Victorian 7.80ct Sapphire and Diamond Bangle, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Expertly crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, this handcrafted bracelet is 17cm in width and a true beauty of Victorian jewellery design. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Oval Cut Ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.95ct Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The brooch itself in delicately hand crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 0.95 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Silver Age: 1880s
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.30ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Incredible detailed carving can be seen on each side of the ring and down the shoulders, all done by hand in the 1880s. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Carat Weight: 1.30 Metal:...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.85ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Handcrafted in 18 carat yellow gold, this piece is classically Victorian in its stylings. Gemstone: Sapphire & Diamond Stone Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: 1.85ct & 0.48ct Co...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
The carved patterns also follows around the gallery, all hand made in 18ct yellow gold. Gemstone: Ruby, Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal: 18ct Yellow G...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Unusually for the time, each stone has been set in platinum, then sat upon an exquisitely carved band of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: ...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 3.10ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning cluster ring dates back to the 1880s. At it’s heart sits a beautiful Sri Lankan Sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This 1880s cluster ring exudes Victorian charm, featuring a vibrant 0.40 carat sapphire at its centre.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The Bejewelled display sits upon a simple tapered band of 18 carat yellow gold finishing this hand crafted piece perfectly. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Cabochon Cut Carat Weight...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.30ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Earrings, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
These earrings are held onto the ear with pressure backs meaning pierced earrings are not essential to enjoy this wonderful piece. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Wei...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s in the height of the Victorian era, this beautiful three stone ring features a deep blue central sapphire flanked by diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.05ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Beautiful hand carving metalwork adorns the gallery and shank of this gorgeous ring crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 1.05 Meta...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.20ct Diamond and Sapphire Chain Bracelet, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond Carat Weight: 0.20 Stone Shape: Old Cut Colour: H Clarity: VS2 Metal: 15ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian 1.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Expertly hand crafted in rich 18 carat yellow gold, this ring is a wonderful example of Victorian craftsmanship. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 1.90 M...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 5.00ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Backed in 15 carat rose gold the brooch features a simple pin clasp keeping it firmly in place on the wearer. Gemstone: Pink Sapphire Stone Shape: Fancy old cuts, rose cuts & old eu...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.30 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Necklace, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
The bail and 23" chain are made from 15 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Sapphire & diamond Stone Shape: Cabochon Cut Carat Weight: 1.30 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Silver Age: 1880s
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The pair of sapphires are both 0.20 carat, with all three stones expertly claw set.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.20ct Sapphire and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring is crafted from 18 carat yellow gold and features elegant detailing across the gallery. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 2.20 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.80ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring is crafted from 18 carat yellow gold and features elegant detailing across the gallery. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 1.80 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Carving work adorns this stunning piece along gallery and shank, all hand carved from a single piece of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 2.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning piece is crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, with a beautifully carved gallery and shank, a classic design motif in Victorian craftsmanship. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shap...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 3.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Handcrafted in 18 carat yellow gold, this ring is classically Victorian in its design. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 3.00 Total Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold A...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.60ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880s, this stunningly hand crafted Victorian ring features a 0.60 carat oval cut sapphire at the centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.05ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Each stone has been claw set into platinum, whilst the gallery and band are crafted in 18 carat yellow gold with exquisite carved detailing, a hallmark of Victorian design. Gemstone...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 2.00 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring is finished with a tapered band of the same metal. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 2.00 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size: Q
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Crafted in 18 carat yellow gold the ring features elegant scroll carving work across the gallery and down the shank. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 0.90ct Me...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The ring itself is handcrafted in 18 carat yellow gold with each stone rub over set. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 0.40 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s S...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 8.00ct Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald Butterfly Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This one of a kind brooch from the 1880s is encrusted with a colourful collection of diamonds sapphire and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.60ct Diamond and Sapphire Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A single old cushion cut diamond is flanked by two beautiful sapphires in this classic Victorian carved shank ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.90ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Boat ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This hand crafted ring is a real statement piece. Gemstone: Pink Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut, Pear Cut Carat Weight: 0.90 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1880s Size: O 1/2
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Bug Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This whimsical and beautifully detailed piece, embodies the craftsmanship of the Victorian era. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold A...
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.65ct Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Beautifully hand crafted in the 1880s this Victorian cluster ring centralizes around a wonderful 0.65 carat Sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Opal butterfly brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
An incredible mix of diamonds, sapphires, rubies and opals encrust this hand crafted butterfly brooch from the Victorian era.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 15k Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The band shank and claws are all hand crafted from 18 carat yellow gold, beautifully highlighting the deep blue sapphire. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 M...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.45ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Hand carved metal work adorns the gallery and down the shoulders of this stunning piece, a hallmark of Victorian design. Gemstone: Pink Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Oval Cut Carat Weig...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.34 Carat Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Clover Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This pretty Victorian brooch features diamonds, ruby and sapphire forming a three-leaf clover. The clover is made up of an old cut diamond, ruby and sapphire, each weighing 0.10 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.70ct Diamond and Pink Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian five stone ring features a stunning combination of old cut diamonds and pink sapphires set in intricately carved 18 carat yellow gold.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.15 Carat Sapphire, Pearl and Diamond Bug Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
The little bug is made of silver and 15 carat rose gold, a popular combination of metals from that time. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.15 Metal: 15ct Rose...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Silver
1880s Austrian Basaltic Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive basaltic cabochon cut sapphire bracelet has been crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Blue Sapphire & Od Cut Diamond 18K Rose Gold Bangle, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
We are proud to introduce a spectacular authentic antique bangle bracelet, that now is part of our diverse antique jewellery collection. Crafted in 18 carat rose gold, this late Vic...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian 1880s Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This impressive antique 1880s bar brooch is fine quality set with rubies, sapphires and very high color graded old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.35ct Sapphire and Ruby Double Heart Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Rose Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Silver Age: 1880s Size: L
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1880s Russian Sapphire Rose Cut Diamonds Gold Bracelet
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique imperial russian era bracelet made in st moscow 1880s centered with 3 carats natural blue sapphires and 2 carats of rose cut diamonds with total 14k gold weight 19 grams hall...
Antique 1880s 2.46 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire & 1.05 Carat Diamond Rose Gold Bangle
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This stunning antique 1880's diamond and sapphire bangle is fine quality set with a natural blue sapphire and thirty-six very well color matched old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$2,983Sale Price|25% Off
Circa 1880s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Old Cut Diamond And Sapphire Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6 grams. Main old cut diamond is 0.83 ct . Totally is all old cut diamond about 3 ct. Totally is ruby and sapphire 0.25. Ring size is US 6.2 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
$6,400Sale Price|46% Off
Antique Snake Bracelet Double Head and Body 18k, 1880s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This bracelet is from the 1880's and boosts 1 Sapphire on its heads, one red and the other blue.
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Crescent Moon Pendant Sapphire Pearl 14k Gold Celestial
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian sapphire & pearl crescent moon pendant crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1880s to 1900s) Cornflower blue sapphires & pearls graduate in size from 2mm t...
Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18 Karat Gold Victorian Diamond Sapphire and Ruby Engagement Ring, 1880s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period....
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Sold|$5,264
Victorian 3.30ct Sapphire Bracelet, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This uniquely designed bracelet dates back to the 1880s. Featuring a total of thirty three oval cut Sapphires, that sit at a total weight of 3.30 carat.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian Sapphire Ring .40ct Round Solitaire Original 1880's-1890's Flower
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1880's-1890's Sapphire Ring .45ct Round Solitaire Original Victorian Flower Features a Genuine Natural .40ct Round Sapphire Gemstone Center Hand Fabr...
Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Sapphire Cabochon and Diamond Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A very aesthetic and beautiful sapphire cabochon and old cut diamond brooch, Victorian, ca. 1880s.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
The design would have been carved expertly, making this ring truly unique. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Carat Weight: 0.50 centre Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: Victorian, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring was made in the 1880s by an excellent jeweller of the time. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
The carved patterns also follows around the gallery, all hand made in 18ct yellow gold. Gemstone: Ruby, Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Metal: 18ct Yellow Go...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Handcrafted in 18 carat yellow gold, this piece is classically Victorian in its stylings. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.40 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 188...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Double Clip Bow Brooch, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A lovely Victorian double clip bow brooch with diamonds and sapphires, ca. 1880s. The diamonds are old European and cushion cut diamonds, weighing approximately 10 carats in total.
Diamond, Sapphire
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Cushion Carat Weight: 0.80 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size: L
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.
The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.
Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs.
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.
On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry.
Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.
Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.
America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.
The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.
You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.
Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).
The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)
Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Graves filled scores of opulent rooms with furniture and treasures to tell the story of how new money remade New York society.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Representing everlasting love, serpentine often appear on fashionable gems from the era on Queen Victoria.
A new show at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, in Providence, reveals why the various and sundry creations of the Gorham Manufacturing Company still shine.
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Enriching rooms with layers of visual interest is key to the New York– and Toronto-based decorator’s signature style.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.