C. 1970 Vintage Turquoise and Ruby-Accented Bird Pin in 18kt Yellow Gold

18KT: Karat (abbreviated kt or K) is a unit that indicates the purity of gold in the metal. 18kt is 75% gold. In Europe, 18K yellow gold is most favored and used in jewelry.

YELLOW GOLD: Gold is a precious metal with a natural yellow color. It is quite soft and often alloyed with other metals to increase its strength. The purity of the metal is indicated by a unit called a "karat," with 24kt having the highest percentage of natural gold.

PUSH-PULL: Seen mostly on estate pins, a push-pull safety is a tube-like mechanism that slides over the end of the pin to secure it.

TURQUOISE: Typically polished and featuring a cabochon cut, turquoise is prized for its depth of color and the visual interest found in veins of matrix stone. Prized as a gemstone for 1000's of years, legend holds that turquoise has protective qualities.

CABOCHON: A style of cutting gemstones to achieve a smooth, domed surface with an absence of facets.

OVAL: An elliptical shape that resembles an egg.

RUBY: A bold fiery stone, the ruby is a symbol of wealth, vitality and love. When cut and polished, the ruby's high luster is as dazzling as a diamond's. Ruby jewelry makes the perfect gift for loved ones and is the birthstone for July.