Ssef Pigeon
2010s American Contemporary Chandelier Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Early 18th Century American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2010s Burmese Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2010s Burmese Art Deco Drop Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2010s Burmese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2010s Burmese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby
Antique Mid-19th Century American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
2010s Thai Modern Fashion Rings
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s British Retro Stud Earrings
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2010s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Coats
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, Platinum
1980s French Jewelry Boxes
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Jade, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Australian Artist Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
2010s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Link Necklaces
Amethyst, Gold
Late 20th Century American Art Nouveau Brooches
18k Gold
Ssef Pigeon For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Ssef Pigeon?
The Legacy of Ruby in Jewelry Design
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.