GIA Certified 2.10 Carat Oval Ruby Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Certified 2.10 Carat Natural Thai Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring A striking platinum ring showcasing a 2.10 carat natural ruby, accompanied by a GIA Ruby Origin Report confirming Tha...
$6,228Sale Price|20% Off
One-of-a-kind Vintage 1.52ct Freeform Ruby Edwardian Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
At the heart of this ring lies a truly remarkable freeform ruby weighing 1.52 carats. What sets this Siamese/Thai ruby apart is its extraordinary rarity and uniqueness.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique No-Heat Ruby Bow Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Materials: 1 square cushion-cut no-heat Thai ruby (weighing approximately 1.76 carats); 124 old mine-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 7.40 carats); Silver-topped gold mount Gra...
Ruby, Gold, Silver
SSEF Certified 2.78 carat Thai Heated Ruby
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crafted with a nod to classic styles, the ring boasts a breathtaking centerpiece—a brilliant ruby weighing 2.78 carats. Certified by SSEF, the ruby exhibits a rich Red color, origina...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
3.89 Carat Thai Oval Ruby with GIA Certificate
Located in New York, NY
3.89 Carat Thai Oval Ruby, GIA Report 6173102771. 10.97 x 8.75 x 4.19mm.
Ruby
Diamond Cross Brooch Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond cross brooch features a central South Sea pearl of 16mm, 2 pear shape faceted emeralds (2.43 carats), 2 pear shape faceted Thai rubies (2.95 carats) 4 pear shape faceted ...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Whit...
Cushion Cut Ruby and Double Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Ruby & Diamonds Ruby Total Carat Weight: 1.15 CTW Ruby Cut: Cushion cut Ruby Color: Purplish red Ruby Transparency: Transparent Ruby Mineral Ty...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
SSEF Certified 2.10 Carat Thai Heated Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by classic styles, the ring features a resplendent centerpiece—a vibrant ruby weighing 2.10 carats. Certified by SSEF, the ruby showcases a captivating Red color, originatin...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ancient Thailand 20kt yellow gold ruby ring with a hunting scenes
Located in Braintree, GB
A 20kt yellow gold ring from ancient Thailand features a central ruby surrounded by depictions of hunting scenes.
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, Copper
Jade, Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Siamese Fighting Fish Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Jade 17.0 carats with Blue Sapphire 0.80 carat, Ruby 2.99 carats and Diamond 3.32 carats Brooch set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 6.5 cm Length: 6.3 cm Total Weight: 47.4...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Thai Heart Shape Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.56 carats with Diamond 0.77 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 7.0 grams GIA 6485732633 "We first opened d...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, White Gold
2.77 Carat Thai No-Heat Ruby Diamond White Gold Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The ruby weighs an impressive 2.77 carats and comes from Thailand, the second most desirable and rare locality for gem rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Unheated Red Ruby Necklace Pendant 1.22ct Thailand Oval 14K Gold GIA
Located in New York, NY
DIAMOND INFORMATION Retail Price - $9,500 Item Stock Number - RU764396495 Certificate Number - GIA 2331474014 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 1.22ct Measurements - 7.15 x 5.46 x 3.65 Co...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rare No Heat Natural Thailand Purplish Red Ruby 1.22ct GIA Pigeon Blood Oval
Located in New York, NY
GEMSTONE INFORMATION Retail Price - $6,900 Item Stock Number - RU316537248577 Certificate Number - GIA 2231474014 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 1.22ct Measurements - 7.15 x 5.46 x 3.6...
Ruby
AGL Thai Certified 1.98 Carat No Heat Burmese Ruby Ring in 18K Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Presenting a creation from Rewa Jewelry, this ring showcases a 1.98-carat red ruby. The ring is certified as 'Reddish Purple' from American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) Thai, Certi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified No Heated Siamese Red Pink Ruby & Diamonds Cluster 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Sublime and imposing Art Deco style ring set in its center with a ruby weighting about 1.37 carat. It is surrounded by old fashioned diamonds, also of a very beautiful H/SI quality. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Thai Princess‑Cut Ruby Cts 2.51 and Diamond Cts 0.50 Hoop Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Handcrafted in 18k gold (6.71 grams), these hoop earrings glow with 38 round diamonds totaling 0.50 cts and 52 princess‑cut rubies totaling 2.51 cts. Rubies get their vivid red colo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GIA Thailand Mid Century 1.25ctw Oval Ruby 0.60ctw Round Diamond 14K White Gold
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking mid-century ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold, showcasing a bold and timeless design. At its center rests a vivid 1.25 carat oval-cut natural ruby, prized for its...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
23.24 Carat Ruby Ruby Bracelet In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby bracelet showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold. It has 240 pieces of baguette shaped rubies weighing 23.24 carat approximately. Th...
Ruby
$25,000
4.01 Carats Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 4.01 carat Mozambique ruby — an ideal size for a refined ring or pendant. Rubies are known as the king of gems. This stone comes from the Montepuez mines and was purchased through...
Ruby
Mozambique Ruby 1.63 carats Unheated
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 1.63 carats Mozambique ruby, a perfect size for an engagement ring or a special pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sourced from ...
Ruby
$10,250
Ruby Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Dome Ring in 18k Rose Gold Round Diamonds are 0.66ct - 130 stones Rubys totaling 9.03ct - 150 stones size 6.75
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.11 Carat Oval Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A captivating 2.11 carat oval-cut Mozambique ruby displaying a rich, vivid red hue with lively brilliance. Its well-proportioned cut enhances the stone’s natural fire, while subtle i...
Ruby
$18,400
2.95 Carat Burmese Oval Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This 2.95 carat Burmese ruby displays a rich, vivid red color with excellent natural character and brilliance. Sourced from Burma (Myanmar), a region renowned for producing some of t...
Ruby
Unheated 1.76 carats Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 1.76 carats Mozambique ruby, a perfect size for an engagement ring or a special pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sourced from ...
Ruby
$17,000
A 3.02 carat Mozambique ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 3.02 carat Mozambique ruby — an ideal size for a refined ring or pendant. Rubies are known as the king of gems. This stone comes from the Montepuez mines and was purchased through...
Ruby
1.99 carats Unheated Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 1.99 carats Mozambique ruby, a perfect size for a ring or a pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sourced from ethical mines in Mont...
Ruby
2.06 Carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This 2.06 carat unheated natural ruby displays a rich, vivid red hue with lively brilliance and depth. Cut in a soft triangular form, it reflects light beautifully across its facets,...
Ruby
Unheated 1.50 carat Oval Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This 1.50 carat oval-cut ruby displays a rich, well-balanced color and strong clarity, reflecting its good overall quality. Oval rubies are a classic choice and require careful cutt...
Ruby
Cabochon Ruby with Ruby Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 5.38 carats with Ruby 1.59 carats Earrings set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 4.9 cm Total Weight: 7.39 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when i...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$330 / item
Silver925 Natural Ruby Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Ready to ship Origin: Thailand Metal: Sterling Silver 925 Ring Size: US 7 Total Gemstones Weight: 1.72 carat.
Ruby, Silver
$13,220Sale Price|20% Off
Burma Ruby Invisible Setting Ring 18 Karat Gold Ruby Cocktail Bowtie
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Ring, never used. Special Natural Ruby from Burma Unique Invisible setting Square Natural Ruby's and center Round Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Approx 13.0 grams. Ruby App...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2.07 carats Unheated Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 2.07 carats Mozambique ruby, a perfect size for a ring or a pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sourced from ethical mines in Mon...
Ruby
Unheated 1.54 carats Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 1.54 carats Mozambique octagonal square ruby, a perfect size for an engagement ring or a special pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies ...
Ruby
Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons 14 Karat Gold Bezel Top Ruby Round Cabochon Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple Chic Earrings with top part made of 2 Natural Ruby Oval Cabochons measuring 9x11 mm and weighing 8,7 carats set in 14 Kt yellow bezel from which are attached 2 Ruby round cab...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,300 / item
1.24 Carat Octagon Mozambique Ruby
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This 1.24 carat octagon-cut Mozambique ruby displays a rich, well-balanced color and strong clarity, reflecting its good overall quality. Octagon rubies are less commonly found and...
Ruby
3.01 Carat Mozambique Ruby, Oval Cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 3.01 carat Mozambique ruby showcasing a rich, vivid red color with natural internal characteristics that highlight its authenticity. The oval cut enhances the stone’s brilliance, a...
Ruby
2.09 Carat Mozambique Ruby - Pear Cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Heated 2.09 carats Mozambique pear shaped ruby, a perfect size for an engagement ring or a special pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sou...
Ruby
2.03 Carats Mozambique Ruby - oval cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Heated 2.03 carats Mozambique ruby, a perfect size for an engagement ring or a special pendant to be made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sourced from et...
Ruby
Cabochon Ruby , Ruby and White Sapphire Ring set in Silver Settings
Located in Dusit, 10
Cabochon Ruby , Ruby and White Sapphire Ring set in Silver Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 3.42 grams *Please note that the silver setting is pl...
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver
3.09 Carat Mozambique Ruby - Cushion Cut
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A 3.09 carat Mozambique ruby — an ideal size for a refined ring or pendant. Rubies are known as the king of gems. This stone comes from the Montepuez mines and was purchased through...
Ruby
Unheated Natural Mozambique Ruby – 2.03 Carats
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A striking 2.03 carat unheated ruby from Mozambique, showcasing a rich, vivid red hue with impressive depth and natural character. Expertly cut to enhance its brilliance, this gemsto...
Ruby
Mozambique Ruby Cushion Cut – 2.09 Carats
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A striking 2.09 carat heated ruby from Mozambique, showcasing a rich, vivid red hue with impressive depth and natural character. Expertly cut to enhance its brilliance, this gemston...
Ruby
$14,500
Diamond and Ruby Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Ruby Earrings in 18K Rose Gold Round Diamond : 1.23ct - 144 stones Ruby - 12.69ct - 210 stones
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$7,400 / set
Ruby Oval Pair Unheated – 2.96 ct
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
This matching pair of oval-cut unheated rubies, with a combined weight of 2.96 carats, displays a rich, well-balanced color and strong clarity, reflecting their good overall quality....
Ruby
Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.58 carats with Ruby 1.85 carats and Diamond 1.18 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.4 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 11.98 grams "We first o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Pt950 Ruby Diamond Floral Earrings by MOISEIKIN
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
"Waltz of Flower" is an iconic MOISEIKIN jewellery collection that captures the elegance and beauty of a flower in motion. Created with the finest rubies and diamonds, this collectio...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby, Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.90 carats, Cabochon Ruby 4.08 carats and Diamond 3.86 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 2.5 cm Total Weight: 27.67 grams "We first opene...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby, Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Earrings Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 17.19 carats, Cabochon Ruby 0.86 carat and Diamond 1.51 carats Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 2.3 cm Total Weight: 19.58 grams "We first opened...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
15.05 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat Ruby Bracelet In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby bracelet showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold. It has 23 pieces of baguette shaped Burma No Heat Rubies weighing 15.05 carat appro...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.03 carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby Ethically Sourced
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Unheated 2.03 carats Mozambique ruby elongated cushion, a perfect size for a ring or a pendant to be custom made. Rubies are known as the king of gems, and these rubies are sourced ...
Diamond, Ruby
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Star Ruby, Ruby and Brown Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 3.36 carats, Ruby 1.51 carats and Brown Diamond 0.66 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 8.20 grams "We fi...
Brown Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond and Ruby Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.24 carats with Diamond 2.06 carats and Ruby 1.92 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 9.73 grams "We first op...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Silver925 Natural Sapphire Ruby Filigree Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Ready to ship Origin: Thailand Metal: Sterling Silver 925 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.26 carat.
Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
18K White Gold 1.65ct Baguette Ruby, Emerald, Ruby & 0.02ct Diamond Earrings
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A striking pair of contemporary huggie hoop earrings showcasing a harmonious quartet of colored baguette gemstones. Each stone is meticulously selected for saturation and clarity, th...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Talay Flow Ruby Baguette Ring 18K Gold
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Talay Flow Ruby Baguette Ring 18K Gold Width: 2.0 cm Length: 0.3 cm Talay explores the sea’s ephemeral character and rightfully captures the essence of the sea.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Double Stone, Ruby and Sapphire Bypass Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exceptional bypass ring is masterfully crafted in 18K white gold and designed to highlight two of the world’s most coveted gemstones. The piece features a 6.77-carat blue sapphi...
Ruby, Sapphire
Ruby, Diamond, Cabochon Ruby, Cabochon Blue Sapphire Bird Brooch 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 18.46 carats, Diamond 2.08 carats, Cabochon Ruby 0.46 carat with Cabochon Blue Sapphire 0.29 carat Brooch set in 18 Karat Gold Setting Width: 3.7 cm Length: 7.0 cm "Since w...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby and Diamond Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 9.14 carats, Ruby 1.22 carats and Diamond 1.17 carats Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.0 cm Total Weight: 12.20 grams "We first opened ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cabochon Ruby, Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 5.96 carats, Ruby 0.89 carat and Diamond 0.70 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 9.93 grams "We first...
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.