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Antique Belle Epoque 18k Gold Platinum Diamond Ruby Large Pendant Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
. Stock Number: MK-460113396 Belle Epoque Large Dangle Pendant, with Platinum Handmade Chain.
Category

Antique 19th Century Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Large 14k Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Clover Pendant Charm
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous 14k yellow gold statement size large clover charm is set with a raised cluster of
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Chopard Happy Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Large Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Large Happy Diamond Ruby Necklace by Chopard. With 60 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Category

20th Century Swiss Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Large Puffed Crown Heart Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (20) Natural Genuine Rubies- Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Vivid Red Color - 0.60ctw
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ruby Cluster Fluted Grooved Large Heart Pendant Charm
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (5) Natural Genuine Ruby - Old Round Cut - Prong Set - Pinkish Red Color - 2.3mm Each
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Platinum GIA Pave Ruby Diamond Large Heart Pendant 14k Gold Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
large and slightly domed heart shaped pendant that is completely drenched in fine quality rubies and
Category

Vintage 1930s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage 14K Ruby Sapphire Pearl Large Charm Pendant
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, the pendant features a circular design with an openwork clock motif
Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hammerman Brothers Large Diamond Emerald and Ruby Gold Lion Brooch or Pendant
By Hammeran Brothes
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
Large 18K yellow gold lion brooch pendant by Hammerman Brothers. Set with two round cut emeralds
Category

Vintage 1960s American Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Large Leopard Pendant Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Eyes Onyx Animal
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed large vintage Leopard pendant (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 18k yellow gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Large Augis French Plus Hier Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Large Augis French Plus Qu’hier Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cazzaniga Large Gold and Gemstone Floral Pendant
By Cazzaniga
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 House of Cazzaniga 18K yellow Gold Floral form pendant, measuring 2 1/2 inches in length
Category

Early 2000s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Talento Italiano 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamonds and Ruby Pave Large Loop Pendant
By Talento Italiano
Located in Southampton, PA
Presented on a beautifully stylized chain, the ingeniously envisioned pendant gives a stunningly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Cartier Large Ruby Diamond Gold Le Baiser Du Dragon Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Necklace by Cartier. Part of Cartier's "Le Baiser Du Dragon" (Kiss of the
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 14K Large Poodle Charm Pendant
Located in Henderson, NV
Vintage 14K yellow gold large poodle pendant with a pearl collar and ruby eyes. Bright and textured
Category

Mid-20th Century American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Yellow Gold King of Diamonds Queen of Hearts Pendant Charm
Located in Palm Beach, FL
14kt yellow gold circular disk style pendant charm depicting the Queen of Hearts on one side and
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Heavy Elephant Pendant Vintage 18 Karat Gold Diamond Gemstones Large Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Elephant pendant crafted in 18k yellow gold. Diamonds total an estimated
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Spooktacular Large 18 Karat Gold Diamond Spider Web Pendant Necklace on Chain
Located in Tustin, CA
Spooktacular 18 Karat solid tri-color gold custom made large spider web necklace featuring a black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Gothic Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage 10K Cupid and Hearts Large Disc Charm Pendant
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 10K yellow gold, the pendant features a cupid design with a bow and arrow, accented by
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K "I Married an Angel" Large Charm Pendant
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, the pendant features a three dimensional angel figure holding a ruby
Category

Mid-20th Century American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1996 9ct Gold Large Articulated Clown Charm Necklace
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1996 charm necklace featuring a 9ct gold clown set with emerald, sapphire, ruby and diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold

Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Large Ruby Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold "Le Baiser Du Dragon" Ruby & Large Pendant Cord Necklace by Cartier. With 2 x 5mm
Category

Vintage 1980s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

18k Black Gold Pendant Earrings with Large Quartz and Ruby
Located in Vannes, FR
18 karat black gold pendant earrings with large quartz and rubies Art deco style earrings with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Quartz, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Vizantija Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Large Gold Cross Brooch Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vizantija Large Cross Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Pendant Brooch by Cartier
Category

20th Century French More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1980s Large Cabochon Sapphire Ruby diamond 18 Karat Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
. 25.32 carats Rubies: 6.40 carats Measures approx: 15 1/2" long Pendant Measures approx: 34mm x
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Large Pearl Ruby Gold Spider Brooch Pin Pendant Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant & Finely detailed Mid Century Modern Pearl and Ruby Brooch/Pendant set with a large Mabe
Category

Vintage 1950s Modernist Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

Large Impressive Yellow Gold Cats Eye Ruby Diamond Amethyst Owl Brooch Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 18K Yellow Gold Owl Brooch Pendant, measuring 2 5/8 inches in length X 1 3/8 inch wide
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Large Vintage Kurt Wayne 18k Gold Ruby Detailed Textured Ram Brooch Pin Pendant
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Montclair, NJ
Gold Weight: 28.40 Grams Stone(s): (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Vivid
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Beautiful 18 K Gold Enamel Sapphire Diamond and Ruby Brooch or Pendant
Located in Austin, TX
A large and beautifully hand made dragonfly brooch in 18K yellow gold with applied enamel, 13
Category

1990s Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ruby Turquoise Large Yellow Sputnik Pendant from Estate of Jackie Collins
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Ruby And Turquoise Large Sputnik Pendant from Estate of Jackie Collins. With
Category

20th Century Unknown More Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Large Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Plique-A-Jour Enamel 18 Karat Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, green, to blue color with minor loss consistent with age Wings are embellished with polished gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Plat...

18 Karat Gold and Platinum Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz Large Pendant
Located in Southampton, PA
pendant combines radiant 18K yellow gold and splendid platinum while the stunning topaz weighing 32.50
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Gold

David Webb Yellow Gold Large Cabochon Gem Combination Pendant Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A substantial 18k yellow gold eight-pointed combination brooch/pendant with a large center cabochon
Category

20th Century American Modern Brooches

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Large Chopard Happy Diamonds Heart Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A unique 18k yellow gold diamond and ruby Chopard necklace from the Happy Diamonds collection. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Yellow Gold Gem Set Knight to Remember Medallion Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A very large 14 karat yellow gold charm pendant designed as a gem set round medallion depicting a
Category

20th Century American Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14...

Large Ruby Sapphire Pendant
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Large ruby sapphire pendant. Large 14k yellow gold pendant depicting a scene from the famous
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chopard Happy Elephant Diamond Ruby Large Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Happy Elephant Diamond And Rubies Large Pendant Necklace by Chopard. With 22
Category

20th Century Swiss Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Large pearl and ruby pendant 14KT baroque pearl pendant cross
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Baroque natural pearl with ruby cross pendant, this piece is made with quality not glued but rather
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold

Chopard Large Happy Clown Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Gold Pendant Necklace
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Large Happy Clown Pendant Necklace by Chopard. With
Category

1990s Swiss Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Red Ruby Large Articulated Fish Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A large French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold charm pendant designed as an articulated fish with red
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Extra Large Ruby and Emerald Etruscan Style Cross Pendant in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
pendant itself is made of 18 karat yellow gold. The bodice of the cross is done in a brushed matte finish
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Etruscan Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique 18k Yellow Gold 5.17ctw GIA Oval No Heat Burma Ruby Large Cross Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous, large antique cross pendant was crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. The cross features
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold

Large Augis French Plus Qu’Hier Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Love Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Large Augis French Plus Qu’hier Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Love Charm Pendant
By A. Augis
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold, diamond and ruby love charm pendant with a rebus spelling out
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Sapphire, Ruby and Pearl Graduation Cap Large Charm or Pendant in 14 Karat Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
. Made with all genuine rubies and sapphire gemstones and 14k yellow gold with a florentine finish. The
Category

20th Century American Artisan Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Pearl Multi-Gemstone Pendant
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Large Pearl Multi-Gemstone Pendant. Large 14k yellow gold pendant with nine gemstones and four
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Amethyst, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Dankner 14k Gold Ruby and Blue TopazSpinning Mechanical Large Rare Charm
By Henry Dankner Sons
Located in New York, NY
spinning heart charm is no exception. The heart with crown is set with two large rubies on a heart
Category

Vintage 1960s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold

Rare Important 18KT Gold Large Malachite Diamond and Aquamarine Frog Pendant
Located in New York, NY
, Moonstone and Ruby Water Lily Pendant/Objet, consisting of a carved fluted malachite plaque in a lily pad
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, Malachite, Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Large Multi-Gemstone Pearl Floral Pendant
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Large Multi-Gemstone Pearl Floral Pendant. Large 14k yellow gold pendant with eleven gemstones
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold...

Large Love Charm
By A. Augis
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A huge love charm with ruby border, 18 carat gold on chain, 1970. weight: 13.9 grams. diameter
Category

Vintage 1970s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Ruby Gold Large Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold "Le Baiser Du Dragon" Ruby Large Pendant on a Black Cord Necklace by Cartier
Category

2010s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Large Yellow Gold Turquoise Ruby Diamond Love Heart Gypsy Caravan Charm Pendant
Located in London, GB
A large 14 karat yellow gold charm pendant designed as a disc with a 3-dimensional relief of a
Category

20th Century American Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yel...

Theo Fennell Diamond Rubies Large Skeleton Key White Gold Pendant
By Theo Fennell
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Rubies Large Skeleton Key Pendant by Theo Fennell. With Round brilliant cut
Category

20th Century British More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18K Gold Ruby Large Detailed Key w/ 2 Fish Serpent Brooch Pin Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
This statement vintage brooch or pendant is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a large
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Brooches

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and White Gold Large "furry friend", Pendant, circa 1935
Located in Aspen, CO
Diamonds set in 18K white gold in the motif of a cute "furry" friend, with a natural ruby eye. He
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Large Gripoix Orange Ruby Crystals Pearls Pendant Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Lucky Clover Flower Gripoix Cabochon Orange Ruby Crystals
Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate

Tivon 18ct White Gold large concentric circle Ruby, Sapphire Diamond Pendant
By TIVON FINE JEWELLERY
Located in Borehamwood, GB
'MERCURY RISING' - Feel the heat as you don this incredible creation crafted in 18ct white gold and
Category

2010s British Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

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Large Ruby Pendant Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of large ruby pendant gold you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 76 vintage editions and 13 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect item from our selection of large ruby pendant gold may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A choice in our collection of large ruby pendant gold from Cartier, Chopard and A. Augis — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. An object in our assortment of large ruby pendant gold of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Ruby, from our inventory of 57, is particularly popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cabochon cut and old european cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an option in this array of large ruby pendant gold, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Large Ruby Pendant Gold?

On average, a piece of large ruby pendant gold at 1stDibs sells for $3,850, while they’re typically $365 on the low end and $39,999 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Ruby in Jewelry Design

This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.

Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.

Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.

Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.

When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.

According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.

Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more. 

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Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.