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45 Carat Blue Sapphire

45 Carat Star Sapphire Ceylon No Heat Blue Art Deco Pendant
45 Carat Star Sapphire Ceylon No Heat Blue Art Deco Pendant

45 Carat Star Sapphire Ceylon No Heat Blue Art Deco Pendant

Located in Miami, FL

Art Deco era natural Ceylon blue star sapphire pendant featuring 45-carat cabochon-cut sapphire in

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

45 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
45 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold

45 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold

Located in Chicago, IL

An exceptional necklace showcasing a total weight of 45 carats, set in 18K white gold. Sapphires

Category

2010s American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Peter Suchy .45 Carat Sapphire Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Peter Suchy .45 Carat Sapphire Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

Peter Suchy .45 Carat Sapphire Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

By Peter Suchy

Located in Stamford, CT

A classic style ring with a .45 carat round sapphire center accompanied by two side diamonds

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

45 Carat Gray Blue Star Sapphire and Baguette Diamond Platinum Statement Ring
45 Carat Gray Blue Star Sapphire and Baguette Diamond Platinum Statement Ring

45 Carat Gray Blue Star Sapphire and Baguette Diamond Platinum Statement Ring

Located in Montreal, QC

Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 45 Carat Gray Blue Star Sapphire. Surrounded by 5.00tcw

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Warrior Pendant Necklace
Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Warrior Pendant Necklace

Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Warrior Pendant Necklace

By Meghna Jewels

Located in Hoffman Estate, IL

carats blue sapphire & .45 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Warrior Pendant Necklace
Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Warrior Pendant Necklace

Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Warrior Pendant Necklace

By Meghna Jewels

Located in Hoffman Estate, IL

carats blue sapphire & .45 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

18k Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Necklace
18k Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Necklace

18k Yellow Gold Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Necklace

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

five cabochon-cut rubies totaling 45 carats and four cabochon-cut blue sapphires totaling 25 carats

Category

Vintage 1970s Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bochic Capri Vintage 18K Gold & Silver Necklace, 74ct Multi Gemstones
Bochic Capri Vintage 18K Gold & Silver Necklace, 74ct Multi Gemstones

Bochic Capri Vintage 18K Gold & Silver Necklace, 74ct Multi Gemstones

By Bochic

Located in New York, NY

Natural Lemon Quartz - 45 Carats Natural Blue Sapphire - 15 Carats Natural Aquamarine - 7 Carats

Category

Late 20th Century Thai Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Multi-...

Recent Sales

Marina B 1980s Diamond Ruby  Sapphire  Gold Collar necklace
Marina B 1980s Diamond Ruby  Sapphire  Gold Collar necklace

Marina B 1980s Diamond Ruby Sapphire Gold Collar necklace

By Marina B

Located in London, GB

a central cabochon ruby of 15 carats and additional 45 carats blue sapphire. Marina Bvlgari

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

.45 Carat Old European Diamond and Montana Sapphire Toi et Moi Gold Ring
.45 Carat Old European Diamond and Montana Sapphire Toi et Moi Gold Ring

.45 Carat Old European Diamond and Montana Sapphire Toi et Moi Gold Ring

By Baker & Black

Located in Brooklyn, NY

and sapphire toi et moi ring when he proposed in 1796. • .45ct Old European cut diamond (K VS1

Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

14K Yellow Gold Natural Yellow Sapphire Cabochon Diamond Ear Clips
14K Yellow Gold Natural Yellow Sapphire Cabochon Diamond Ear Clips

14K Yellow Gold Natural Yellow Sapphire Cabochon Diamond Ear Clips

Located in London, GB

Retro Period 14 Karat Gold Yellow Sapphire Cabochon (Circa 45 Carats) Diamond And Blue Sapphire

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold

.45 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
.45 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet

.45 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet

Located in Stamford, CT

24 round diamond accents. Fits a 7 to 7.5 Inch wrist 2 marquise blue sapphires, approx. .45cts 24

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

.45 Carat Round Cut Sapphirand Diamond Earrings, 14k Gold Pierced Huggie Hoops
.45 Carat Round Cut Sapphirand Diamond Earrings, 14k Gold Pierced Huggie Hoops

.45 Carat Round Cut Sapphirand Diamond Earrings, 14k Gold Pierced Huggie Hoops

Located in Greensboro, NC

, these NEW earrings showcase silky blue sapphires and glittering diamonds set in 14k white gold. Metal

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Modernist Blue and Yellow Sapphire Silver Cocktail Ring
Modernist Blue and Yellow Sapphire Silver Cocktail Ring

Modernist Blue and Yellow Sapphire Silver Cocktail Ring

By Baume

Located in Poitiers, FR

. Weight of gemstones: 3 cabochon sapphires: 23 carats approximately, 45 blue sapphires of paving: 0.40

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver

Bochic “Capri” Vintage Lemon Quartz, Aquamarine & Sapphire Necklace Set 18K & S
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Lemon Quartz, Aquamarine & Sapphire Necklace Set 18K & S

Bochic “Capri” Vintage Lemon Quartz, Aquamarine & Sapphire Necklace Set 18K & S

By Bochic

Located in New York, NY

Natural Lemon Quartz - 45 Carats Natural Blue Sapphire - 15 Carats Natural Aquamarine - 7 Carats

Category

Late 20th Century Thai Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Go...

Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet
Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet

Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet

Located in Mount Kisco, NY

bracelet are nine square cut .05 carat blue sapphires, .45 carat total weight accented by twenty .01 carats

Category

2010s Italian Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bochic “Capri” Lemon Quartz, Aquamarine & Sapphire Necklace Set 18K & Silver
Bochic “Capri” Lemon Quartz, Aquamarine & Sapphire Necklace Set 18K & Silver

Bochic “Capri” Lemon Quartz, Aquamarine & Sapphire Necklace Set 18K & Silver

By Bochic

Located in New York, NY

Quartz - 45 Carats Natural Blue Sapphire - 15 Carats Natural Aquamarine - 7 Carats Natural Pink

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Retro Drop Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate,...

White Gold Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Pear Shaped Pendant Necklace
White Gold Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Pear Shaped Pendant Necklace

White Gold Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Pear Shaped Pendant Necklace

Located in Columbia, MO

features a .45 carat, oval cut, natural, blue sapphire that is prong set oriented horizontally. The pendant

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gol...

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Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr

Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr

Located in SE

Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Baroque Revival Solitaire Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Moschino Photo Print Velvet Dress
Moschino Photo Print Velvet Dress

Moschino Photo Print Velvet Dress

By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous velvet dress by Moschino in an elaborate print of words and photos in beige, brown, and black. The print is amazingly detailed with photo prints of silent screen stars, w...

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

17 Carat Blue Sapphire Oval Cabochon Gold Full Cut Round Diamonds Cocktail Ring
17 Carat Blue Sapphire Oval Cabochon Gold Full Cut Round Diamonds Cocktail Ring

17 Carat Blue Sapphire Oval Cabochon Gold Full Cut Round Diamonds Cocktail Ring

By Tutti Frutti Jewellery

Located in Bangkok, TH

17 Carat Blue Sapphire Oval Cab ring ( 17,5 mm x 13 mm ) set with 3,3 grams of 14 kt white gold. 12 round full cut diamonds of 0,05 ct. each = 0,6 ct total diamonds weight Ring Shan...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Art Deco 6.00 Carat Bluish Grey Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Art Deco 6.00 Carat Bluish Grey Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Art Deco 6.00 Carat Bluish Grey Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Awesome Bluish Grey Star Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Bluish Grey Star Sapphire, weighing appr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Cartier Pave Diamond 18k White Gold Heart Shaped Pendant Necklace
Cartier Pave Diamond 18k White Gold Heart Shaped Pendant Necklace

Cartier Pave Diamond 18k White Gold Heart Shaped Pendant Necklace

By Cartier

Located in Simpsonville, SC

Unveil your inner romantic with the Cartier Diamond 18k White Gold Heart Shaped Pendant Necklace, a symbol of love and elegance that captures the essence of Cartier's timeless crafts...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier 53ct Star Sapphire Cabochon Platinum Diamond Ring
Cartier 53ct Star Sapphire Cabochon Platinum Diamond Ring

Cartier 53ct Star Sapphire Cabochon Platinum Diamond Ring

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

Impressive Cartier platinum ring, featuring center star sapphire cabochon - stone is approx. 53ct by formula, measuring approx. 18.3 x 17.8 x 15mm. Set with side baguette diamonds, a...

Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Rolex Day Date 40 Presidential 228348RBR Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Dial Bezel
Rolex Day Date 40 Presidential 228348RBR Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Dial Bezel

Rolex Day Date 40 Presidential 228348RBR Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Dial Bezel

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Rolex Day Date 40 Presidential 228348RBR Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Dial Bezel The Rolex Yellow Gold President Day Date 40 228348RBR is a wristwatch with an analog display. It has ...

Category

2010s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage Seaman Schepps Pearl 3 Strand Necklace w/ Synthetic Spinel Gold Clasp
Vintage Seaman Schepps Pearl 3 Strand Necklace w/ Synthetic Spinel Gold Clasp

Vintage Seaman Schepps Pearl 3 Strand Necklace w/ Synthetic Spinel Gold Clasp

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Montclair, NJ

--Stone(s):-- Numerous Genuine Cultured Potato Pearls - Near Round Bead Shape -Cream Color w/ Pink Overtone - Range from 5.4-10.52mm (approx.) (1) Synthetic Spinel - Emerald Cut - P...

Category

20th Century Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Spinel, Gold, White Gold

1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim
1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim

1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim

By Nina Ricci

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Elegant couture made late 1960's black silk cocktail dress with fitted corset bustier and dark brown mink fur trimmed bodice. The full skirt adds a touch of volume to the dress. Hand...

Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Hermes Birkin HSS 35 Porosus Crocodile Black Red La Rosee One of a Kind Bag
Hermes Birkin HSS 35 Porosus Crocodile Black Red La Rosee One of a Kind Bag

Hermes Birkin HSS 35 Porosus Crocodile Black Red La Rosee One of a Kind Bag

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an extraordinary one of a kind Hermes 35 Birkin HSS bag. Black porosus crocodile with the dewdrop detailed La Rosee red velvet rose on front. This special order B...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Cartier Diamond Emerald Platinum Riviera Necklace
Cartier Diamond Emerald Platinum Riviera Necklace

Cartier Diamond Emerald Platinum Riviera Necklace

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

1970s platinum diamond riviera V-shape necklace with emerald diamond pendant. The approximate total diamond weight is 15 carats and the pear shaped emerald approximately 2.60 carats....

Category

Vintage 1970s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vivienne Westwood taupe lace and knitted adjustable bra, ss 1996
Vivienne Westwood taupe lace and knitted adjustable bra, ss 1996

Vivienne Westwood taupe lace and knitted adjustable bra, ss 1996

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in London, GB

Vivienne Westwood taupe rib-knit bra with lace trim and drawstring bow fastening Spring-Summer 1996

Category

1990s British Bras

Thierry Mugler Tuxedo Jumpsuit 1980s
Thierry Mugler Tuxedo Jumpsuit 1980s

Thierry Mugler Tuxedo Jumpsuit 1980s

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black jumpsuit by Thierry Mugler. It has a tuxedo influence with silk peak lapels, flap pockets and decorative snaps closing the double breasted front and one at each cuf...

Category

1980s French Jumpsuits

GIA Certified 45.18 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
GIA Certified 45.18 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

GIA Certified 45.18 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

Vintage 1920's translucent 45.18 carat star sapphire Art Deco cocktail ring. Platinum setting accented with trapezoid, kite and round diamonds. GIA certified no heat, no enhancement...

Category

Early 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Chanel 90s Vintage Canvas & Leather Duffle Bag
Chanel 90s Vintage Canvas & Leather Duffle Bag

Chanel 90s Vintage Canvas & Leather Duffle Bag

$2,799Sale Price|20% Off

H 11 in W 8 in L 20 in

Chanel 90s Vintage Canvas & Leather Duffle Bag

By Chanel

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Chanel late 80s early 90s canvas and leather quilted duffle bag. Gold tone hardware. Handle drop 6.5". Detachable strap measures 44". Small glue residue on top, interior smell due to...

Category

1990s Italian Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags

Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse
Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse

Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse

By Rozae Nichols

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic Rozae Nichols charcoal gray ombre trapeze top! 100% silk, with hundreds of sequins encrusted throughout the entire blouse. Adjustable straps, so you can make shorter or longer. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Blouses and Tops

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45 Carat Blue Sapphire For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 45 carat blue sapphire you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 28 vintage or 41 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect 45 carat blue sapphire may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 45 carat blue sapphire over the years, but those made by Peter Suchy, Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc. and Andreoli are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and cushion cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 45 carat blue sapphire, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 45 Carat Blue Sapphire?

On average, a 45 carat blue sapphire at 1stDibs sells for $5,200, while they’re typically $508 on the low end and $235,600 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Sapphire in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)  

Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.