Kavant & Sharart Origami Ruby, Diamond Earrings 18K White Gold
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Ruby 2.71 carats with Diamond 0.20 carat Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.6 cm Weight: 7.92 grams The ancient Japanese tradition of paper folding has...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$975Sale Price|25% Off
9K Solid Gold Natural Ruby Vintage Style Filigree Dangle Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant round ruby takes center stage, glowing with rich, passionate color.
Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ruby, Tsavorite and Diamond Pendant set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.57 carats, Tsavorite 1.55 carats and Diamond 0.10 carat Pendant set in 18K Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.1 cm Length: 2.3 cm Total Weight: 2.69 grams "We firs...
Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet Statement 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A timeless symbol of elegance, this ruby and diamond bracelet is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold. The design features a continuous line of square-cut rubies, each meticulously...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$487Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Pearl and Ruby Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Surrounding the pearl are four vibrant rubies, arranged in a design inspired by the delicate petals of a flower.
Ruby, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,425Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Solid Natural Ruby Vintage Style Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Striking look with this Natural Ruby Vintage Style Band Ring, designed to showcase rich color in a continuous flow.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Stud Earrings in 18 Carat White Gold
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
ARAYIAN Modern 2.87 Carat Ruby Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A statement of color and craftsmanship, this hexagon pendant is crafted in 18K white gold and set with 2.87 carats of vivid rubies, complemented with diamonds for just the right touc...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 10.32 carats with Diamond 1.92 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 2.3 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 12.66 grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unheated Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Ruby 1.73 carats with Diamond 0.64 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.50 grams "We first opened doors in 1980...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 8.65 carats with Diamond 0.46 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 5.72 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Eternity Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.25 carat Eternity Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 0.1 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 1.4 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then si...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.03 carats with Diamond 0.78 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 2.2 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 12.05 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 6.87 carats with Diamond 0.72 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 2.3 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 15.46 grams GIT 2405070150002 "We first opened do...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$712Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant round ruby sits proudly at the center, secured in a classic setting that showcases its rich red hue.
Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.40 carats with Diamond 0.39 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 4.95 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 21.19 carats with Diamond 0.35 carat Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 6.6 cm Total Weight: 20.19 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unheated Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Ruby 1.96 carats with Diamond 0.62 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 5.55 grams "We first opened doors in 1980...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We design a very nice Necklace. The technique use invisible setting .We cut and groove very stone. This pendant is very nice style you can use in many occasion in day time and eveni...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Necklace
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
We design a very nice Necklace. The technique use invisible setting .We cut and groove very stone. This pendant is very nice style you can use in many occasion in day time and eveni...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Ruby 5.66 carats and Diamond 0.93 carats Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 0.4 cm Diameter: 4.0 cm "Talay" which simply means The Sea in Thai language explores the...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$250Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Sterling Silver 2.95ct Ruby & Quartz Bombe Band Ring, Size 6.5
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A bold vintage sterling silver bombe band set with approximately 2.95 carats of squared pinkish‑red rubies arranged in a geometric mosaic across the domed surface. The vivid rubies a...
Quartz, Ruby, Sterling Silver
$1,500Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Geometric Drop Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant round ruby shines at the center, radiating rich, passionate color.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
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 invisible s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.76 carats, Ruby 1.39 carats and Diamond 1.27 carats Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.7 cm Total Weight: 7.57grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,000
Ruby and Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Earrings Oval shaped earrings set with 2very fine oval rubies and 32 baguette-cut diamonds Accompanied by AGL certificate stating rubies are of Thailand origin.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
6.19 Carat Pigeon Blood Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Stud Earrings
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A new pair of ruby and diamond earring studs from Rewa. There are 22 rubies weighing a total of 6.19 carat approximately. The rubies are Burmese, natural, and without any heat trea...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Ruby and Pearl Vintage Style Owl Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Ruby and Pearl Vintage-Style Owl Ring combines whimsical charm with elegant craftsmanship.
Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby with Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.74 carats with Diamond 0.40 carat Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 44.0 cm Total Weight: 8.09 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 1.06 carats with Diamond 0.07 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.4 cm Length: 0.9 cm Total Weight: 2.71 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.27 carats with Diamond 0.58 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.2 cm Total Weight: 7.16 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.10 carats with Diamond 0.03 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.1 cm Total Weight: 2.94 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.59 carats with Diamond 0.09 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.90 cm Length: 1.10 cm Total Weight: 4.0 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it wa...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.40 carats with Diamond 0.06 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.14 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.64 carat with Diamond 0.16 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 2.77 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.53 carats with Diamond 0.02 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 5.53 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Eternity Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.90 carat Eternity Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 0.2 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 2.29 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was...
Ruby, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 65.2 carats with Diamond 2.82 carats Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 40.6 cm Total Weight: 67.0 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 8.90 carats with Diamond 0.28 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.8 cm Total Weight: 12.72 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.70 carats with Diamond 0.06 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.1 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight: 2.36 grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.04 carats with Diamond 0.05 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.1 cm Total Weight: 3.46 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.85 carats with Diamond 0.99 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 2.4 cm Total Weight: 12.23 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.52 carats with Diamond 0.58 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.7 cm Total Weight: 11.44 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.94 carats with Diamond 0.20 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.5 cm Length: 1.2 cm Total Weight: 3.39 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.90 carat with Diamond 0.03 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.8 cm Total Weight: 2.08 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.12 carats with Diamond 0.11 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 1. cm Total Weight: 3.7 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.87 carats with Diamond 0.30 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 1.3 cm Total Weight: 4.03 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.08 carats with Diamond 0.11 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.3 cm Total Weight: 3.54 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.45 carat with Diamond 0.04 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 1.0 cm Total Weight: 2.68 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 0.62 carat with Diamond 0.03 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 0.9 cm Total Weight: 2.29 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.07 carats with Diamond 0.30 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.0 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight 2.84 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.68 carat with Diamond 0.05 carat Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 0.9 cm Total Weight: 2.34 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Necklace Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.77 carats with Diamond 0.25 carat Necklace set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 48.0 cm Total Weight: 11.71 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Amethyst with Ruby Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Amethyst 3.91 carats with Ruby 3.62 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.9 cm Total Weight: 9.68 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was...
Amethyst, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.95 carats with Diamond 0.47 carats Pendant set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.8 cm Total Weight: 4.71 grams "We first opened doors ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Diamond Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 32.28 carats with Diamond 9.10 carats Necklace set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 40.0 cm Total Weight: 61.38 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when 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.