Cushion Cut Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.56 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 6.7 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
$262Sale Price|50% Off
Sterling Silver 1.95ct Baguette Ruby & Quartz Band Ring, Size 8.25
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A sleek modern band featuring 1.95 carats of baguette‑cut rubies, channel‑set to create a vivid ribbon of saturated pink‑red color. The rubies are framed by sparkling white quartz ac...
Quartz, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Emerald with Ruby Ring Set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald 2.85 carats with Ruby 2.09 carats Ring set in Platinum 950 settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 57 "Since we first opened doors in 1980 our store was then sit...
Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 46.20 carats with Diamond 4.55 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 40.0 cm Total Weight: 54.75 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was the...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.68 carat and Diamond 0.50 carat Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 6.92 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when i...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 10.16 carats with Diamond 1.42 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 2.5 cm Total Weight: 23.91 grams Certificate GIT 2405070150001 GIA 2496297417 "W...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
MOISEIKIN Pt950 1.35ct Burmese Ruby Cocktail Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Rubies, pink sapphires and diamonds create a dynamic performance as a graceful ballerina with internationally patented stone technology. Exclusively selected, 1.22ct Burmese Ruby, kn...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
13.53 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new ruby and diamond chandelier earrings from Rewa. The earrings have 8 rubies that weigh a total of 13.53 carat, approximately. The largest two weigh a total of 4.01 carat....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 16.42 carats with Diamond 3.58 carats Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Diameter: 5.7 cm Total Weight: 86.3 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 26.35 carats with Diamond 1.21 carats Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Diameter: 5.6 cm Total Weight: 59.3 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.20 carats with Diamond 0.90 carat Earrings set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 4.1 cm Total Weight: 10.13 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was th...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 19.41 carats with Diamond 3.01 carats Bangle set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Diameter: 6.0 cm Total Weight: 84.97 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was the...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.86 carats with Diamond 1.61 carats Pendant set in 18K Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 2.4 cm Length: 2.4 cm Total Weight: 10.11 grams "We first opened doors in 19...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.10 carats with Diamond 0.16 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 1.6 cm Total Weight: 5.18 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then si...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Cufflinks Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.89 carats Cufflinks set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.0 cm Total Weight: 15.08 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
ARAYIAN Cluster Burma Ruby and Diamond Earrings
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Gold: 5.44 grams Rubies: 6 pieces, 3.70 carats Diamonds: 12 pieces, 1.62 carats A pair of clustered Burma ruby and diamond earrings featuring six rubies totaling 3.70 carats and tw...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Leaf Brooch 18 Carat White Gold
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This design brooch we intent for everyday use as simply elegant. So you can pin many occasions. It looks not too much but it looks classic and precious. We use the top quality ruby w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
ARAYIAN 2.59 Unheated Mozambique Ruby Earrings with Certificate
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A perfectly matching unheated Mozambique ruby earrings. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these earrings feature unheated rubies, which are becoming increasingly rare. The ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Cut Ruby Classic Halo Ring 2.39 Carats
By Zenith Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This refined ring features a 2.39 carat emerald cut natural ruby, admired for its rich red color and balanced emerald cut. The ruby is framed by a halo of round brilliant diamonds th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Talay Flow Wave Ruby Ring in 18K Rose Gold
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Talay Flow Wave Ruby 2.10 carats Ring in 18K Rose Gold Width: 2.0 cm Length: 0.5 cm The Skinny Flow Ring is the latest addition to the Flow series.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$18,000
Ruby and Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Brooch A white gold floral motif brooch composed of pear-shaped and oval rubies, accented with round cut and baguette cut diamonds Accompanied by an AGL certifica...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
ARAYIAN Ruby and Diamond Pendant in 18k White Gold
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This ruby and diamond pendant is set in white gold with a soft, flowing shape. Bright red rubies are placed closely together to create a rich, even color, while a gentle line of diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Ruby 1.51 carats with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 4.2 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 20.65 grams *Please note that the silver setting is plat...
Ruby, Silver
Star Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 10.05 carats with Diamond 0.77 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 6.74 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Style Ruby Earrings in 9K Blackened Gold diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
Art Deco inspired earrings crafted in 9K blackened gold, set with treated rubies in a striking geometric design. The deep red of the rubies contrasts beautifully with the darkened go...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Star Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 7.95 carats with Diamond 0.34 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 8.01 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 34.30 Carat Carved Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Vintage Affinity Necklace Set in 20 Karat Yellow Gold with 34.30 Carat Carved Ruby and 1.26 Carat Rose-Cut Diamonds. This One-Of-A-Kind Necklace Features Carved Rubies and Rose-Cut D...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 9.55 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 59 Total Weight: 10.35 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$4,384Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Ring Set in 18k Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.08 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 2.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 9.69 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated i...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.13 carats Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.6 cm Total Weight: 12.12 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vici...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Carat White Gold Stud Ruby Big Heart Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby stud earrings design as modern style.This earrings is special design because you can wear as two way. 1.First you can wear with diamond in the bottom . 2.Second you can wear alo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.73 carats with Diamond 0.98 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 6.29 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 9.0 carats, Cabochon Ruby 1.63 carats and Diamond 4.45 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 3.3 cm Total Weight: 26.94 grams "We first opened doors ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Emerald Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.96 carats with Emerald 0.90 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 6.19 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.96 carats with Ruby 3.80 carats and Diamond 1.01 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 2.1 cm Total Weight: 13.31 grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Heart Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.47 carat Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.0 cm Total Weight: 2.95 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicin...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.22 carats, Ruby 2.0 carats and Diamond 1.03 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 11.70 grams "We first opened door...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.82 carats with Diamond 0.52 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.54 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 1.24 carats with Diamond 0.32 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.8 cm Length: 0.9 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 5.85 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby Invisible Flower Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby Invisible flower earrings which make in invisible setting is the top quality ruby. We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 yea...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$650Sale Price|50% Off
18K Gold 0.58ct Oval Ruby & 0.12ct Diamond Horseshoe Pendant Enhancer
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Race sparklingly towards the finish line with the fiery passion of the ruby! PRICE NOT INCLUDING CUSTOMS DUTIES AND IMPORT TAX We welcome reasonable offers via the “Suggest a Price”...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby Maple Leaf Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby ear clip earrings design as classic luxury elegant style. You can use for everyday and also for the evening party. We use the top quality Ruby which make in invisible setting. W...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unheated Ruby with Diamond Necklace set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Ruby 2.69 carats with Diamond 2.84 carats Necklace set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 4.4 cm Length: 40.0 cm Total Weight: 22.69 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Invisible Ruby Hoop Earrings 'S'
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use 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 high...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
ARAYIAN 1.33-Carat Ruby with Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Ruby – 1.33 carats Diamond – 0.76 carats Gold – 4.63 grams A perfect 1.33-carat ruby engagement ring, set with a halo of round diamonds. Ideal as a gift for someone special or a tr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Carat White Gold Invisible Spiral Ruby Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We use 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 high...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.19 carats with Diamond 0.37 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 4.78 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Ruby Edwardian Style Filigree Dangle Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning marquise shaped ruby at the center, surrounded by intricate gold filigree detailing.
Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.45 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new ruby and diamond chandelier earrings from Rewa. The earrings have 50 rubies that weigh a total of 6.45 carat, approximately. They are from Burma and are natural, no heat...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
12.37 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Chandelier Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new ruby and diamond chandelier earrings from Rewa. The earrings have 48 rubies that weigh a total of 12.37 carat, approximately. They are from Burma and are natural, no hea...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond RIng in 18K White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A new Ruby and Diamond ring by Rewa made in 18K white gold. The ring consists of 13 rubies and they weigh a total of approximately 26 ct. These rubies were all carefully selected to...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond 0.56 and Ruby Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 0.56 carat and Ruby 0.80 carat Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.27 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when i...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.55 carats with Diamond 0.47 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.9 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.20 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 White Gold Flower Ruby Invisible Stud Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
A lovely ruby stud earrings that you can use as everyday. We use the top quality Ruby for our invisible setting. It is deep red and very sparking. The invisible is a highly technique...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Carat Rose Gold Ruby Hoop Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This hoop earrings we are special design .The outside we use invisible setting of deep red ruby and we also put the light pink round sapphire inside the hoop too. It is very in detai...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,000Sale Price|50% Off
18K Gold 1.40ct Squared Ruby & 0.08ct Diamond Invisible Pendant
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A beautiful and quality stylish pendant enhancer with invisible squared ruby set neatly with precision. Diamonds are bright and clear. Understated contemporary beauty of a piece of j...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Necklace Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 28.87 carats Necklace set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 42.5 cm Total Weight: 53.48 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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.