1912 Alliance Ring natural 0.32ctw Ruby Pearl solid 18K Gold Ø US 7 / 1.9 gr
Located in SE
Antique Alliance Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with four claw set natural Rubies of old Diamond cut and a half -pearl in the middle.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 14K Cobalt Blue Enamel Snake Bracelet with Pearls
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This amazing 14K Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet is very special. This bracelet is done in Cobalt Blue Enamel, etched gold and Ruby Eyes.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
1952 Ring Ruby solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 7.75US / 3.2 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Retro Ring for every day with carved shoulders decorated with emerald cut lab made rosy Red Ruby 11 mm x 9 mm x 4.65 mm deep / circa 4 ct . Swedish hallmarks, 18K and make...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ring Ruby solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 7.5US / 3.1 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Retro Ring for every day with carved shoulders decorated with oval cut and polished lab made rosy Red Ruby 10 mm x 7.5 mm x 4.5 mm deep / circa 3 ct . Swedish hallmarks, 1...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold 6.25" Cameo & Gemmed Slide Charm Hidden Watch Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Enjoy :) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 40.6 Grams Stone(s): Numerous Natural Genuine Stones Including Citrine, Coral, Garnet, Amethyst, Mother of Pearl, Sapphire, Ruby, Em...
Amethyst, Citrine, Coral, Emerald, Garnet, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sa...
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet w/ 26 Dimensional Charms, Circa 1950-1965
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful vintage 14K yellow gold charm bracelet was assembled at the midpoint of the twentieth century, and is truly is a testament to a life well lived. A total of twenty six ...
Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1914 Halo Ring Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ruby and Diamonds Ring once created 111 years ago on the territory of The Grand Duchy of Finland - at that time a part of Russian Empire. Hallmarked with 750, crown of Nicho...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1937 Ring natural Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Platinum 8.75US / 3.3gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Fine cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and four square cut and faceted Rubies in Platinum clusters. Band with carved shoulders. Swedish h...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring natural Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Ring 8.75US / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old Classic German cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and two natural Rubies. Band with engraved shoulders , clusters in Platinum. Ca. 1920s...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Lucky Nine Gems Bracelet Handcrafted in 18k Yellow Gold with Enamel at the Back
Located in Jaipur, IN
Considered as the Nine Lucky Gems in Indian Mythology, the gems together are supposed to benefit the wearer both Physically and mentally. The gems in the bracelet are Emerald, Ruby, ...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapp...
Ring Ruby Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Rose White Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 3.5gr
Located in SE
Ring of unusual design with three twisted bands of solid 18K Rose, White and Yellow Gold joined together decorated with Rubies ,Sapphires and Diamonds .
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Certified Gem-Set Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds ‘Tutti Frutti’ Bracelet.
Located in OVIEDO, AS
EXCEPTIONAL, ONE OF A KIND, CERTIFIED GEM-SET EMERALDS, RUBIES, SAPPHIRES AND DIAMONDS "TUTTI-FRUTTI" BRACELET.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 2.1gr
Located in SE
Rubies and Diamonds Ring in solid 14ct Yellow Gold . 6 baguette cut Rose red Rubies + 10 diamond cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Earrings natural 1ctw. Ruby 0.25 ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold / 4.2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine vintage European cluster Flower studs in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural Rubies and Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Earrings natural 0.8ctw. Ruby 0.28ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold / 2.2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine vintage European halo studs in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold decorated with natural Ruby and Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Movable Carousel Pendant with Assorted Colored Stones
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This charming 14K yellow gold carousel charm pendant, made sometime during the midpoint of the twentieth century, is adorned with assorted coral, turquoise, emeralds and rubies in ad...
Coral, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Nine Precious Gems Statement Handcrafted Bracelet with Enamel Work
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The nine gems, namely, ruby, diamond, pearl, yellow sapphire, cat’s eye, garnet, coral, emerald, and blue sapphire each have a symbolic meaning comprising of happiness, health, wisdo...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Cat’s Eye...
Vintage Dangle Earrings Ruby solid 21K Gold / 2.6 g
Located in SE
A pair of shining dangles with briolette cut pink Rubies and faceted parts in solid 21K Yellow Gold / tested.
Ruby, 22k Gold
Vintage Earrings Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold /5.3 gr
Located in SE
A pair of vintage bow-shaped earrings in 18K Yellow Gold decorated with Rubies and Diamonds. Swedish crowns, 18K hallmarks on both stoppers.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Russian Ring Demantoid Ruby Sapphire 56 Gold ØUS4 / 1.76gr
Located in SE
Antique Art Nouveau period Russian Ring featuring distinctive floral design and high-quality craftsmanship and specific gemstones popular at that time : Russian Ural green Demantoid...
Sapphire, Garnet, Ruby, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18K YG Bangle Bracelet & Earrings Set 0.45ct Diamond 0.8ct Sapphire & Multi gems
Located in New York, NY
Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Embrace the timeless elegance of this vintage 18K yellow gold bangle, adorned with a stunning array of gems. This exquisite piece features fou...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage stud Earrings natural Ruby Diamonds solid18K Gold /4.7 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine studs in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural Rubies and Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US5 / 1 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful four - stones Ring, likely German, hand-made ca. 1920s -1930s. Band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold / hallmarked 750 with bezel clusters holding Red Rubies (likely lab made) old ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
1937 Nordic Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø8US / 2.85 gr
Located in SE
A Ring from distant 1937 with old European diamond cut Ruby (likely lab-made ) Ø 4.5 mm / ca. 0.5 ct mounted in 18K Yellow Gold band.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique K. Faberge Passover Egg Pendant Ruby Enamel 56 Gold Silver
Located in SE
There is a band stretched around the lower part of the egg and hanger parts modeled in solid Yellow 56/ 14K Gold. Enamel is well preserved with no deep enough damage to see for sure ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel, Gold, Silver
Vintage Earrings natural 1.35ctw Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 4.4gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine 1950s- 1960s vintage European flower studs in solid 18K Yellow Gold. No hallmarks of maker. Stoppers hallmarked 18K.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Russian Locket Pendant natural Ruby Demantoid solid 14K Gold / 10gr
Located in SE
Antique Pendant / Locket in solid 14K Yellow Gold decorated with engraved floral ornament and natural Rubies and Demantoid Garnets.
Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Ring 0.6 ct. Ruby 0.5 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold ØUS 5.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Art Nouveau period Ruby and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold / or Silver.
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Austrian Charm Bracelet solid 14K/18K Gold 20 Charms / 19cm /23.5gr
Located in SE
Five pendants of Enameled Gold. Seven in solid Gold . Eight pendants with Gold and Stones : Red Ruby, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Dark Blue Spinel , Turquoise, Amethyst , Pearl , Blue Ch...
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, Spinel, Turquoise, Enam...
Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS8/ 2.5gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with a row of natural Rubies, Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
1903 Russian Earrings Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamonds 56 Gold / 5 gr
Located in SE
A pair of old luxurious Earrings in solid 56 Yellow Gold and Silver decorated with Blue Sapphires, Red Rubies, Emeralds and Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage Ring natural 7ctw Ruby Diamonds solid 9K Gold ØUS 6.75 / 4.4gr
Located in SE
Band hallmarked 375 / made of solid 9K Yellow Gold. Openwork dome shaped six - pointed crown measures 22 mm x 22 mm X 10 mm deep with Back side concave shaped for best fit. 18 ova...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.7ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.25 / 3.6gr
Located in SE
Metal is solid 18 Yellow Gold , hallmarked 750. Openwork crown measures 20 mm x 11 mm x 4 mm deep.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Rubies Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.63 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine openwork flower halo studs in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold. European, made ca. 1960s -1970s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Rubies Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.7 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine halo studs from 1970s in solid 18K Yellow featuring two oval cut natural oval cut rosy Red Rubies 4 x 3 mm / ca. 025 ct each, both clear and of good transparency and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1937 Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.25/ 2.1gr
Located in SE
Swedish hallmarks : 18K, maker's not clear, year combination L8 / hand-made in Stockholm in 1937. Band in solid 18 k Yellow Gold with side clusters in Platinum. Crown measures : 9 m...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Halo stud Earrings 1ctw. natural Ruby 0.65ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold/3.9gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine flower halo studs in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. A bit fragmented British hallmarks on the sticks: maker's H&W, 750, Birmingham, year letter not clear.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.8 ctw. Ruby 1.6 ctw Diamonds solid 16K Gold ØUS5.5/ 7.2gr
Located in SE
No hallmarks, Metal solid 16 Yellow Gold. Carved band with scallop shells on the shoulders, double openwork domed crown in White Gold or Silver measures 22 mm x 20mm x 9mm deep.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Ring natural Ruby Emerald Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø6US/ 1.9gr
Located in SE
Ring for every day in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with 3 natural stones : Red Ruby, Green Emerald and Blue Sapphire of old European diamond cut Ø 2.5 mm / ca. 0.1 ct each .
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold
Two Vintage Alliance Rings 0.8ct natural Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS6.25
Located in SE
A pair of matching Alliance Rings, 18K Yellow Gold with claw set natural Rubies and Sapphires of old European diamond cut.
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ring Ø 7.5US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Vintage ca 1960s -1970s European ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with claw set diamond cut natural Red Ruby and six diamond cut Diamonds set into faceted clusters .
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural Ruby Diamond Emerald solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.25 / 1.15 gr
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period European Ring made ca. early 1900s with twisted band in 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three bezel set gems.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage European stud Earrings Sapphire Emerald Ruby solid 18K Gold / 6.1 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine Three Stones studs from ca. 1960s -1970s in solid 18K Yellow featuring old diamond cut natural Blue Sapphires, Green Emeralds, and Red Rubies Ø x 2.5 mm each / ca. 0.1...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1920 Anna's Ring natural 0.5 ct Ruby solid 18K Gold US6.25 / 1.35gr
Located in SE
A Ring from distant Art- Deco period, engraved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with bezel set oval cut natural Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm / ca. 0.5 ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Pyramid Ring natural 4.75ctw Ruby solid 14K Gold Ø US8.5 / 6.9gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring with pyramid / dome shaped openwork crown in 14K Yellow and White Gold decorated with 27 natural pink Rubies.
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Halo Ring natural Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 6.75 /2.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Ca. 1920s -1930s , German maker's and Swedish customs hallmarks confirming 18K Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Imperial Russian Ring solid 56 /14K Gold Diamonds Ruby ØUS5.5 / 3gr
Located in SE
Note that this design was made using 2 types of 56 Gold - Yellow in the middle of the crown, and the rest in Rose Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique European Ring 0.5ctw Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø 7.5 US / 1.8gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring featuring, band in 18K Yellow Gold, 4 natural pinky red rubies, made ca.1900 s -1930s.
Ruby, 18k Gold
1892 British Three Stones Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold / Ø US6 / 2gr
Located in SE
Hollow band about 5 mm at widest in solid 18K Yellow Gold and 3 pave set stones : 2 old diamond cut Diamonds( Ø 2.5 mm/0.08ct each ) and one old diamond cut Ruby of about the same ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Alliance Ring Diamonds Rubies solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.25 /2.5 gr
Located in SE
Alliance Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with 9 pave set brilliant cut Diamonds and Rubies Ø 1.75 mm / ca 0.02ct. each.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique German Ring natural 5ct. Star Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Gold ØUS7.5/ 3gr
Located in SE
J.K / Si,P Band is made of solid Yellow 14 Gold / tested, no hallmarks. Size : Ø 7.5 US / 17.75 mm.
Diamond, Star Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Ring natural 0.8ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.25/ 3.8gr
Located in SE
Swedish, hallmarked 18K, maker's, Stockholm, year marks not present because of sizing done in the past. Band in solid 18 k Yellow Gold, crown lined with Platinum. Oval cut natural R...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Russian Ring Diamonds Ruby solid 56 /14K Gold Ø 8US / 2.5 gr
Located in SE
Metal is solid 56/ 14K Rose Gold with traces of Yellow Gold layer over. Crown is 13 mm long (North /South ) x 7 mm deep.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Halo Ring 2.5ct Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø5.25US /4.8 gr
Located in SE
Crown with Silver /or White Gold top on solid 18K Yellow Gold measures Ø 14 mm x 6 mm deep ..
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Swedish hallmarks, 18K.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Ring Two in One Halo Ruby Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold /ØUS7.25 /3.9gr
Located in SE
Vintage Gizmo, all metal parts are made of 14K Yellow and White Gold (or Platinum) Hallmarked 585 and maker's initials.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Old Combination Ring Sapphire Ruby Emerald solid 18K Gold Size Ø 6.75US / 7.45gr
Located in SE
A set of four matching rings in solid 18K Yellow Gold that allows to create differently colored Gems combinations .
Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1925 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 0.3ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful 99 years old Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Claw set Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 4.5 mm x 2.75 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1929 Nordic Clover Ring solid 18K Gold 1ctw Ruby 0.5ct Diamond Ø 6US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period Ring with twisted solid 18K Gold band and Clover leaf crown decorated with natural Diamonds and Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1924 Art Deco Nordic Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.5/1.5gr
Located in SE
Ring created in 1924, the band in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three rows of 12 natural Rubies, Diamonds, and Sapphires.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 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.