Object of the Day: An Antique Ruby Stickpin

A gentleman’s stickpin was an excellent way for him to express his personality, passions and temperament. Very often, stickpins of the mid-Nineteenth Century featured luscious gemstones and pearls. While diamonds were predominately the stuff of evening ware, a man could add some pizzazz to his daytime wardrobe with a beautiful gemstone.


This stickpin of the British standard 15 karat gold dates to the 1850’s and is adorned with a large Burmese ruby. Refracting the light in bright red, pinks and violet, this ruby is remarkably clear and set in a simple claw-like prong. Considered a symbol of friendship and love, ruby jewelry was often given as a gift by a spouse, a lover or an intimate friend. Those who believed in the spiritual power of gemstones, thought the ruby to be the most powerful stone in the world—offering peace and contentment to those who wore it.