$1,228Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.10 ct. The diamond is has G color and vvs clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.20 ct. Ring size is US 6 We can make an...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,018Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Princess Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.27 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.65 ct. Ring size is US 7.25 We c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,667Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Baguette Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.10 ct. The diamond is has G color and vs clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.75 ct. Ring size is US 6 We can make ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,940Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.85 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.55 ct. Ring size is US 5.7 We ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,930Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Oval Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.40 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 1.20 ct. Ring size is US 8.5 We can make...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,062Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.45 carat. The diamond is has H color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.65 carat. Ring size is US 6 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,095 / item
Vintage 1980s Tulip Sapphire Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Sapphire Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 2 grams Bulb Height: 9mm **If there is a certain size not listed please message me
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$2,720Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Pear Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.85 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs1-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 1.25 ct. Ring size is US 5 We can ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,711Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Round Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.36 ct. The diamond is has G-H colro and vvs-vs clarity. Totally is sapphire 1 ct. Ring size is US 5.75 We ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,711Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Baguette Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.25 carat. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Totally is sapphire about 0.40 carat. Ring size ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.97 carat sapphire and 0.48 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow and white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. T...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s 18k gold and 13c cabochon sapphire cocktail ring
Located in London, GB
This 18k gold cocktail ring's design is centred around a beautiful cabochon cut sapphire which weighs approximately 13 carats. The deep blue of the sapphire is enhanced by the yellow...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,940Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Emerald Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.6 grams. Totally main diamond 0.37 ct. Totally is all diamond 1.29 ct. The diamond is has F-G color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Totally is emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$2,281Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Sapphire Two Face Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Sapphire Two Face Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,238Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Emerald And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Emerald And Ruby Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Chaumet 1980s 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Sapphire Ring
By Chaumet
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Chaumet Origin: France Period: 1980s Material: 18K Yellow Gold Stone: Cabochon Sapphire, approx. 0.35 carat Weight: 9.50 grams Ring Size: 6 Hallmarks: CHAUMET Paris, Serial...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1980s Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fine Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Authentic antique jewelry - French work from the 1980s. Our opinion : This charming sapphire-diamond ring can be worn alone or in combination with other rings, with or without gemst...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
1980s Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.37 sapphire and 0.32 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry collections. This impress...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,764Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Oval Cut Sapphire Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10 grams. Totally is diamond 0.40 ct. The diamond is has I color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 9.75 Totally is sapphire 2.16 ct. Please c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,018Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Pear Cut Sapphire Snake Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.12 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 1.50 ct. Ring size is US 4.5 We can...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,842Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Cut Sapphire Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.10 ct. The diamond is has H color and vs clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.30 ct. Ring size is US 6 We can make a...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,667Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Oval Cut Sapphire Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.50 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.80 ct. Ring size is US 6.25 We...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18ct Gold French Hallmarked, 1980s 2 Carat Sapphire & 2.5 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Tiered Cluster Ring 18ct Gold French Hallmarked Circa 1980s Introducing a stunning 18ct yellow gold cluster ring from the 1980s, featuring a fabulous tiered design that s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Sri Lankan Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold, circa 1980s–1990s
Located in Roma, RM
This impressive vintage ring by Bvlgari dates to the late 1980s–1990s, a period during which the Roman Maison embraced bold architectural forms combined with exceptional gemstone qua...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
1980s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive sapphire and diamond band ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER 18k Yellow Gold, Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring Vintage 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Vintage 1980s 18k Yellow Gold, Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s 2.00 Carat Emerald Cur Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an Emerald cut Sapphire weighing approximately 2.00 carats. The ring features pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approxi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s 0.70 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold featuring a center Oval cut Sapphire weighing approximately 0.70 carat and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.50 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,720Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.90 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and s1 clarity. Total weight is sapphire about 1.50 ct. Ring size is...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s 14k Yellow Gold Sapphire Cocktail Ring, 6.9g Weight
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage sapphire ring is a refined expression of classic color and enduring design, showcasing a graceful arrangement of round brilliant cut sapphires that encircle the top of t...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980S Natural Burma Ruby Sapphire & Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Celebrate the beauty of nature’s finest gemstones with this exceptional Estate Burma Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond cocktail ring, masterfully crafted in solid 18K white gold. Designed ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby Tulip Flower Ring - Vintage 1980s ring
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Bulb Height: 10mm Weight: 5 grams Diamonds & Gemstones are Natural. Not enhanced, simulated o...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1980s 1.12 Carat Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Addison, TX
Circa: 1980s Metal Type: 14K gold Size: US 10.25 Weight: 16.3g Diamond Details: Cut: Baguette Carat: 0.50 carat total weight Color: G Clarity: VS Sapphire Details: Cut: Oval Cara...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 K Yellow Gold 1980s Cocktail Ring Sapphire Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Captivating cockatail Ring in 14 K yellow Gold featuring a lovely blue oval Sapphire weighing approximately 1.80 ct framed by Baguette and bBrilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
UnoAErre Italian 18K Gold Modernist Sapphire & Diamond Bar Ring, 1980s
By UnoAErre
Located in Miami, FL
Details: Designer: UnoAErre Origin: Arezzo, Italy Period: 1980s Metal: 18K Yellow Gold, Hallmarked 750 with UnoAErre maker’s stamp Sapphires: 4 Round-Cut, ~0.04 Carat Total Diamonds:...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning combined 0.88 carat ruby, sapphire and emerald, 0.93 carat diamond, 18 karat gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry collections. This fine and impressive...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Cluster, c.1980s
Located in London, GB
Set in platinum, with an elegant band of 18 carat yellow gold, this ring is full of Vintage charm. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 0.40 Colour: G Clarit...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s 1.74ct Cabochon Cut Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1.74 Ct sapphire and 0.57 Ct diamond, 18k yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s 1.22 Carat Cabochon Cut Sapphire 18 K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1.22 carat blue sapphire and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and estate collections. This fine and impressive cabochon...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s GIA Sapphire 8.70cts Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This beautiful floral cluster design cocktail ring, crafted in platinum and 18K gold, makes a vibrant and luxurious statement Jewelry piece. This stunning ring features an array of ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1980s 1.66 Carat Sapphire and 1.96 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1.96 carat diamond and 1.66 carat sapphire, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s 2.46 Carat Sapphire and 1.50 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 2.46 carat natural blue sapphire and 1.50 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cluster ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. Thi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s 2.54 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire and 1.16 Carat Marquise Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an Oval cut Sapphire weighing 2.54 carats, accented by Marquise cut Diamonds weighing a total of 1.16 carats. Circa 1980s Size 7 1/4, resizable
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Zorad 1980s Italian 18K Gold 15.64 Ct Citrine & 15 Ct Multi-Color Sapphire ring
Located in Miami, FL
A 1980s statement ring by Zorad, exquisitely crafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold.
Citrine, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Ring 2.26 Carat Oval Sapphire Tapered Baguettes
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful vintage 1980’s sapphire and diamond ring crafted in solid 18K gold, centered by a richly saturated natural Ceylon sapphire weighing 2.26 carats.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified .75 Oval Natural Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1980's sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Set with a dazzling .75ct GIA certified natural, no heat oval pink sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carre Cut Diamond Sapphire Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry 6.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond & sapphire ring (circa 1980s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
Vintage 1.32 Carat Sapphire and 0.52 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning 1980s blue sapphire and diamond ring in platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
French 1.90 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This 1980s sapphire and diamond ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.45 Carat Sapphire and 0.50 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive vintage 1980's sapphire and diamond ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Sortija Vintage de Oro Amarillo con Zafiros Cabujón y Zafiros Carré, Francia 198
Located in BILBAO, ES
A distinctive and sophisticated piece, ideal for collectors of vintage jewelry and lovers of bold designs featuring intensely blue gemstones. - Type of piece: Ring / Cocktail ring -...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
1980s 14K Yellow Gold Reddish Tourmaline and Natural Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is an exceptional ring that was made in the 1980s with both natural reddish pink tourmaline and blue sapphire, in 14k yellow gold.
Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. 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.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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