Ruby Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.40 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 1.98 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 14k Gold
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
18KWG Ruby Diamond Floral Necklace 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
ARAYIAN 2.01-Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Gold: 8.09 grams Ruby: 2.01 carats Diamond (round): 106 pieces – 1.79 carats AGL certified The ruby is sourced from the ethical Montepuez mines and purchased through Gemfields aucti...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.31 carats with Diamond 0.64 carat Earrings set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 3.0 cm Total Weight: 6.36 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was the...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby and Diamond Heart Ring set in 18K White/Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.14 carats with Cabochon Ruby 0.48 carat, Ruby 0.28 carat and Diamond 0.31 carat Ring set in 18K White/Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 53...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Ruby Cufflinks Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.53 carats Cufflinks set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.3 cm Total Weight: 13.07 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vi...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Bracelet set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 13.78 carats Bracelet set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 17.6 cm Total Weight: 21.62 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the v...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 3.05 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.9 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight: 4.79 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the v...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.60 carats Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 6.0 cm Length: 46.0 cm Total Weight: 10.29 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vi...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.96 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.30 cm Length: 6.50 cm Total Weight: 5.99 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,104Sale Price|20% Off
Pearl, Ruby, Brown Diamond, Cabochon Ruby Brooch Set in 18 Karat White Gold Set
Located in Bangkok, TH
Pearl, Ruby 0.13 carat, Brown Diamond 1.17 carats, Cabochon Ruby 0.07 carat, Tsavorite 0.18 carat and Diamond 0.10 carat Brooch set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 4.0 cm Le...
Brown Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 2.16 carats with Ruby 3.57 carats and Diamond 0.57 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.3 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 52 "Since we first opened d...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,000Sale Price|50% Off
18K Gold 11.22ct Squared Ruby & 0.40ct Diamond Geometric Earrings
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
These striking 18k gold geometric bar earrings showcase a masterful blend of bold structure, vivid color, and meticulous craftsmanship. At the center of each earring is a seamless pa...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 12.07 carats Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 42.0cm Total Weight: 43.13 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vi...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.36 carats Necklace set in 18 Karat 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 vi...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.86 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length:0.9 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 5.24 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1.15 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby – Vivid Red Natural Gemstone
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A captivating 1.15 carat heart-shaped ruby, beautifully fashioned to symbolize love and passion. Displaying a rich, vivid red hue with delicate nuances, this gemstone radiates except...
Ruby
Ruby Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.02 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 1.7 cm Total Weight: 3.05 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in th...
Ruby, White Gold
Ruby Pendant set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.16 carats Pendant set in 18K White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.7 cm Length: 2.7 cm Total Weight: 2.61 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
MOISEIKIN 1.64ct No Heat Ruby Necklace
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
There are scales in music Sound, And there are colour schemes. These are vibrations of sound and colour, these are waves that penetrate everything around them and connect people and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$200Sale Price|50% Off
Sterling Silver 0.80ct Ruby & Quartz Band Ring, Size 7
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A vivid 0.80ct emerald‑cut glass‑filled ruby brings saturated pink‑red color to this contemporary sterling silver band. The elongated step‑cut profile gives the center stone a sleek,...
Quartz, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Unheated Ruby with Diamond Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Ruby 1.06 carats with Diamond 0.14 carat Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 5.60 grams "We first opened doors in ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.20 carats with Diamond 1.23 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 2.5 cm Total Weight: 13.26 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 8.95 carats with Diamond 1.72 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.6 cm Total Weight: 9.10 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.54 carats with Diamond 0.44 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.0 cm Total Weight: 4.34 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then si...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.20 carats with Diamond 1.02 carats Earrings set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 2.8 cm Total Weight: 7.82 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was th...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.33 carats with Diamond 0.69 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 6.23 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
White Gold Ruby Diamond Flower Stud Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
The top quality ruby which make in invisible setting. We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years. The invisible is a highly tec...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.80 carats Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 4.57 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 9.02 carats with Diamond 1.21 carats Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Diameter: 5.4 cm Total Weight: 36.48 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.06 carats with Diamond 0.80 carat Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Diameter: 5.5 cm Total Weight: 36.41 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.69 carats with Diamond 0.24 carat Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Diameter: 5.5 cm Total Weight: 45.11 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
ARAYIAN 2.07-Carat Ruby ring with Diamond
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Gold - 4.79 grams Ruby - 2.07 carats Diamond (pear) 14 pieces - 1.12 carats Diamond (rounds) 24 pieces - 0.26 carats AGL certified A stunning 2.07-carat ruby forms the centerpi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Geoart Ruby, Diamond Stud Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Ruby 0.72 carat with Diamond 0.24 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.1 cm Weight: 4.80 grams Uncompromisingly modern and exuding, the collection draws ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 14.94 carats Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 5.0 cm Total Weight: 13.54 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vi...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unheated Ruby with Diamond Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Ruby 1.33 carats with Diamond 0.59 carat Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 6.71 grams "We first opened doors in ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 14K Gold, Diamond and Multi Gemstone Thai Princess Harem Ring
Located in Derby, NY
This remarkable multi-gemstone dome ring features a central brilliant-cut diamond framed by delicate milgrain petals, surrounded by a vibrant constellation of rubies, sapphires, emer...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Quartz, Ruby...
Cabochon Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 1.61 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.54 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situat...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.33 carats Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 0.4 cm Length: 2.3 cm Total Weight: 7.82 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vici...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 9.31 carats Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 2.3 cm Total Weight: 15.18 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vic...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby Bangle Set in 18k Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 11.85 carats Bangle set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.8 cm Diameter: 6.2 cm Total Weight: 26.65 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vi...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 15.61 carats with Diamond 0.70 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.8 cm Total Weight: 9.83 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.98 carats with Diamond 0.40 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.8 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 57 Total Weight: 17.57 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond and Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 1.09 carats and Ruby 1.36 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.11 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$900Sale Price|25% Off
9K Gold Natural Ruby Cluster Vintage Style Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning natural ruby cluster at the center, encased in intricate open work detailing.
Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.93 carats with Diamond 0.29 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.9 cm Length: 1.2 cm Total Weight: 5.16 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then si...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.98 carats with Diamond 0.12 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 2.5 cm Total Weight: 3.23 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then si...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Baguette Ruby Tassle Earrings with Diamond Knot
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Baguette Ruby Tassle Earrings with Diamond Knot are truly a work of art. Crafted from luxurious 18K white gold and adorned with over 11 carats of the richest red baguette rubies,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
MOISEIKIN 18K White Gold Ruby Diamond Floral Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Taking inspiration from Tchaikovsky's famous ballet The Nutcracker, the "Waltz of Flowers" collection enlivens a bouquet of gem flowers dancing in the air with it — symbolising joy, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$950Sale Price|50% Off
18K Gold 1.50ct Baguette Cut Ruby Band Ring, Size 6.5
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A striking fusion of modern geometry and timeless elegance, this 18k gold band showcases a seamless row of baguette‑cut rubies totaling approximately 1.5 carats. Each ruby is meticul...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Star Ruby Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 2.78 carats Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.84 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situ...
Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.53 Carat A.G.L Certified Heated Cushion Cut Ruby Gemstone
Located in Bethesda, MD
• Gemstone: Ruby • Weight: 2.10 Carats • Shape: Cushion • Origin: Thailand • Heated • Dimensions: 6.78 x 6.72 x 3.66mm
Ruby
Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.50 carats and Diamond 0.89 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 16.03 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.38 carats with Diamond 0.82 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 6.09 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.60 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 2.1 cm Total Weight: 14.35 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in t...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Cross Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 13.50 carats Cross pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 5.1 cm Length: 8.0 cm "Since we first opened doors in 1980 our store was then situated i...
Ruby, Gold, 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.