14K White Gold Art Deco Old European Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.1 grams Diamond Details: .40ct, total weight.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
French 1920s Art Deco Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum ring, dog head hallmark. A sublime Art Deco ring, its platinum setting follows the curve of the finger and holds a large oval Ceylon sapphire of soft blue brilliance...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
.80 Carat Total Weight Diamond and Sapphire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.2 grams Stone Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Total Carat Weight: .80 carat total weight Color: F Clarity: VS ...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 1.40Ct Sapphire and 2.02Ct Diamond, 9k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive sapphire and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified natural sapphire and diamond ring circa 1900
Located in Uccle, BE
Sapphire and diamond cluster ring circa 1900-1910. Bicolore gold 18 Karat ring set with a center natural non heated cushion Cambodian sapphire of approximately 1.41 Carats (certifi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive 1920s Art Deco diamond and sapphire ring has been crafted in 14 k yellow gold with a 14 k white gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1900s Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 14 karat rose gold, shell hallmark. Pretty antique ring in rose gold, it is chiseled of decorations in arabesques and fleur de lys. In the center is a round sapphire in a squ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18K gold Filigree Ring with .57ct Sapphire Art Deco
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 18K white gold filigree ring featuring a round genuine blue sapphire weighing .57cts.
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18K Gold .79ct Sapphire Ring Hand Engraved
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold ring featuring a genuine blue sapphire weighing .79ct.
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,560Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Deco Platinum 2.51ctw Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 1 Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Oval Cut - Prong Set - I1 Clarity - Light Yellow Color - 8x5.8x3.11mm - 1.01ctw approx. 128 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European & ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Each gem has been securely set into platinum whilst a band of 18 carat white gold completes this stunning ring. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 1.50 Metal: 18...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 1.19 Carat Sapphire and 1.28 Carat Diamond Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive Victorian sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A simple band of platinum finished the ring in perfect Art Deco style. Gemstone: Sapphire & Diamond Stone Shape: French cut Carat Weight: 0.50ct Metal: Platinum & 18ct White Gold Ag...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring Belais
By Belais
Located in Montgomery, AL
They were known for manufacturing high quality white gold jewelry during the early 1900's. Ring Details Material: 18K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Designer: Belais Head Widt...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Dome Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original 1930's Art Deco 18k white gold sapphire and diamond cluster cocktail ring.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
GIA Certified Period Manufactured Blue Sapphire Cabochon Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified Period Manufactured Blue Sapphire Cabochon Dome Cocktail Ring GIA report number: 5231820267 Metal: 18k white gold Weight: 5.11 grams Sapphire: Period manufactured labo...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire and 18 Carat White Gold Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The sapphires in this band are all square cut and have a wonderful shimmer to them. These stones measure approximately 4pts each and there are a total of 38 stones that are set flush...
Sapphire, White Gold
Art Deco 18k Gold & Platinum Ring with Sapphires & Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
Presenting an elegant Art Deco Ring, expertly crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum overlay. This stunning piece features three old mine diamonds totaling approximately 0.34 car...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Art Deco 0.65 Carat GIA Diamond Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made of 18K white gold, this ring is centered with a sparkling GIA certified old European cut diamond that weighs 0.65ct. graded H color with SI1 clarity.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian Sapphire Diamond Ring Vintage Platinum Long Plaque Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian era ring (circa 1910s) crafted in 900 platinum. Centrally mounted estimated 0.50 carat cushion cut blue sapphire is accented with an estimated 1.4...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Cert 0.63 Carat Diamond Sapphire Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 18k white gold engagement ring from the Art Deco era, is centered with a sparkling GIA certified round brilliant cut diamond that weighs 0.63ct. graded G color with ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18K Gold .68ct Sapphire Ring Hand Engraved size 9.25
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold ring featuring a genuine blue sapphire weighing .68ct.
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art déco 1 Carat diamond and calibrated sapphire ring
Located in Uccle, BE
18Kt White-Gold Ring. Old-Cut center diamond of +/- 1,00 Ct (H-Si) surrounded by 18 Calibrated Sapphires. it's a very well made ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1925 Art Deco 14K Filigree Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a gorgeous example of 1920s Deco jewelry in amazing condition. The ring features a sparkling trio at its center of white round diamonds set in geometric settings, the design ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
19th Century Victorian-Era Burma Oval-Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Centering a roughly 15 Carat Unheated Burma Sapphire (per AGL– American Gem Laboratory), framed by Old-European Cut Diamonds weighing 11.02 Carats, and set in Platinum and Silver, th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum, Silver
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
19th Century Natural Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Superb antique ring set with claws on its top of a cushion- cut blue sapphire, shouldered by two antique brilliant- cut diamonds which are supported by ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Three Stone Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Three Stone Ring - GIA.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.95 Metal Type: 18 karat White Gold Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 6204280670 Shape: Old European Brilliant Cara...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.38 Carat Sapphire Diamond Three-Stone Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Sapphire and diamond engagement ring. AGL certified round center sapphire in a 14k white gold three-stone setting with two baguette side diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Antique 1.02 Carat Sapphire 1.83 Carat Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive sapphire and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a 9k white gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
French 19th Century Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, horse head hallmark. Charming antique ring, it is set with 2 brilliant-cut diamonds set on either side of a cushion-cut sapphire. On both sides, on the st...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Zorab Creation 15.90 Cts Blue Sapphire Hera Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Summon the goddess in you with the Hera Ring, a Zorab Creation. An striking 15.90 carat faceted blue sapphire is surrounded by an open framework of 1.18 carats of white diamonds and ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
French 20th Century Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, own and grotesque hallmarks. Antique ring from the beginning of the XXth century, its flat mounting is decorated in closed setting with a s...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Ring 6.25 14k Gold Engagement Filigree Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & sapphire ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
EGL Certified 1.48 Carat Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's Art Deco diamond and sapphire engagement ring. This stunning piece begins with an EGL certified 1.48ct antique cushion French cut center diamond with a halo of French calibre...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 3.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Enveloping the sapphire a ring of transitional cut diamonds are set.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage EFFY Designer 3.00tcw Blue Sapphire Pave 6mm Gold Band Ring
By Effy
Located in Montreal, QC
Hand-crafted 14K White Gold mounting. Ring size 7.25, we offer ring resizing.
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Lugano 18k White Gold Baguette Sapphire Eternity Band, 1.60ct, Size 10
By Lugano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 18k white gold, the setting provides a bright, reflective framework that enhances the depth of the sapphires while maintaining a minimalist, high-polish finish characteris...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Old European Cut Diamond & Sapphire Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This stunning 1920s Art Deco engagement ring from the antique jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California, features a 0.47ct old European cut diamond complemen...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Gold
$7,880Sale Price|20% Off
FRENCH 1925 Art-Deco Platinum Cocktail Ring With 4.88 Ctw Sapphires & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
The gemset cluster ring has been masterfully crafted in solid .900/.999 platinum with polished finish and embellished with forty-five natural earth mined gemstones, such; white color...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Arrow Ring Sz 6.25 Platinum Navette Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & sapphire arrow ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 900 platinum. Old marquise cut diamond is estimated at 0.25 carats, accented with a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Style Platinum Ring with 3.90 CTW in Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite Art Deco style ring showcases the era's love for geometric precision and bold design, expertly crafted in lustrous platinum and featuring a magnificent 1.40-carat roun...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1920 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite Art Deco ring is masterfully crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold and platinum, showcasing the sophisticated elegance and bold contrasts that define the 1920s era. The...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Pink Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Pink Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with a drop shape old cut natural unenhanced pink Ceylon sapphire in an open back rubover setting with a weight o...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum
Zorab Creation Blue Sapphire and Diamond Glide Butterfly Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegance takes flight with the Zorab Creation Blue Sapphire and Diamond Glide Butterfly Ring, a stunning testament to craftsmanship and nature's beauty.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Zircon, 18k Gold...
$3,112Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Platinum w/ Gold Fiery Old Mine Cut Diamond & Sapphire Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid Platinum Top w/ 14k White Gold Shank Weight: 3.94 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 (Fitted on a finger, please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquiries.)
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1.5cttw Diamond + Sapphire 18k Gold Shield Cocktail Ring, 1920s
By Belais
Located in North Attleboro, MA
This authentic 1920s Art Deco ring by Belais features seven bright Old European cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.5 carats, framed by four natural calibré-cut blue sapphires.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
ART DECO 1925 Platinum Cocktail Ring With 3.65 Ctw In Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
It is embellished in the center with one gorgeous large European cut round diamond, which is surrounded by great selection of sixty-two earth mined natural gemstones, such; calibre-c...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
19th Century Napoleon 3 Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Incredible antique ring, it presents a polylobate decoration centered of a cushion- cut sapphiren in engraved closed setting. The whole of the plate is ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
1916 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct. Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold/ ØUS6/ 1.7gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 10 Diamonds in White Gold or Platinum settings.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Diamond Sapphire 14K Gold / ØUS 7.25 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Diamond and Sapphire Ring in solid 14K (tested) White Gold with openwork bridge and shoulders decorated with floral patterns,modern styled.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Sheild Ring Sz 5.75 Platinum Jewelry 1920s
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & sapphire sheild ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 900 platinum. Old marquise cut diamond is estimated at 0.25 carats (estimated at K...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Platinum 1.09 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Sapphires
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: 1.09 carat Color: H Clarity: SI1 Side Stone Det...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold Plate
French 20th Century Purple Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum. A feminine vintage ring featuring a slender, openwork setting set on a platinum band with small rose-cut diamonds. In ...
White Diamond, Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum, Yellow Gold...
1925 Art Deco Platinum 1.00 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Natural Sapphires
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.3 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 carat Color: J Clarity: VS Side Ston...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.95 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This unique antique piece was handcrafted sometime during the Art Deco design period ( 1920-1940 ). The center stone is a 1.95 carat Ceylon sapphire. Ceylon sapphires are exclusively...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Mid-Victorian Sapphire & Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Antique Cluster Ring, 1876
Located in London, GB
Dated 1876, this mid-Victorian sapphire and diamond cluster ring, finely crafted in warm 18 carat yellow gold, is a fantastic piece of art that carries with it all the character of i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Antique Victorian GIA Certified 1.25 Carat Burma Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
An enthralling natural gemstone, this pure pink sapphire ring has an unrivaled pedigree that checks all of the boxes: Antique Victorian from the 19th century, natural unheated sapphi...
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.77 Carat Oval Sapphire Gold Filigree Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's Art Deco sapphire engagement ring. GIA certified as simple heat only, this oval brilliant cut 1.77ct sapphire is mounted sideways in a 14k white gold detailed filigree setting.
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, 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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