2.03 carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby Ethically Sourced
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 2.03 carats Mozambique ruby elongated cushion, a perfect size for a ring or a pendant to be custom made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sourced ...
Diamond, Ruby
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Star Ruby, Ruby and Brown Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 3.36 carats, Ruby 1.51 carats and Brown Diamond 0.66 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 8.20 grams "We fi...
Brown Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Talay Flow Ruby Baguette Ring 18K Gold
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Talay Flow Ruby Baguette Ring 18K Gold Width: 2.0 cm Length: 0.3 cm Talay explores the sea’s ephemeral character and rightfully captures the essence of the sea.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Double Stone, Ruby and Sapphire Bypass Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exceptional bypass ring is masterfully crafted in 18K white gold and designed to highlight two of the world’s most coveted gemstones. The piece features a 6.77-carat blue sapphi...
Ruby, Sapphire
Pt950 Ruby Diamond Floral Ring by MOISEIKIN
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
"Waltz of Flower" is an iconic MOISEIKIN jewellery collection that captures the elegance and beauty of a flower in motion. Created with the finest rubies and diamonds, this collectio...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.37 Carat Natural Unheated Ruby, Round Cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A captivating 2.37 carat natural ruby, presented in a classic round cut that enhances its brilliance and symmetry. This gemstone displays a rich, vivid red hue—highly sought after fo...
Ruby
Ruby, Diamond, Cabochon Ruby, Cabochon Blue Sapphire Bird Brooch 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 18.46 carats, Diamond 2.08 carats, Cabochon Ruby 0.46 carat with Cabochon Blue Sapphire 0.29 carat Brooch set in 18 Karat Gold Setting Width: 3.7 cm Length: 7.0 cm "Since w...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby and Diamond Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 9.14 carats, Ruby 1.22 carats and Diamond 1.17 carats Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight: 12.20 grams "We first opened ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 5.96 carats, Ruby 0.89 carat and Diamond 0.70 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 9.93 grams "We first...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$19,800Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Natural Ruby Ring & Diamonds 18 karat Yellow Gold Pear Shape Ruby
Located in Brooklyn, NY
GIA Certified Unheated Natural Ruby Ring. Ruby weight 3.53 carat, Pear Shape, some visibale inclusion. Ruby color pinkish -red AA. Surrounded with nice quality Diamonds 2.0 carat ...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.04 carats, Ruby 6.93 carats with Diamond 1.11 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 11.29 grams "We f...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.15 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 5.96 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 38.22 carats with Cabochon Ruby 46.05 carats and Diamond 3.04 carats Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 43.0cm Total Weight: 140.3 grams "We first ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
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
Ruby Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 24.78 carats Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Diameter: 5.7 cm Total Weight: 30.84 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicinit...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.27 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.4 cm Length: 2.3 cm Total Weight: 7.62 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicinity o...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Twist Kaleidoscopes Ruby Enamel Earrings 18K Gold
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Ruby 0.71 carat and Enamel Earrings 18K Gold Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Weight: 3.07 grams Inspired by the spirit of "Rock & Roll", a key moment in music when the mood was eclec...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Ruby Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Ruby Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 0.5 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 2.99 grams *Please note that the silver setting is plated with rhodium to promote shine ...
Ruby, Silver
Ruby Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Ruby Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 4.25 grams *Please note that the silver setting is plated with rhodium to promote shine ...
Ruby, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Ruby & Multi Fancy Sapphire & Ruby Bracelet Set In 18K Gold & Siv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire & Ruby Bracelet Set In 18K Gold & Silver open and close hinge and safety locks Natural Red Ruby - 15 Carats Natural Dark ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Ruby Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 187.96 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 40.5 cm Total Weight: 127.27 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicin...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$39,900 / item
Ruby Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 42.50 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.9 cm Length: 41.0 cm Total Weight: 77.13 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicinit...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 11.28 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 40.50 cm Total Weight: 43.18 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicini...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 39.26 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 42.50 cm Total Weight: 33.64 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicini...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Bracelet set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 10.0 carats Bracelet set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 18.2 cm Total Weight: 9.87 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicinity ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.36 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 42.0 cm Total Weight: 53.04 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicinity...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.27 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 2.2 cm Total Weight: 6.97 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicinity o...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.84 carats, Ruby 1.10 carats with Diamond 0.75 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 3.5 cm Total Weight: 11.87 grams "We first ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$19,359Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Natural Ruby Ring & Diamonds 18 karat Yellow Gold Pear Shape Ruby
Located in Brooklyn, NY
GIA Certified Unheated Natural Ruby Ring. Ruby weight 3.53 carat, Pear Shape, some visible inclusion. Ruby color pinkish -red AA. Surrounded with nice quality Diamonds 2.0 carat F...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$70Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Ruby Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: In stock Origin: Thailand Metal: Silver 925 Ring Size: US 10 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.45 carat.
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
3 Ruby Oval Cabs Yellow Gold Diamonds 40 Carats Pear Shape Ruby Drops Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
SHIPPING+CUSTOM DUTY ARE PAID BY SELLER Elegant and completely handmade Earrings consisting of an upper part of 3 oval shape Ruby cabs of 4 mm x 5 mm set together in 14 Kt yellow go...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$35,359Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3.0 Carat Burma Ruby Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Oval Shape Ruby
Located in Brooklyn, NY
GIA Certified natural Burma 3.0 carat Ruby ring in 18K Yellow Gold, with side two round diamond 0.10 carat. Diamonds are G-H color VVS quality. this Burma Ruby is very deep red in co...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Princess Ruby & Diamond Bangle in 18K Gold
By Zenith Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant 18K rose gold bangle featuring a sleek row of channel set, fine-quality princess-cut rubies all around. Complemented on both sides by a delicate line of diamonds, blending ti...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$532Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Gold Ruby 26 Pcs Ruby Stud Earrings Bar Earrings
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dainty Ruby Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold. These Dainty Stud Earrings are made of solid 14k gold featuring shiny brilliant round cut natural Ruby gemstone s...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$589Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold Ruby 26 Pcs Ruby Stud Earrings Bar Earrings
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dainty Ruby Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold. These Dainty Stud Earrings are made of solid 18K gold featuring shiny brilliant round cut natural Ruby gemstone s...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,496Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Ruby & Multi Fancy Sapphire & Ruby Bracelet Set In 18K Gold & Siv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Ruby & Multi Color Sapphire & Ruby Bracelet Set In 18K Gold & Silver open and close hinge and safety locks Natural Red Ruby - 15 Carats Natural Dark ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
ARAYIAN 11.53 carats Invisibly Set Ruby Earrings
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Gold: 3.77 grams Ruby: 11.53 carats A perfect pair of ruby earrings featuring exquisitely cut princess rubies, masterfully set in an elegant mystery setting. The design reveals no m...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond and Cabochon Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.08 carats with Cabochon Ruby 0.75 carat and Diamond 0.61 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 11.82 grams "We ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.43 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 0.3 cm Ring Size: 59 Total Weight: 1.60 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.35 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 49 Total Weight: 1.95 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.28 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.4 cm Length: 0.5 cm Ring Size: 49 Total Weight: 1.95 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.58 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 0.5 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 2.57 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.34 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.6cm Length: 0.3 cm Ring Size: 60 Total Weight: 1.65 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the v...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.05 carat with Ruby 7.14 carats and Diamond 1.04 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 2.5 cm "Since we first opened doors in 19...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unheated Mozambique Ruby 2.35 carats certified by GUILD
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 2.35 carats Mozambique pear shaped ruby, a perfect size for a engagement ring or a special pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are so...
Ruby
Ruby Elephant Necklace set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Ruby Necklace set in Silver Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 45.5 cm Total Weight: 3.48 grams *Please note that the silver setting is plated with rhodium to promote shine and help...
Ruby, Silver
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 Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 16.13 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.5 cm "Since we first opened doors in 1980 our store was then situated in the vicinity of the Vict...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Ruby Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Ruby Brooch in 18K White Gold Round Diamonds totaling 0.78ct - 94 stones Blue Sapphires totaling 10.56ct - 192 stones Ruby totaling 1.85ct - 69 stones
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Eternity Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.80 carats Eternity Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 0.4 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.15 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situat...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.92 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 61 Total Weight: 19.74 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in th...
Ruby, 18k Gold
13.36 Carat Burma Ruby And Diamond Earrings In Platinum
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond earrings showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in platinum. It has 46 pieces of Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 13.36 carat approximately. Studd...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18KWG Ruby Diamond Floral Earrings by MOISEIKIN
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Taking inspiration from Tchaikovsky’s beloved Waltz of Flowers and the contemporary ballet “Tsvetodelika,” which infuses traditional choreography with vibrant colour and modern mo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.78 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 0.9 cm Length: 0.9 cm Ring Size: 50 Total Weight: 2.80 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.67 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 0.8 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 1.81 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.53 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 50 Total Weight: 2.56 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Ruby Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.72 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 2.35 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 14k 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.