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Ruby Jewelry

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Creator: Ella Gafter
Gemstone: Ruby
Ella Gafter South Sea Pearl Diamond Ruby Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond drop earrings feature two 15.5 x 14mm pearls of fine quality nacre and beautiful lustre. The pearls are suspended from 2 hoops set with round diamonds...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond pendant features a ligature of 4 fancy-cut rubies of brilliant color (oval, heart shape and pear shape) and round diamonds suspending a splendid 18mm South Sea p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Leo Zodiac Cuff Bracelet with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The Leo Zodiac cuff bracelet consists of a custom-cut natural black agate base with two hinges set with diamonds. The two extremities of the cuff are finished with a crescent of diam...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Tiger's Eye, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Cancer Zodiac Cuff Bracelet with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The Cancer Zodiac cuff bracelet consists of a custom-cut natural black agate base with two hinges set with diamonds. The two extremities of the cuff are finished with a crescent of d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Scorpio Zodiac Cuff Bracelet with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The Scorpio Zodiac cuff bracelet consists of a custom-cut natural black agate base with two hinges set with diamonds. The two extremities of the cuff are finished with a crescent of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tiger's Eye, Agate, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ruby Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The pendant features a fine, very large Tahitian Pearl of approximately 18mm x 16mm size. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have n...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Flower Earcuff Earrings
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pair of diamond earcuff earrings features a design with 3 flowers set with 8.49 carats of brilliant oval cut, faceted colored stones (rubies, blue and yellow sapphires) ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, ...

Ella Gafter Diamond Ruby Riviera Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The diamond ruby riviera necklace features a marvelously articulated 15.5” riviera of perfectly calibrated and homogeneous round diamonds suspending 9 dia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond necklace is constituted by faceted rubies of homogeneously brilliant quality, especially cut from larger heated Mozambique rough to obtain the sizes necessary f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter 9.08 Carat Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring features a splendid faceted oval-cut 9.08 carats Mozambique ruby of brilliant crystalline red color. The ruby is flanked by geometric rows of custom cut baguette diamonds (2...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Necklace Earrings Set
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond necklace and earrings set is constituted by faceted rubies of homogeneously brilliant quality, especia...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Diamond Ruby Pearl Lariat Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The lariat chain is interleaved with sections of calibrated faceted rubies (6.30 carats) and further decorated with diamonds (0.50 carats). The chain suspends 2 glorious drop-shape T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Diamond Flower Basket Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
This diamond flower basket brooch features at the base a stylized basket of mother-of-pearl and crystal set with round diamonds en pavé. The total...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

South Sea Pearl, Crystal, Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Onyx, Emerald, D...

Ella Gafter Heart Shape Ruby Diamond Pearl Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond pendant features a ligature of 3 fancy-cut rubies (heart shape, oval, and pear shape) and round diamonds suspending a splendid 18mm South Sea pearl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, 18k Gold

Ella Gafter Heart Shape Ruby Diamond Riviera Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The heart shaped ruby and diamond necklace is constituted by 34 faceted rubies of homogeneously brilliant quality, especially cut from larger Mozambique rough to obtain the regular a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Ruby Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Dragonfly Ruby Diamonds Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
This dragonfly brooch features an Australian South Sea Pearl of 17mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Leather Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet features an oval 18 carat gold design set with 2 oval cabochon rubies and top quality round diamonds set en pavé (1.34 carats, F/VVS). The center is set on leather cords...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Art Déco style Fish Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
This whimsical fish brooch pin features a central South Sea pearl of 16mm diameter. The body is sculpted in custom cut mother-of-pearl topped by transparent crystal. The eye is accen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, Crystal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Ella Gafter Sapphire Ruby Diamond Jardiniere Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary flower basket brooch features at the base an untreated South Sea pearl of splendid luster in the middle of a stylized basket set with round diamonds en pave. The s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, South Sea Pearl...

Ella Gafter Sapphire Ruby Diamond Leather Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet features a geometric 18 carat gold design set with calibrated baguette diamonds, rubies, and blue sapphires of the highest quality. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Triple-Strand Tahitian Pearl Ruby Necklace Set
Located in New York, NY
The 231 pearls composing the necklace set originate from the waters of Tahiti. Their diameter range is 12-10mm. They feature thick healthy nacre, beautiful homogeneous color hues and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Black Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

Ella Gafter Diamond Ruby Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 15 carats. The design is complete with 1.10 carats of top quality diamon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Diamond Ruby Chandelier Pearl Tassel Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The diamond, ruby and pearl chandelier earrings feature a cascade with 8 South Sea pearls of 12/11mm diameter. The untreated Tahitian pearls display a beautiful nacre and their natur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Diamond Ruby Pearl Tassel Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The diamond, ruby and pearl chandelier pendant features a cascade with 6 South Sea pearls of 12mm diameter. The untreated South Sea pearls originate from the waters of Northwestern ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby and Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 25 carats. The design is complete with 2.10 carats of top quality diamonds (F-G/VVS)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Diamond Pearl Swan Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This pearl and diamond swan brooch pin features an intricate play of mother-of-pearl and crystal expertly custom cut into the white gold feathers, lending ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Onyx, White Diamond, Diamond, Crystal, Cor...

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 15 carats. The design is complete with 1.10 carats of top quality diamon...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Flexible Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted heated rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 39 carats. The design is complete with 2.60 carats of top quality diamonds (F...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Art Déco style Opera Length South Sea Pearl Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl necklace of opera length is composed of 2 separate strands (36” is 40” long). The 57 pearls composing the magnificent necklace originate from the waters of Northw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Necklace Earrings Chandelier Set
Located in New York, NY
The chandelier ruby and diamond necklace and earrings set is constituted by faceted heated rubies of homogeneously brilliant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond earrings feature 4 faceted heated Mozambique rubies of homogeneous brilliance for a total of 21.50 carats. The design is co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Diamond Ruby Flexible Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 25 carats. The design is complete with 2.10 carats of top quality diamonds (F-G/VVS)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Line Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond line bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 15 carats. The design is complete with 1.10 carats of top quality d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Tennis Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 25 carats. The design is complete with 2.10 carats of top quality diamonds (F-G/VVS)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Diamond Cuff Flower Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The diamond and onyx cuff bracelet features extraordinary design and workmanship of the highest standard. Please view the additional images. The cuff bracelet carries 9.40 carats of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Diamond Cross Pendant Brooch Necklace
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 yellow sapphires (3.15 carats), and 13.50 carats of round diamonds set en pavé. The pearl is untreated. The colored stones are all of brilliant, fiery quality. The diamonds are of top quality (color, clarity, and cut, F-G/VVS). The pendant hangs on a 24” long 18 carat white and gold necklace...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yell...

Ella Gafter Art Déco style Diamond Ruby Pearl Pin Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The diamond basket brooch features a flower like arrangement of oval/round cut faceted Thai rubies of fiery color (total of 6.03 carats), nestled among two Tahitian pearls and a Sout...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pea...

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Flexible Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 25 carats. The design is complete with 2.10 carats of top quality diamonds (F-G/VVS)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Flexible Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted heated rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 39 carats. The design is complete with 2.60 carats of top quality diamonds (F...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Flexible Tennis Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 15 carats. The design is complete with 1.10 carats of top quality diamonds (F-G/VVS)...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond bracelet was handmade by maestro Pierpaolo in 18 carat white gold in our own workshop in Italy, according to an original design by Ella Gafter...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The earrings feature 7.50 carats of faceted rubies (oval and square cut). The design is complete with 1.30 carats of round diamonds of top quality (color, clarity and cut, F-G/VVS). ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond earrings feature 8 faceted drop shape heated Mozambique rubies of homogeneous brilliance for a total of 21.50 carats. The design is complete with 1.65 carats of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby and Diamond Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
The ruby cufflinks feature 2 large cabochon rubies weighing a total of 14.47 carats. They are surrounded by a crown of round diamonds for a weight ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Ruby Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Sapphire Basket Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The basket brooch features three flowers with oval cut faceted precious stones of fiery colors: ruby (2.35 carats), blue sapphire (2.83 carats), and yell...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Onyx, White Diamond, Dia...

Ella Gafter Ruby and Diamond Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted heated rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately 29 carats. The design is complete with bridges set with 2.20 carats of top qu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ruby Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The pearl earrings feature two decorative rubies accented with a diamond in the center and set in a crown of round diamonds. The total weight of diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS) is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, Black Pearl, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White ...

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Pearl Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The elegant ruby and diamond earrings feature 6 faceted drop shape heated Mozambique rubies of homogeneous brilliance for a total of 12 carats. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This multicolor line bracelet features 6 rectangular sections set with custom cut square calibrated blue sapphires and rubies, as well as princess cut yellow sapphires. The connectin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White ...

Ella Gafter Diamond Flower Tree Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The flower diamond brooch features five leaves or petals around a large and lustrous South Sea pearl. The leaves and stem are each accented by a ribbon of custom cut baguette shaped ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sapphir...

Ella Gafter Ruby Princess Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ruby and diamond cocktail ring features a central row of princess-cut diamonds (0.68 carats) flanked by a row of custom-cut tapered ruby baguettes (2.87 carats). The design is c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Heart Shape Ruby Diamond Color Line Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The heart shaped ruby and diamond line bracelet features a row of especially calibrated square rubies from Thailand (12.60 carats). The clasp consists of a heart shape ruby (1.45 car...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Briolette Tassel Chandelier Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The ruby and diamond drop earrings feature 6 ruby briolettes for a total of approximately 35.50 carats in a playful and flexible design. The earring is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Flexible Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately10 carats. The design is complete with bridges set with 1.50 carats of top quality di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Oval Ruby Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This ruby and diamond bracelet features 6 oval cut rubies of pigeon blood color for a total of 11.54 carats. The design is set with 11.25 carats of round diamonds en pavé, and 2.75 c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Art Déco style Ruby Diamond Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This ruby and diamond bracelet features 7 oval cut heated Mozambique rubies of pigeon blood color for a total of 45.07 carats. The rubies are intertwined with gold sections set with ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Crystal, White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter Ruby Diamond Flexible Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
The ruby bracelet features oval cut faceted rubies of brilliant hues for a total of approximately10 carats. The design is complete with bridges set with 1.50 carats of top quality di...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ella Gafter South Sea Pearl Ruby Diamond Stick Pin
Located in New York, NY
This pearl and diamond stick pin features an 17.5mm pearl atop a corolla set with custom cut baguette rubies of brilliant color (1.41 carats) flanked by round diamonds. The chain is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Ruby Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage and Antique Ruby Jewelry for Sale 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.

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