Heart and Arrow Ring With Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Platinum and white gold ring with a heart of diamonds (app. o.3 carats) pavé set and in the middle an old cut round ruby (app. 0.75 carats) the heart is pierced by an arrow with a su...
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Green Quartz Art Deco Style Oval Cab 14k Solid Gold Diamonds Black Enamel Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
29 Carat Green Quartz oval cab ( 18mm. x 15 mm.) ,12 round full cut diamonds of 0,05 ct. each,for total diamonds weight of 0,6 carat.4.7 grams of 14 kt. white gold,black enamel Ring ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
X Pumpkin bascket Emerald Ring
Located in Stockholm, SE
For a glamorous Gala, nothing captivates quite like an emerald fruit basket cocktail ring. This extraordinary, conversation-starting piece features a cluster of vivid, responsibly so...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,785
14K Yellow Gold 1.50ct Sugarloaf Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring, Size 7
Located in Holtsville, NY
This elegant 14K Yellow Gold cocktail ring features a captivating 1.50-carat sugarloaf ruby, distinguished by its deep red hue and moderately strong saturation.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Green Emerald White Rose Cut Diamond and Red Ruby Brooch, circa 1900s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique emerald, diamond and ruby bee brooch, circa 1900 Mounted in silver and gold with old cushion, and rose-cut diamonds, sugarloaf ruby eyes.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$30,000
Ruby Sugarloaf Ring
Located in New York, NY
This has been shaped in a sugarloaf pyramid cabochon. The color of this ruby is intense red.
Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$25,000
Graduate color drop earrings in gold , Ruby, Pink Sapphire and sugarloaf Rubelite
Located in new york, NY
These exquisite yellow gold earrings are beautifully set with 9.46 carats of ruby and pink sapphire pave and two sugarloaf Rubelite total weight of 6.55 carats .
Pink Sapphire, Rubelite, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$8,428
Full and Radiant Group Inlay Sugar Tower Ruby Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
2.12ct sugar tower ruby ring Introducing the Full and Radiant Group Inlay Sugar Tower Ruby Ring. Handcrafted with precision, this ring features a stunning inlay design for that extr...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,900
R.Cipullo 1990s Sugar Loaf Cut Citrine Ruby with Diamonds Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
One Pair Of Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Bezel Set Sugar Loaf Cut Cabochon Citrine Omega Back Clip On Earrings Embellished With Two Oval Cut Faceted Rubies On Top Weighing Approximately ....
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Ruby Cabochon Oval Diamond Brilliant Cut Vintage Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
Magnificent 12.5 carats Ruby cabochon oval shaped. Setted in a delicate 18 karat white gold adorned by diamonds that enhance its beauty. This ring is inspired by the power of ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Ruby Cabochon Oval Diamond Brilliant Handmade Trone Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
Magnificent 12.5 carats Ruby cabochon oval shaped. Setted in a delicate 18 karat white gold adorned by diamonds that enhance its beauty. This ring is inspired by the power of ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Gradient Natural Ruby Cabochon Diamond Hook Carved Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
One of a kind ruby ring with a gradient natural red color setted between two 18 karat white gold hooks embellished with diamonds. This design of this ring is inspired by a strong, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Carved Natural Ruby Cabochon Diamond Hook 18 Karat Gold Deco Intini Jewels Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
One of a kind natural 35 carat ruby ring with an abstract shell carved designed setted in a 18 karat white gold highlighting a round 0.13 carat diamond hook. Be ready for a unique pi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Geometric Elegance Meets Dazzling Color: 14K White Gold Gemstone Earrings
Located in Bangkok, TH
14K white gold 2.57ct natural blue sapphire 1.87ct natural ruby 0.95ct natural white sapphire Total earring weight 6.31g Mesmerizing blue sapphires, weighing approximately 2.57 car...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$17,500
22K gold nine precious gemstone Navratna bangle with diamond polkis
Located in Bangkok,, TH
This 22K gold bangle is set with one precious gemstones with eight of them being set in rectangular form which includes Emerald, Blue sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Hessonite garnet, Cat...
Carnelian, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire,...
Art Deco Diamond Opal Halo Ring, Solid 14k Gold Ethiopian White Opal Target Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
Hallmarks: 14k; tested positive as 14 k gold; Centerpiece stones: 33 x brilliant cut diamonds of 1.65 CT in total, sugarloaf cabochon rubies of 2.4 CT and one oval natural milky opal...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$15,388
Antique Sugarloaf Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous antique ruby and diamond ring. A unique sugarloaf cabochon ruby of Burmese origin possessing a rich pigeon blood undertone sits proud at the centre of the fac...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Parentesi Sugarloaf Ruby Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Bulgari bracelet from the iconic Parentesi collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with sugarloaf-cut cabochon emerald and rubies, in traparent bright crispy c...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$12,823
Ruby Stirrup Cufflinks
Located in London, GB
A pair of ruby stirrup cufflinks, set with square-cut rubies, in channel settings, with sugarloaf rubies in the terminals, mounted in 18ct yellow gold, with French eagle marks and a ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Marina B Aquamarine, Ruby, Diamond and Enamel Earrings
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with black enamel over 18k yellow gold with Cabochon Aquamarines, Sugarloaf Rubies, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Seaman Schepps Ruby Clip on Earrings Sugarloaf Cuts 18K Yellow Gold ~5ctw Rubies
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Fairfield, CT
Seaman Schepps Ruby Clip on Earrings Sugarloaf Cuts 18K Yellow Gold ~5ctw Rubies These Seaman Schepps Sugarloaf Ruby Earrings are innovative and playful, incorporating vibrant stone...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Ruby and Gold Stirrup Cufflinks, by Paul Mille, Circa 1940
Located in London, GB
A pair of ruby stirrup cufflinks, set with square-cut rubies, in channel settings, with sugarloaf rubies in the terminals, mounted in 18ct yellow gold, with French eagle marks and a ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$58,000
Sugarloaf Emerald Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite French ring in 18kt yellow gold with sugarloaf cabochon emerald (apx 20 cts), carrè set rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sugarloaf Burma Cabochon Ruby 0.80 Carat Yellow Gold 0.18 Inch Stud Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
These Sugarloaf Burma Cabochon Ruby stud earrings are a stunning addition to any jewelry collection.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Emerald Sugarloaf, Blue Sapphire, Ruby & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The Blue Sapphires are completely natural, without any treatment and are of Burmese origin. The weight of the Rubies is 1.17 carats. The Rubies are completely natural, without any tr...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k White Gold 6.57ctw AGL Cushion Sugarloaf Burma Ruby Round Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous band ring was crafted from solid 18k white gold and features a cushion sugarloaf cut ruby with a magnificently rich wine-red color.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Certified 18.11 Carat Emerald Sugarloaf and Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring in Gold
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
A beautiful ring with a Emerald Cabochon Sugarloaf in the centre and Round Ruby Cabochons carefully set under the stone giving the stone the height and making it stand out as it dese...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18.62 Carat Sugarloaf African Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
An elegant cocktail ring using a sugarloaf African Ruby centre stone and two half-moon diamond side stones, all set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Emerald Sugarloaf, carved Ruby & Rose Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The weight of the carved Rubies is 4.91 carats. The Rubies are completely natural, without any treatment and are of Mozambique origin, The Rubies are hand - carved in our very own wo...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Bvlgari Bulgari Bracelet Gold Sugarloaf Gemstones
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The sugarloaf cut gives the bracelet a soft, sculptural look.
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
New 18k Gold Gia 1.86ctw No Heat Sugarloaf Cabochon Cut Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Stock Number: MK-170124896 --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 2231214106 Shape: Cushion Sugarloaf Transparency: Transparent Color: Red Species: Natural Corund...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Modern Art Deco Style Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These beautiful stones are accompanied by 2 rectangular emerald cut diamonds approximately 0.40 carats, F color, VS clarity. 3 sugarloaf cabochon cut rubies total carat weight approx...
Diamond, Ruby
Sold|$3,250
Art Deco Style Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These beautiful stones are accompanied by 2 square emerald cut diamonds approximately 0.25 carats, F color, VS clarity. 3 sugarloaf cabochon cut rubies total carat weight approximate...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum 2.95 Sugar Loaf Ruby Floral Diamond Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Retro Estate Composition: Platinum Primary Stone: One Natural Sugar Loaf Ruby Carat Weight: Approximately 2.95 Carats Accent Stone: Twenty-Six Round Brilliant Diamonds Carat We...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Bulgari Monete Ancient Coin Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in New York City, NY
The bracelet further features 4 sugarloaf cabochon rubies , and a twisted gold bangle design.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco style, Tanzanite, Ruby, Emerald & Diamonds Tutti Frutti Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The combined weight of the Emerald & Ruby is 9.45 carats. Both the sugarloaf cabochon emerald & carved Ruby are completely natural, without any treatment & are of Zambian & Mozambiqu...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Art Deco Style Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Ruby & Diamond Tutti Frutti Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The combined weight of the Blue Sapphires & Rubies is 9.17 carats. The Blue Sapphires & Rubies are completely natural, without any treatment & is of Burmese & Mozambique origin respe...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
In 18K Gold, Emeralds, Ruby, Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Tutti Frutti Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The combined weight of the carved Blue Sapphires, Emeralds & Rubies is 5.28 carats. The Blue Sapphires, Emeralds & Rubies are of Burma (Myanmar), Zambian & Mozambique origin respecti...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Bee Brooch with Ruby, Diamond, Amethyst and South Sea Pearl
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
The brooch is intricately set with square cut rubies and round brilliant diamonds. The wings are set with sugarloaf cabochon amethyst and the body is a South Sea pearl.
Amethyst, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1930s Art Deco Sugar Loaf Ruby Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Beautiful art deco ring, it is adorned on its top with a treated sugar loaf ruby retained by 4 large claws. On both sides, an open...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,214
Art Déco ruby Platinum Diamond Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Set with four square sugarloaf- cut rubies centered around a small baguette cut diamond (app. 0.1 carat).
Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
RUSSIAN 19th Century Ruby Enamel Gold Cufflinks
Located in New York City, NY
Rare and handsome 14K yellow and rose gold cufflinks with sunburst guilloche enamel and sugarloaf cabochon rubies, of genuine Russian origin, circa 1870-1910.
Ruby, 14k Gold
Cartier Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Elephant Brooch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier elephant brooch, with square-cut rubies and round brilliant-cut diamonds in the form of a saddle, round brilliant-cut diamonds set in the feet, a sugarloaf-cut ruby in the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$4,500
Pair of Art Deco Gold and ruby cufflinks
Located in Firenze, IT
PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES & DUTIES each with one side formed with the hearts and a channel set line of rubies,connected by a gold ba...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$75,000
No Heat Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold and beautiful ruby and diamond cocktail ring centered with a large and natural, no-heat ruby sugarloaf cabochon weighing over twenty-five carats clustered with two rows of rou...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$2,750
Art Deco Sapphire and Ruby Gold Cufflinks
Located in Greenwich, CT
Each cufflink is mounted with both a sapphire and a ruby pyridmidal sugarloaf cut gemstone and is crafted with two hinged backs, one in white and one in yellow 18 karat gold, crafted...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Verdura Byzantine Pendant Brooch with Chain Necklace
By Verdura
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Amethysts weighing 10.54 carats, emeralds weighing 6.95 carats, rubies weighing 1.18 total carats, blue sapphires weighing 0.79 total carats, pink sapphires weighing 0.41 carats.
Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
1960s European 18k gold, diamond and ruby tank ring
Located in London, GB
Its central Old European cut diamond weighs 0.65 carats while the sugarloaf ruby weighs approximately 1.5 carats. The ring is embellished with approximately 2 carats round cut diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
54 Carat Ruby Sugarloaf Cabochon Statement Ring Handcrafted in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
A cocktail ring with a beautiful red 54.70 carats Ruby cabochon. The Ruby is in a sugarloaf shape with an attractive high dome.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sugarloaf Burma Cabochon Ruby 1.90 Carat Yellow Gold 0.20 Inch Stud Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
These Sugarloaf Burma Cabochon Ruby stud earrings are a stunning addition to any jewelry collection.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sugarloaf Burma Cabochon Ruby 0.50 Carat Yellow Gold 0.12 Inch Stud Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
These Sugarloaf Burma Cabochon Ruby stud earrings are a stunning addition to any jewelry collection.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sugarloaf Burma Cabochon Ruby 0.55 Carat Yellow Gold 0.15 Inch Stud Earrings
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
These Sugarloaf Burma Cabochon Ruby stud earrings are a stunning addition to any jewelry collection.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sugarloaf Rubelite Tourmaline Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Art Deco Style Platinum Cocktail Ring, centering a securely nestled 13 Carat Sugarloaf Rubelite, surrounded by Diamonds, approx. 0.25tcw and shank accented on either side w...
Diamond, Rubelite, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sugarloaf Cab Cushion Shaped Mosambic Ruby Cocktail Ring With Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:11.576g,D:1.42ct, Ruby:20.23ct,
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Ruby Sugarloaf and Diamond Baguette Stackable Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
Stackable Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Baguette eternity band all handcrafted in 18K Yellow Gold. The Rubies in the ring are all natural and good quality diamond baguettes. The simple y...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Sugarloaf and Diamond Baguette Stackable Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
Stackable Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Baguette eternity band all handcrafted in 18K Yellow Gold. The Rubies in the ring are all natural and good quality diamond baguettes. The simple y...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 26.05 carats, Ruby 3.65 carats and Diamond 0.99 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 16.65 grams "We fi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose 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.