. This eternity band ring is crafted in marquise shaped rubies and pear shaped diamonds that gives it a ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Eye Pendant in 18 Karat Yellow Gold With Diamonds And A Ruby
By Alexia Gryllaki
Located in Filothei, GR
Designer: Alexia Gryllaki Dimensions: motif 18x9mm, chain 450mm Weight: approximately 3.8g (inc. chain) Barcode: NEX7008SS Eye pendant in 18 karat yellow gold with an approx. 450...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unique Everyday Natural Ruby with 14K Solid White Gold Wing Stud Earrings
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Delicately crafted in 14K white gold, these stunning earrings feature a graceful arrangement of marquise-cut ruby stones totaling 0.87 carats. The contemporary climbing design adds a...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$255Sale Price|50% Off
V-Shaped Silver Pendant with Ruby Drops and Pave Diamond Jewelry for Gifts
Located in New York, NY
V-Shaped Silver Pendant with Ruby Drops and Pave Diamond Jewelry in sterling silver studded with marquise cut ruby and round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Style 14k Gold Rubies Diamonds Black Enamel Carved Jade Dangle Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
In these classic Art Deco Style earrings the tops are 2 parts in 14 kt.white gold, 18 round full cut diamonds and black enamel ,in the lower parts we have 2 Marquise Shape Engraved ...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Lotus Inspired Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings for Valentine's Day Gift in Silver
Located in New York, NY
Designed with marquise cut ruby with diamonds making everyday earrings in sterling silver.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
French Mid-Century Ruby and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Each bombé, stylized leaf earring is pavé-set with circular-cut rubies, edged by marquise and baguette-cut diamonds, and set on a graduating baguette-cut diamond stem, mounted in pla...
Diamond, Ruby
4.29 Carat Natural Burma Ruby Bangle with Diamonds in 18k Rose Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
4.29 Carat Natural Burma Ruby Bangle with Diamonds in 18k Rose Gold Ruby 4.29 carats with Diamond 1.26, Bangle set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Gold - 15.31 Gm. Size 7 Inch's The w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Retro Period, 14 Karat Gold, Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Earrings
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A wonderful pair of mid century 14 karat gold, ruby and diamond screw back earrings. The two tone earrings comprise of marquise cut rubies which are accented with single cut diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Estate 18K White & Rose Gold Pavé Diamond Ruby Sapphire Feather Band Ring Sz 7.5
Located in Winter Springs, FL
The face of the ring is set with marquise-cut rubies and sapphires arranged in an elegant feather-like pattern, each stone bezel-set within the white gold framework for a clean, flui...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Lavender Jade Ruby Navette Cocktail Ring, USA, 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14 Karat Lavender Jade Ruby Navette Cocktail Ring. The ring features a lavender jade marquise cabochon measuring 21.1 x 9.72mm with fourteen round Rubies all prong-set measuring 2.35...
Jade, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$330Sale Price / item|50% Off
Genuine Ruby Blossoms Sterling Silver Ring in 925 Sterling Silver Ring for Gift
Located in New York, NY
The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Designed with marquise ruby with round diamond set beside that makes it a perfect fit to wear it on your occasion or style it wit...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Black Enamel Snake Ring Blue Sapphire Ruby Eyes Diamond Cocktail Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Marquise Blue Sapphire Double Snake Ring Black Enamel Diamond Ruby Designer: J DAUPHIN — Victorian Revival Series The Double Serpent Archival Ring is a symbolic sculptural piece by ...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Silver, Enamel, Brass, Gold...
Emerald Diamond Ruby Double-Headed Snake Ring Gold Plated Silver J DAUPHIN
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The design features a marquise-cut emerald and white diamonds, accented by vivid ruby eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Art Deco Style Engraved Jade Ruby Black Onix Gold Diamonds Enamel Drop Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A pair of elegant classic Art Deco style earrings, with an upper part consisting of 2 black onyx buttons with in the center 2 small round ruby cabochons, in the central part where w...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Retro Gold 2.45 Carat Natural Yellow Diamond & Red Ruby Cocktail Ring circa 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold 2.45 Carat Natural Yellow Diamond & Red Ruby Cocktail Ring Circa 1950. Set with 10 round brilliant yellow diamonds (appx 0.80 carats) and 11 marquise shaped ru...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pearl Necklace & Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pearl Necklace & Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Beautiful Necklace with matching ring This Necklace has all precious stones All are Big size and best q...
Diamond, Pearl, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Important Burma Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
A stunning high quality Burma Ruby and Diamond Necklace. 39.30 carats of fine Burma Ruby graduated to an over 4 carat center Ruby. 43.52 carts of white marquise, pear and round b...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby 2.71 Carats with Diamond 2.59 Carats Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.71 carats with Diamond 2.59 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 10.76 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Unisex Designer Ruby and Diamonds Wedding Band Ring in 18k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Ruby improves mental strength. Designed with marquise cut ruby cluster with diamond set in center that makes it a perfect fit to ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
NYC 18 Karat Yellow Gold 11.84 Carat Diamond and 3.15 Carat, Ruby Necklace
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Retro classic 18 karat yellow gold necklace. The necklace is designed as a chain with four marquis shaped motifs. Each centers a marquis ruby surrounded by round brilliant diamonds. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Various Shapes Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond 18 Karat Gold Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Various Shapes Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond 18k Gold Dome Ring. The total approx carat is 1 carat. The ring is made of 18k solid yellow gold and weights 4.5 grams. The r...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Flower Shaped Multicolor Diamond and Ruby Brooch Pendent
Located in New York, NY
Crafted from 18K white and yellow gold, this brooch pendant features a center seed made from red marquise-shaped ruby, surrounded by petals of brown and yellow diamond melees.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, R...
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.