Ruby Eternity Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.89 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Diameter: 1.9 cm Length: 0.2 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 2.86 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.01 carats with Diamond 1.61 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 4.87 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 0.40 carat with Diamond 0.09 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.3 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 3.60 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.05 carats with Diamond 0.50 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 13.94 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 5.51 carats with Diamond 0.25 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.8 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 9.52 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.71 carats with Diamond 0.31 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 9.73 grams BELL B28822 "We first opened doors in ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.87 carat with Diamond 0.33 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.12 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.44 carat with Diamond 0.04 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 3.19 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.41 carats with Diamond 1.41 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.84 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.10 carats with Diamond 1.38 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight: 16.32 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.15 carats with Diamond 0.26 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.78 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18k Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 18.02 carats with Diamond 0.80 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.3 cm Total Weight: 17.04 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$750Sale Price|50% Off
18K Gold 1.05ct Red Ruby & 0.06ct Diamond Winged Stud Earrings
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Lovely and rare 6 pieces of tapered baguette rubies of decent shine and brilliance with vivid red color is a treat for the eye. Diamonds are bright and lively. Red winged fairy. PR...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 2.50ct Squared Ruby & Quartz Sterling Silver Wide Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A striking wide‑band ring crafted in sterling silver, set with four bold rows of square‑cut purplish red rubies totaling approximately 2.50 carats. Framed by shimmering white quartz ...
Quartz, Ruby, Sterling Silver
19.87 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Loop Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new pair of ruby and diamond loop earrings from Rewa Jewelry. There are a total of 26 rubies with a weight of 19.87 carats. 5 of which weigh about 5.03 carats and the remai...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 9.23 carats with Diamond 1.50 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight: 25.24 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.56 carat with Diamond 0.12 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 0.7 cm Total Weight: 2.73 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.60 carats with Diamond 0.34 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.5 cm Total Weight: 8.06 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.49 carats with Diamond 0.42 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 6.86 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby
Ruby with Diamond Bracelet Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.58 carats with Diamond 3.44 carats Bracelet set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 18.0 cm Total Weight: 28.18 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it wa...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Elephant Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 12.72 carats with Diamond 0.55 carat Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 41.50 cm Total Weight: 64.64 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was the...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 3.67 carats with Diamond 0.48 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 2.2 cm Total Weight: 4.15 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in Platinum 900 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 3.35 carats with Diamond 0.41 carat Ring set in Platinum 900 Settings Width: 0.9 cm Length: 0.9 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 18.81 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unheated Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Ruby 3.04 carats with Diamond 1.26 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.4 cm Total Weight: 5.80 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 9.82 carats with Diamond 2.36 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.9 cm Total Weight: 11.82 grams Certificate GIA 1483567489 GIA 648155815...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 14.76 carats with Diamond 4.09 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the vicinity of the Victory Mo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby Heart Earrings with Diamond
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby stud earrings design as classic elegant style. You can use for everyday and also for the evening party. We use the top quality Ruby which make in invisible setting. The invisibl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold 2.90ct Pear Ruby & 0.74ct Diamond Fine Chain Bracelet
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A refined study in color, fire, and feminine elegance, this handcrafted 18k gold bracelet showcases six exceptional pear‑cut rubies totaling 2.90 carats. Each ruby displays a vivid p...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Gold Coin Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 1.92 carats Earrings set ion 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 3.0 cm Total Weight: 14.85 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situated in the...
Ruby, 18k Gold
GRS Certified 5.04 Carat Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Bangkok, Bangkok
This stunning ring features a GRS-certified 5.04-carat Burma ruby, renowned for its deep, rich red color and exceptional quality. The ruby’s striking shape and vivid hue are magnific...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby Diamond Heart Cocktail Ring
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 tech...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.0 carat with Diamond 0.32 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 0.9 cm Length: 0.9 cm Total Weight: 3.40 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Blue Sapphire Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 10.0 carats and Blue Sapphire 3.75 carats Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 2.7 cm Total Weight: 13.71 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Platinum Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, 1.70ct Ruby, Unheated
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions Ring Size: – UK: N – EU: 54 – US: 6.75 Weight: 7.6 grams Specifications Metal: Platinum Type: Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring Centre Ruby: – Cut: Oval mixed cut – Weight: A...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$48,304Sale Price|20% Off
Certified 3.08 Carat Pigeon's Blood Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Bangkok, Bangkok
Introducing the Certified 3.08 Carat Pigeon's Blood Ruby and Diamond Ring, a masterpiece of distinctive design and luxury. At its center is a stunning 3.08-carat Pigeon's Blood ruby,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.65 carats, Ruby 2.58 carats and Diamond 0.45 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 2.3 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 12.84 grams "We first opened door...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.71 carats, Ruby 0.76 carat and Diamond 0.24 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 7.22 grams Ruby Width: 0.6 cm Le...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Ruby with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 6.35 grams *Please note that the silver setting is plated with rhodi...
Ruby, Silver
White Sapphire and Ruby Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
White Sapphire 9.30 carats and Ruby 12.73 carats Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 3.2 cm Length: 3.2 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 24.4 grams *Please note that the silver setti...
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver
Cabochon Ruby Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 4.89 carats Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 63 Total Weight: 8.08 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Amethyst with Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Amethyst 21.16 carats with Ruby 5.99 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.7 cm Length: 3.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 21.01 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when...
Amethyst, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Bubble Ruby Earrings 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Bubble Ruby Earrings Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Pink Ruby from Africa 22.00 carats 18K Gold & Silver • Signed Piece • Certificate & Apprais...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Ruby and Pink Sapphire Pendant set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Ruby and Pink Sapphire Pendant set in Silver Settings (chain not included) Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight: 6.54 grams *Please note that the silver setting is plated wi...
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Silver
18 Carat White Gold Ruby Flower Stud Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby stud 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. We se...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified 8.00 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new pair of ruby and diamond loop earrings from Rewa Jewelry. There are a total of 14 rubies with a weight of 8.00 carats. 2 of which (the top ones) weigh about 2.06 carats...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.68 carats, Ruby 2.47 carats and Diamond 0.88 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 11.59 grams "We first opened door...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.02 carats, Ruby 1.92 carats and Diamond 0.64 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 11.01 grams "We first opened door...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$562Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant round ruby, set securely in a classic bezel setting. Surrounding the ruby are sparkling diamonds, arranged to mimic the soft curves of flower petals.
Ruby, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Cabochon Ruby with Cubic Zirconia Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 3.43 grams *Please note that the silver setting is plated w...
Ruby, Silver
Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.57 carat, Ruby 3.55 carat and Diamond 0.81 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 14.7 grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire with Ruby Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 6.18 carats with Ruby 2.11 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 20.50 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 ...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$3,104Sale Price|20% Off
Tsavorite with Cabochon Ruby Snake Bangle set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Tsavorite 30.29 carats with Cabochon Ruby 0.05 carat Bangle set in Silver Settings Diameter: 6.2 cm Length: 10.6 cm Total Weight: 84.7 grams *Please note that the silver setting ...
Ruby, Tsavorite, Silver
ARAYIAN 5.55 carats invisibly Set Rubies and Diamond earrings
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Ruby: 5.55 carats Diamonds: 0.43 carats Gold: 8.45 grams These elegant earrings feature an invisibly set 5.55-carat ruby, framed by sparkling diamonds. Using a centuries-old Frenc...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Carat White Gold Invisible Ruby Hoop Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This earrings is 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...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$450Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Rich in elegance, this vintage-style ring features a vibrant ruby at its heart, radiating deep red brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Bubble Ruby Earrings Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Bubble Ruby Earrings Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Pink Ruby from Africa 22.00 carats 18K Gold & Silver • Signed Piece • Certificate & Appraisal Included...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Invisible Setting Ruby and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Invisible setting Square Natural Ruby's and center Oval Diamond 18k Yellow Gold 8.0 grams. Total Ruby 5.25 carat AAA very nice red. Center oval Diamond approx 0.50 carat H-I ...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.