Victorian Ceylon Purple Sapphire and Diamond Rose Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Victorian 1.50 carat Ceylon purple sapphire and 0.12 carat diamond, 15 karat rose gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery collections.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 15k Gold, Rose Gold
$3,000Sale Price|36% Off
Victorian Purple Star Sapphire Ring, 1890s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
The centre stone of this lovely Victorian ring is a purple star sapphire. The sapphire is natural and a transparent stone with a beautiful star that is well centered and shows a dist...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Silver, Yellow Gold
Purple Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Purple Ceylon sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced purple Ceylon sapphire in an open back claw setting, with an approximat...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Purple Sapphire GIA and Diamond Filigree Platinum Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Show Stopper Oval Purple Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Statement Platinum Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
1.00 Carat Purple Sapphire No Heat Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's late Art Deco sapphire engagement ring. AGL certified center purple oval sapphire set in a simple platinum setting.
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
1890s Antique Purple Sapphire and Old Mine Cut Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
It is set with a purple-pink natural sapphire and two gorgeous, matching old mine cut diamonds in stunning Tiffany ”crown”-style settings.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Handmade 14k Yellow Gold 32ct Purple Star Sapphire Bezel Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Sapphire - Large Oval Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Great slightly shifty (Darker to Lighter purple) Purple Color - Nice Star - 17.5x13.8x12.5mm -...
Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Sapphire Unheated Purple Diamond GIA Ring Antique Old Mine 17.37 CTS!
Located in Sylvania, GA
GIA BREATHTAKING PLATINUM HUGE 17.37 CARAT UNHEATED PURPLE SAPPHIRE DIAMOND VINTAGE RING & BOX! GIANT 13.51 CARAT REGAL PURPLE GIA CERTIFIED RARE NO HEAT NATURAL SAPPHIRE.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.40ct Purple Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Art Deco cluster ring showcases a striking central baguette cut, purple sapphire elongated for a strong geometric silhouette that is classically Deco.
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring Purple Sapphire solid 18K Gold Siver Ø US7.25 / 3.2 gr
Located in SE
A ring from ca 1910s-1930s with navette - shaped Silver crown 20mm x 12mm decorated with cabochon cut lab made Purple/ Sapphire stone 10 x 8 x 4 mm / ca 3.5 ct that seems to change c...
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
20th Century Purple Sapphire Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. A feminine antique trilogy ring, it is adorned on its claws setting with an oval purple sapphire, flanked on either side by a half-pearl o...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow...
2.78 Carat Purple Octagon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Handmade circa 1920s natural untreated no heat purple Sapphire and diamonds in original Art Deco platinum setting. GIA Certified# 2135241870 1 octagonal Emerald cut purple Sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 17.15 Carat Purple Star Sapphire Diamond Gold Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Captivating vintage 1940s natural star sapphire and diamond cocktail engagement ring. 17.15cts deep purple sapphire in its original 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 2.62 Carat Purple Star Sapphire Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1940's Natural purple star Sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Synthetic Purple Sapphire and Enamel Ring of 10k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This striking Art Deco ring (circa 1920–1930) showcases a vivid purple foil-backed synthetic sapphire, accented with black and white enamel and framed by four luminous half pearls.
Pearl, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Enamel
1.78 Carat Purple Natural Sapphire Diamond Halo Art Deco Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's Art Deco Sapphire and diamond halo ring. AGL certified round center sapphire with a halo of 9 Old European diamonds, set in platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Victorian 1.80 Ct Certified Purple Ceylon Sapphire 2.0 Ct Diamond Navette ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Subtle Elegance This rare authentic Victorian ring is the emblem of beauty Outstanding navette, elongated shape, boasting the finest Victorian workmanship made during 1880 Focal poin...
Diamond, Sapphire
Purple Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Purple Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring.
Art Nouveau 1911 Star Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Unisex Griffon Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round shaped sapphire cabochon - milky purple in color and displaying a six rayed asterism Weighing approximately 4.16 carat total - flush set in a highly rendered groove...
Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
11.5 Carat GIA Certified Round Cut Synthetic Sapphire Engagement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Wallkill, NY
1920s Large 11.51 Carat Blue Synthetic Sapphire set in a stunning 14K White Gold Setting. Flanked by 2 Cabochons. Stone measuring 13.10 x 13.29 x 8.35 mm per GIA certification. Color...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Exceptional Antique 13.86 Carat Color-Change Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ri
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exquisite color change sapphire, weighing an impressive 13.86 carats, is the centerpiece of this revived Victorian ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.05 Carat Blue Violet Purple Sapphire Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's late Art Deco sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified 2.05ct rich purple oval center sapphire with 6 transitional cut accent diamonds in platinum setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Georgian Silver Figural Women Purple Sapphire Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous and bold figural ring from the Georgian (ca1830s) era! This unique 3-dimensional piece is crafted in sterling silver and portrays the bodies of two women holding a purple ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Unavailable
Three Stone Purple Sapphire #18022
Located in Great Neck, NY
This divine Three Stone Purple Sapphire ring is perfect for any special occasion.
Victorian 4.68 Carat Ceylon Purple Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A mesmeric and unique ring. The natural Ceylon purple star sapphire in the centre – certified as having received no treatment – is a glowing pinkish purple and displays a clear white...
Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco, 18 Carat White Gold Rare Natural Purple Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Purple sapphire and diamond ring, early 20th century.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Antique 1.80 Carat No Heat Purple Ceylon Sapphire 2.0 Carat Diamond Navette Ri
Located in Napoli, IT
Subtle Elegance This rare authentic Victorian ring is the emblem of beauty Outstanding navette, elongated shape, boasting the finest Victorian workmanship made during 1880 Focal poin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Edwardian 14k GIA Ceylon No Heat Sapphire and Diamond Flush Mount Ring 17.00ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful diamond and star sapphire flush mount ring from the Edwardian (ca1910) era! This stunning ring has a large double-cabochon star sapphire center and two diamond resting on...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 2.40 Carat Purple Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's Art Deco Natural purple and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified cushion cut center sapphire, no heat, in a platinum open work domed setting with 32 old European cut accent...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Purple Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Purple Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring. This beautiful engagement ring has a purple sapphire in the center of a classic art deco mounting wit...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
French 20th Century Purple Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Most sobering of all, this antique yellow gold ring features a white gold clawed basket on top, holding a purple oval sapphire.
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Edwardian GIA Sri Lanka Purple Pink Sapphire Diamond 14k Rose Gold Dinner Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian GIA Sri Lanka Purple Pink Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14k Rose Gold Dinner Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose ...
Edwardian 1.48 CTW No Heat Ceylon Purple Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Antique Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing 1.48 carats - transparent medium purple in color Natural Sri Lankan in origin with no indications of heat treatment Set with split-talon p...
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 1.78 CTW No Heat Ceylon Purple Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing 1.12 carats - transparent light purple in color Natural Sri Lankan in origin with no indications of heat treatment Prong set with a recessed...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 3.56 CTW No Heat Purple Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing 2.24 carats - transparent light purple in color Natural Ceylon in origin with no indications of heat treatment Prong set with a halo surrou...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau No Heat Ceylon Purple Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a pear-cut sapphire weighing approximately 2.05 carats - transparent medium violet in color Natural Ceylon in origin with no indications of heat treatment - prong set With...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.18 Carat Light Purple Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural GIA certified antique cushion cut purple sapphire and diamond three-stone engagement ring.
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum No Heat Purple Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Antique Art Deco Platinum No Heat Purple Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring. This gorgeous ring is in pristine condition featuring antique cut baguettes and a 3.28 ct natu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Arts & Crafts No Heat Ceylon Purple Sapphire Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Go
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 2.00 carats Transparent with strong violet color and no indications of heat - Sri Lankan in origin With old mine cut diamond...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.88 Carat Hexagonal Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's 1.88 Carat Hexagonal Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
French Edwardian 5.24 Carats No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a rectangular step cut lavender sapphire weighing approximately 4.64 carat with no indications of treatment Transparent medium light violetish lavender in color Surrounde...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...
French Edwardian 5.24 Carats No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum 18k Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a rectangular step cut lavender sapphire weighing approximately 4.64 carat with no indications of treatment Transparent medium light violetish lavender in color Surrounde...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...
Art Deco Vintage 7.59 Carat Purple Star Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A glorious 1920s Art Deco star sapphire cocktail ring. Centered by a 7.59 carat vivid purple sapphire with a prominent six ray star.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Pink Purple Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original Art Deco 1920 Platinum engagement ring with a rare natural certified Emerald step cut sapphire with a rare pinkish purple color.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 2.86 Carat Purple Natural Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1930's Art Deco purple sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified 2.86ct oval center sapphire in a platinum filigree, engraved setting with 8 round full cut diamonds...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 2.5 Carat Purple Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Halo Ring Antique
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular Art Deco Platinum Ring with a rare 2.5 Carat Purple Star Sapphire of extraordinary beauty.
Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Georgian Sapphire Ring Mens Purple Star Cabochon Original 1818s Antique 18k
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Georgian Antique from 1818 Purple Star Sapphire Cocktail Ring 18K Yellow Gold Featuring a Gorgeous 10mm Genuine Natural Round Cabochon Purple Star Sapphire Cente...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1913 Anna's Ring natural Blue Purple Sapphire Pearls solid 18K ØUS6.25 / 1.89 gr
Located in SE
Fine Art Nouveau period Ring with unusual natural Bi-colored Sapphire flanked with Seed pearls on articulated and hand engraved shoulders.
Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold
W 0.32 in D 0.21 in L 0.35 in
Gorgeous 3.10 Carat SI Loose Natural Blue Sapphire Gem Oval Shape for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Stunning Blue Sapphire Weight: 3.10 Carats Dimension: 8.8x7.9x5.3 Mm Origin: Srilanka Shape: Oval Color: Blue Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand . Sapphires are known as ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire,...
Art Deco 4.28 Carat Natural Purple Sapphire platinum solitaire Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
Just the most amazing gemstone. The natural and unheated sapphire is a rich deep purple with flashes of bright lavender pink. Set in a unusual four claw gallery which features eighte...
Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian French Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A bold sapphire and diamond halo ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in sleek platinum, this ring features a central .45ct cushion cut sapphire, which is spectacularly face...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Victorian GIA Certified 3.00 Carat Natural Ceylon Pinkish Purple Sapphire Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fantastic pinkish purple sapphire ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era!
Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
1.55 Carat Purple-Pink Color-Change Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exquisite natural and unheated color change sapphire, weighing 1.55 carats, is the focal point of this contemporary ring. The sapphire, cut in an oval shape, is a royal purple col...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Georgian Rose Diamond Cluster Ring 1790's
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and foliate decoration, closed back settings throughout, with engraved bright-cut decoratio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Steven Battelle 12.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A luminous and flashing 12 mm high-dome cushion shaped cabochon rainbow moonstone rests in a vertical "4-point with jawan" Steven Battelle designed setting atop a tapered matte-finis...
Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
Vintage Certified 2.10 Ct Ceylon NO Heat .70 Ct Diamond Gent Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding antique 1930 circa ring has been individually hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold It is a classy three stone ring suitable for either sex, fascinating band boasting thr...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.18 in D 0.32 in L 1.3 in
Larter & Sons 1900 Art Nouveau Enameled Pansy Flower Brooch In 14Kt Gold Diamond
By Larter & Sons
Located in Miami, FL
Enameled Pansy flower brooch designed by Larter & Son. A pristine Edwardian art Nouveau flower brooch, created in Newark New Jersey by the jewelry company of Larter & Sons., back in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty six oval old cut natural unenhanced Pigeon's blood Burmese rubies in open back claw settings, ra...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Rubellite, Green Tourmaline, Brown Diamond, Blue Sapphire Ring 18K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Rubellite 18.11 carats, Green Tourmaline 2.98 carats, Blue Sapphire 2.01 carats and Brown Diamond 0.56 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.4 cm Length: 2.8 cm Ring S...
Brown Diamond, Tourmaline, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage A. Tillander Diamond Platinum Tiara
Located in London, GB
An A. Tillander diamond platinum tiara, circa 1910. This exceptional diamond tiara by A. Tillander is beautifully handcrafted in platinum. The tiara is composed of intertwining, sc...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Victorian 1890s 3.11 Carat Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Victorian 3.11 carat sapphire and 0.90 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,720Sale Price|20% Off
AUSTRIAN HUNGARIAN 1915 Enameled Beetle Watch Ring In 18Kt Gold & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A rare Austrian-Hungarian watch ring. This is an extremely rare and unusual clock-ring, created in the early 20th century during the Austrian-Hungarian empire period, circa 1915. Th...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold, Enamel
$65,327
W 1.13 in L 18.9 in
Antique French Ch. Fontana & Cie Diamond Tiara Necklace Silver Upon Gold, c 1880
Located in London, GB
An antique, French, diamond fringe tiara necklace, by Ch. Fontana & Cie, with the front section comprising a fringe of graduating pendants, linked at the top with rose-cut diamonds, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Antique Belle Époque Diamond Tiara in Platinum and Gold.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Well well well. If only this tiara could talk - I'd just love to know the people and outfits this significant piece has graced. Let's start with the tiara. Circa 1900, the theme co...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 5.50Ct Natural Ceylon Alexandrite Ring Accented With Side Diamonds
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a custom one of a kind Platinum and 18K Gold Ring. It is set with a beautiful Cushion Modified Brilliant Cut Natural Alexandrite with a GIA report. It is transparent with a ...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
$375,000
W 0.37 in D 0.25 in L 0.5 in
5.34 Carat Brazilian Alexandrite Oval Loose Gem AGL Certified – Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ultra-Fine Rare Brazilian Alexandrite Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills proudly presents an extraordinary treasure: a 5.34 carat Brazilian Ale...
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, ...
Vintage Sapphire Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s The 14K white gold ring is centered with a bezel set natural sapphire (9.2 x 7.8 x 4.6 mm, approximately 2.64 ct) surrounded by 12 bright white brilliant cut diamonds (F-...
Diamond, Sapphire
$5,520Sale Price / item|38% Off
3ct Blue Ceylon Sapphire Cushion Cut Forget Me Knot Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
3ct Elongated Cushion Cut Ceylon Sapphire. Set in 18ct yellow gold Forget Me Knot Ring. Please note unheated is for the full price listing, if you would like a more cost effective ...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
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.