3.82CT Blue Sapphire & Diamond Vintage 1970's Platinum Cocktail Ring GIA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1970's Cluster Cocktail Ring 3.05ct Blue Oval Sapphire GIA Report .77ct Brilliant Round & Marquise Diamonds F-G Color VS Clarity 3.04 & .77 Stamped inside The Ring...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1.55 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive 1970s sapphire cocktail ring with diamonds is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970's Yellow Ceylon 7.80 Carats Sapphire Diamond Onyx 18k Heart Cocktail ring
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage 1980's wide GIA certified Sri Lankan Yellow Sapphire & Diamond ring is the perfect statement ring. Crafted in solid heavy 18K yellow gold, the center is adorned by a ...
Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Monture Cartier Burmese Sapphire Ring, circa 1970
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Vintage Monture Cartier Burmese sapphire ring. Set to centre with an oval cabochon natural unenhanced Burmese sapphire in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 4...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1970s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive sapphire and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s 1.94 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1970s 1.94 carat sapphire and 0.87 carat diamond, platinum cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
18K Solid Gold Blue Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the timeless elegance of the 18K Solid Gold Blue Sapphire Cocktail Ring, a classic vintage piece that exudes sophistication and charm. Crafted in the 1970s, this luxuriou...
Blue Sapphire, Gold
AGL Certified Red Sapphire & Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
AGL Certified Red Sapphire & Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring 1 round cut red sapphire surrounded by pear shape & round cut diamonds. Sapphire Weight: 5.32 cts Ring Size: 6 Resizab...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Majestic Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Majestic Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring This stunning Natural Cabochon Sapphire Cocktail Ring features a captivating 9.71-carat cabochon sapphire as its centerpiece, ce...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Diamonds, Sapphires, Green Agate, Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Vintage cocktail ring in 14k rose gold structure with flowery decorations on diamonds, blue sapphires and little flowers of green agate. The origin of this ring goes back to the 1970...
Agate, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamonds Sapphires 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
This distinctive ring showcases a harmonious blend of 14-karat yellow gold and sterling silver, creating a vintage-inspired piece with a contemporary edge. It features a unique array...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 5.25ct Sapphire 1.33ct Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 5.25 Carat blue sapphire and 1.33 Carat diamond, 14 karat white gold cluster ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry collections. This stun...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Sapphires Diamonds Pearl Yellow Gold 14 Carat Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French vintage emerald sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking French vintage cocktail ring centers on a richly colored cabochon cut emerald weighing approximately 4.20 carats, displaying a smooth domed surface that emphasizes the ...
Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring. Carre Cut Sapphire Round Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Age: Vintage Era: 20th Century Era, Circa 1970 Primary Stone: Sapphire Primary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.8-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Carré Cut Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondar...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
1.94 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 1.07 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.94 carat Basaltic sapphire and 1.07 carat diamond, platinum ballerina ring; part of our sapphire jewelry collection. This stunning, fine an...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Pair of Diamond, Sapphire & Ruby Rings in 18K White Gold, circa 1970
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Pair of Diamond, Sapphire & Ruby Rings in 18K White Gold, circa 1970 A magnificent and highly versatile pair of vintage rings, crafted in luxurious 18K white Gold and designed to...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold
Platinum Cocktail Ring by Bucherer Ceylon Sapphire Marquise Baguette Diamonds
By Bucherer
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Beautriful and timeless Platinum 950 Cocktail Ring featuring 1 fine cornflower blue Ceylon Sapphire weighing ca 1 ct, flanked by 3 marquise shape Diamonds on each side weighing appro...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
CARTIER Paris Cocktail Ring 18Kt Yellow Gold With 3.73 Cwt Sapphires & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Sapphires cocktail ring designed by Cartier. This is a beautiful vintage cocktail ring created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier, back in the late 1970's.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
Spessartine Garnet Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
The center piece of this beautifully designed and masterfully handcrafted 1970s ring is a gem vivid orange Spessartine Garnet weighing 5.86 carats. This gem would also be classified ...
Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Piaget Enamel Invisible Set Sapphire Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Piaget
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Invisible Set Sapphire Enamel Ring by Piaget. With 8 princess cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approx. 1.20ct 16 princess cut sapphires total w...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel
Diamonds, Emeralds, Blue Sapphires, 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 7.32ct Oval Yellow Sapphire, 1970s
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a vibrant oval yellow sapphire weighing approximately 7.32 carats. The sapphire displays a warm, golden hue with lively ...
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
2.20 Carat Sapphire and 2.54 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 2.20 carat sapphire and 2.54 carat diamond, 14 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Retro Gold 4.75 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ballerina Ring Circa 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14K yellow gold ballerina ring, circa 1970, centered with a cushion-shaped natural blue sapphire weighing approximately 2.75 carats and measuring about 9.3 × 7.7 × 4.5 mm. The ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
GIA Certified Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ballerina Ring Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.26 carat sapphire, 2.75 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold set ballerina ring; part of our diverse vintage sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
MODERNIST Cluster Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold 5.46 Ctw Diamonds & Yellow Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring with a vivid yellow sapphire. This is a beautiful classic cluster cocktail ring, carefully crafted in white and yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. T...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Yel...
French GIA 8.00 carat Ceylon sapphire diamond 18k two tone gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This bold French vintage cocktail ring centers on an extraordinary cushion cut blue sapphire weighing approximately 8.00 carats, certified by GIA #2231903800 and sourced from Ceylon,...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
GIA CERTIFIED Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 15.40 Ctw Sapphire And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring with natural Ceylon sapphire and diamonds. Stupendous asymmetric cocktail ring mounted with a big natural Ceylon star sapphire gemstone. The beautiful modernist ring a...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 4 carat purple star sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring from the 1970s features a captivating 4 carat cabochon cut purple star sapphire, known for its natural asterism. Surrounded by 25 round brilliant cut diamonds total...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA CERTIFIED Huge Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 54.31 Ctw Sapphire & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring with a huge star sapphire certified by the GIA. This is a gorgeous oversized cocktail ring, created with a huge and bold look and great eye appeal. The ring mounting h...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, Wh...
Aquamarine Sapphires Rubies Emeralds Diamonds Rose Gold and Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver, (length 3.1 cm x 2.7 cm width), studded with 0.50 ct of diamonds, 1.92 ct of sapphires, rubies, emeralds and 3.30 g of milk aquamarine. ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sapphire Cocktail Ring, circa 1970s
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold and sapphire cocktail ring, circa 1970s. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, of bombé design, the dome fully set with numerous sapphire baguettes and tra...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Gold Imperial Topaz Blue Sapphire Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This 14k gold ring is set with three oval imperial topaz, framed by blue sapphires and diamond accents in a domed cluster. The mix of warm yellow topaz and cool blue sapphires create...
Diamond, Sapphire, Imperial Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 18k Yellow Gold 4.27ct Blue Sapphire Ring, Circa 1960-1970
Located in QUIMPER, FR
Crafted in 750/1000 yellow gold, this ring weighs 17.30 grams. Its broad, structured shank, with bold and substantial lines, highlights a central bezel-set motif, emphasizing the con...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
French GIA 13 carat emerald yellow sapphire diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This bold French cocktail ring dazzles with a GIA-certified 13 carat Brazilian emerald in a rare double cabochon cut. Framed by sunny yellow sapphires and brilliant white diamonds, i...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.48ct Madagascar Sapphire and 2.10ct Diamond 18ct White Gold Cluster Ring 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.48 carat unheated Madagascar sapphire and 2.10 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and 18 karat yellow gold set cluster ring; part of our div...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
BOUCHERON 18K Yellow Gold 0.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Ring circa 1970
By Boucheron
Located in Broomall, PA
BOUCHERON 18K Yellow Gold 0.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Ring Simple and stylish, this Boucheron ring is a classic piece that will never go out of style. Inset Diamonds with a total w...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage diamond sapphire platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This bold vintage ring from the 1970s showcases a brilliant round cut diamond at its center, weighing approximately 0.70 carats, with bright F-G color and SI clarity that delivers cr...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 9.56 Carat Blue Sapphires and Opal Center Cluster Cocktail Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 9.56 Carat Blue Sapphires and Opal Center Cluster Cocktail Ring 14k Gold. Very impressive cocktail ring featuring 8 sapphires that are pear shaped weighting approx 8.40 carat...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
The center piece of this 1970s cocktail ring is a gorgeous deep saturated yellow sapphire weighing 6.66 carats. The center gem is surrounded by 16 bright white sparkly round brillian...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 4.35 Carat Vivid Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
A vivid purplish pink round brilliant cut natural corundum sapphire is GIA Certified and is prong set in 14 karat white gold. It is surrounded by prong and channel set long tapered...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Carre Cut Sapphire Diamond Ring Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage cocktail ring showcases a row of carré cut sapphires, with an approximate total weight of approx. 0.8-carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage sapphire and diamond ring is a beautifully refined jewel from the 1970’s, crafted in warm 18k yellow gold with a timeless combination of rich blue color and bright diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 12 Carat Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
An exquisite genuine Art Deco style ring handcrafted in 18 kt gold by master jewelers, featuring an amazing rare vivid 12,24 carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire cushion-shape, surrounded ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Oscar Heyman Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k rose gold with Square cut Sapphires weighing approximately a total of 1.15 carat and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.35 carat. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage ruby sapphire 18k yellow gold architectural hammered ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage ruby and sapphire ring is a bold 1970’s design, full of texture, color, and sculptural presence. Featuring 11 round cut sapphires and rubies weighing approximat...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.70 carat ruby sapphire 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage ring is a colorful and sculptural jewel from the 1970’s, crafted in warm 14k yellow gold with a beautiful combination of ruby and sapphire. The design has a bol...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar Heyman Diamond and Sapphire Ring Circa 1970s
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and refined vintage ring by Oscar Heyman, dating to the 1970s, crafted in 18K yellow gold with a platinum setting for the gemstones, consistent with the brand’s traditiona...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire
Vintage 1970s Cabochon Ruby & Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow and white gold with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 4.00 carats and a Cabochon Sapphire weighing approximately 4.00 carats, surrounded by approxim...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 8.51 Carat Aquamarine 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1970s retro 8.51 carat aquamarine and 0.06 carat diamond, 18k yellow and white gold set dress ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage aquamari...
Diamond, Sapphire, Aquamarine, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Topaz, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by sapphires and diamonds. This elegant object combines solid 9 kt gold and solid 800 sil...
Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage 1970s 22.79 Carat Cabochon Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an AGTA certified Cabochon Sapphire weighing 22.79 carats. The ring features Baguette cut and pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$5,440Sale Price|37% Off
Stunning Diamond & Sapphire 18K Gold Enamel Snake Vintage Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1970's Snake Ring 3.38cts Stunning Diamonds, Yellow Sapphires, and Tsavorite Garnet Eyes The Stones are Set in Pink and Black Enamel 1.75 Inches Long Size 5.5 18KT Yellow...
Diamond, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Enamel
GIA Certified 4.15 Carat Oval Thai Sapphire & Diamond in Platinum Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A GIA certified 4.15 carat oval Thai blue sapphire and 1.32 carat total weight diamond double halo platinum vintage cocktail ring from the 1970s, featuring 30 round brilliant and 24 ...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Amethyst & Blue Sapphire Halo Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite vintage 10K yellow gold cocktail ring, designed around a vibrant 5.5 ct oval-cut amethyst measuring 14 × 10 mm, surrounded by 20 round blue sapphires of approximately 0....
Amethyst, Blue Sapphire, 10k Gold
Vintage 1970s Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive 1970s sapphire and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.
A flashy symbol of wealth during the early 20th century, antique and vintage cocktail rings have gained broader appeal in the decades since for the hefty dose of glamour they bring to any ensemble.
Cocktail rings earned their name for their frequent appearances during glitzy cocktail parties at the height of the Prohibition era. Back then, these accessories were seen not only as statement pieces but as statements in and of themselves. They openly represented a sense of freedom and independence as well as a demonstration of opulence. After all, the 1920s heralded the Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco design, and a slew of social and cultural shifts meant that women in particular were breaking from pre–World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.
Women expressly wore cocktail rings on the fingers of their right hand versus the left, which was “reserved” for an engagement ring or wedding band, accessories definitely paid for by a suitor. And for cocktail rings, the bigger the colored gem at the center — which is usually mounted in a high setting — and the more elaborate the design, the stronger the likelihood of being noticed.
Cocktail rings remained a popular piece of jewelry for women until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the onset of war marked a change in behaviors nationwide. While the 1960s and ’70s saw a return in visibility for the accessory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that cocktail rings once again assumed their position as a beacon of luxury and glitz.
During the 20th century, the range of dazzling cocktail rings seems to have been limitless, from glimmering gold rings set with carved jade diamonds designed by David Webb to Pomellato’s pink quartz confections to striking Gucci butterfly rings with accent diamonds set in a pavé fashion.
So, how do you wear a cocktail ring? Cocktail rings “can be worn for almost anything — dinners, date nights, parties, special events, on the red carpet,” explains David Joseph of New York-based jewelry brand Bochic.
Can you wear cocktail rings with other rings? “In my opinion, cocktail rings should stand on their own since they showcase a large gem in the center,” says Joseph.
These glamorous jewels can be worn inside or outside crowded taverns, in either daytime or nighttime with casual or dressy attire. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage cocktail rings, including those offered by Chanel, whose elegant cocktail rings often feature pearls and, of course, diamonds, and sometimes were styled after showy flowers like the camellia, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose detailed and intricate designs are viewed as miniature pieces of wearable art.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
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Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.