Natural Raw Ruby Lariat Chain Necklace in 18k Rose Gold
By Karma El Khalil
Located in New York, NY
An ode to natural raw gemstones. Untouched and uncut rubies in their glorious organic perfection featured in this One-of-A-Kind Ruby Lariat.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
German Kabirski Gaiete 18K Gold Plated Silver Ring with Raw Pink Ruby
By German Kabirski
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A full circle of raw, uncut ruby crystals is set using German Kabirski’s signature technique, allowing the natural texture, sharp edges, and organic formations of the stones to remai...
Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
C1750 18K Neoclassical Iberian Rosette Shaped Ring w Fleur De Lis Shoulders
Located in Baltimore, MD
Early Georgian ring Spanish ring made in the Iberian Peninsula in the shape of a rosette with 15 carved table cut deep red Burma rubies. Also known as "uncut" rubies, the table cut w...
Ruby, 18k Gold
German Kabirski Calypso 18K Gold Plated Silver Earrings with Opal & Sapphire
By German Kabirski
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Smooth, glowing cabochons meet bold, uncut ruby lines in a silhouette that feels like an exclamation point flipped upside down.
Opal, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Si...
Natural uncut Diamond Ruby oxidized Sterling silver tribal look necklace
Located in Delhi, DL
This tribal look stunner is made up of natural uncut diamonds with burma ruby. The jewel has been crafted in sterling silver and has natural uncut diamonds that give it subtle yet un...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Natural uncut polki diamond choker sterling silver necklace with ruby extension
Located in Delhi, DL
Natural Polki Diamonds: Uncut and natural, these diamonds offer a unique and authentic sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Certified natural real uncut diamonds sterling silver round ruby drop earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
Stunning diamond silver ruby earrings consists of : Metal- Silver Metal Purity- sterling silver Color of metal- Yellow gold plating Diamond- Natural uncut diamonds Diamond origin- ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
$552Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage look Natural uncut rose cut Ruby Diamond sterling silver Ring
Located in Delhi, DL
-Diamond type- Natural uncut diamond -Diamond color- white with a tint of grey -Diamond weight- 3.15ctw -Metal- 925 Sterling silver Metal color- yellow gold plated Gemstone- Rub...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
$620Sale Price / item|20% Off
Retro style rose cut uncut polki diamond ruby oxidized sterling silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This beautiful retro style diamond oxidized silver ruby bracelet consists of : Diamond - Rose cut and uncut diamond Diamond origin- Natural Diamond weight- 3.88cts Metal- Silver Me...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
$1,240Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pair - Natural rose cut uncut diamond ruby yellow gold plated silver bracelets
Located in Delhi, DL
This beautiful retro style diamond yellow gold plated silver ruby bracelet consists of : Diamond - Rose cut and uncut diamond Diamond origin- Natural Diamond weight- 7.28cts Metal-...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
$788Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage look Natural uncut rose cut Diamond sterling silver Ruby drop Earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
-Diamond type- Natural rose cut uncut diamond -Diamond color- white with a tint of grey -Diamond weight-4.65ctw -Metal- 925 Sterling silver Metal color- yellow gold plated Gemst...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Royal uncut rose Diamond ruby yellow gold-plated 925 silver peacock bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This Royal peacock hinged bracelet consists of: Diamond- 6.30cts Diamond type: Pave and uncut diamonds Diamond color: White and tinted grey Diamond Certificate- Certified Natural Me...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Cabochon with Uncut Diamonds Enamel Ring Handcrafted in 22K Yellow Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
A natural pink Ruby Cabochon set in 22k Gold with uncut diamonds all around making a beautiful cocktail ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
65mm natural Uncut rose cut diamond ruby emerald pearl tassel earrings n pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
Stunning diamond sterling silver tassel earrings with pendant consists of : Metal- Silver Metal Purity- sterling silver Diamond- Natural uncut diamonds and rose cut diamonds Diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Contemporary Gold Tabla Ring with Uncut Diamonds, India, Kahana Jewels
Located in Geneve, CH
Tabla Gold Ring by Kahana Jewels Dimensions: D 2.5 x H 2.9 cm Materials: Gold, diamonds The Tabla ring is an ode to India's most famous percussion instrument - a pair of hand drums...
Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Gold
African Ruby Carving Cts 48.76
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This stunning 48.76-carat African Ruby carving is a true masterpiece, shaped into an elegant flower design. Sourced from Mozambique, this ruby boasts a deep, vivid red hue, symbol...
Ruby
Victorian Pearl and Ruby Cuff
Located in New Orleans, LA
This pearl and ruby cuff bracelet epitomizes classic refinement. The 14K Gold bracelet resembles the embroidered cuff of a Victorian-era gown, complete with a trim elevated by lustro...
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
$1,156Sale Price|20% Off
Bangle Carved Ruby in Zoisite Inner Diameter
Located in Northampton, MA
From the "Things You Don't See Every Day or Even Every Other Day" shelf of my store is this exotic hand-carved bangle. At first glance, it might appear to be a jade bangle. But on se...
Ruby
11 Ruby Heart Cabochons Cts 9.17
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A symbol of love and passion, these 11 ruby heart-shaped cabochons radiate a deep, fiery red hue that captures the essence of romance. Sourced from Myanmar, these natural rubies ar...
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
Platinum Ruby and Diamond Bracelet 7.5" R2134
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Platinum Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in a special curved wavy design ♥ The bracelet is 7.5" in length (due to the design, this will best fit 7" or below wrists) ♥ Each ruby measures ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14k Gold Root Ruby Bead Necklace
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
This is a 14K Gold Necklace with natural ruby stone. Rose Gold is an another available option. Please contact us about which one you prefer.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Pearl Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian necklace with pearls, rubies and 5 oval rock crystal elements, finished with 18 karat gold and diamonds for a total of 3 karats. The pendant is detachable with a 3.76...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$14,500 / item
【Caelmare】Regal South Sea Pearl Ruby Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
A design that moves like jewelry from another era. Centered with 13–14 mm South Sea pearls of exceptional luster and clarity, each pearl is delicately wrapped in a lattice of fine g...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Star Ruby Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 2.78 carats Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.84 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situ...
Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Star Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 10.05 carats with Diamond 0.77 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 6.74 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold
Star Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Star Ruby 7.95 carats with Diamond 0.34 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 8.01 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby and Pearl 15 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Surrounding the row of bright red rubies are shimmering pearls. Modelled in 15carat gold and made in Birmingham, England. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 7 Band Width: 7.5mm Weight: 2.2g
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
$9,274Sale Price|20% Off
Pearl Emerald Sapphire Ruby Spinel Necklace
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Baume creation - Unique piece. Necklace of 6 rows of cultured white oriental pearls, diameters; 6.5/7 to 3/3.5, alternated with round and facetted oval emerald beads, pink facetted s...
Cultured Pearl, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, ...
Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Pearl Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful Victorian 18ct yellow gold navette ring. The ring has been set with 3 central pearls, 4 rose cut diamonds and a border of stunning rich red rubies. The intense re...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Blue Enamel, Ruby and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The enamel on this pendant is striking blue and has a lovely gloss to it. At the centre of the heart there is a sweet pearl flower with a ruby centre. The pendant has a locket back w...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Enamel
Platinum Ruby Cabochon with Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Pigeon Blood V1214
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Platinum Ruby Cabochon with Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Pigeon Blood Red Baguette Sides V1214 ♥ The item measures 15.7mm in length (North South direction), 14mm in width (East We...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
4.26ct Geometric Shape Ruby Slices Dangle Earrings 9K White Gold R3268
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ One-of-a-kind dangle earrings set with geometric-shaped rubies ♥ Each stone is a unique shape, you will never find another pair of earrings exactly alike! ♥ The earrings move freel...
Ruby, White Gold
Heavy Platinum Ring 1.77ct Ruby on Stunning Baguette Diamond Band 12.6g R6786
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Heavy Platinum Ring 1.77ct Ruby on Stunning Baguette Diamond Band ♥ Gorgeous ruby color! ♥ The item measures 10.2mm in length (North South direction), 6.4mm in width (East West di...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K White Gold Invisible Set Ruby Pendant Heart-Shaped Diamond Halo V1210
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 18K White Gold Invisible Set Ruby Pendant Heart-Shaped Diamond Halo Clip-On Enhancer Bail Go On Any Necklace V1210 ♥ The overall setting measures 15mm wide, 18.8mm in length w/ba...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
3.80ct Natural Ruby Earrings on Hook Fittings in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
18ct Yellow Gold 3.80ct Natural Ruby Earrings on Hook Fittings Additional Information: Total Diamond Weight: 1.0ct Diamond Colour: G/H Diamond Clarity: Si Total Weight: 4.7g Earring...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian Ruby and Pearl 15 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is in gorgeous condition for an oldie! The ruby is a lovely pink colour and surrounding it is a shimmering halo of pearls. The split shoulders lead perfectly down to a simp...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Elegant Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace, 18K Gold, Diamonds & Rubies, 2026
Located in Jaipur, RJ
This Elegant Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace by Bhavya Gems & Jewels is a regal and opulent creation, designed to reflect the grandeur of traditional high jewelry while maintaining a ref...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Designer Earrings with Omega Clip Backing R3207
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Designer Earrings with Omega Clip Backing ♥ Each earring measures 15.4mm in length and 6.5mm in width ♥ Material: 18K Gold ♥ Gemstone: Ruby, 0.7ct; Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s 22k Yellow Gold Ruby Bead Bracelet, 19.05 cm Long
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1970’s bracelet features strands of richly hued ruby beads, each measuring approximately 3.30mm, set with warm 22k yellow gold for a luxurious and timeless design.
Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,192Sale Price|20% Off
South Sea Pearl Ruby Sapphire Necklace 14k Gold Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fine Quality South Sea Pearl Ruby Sapphire Necklace 15.5 mm 14k Gold Certified $4,950 820707 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry Nothing says, “I Love you” more...
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.21ctw Ruby and Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum Heavy 7g+ R6731
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 1.21ctw Ruby and Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum Heavy 7g+ R6731 ♥ The item measures 12.5 mm in length (North South direction), 15.4 mm in width (East West direction), and st...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Handcraft Ebony 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Large Antique Lapis Lazuli Diamond And Rubies Figa Hand Charm Pendant, 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1970's Lenght: 5,4 cm Weight: 29,3 gr The pendant dates back to the 1970s, is made of lapis lazuli and platinum and represents a manus fica, iconography that spread in the R...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Platinum
2.07ctw Ruby Cabochon and 0.63ctw Diamond Unique Chevron Stacking Band Ring
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 2.07ctw Ruby Cabochon and 0.63ctw Diamond Unique Chevron Stacking Band Ring Platinum PT900 9g+ V1154 ♥ The item measures 15.4 mm in length (North South direction), 20.4 mm in width...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18k Gold Ruby Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Pearl Bird Pin
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Two pearl birds perch in a golden tree, whispering elegance with every glint of gemstone. This enchanting 65 x 45 mm pin is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and adorned with 11.79 ct...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Ruby Channel Eternity Ring, .40 tcw, size 6.75
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Ruby Channel Ring is a one-of-a-kind piece featuring a row of vibrant rubies set seamlessly in a sleek 18 karat gold channel. The smooth, streamlined design ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Georgian 18K Gold Table Cut Ruby Ring, Late 18th Century, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
Late-1700s (Georgian era) Italian gold ring with table cut rubies in closed setting. This beautiful example is completely original, it features a lovely flower bow shape with decorat...
Ruby, Gold
【Conchéa】Flamingo Pink Conch Pearl Bow Ring with Diamonds & Rubies — 1.91 ct
Located in New York, NY
This ring features a natural conch pearl in a vivid flamingo pink hue, distinguished by clearly visible flame structure and a well-balanced, regular oval form. The pearl is set with...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, White Gold
Pair of natural Diamond ruby sterling silver hinge bracelet Yellow Gold plate
Located in Delhi, DL
A pair of beautiful diamond ruby bangle consists of: Diamond- 10.40cts Diamond type: uncut polki diamond Diamond color: White with tint of yellow Diamond Certificate- IGI Certified ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
Diamond Studded Wide Band with Ruby 18K Gold 11.7g V1113
Located in Osprey, FL
Experience true luxury and sophistication with this exquisite Diamond and Ruby Studded Wide Band! Its stunning cluster of diamonds glisten like no other, while its wide band is desig...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Snake Coil Ring with Ruby Eyes 7g+ Unique Scale Skin Texture R6666
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 18K Gold Snake Coil Ring with Ruby Eyes 7g+ Unique Scale Skin Texture R6666 ♥ This item measures 28mm in length (North South direction), 12mm in width (East West direction), and 6...
Ruby, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Imperial Drop Aurora South Sea Pearl & Ruby Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This Aurora South Sea Pearl and Ruby Pendant features a luminous 15-16mm South Sea pearl, paired with a vibrant oval ruby framed by sparkling diamonds. The elegant design is a timele...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】South Sea Pearl Bracelet with Jadeite, Diamond and Ruby Clasp
Located in New York, NY
A refined balance of radiance and structure, this bracelet brings together the natural richness of golden and white South Sea pearls in a composed, rhythmic sequence. Each pearl, me...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Jade, Ruby, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Regal Bow Aurora South Sea Pearl Ruby Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pendant features a high-luster, slightly oval South Sea pearl, encircled by a 1.2-carat ruby halo and 0.9 carats of dazzling diamonds. Designed in a delicate teardrop-...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Stunning 75.13 Carat Red Ruby & Diamond Pendant in 18k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry house with nearly 50 years of history serving elite collectors, retailers, and dealers ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 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.