Diamond & Blue Sapphire Edwardian Style Openwork White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Total weight: 5.20 g.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold sapphire and diamond ring.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Elevate your jewelry collection with our exquisite Diamond Blue Sapphire Art Deco Style Engagement Ring. This stunning ring features an intricate openwork design characteristic of th...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 0.08 Total Carat Weight Diamond and Blue Sapphires Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian 0.08 Total Carat Weight Diamond and Blue Sapphires Ring The ring is a size 7.5 and weights a total of 1.8 grams.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Burma No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely antique Edwardian sapphire and diamond engagement ring featuring a stunning natural unheated Burmese cushion cut sapphire, all set in platinum, circa 1910.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Tablet Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an Edwardian sapphire and diamond pierced tablet cluster ring. A rub-over set old cut diamond sits alone at the centre but is surrounded firstly, by six additional round...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Twist Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow gold sapphire and diamond ring from the Edwardian era. The ring features a beautiful natural blue sapphire and old cut diamond in a twisted style setting craft...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Blue Aquamarine Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The ring features central emerald cut aquamarine surrounded by French cut blue sapphires and diamonds set pierced setting.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.14 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Diamonds Ring 14 Karat Classic Edwardian Deco*
Located in New York, NY
Ladies round shaped sapphire ring, three stone classic Gorgeous Edwardian Era Gilt Deco on Shank 1.14ct.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Openwork Art Deco Inspired White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Step into the elegance of the Art Deco era with this stunning Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Openwork Ring, meticulously crafted in luxurious 18K white gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Style Cornflower Blue Sapphire Diamond 14K Gold Filigree Ring L / 5.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Exquisite Edwardian style 14ct yellow gold ring featuring a striking natural radiant square cut sapphire displaying cornflower blue with light lilac purplish hue.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Blue Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Hand fabricated. Ring Information Style: Edwardian Total weight: 4.60 g.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Edwardian Style Cluster 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The main stone is surrounded by diamonds and half circle lines of French cut blue sapphire on both side. Two elements make this ring special and unique. 14K White Gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Indulge in timeless sophistication with this luxurious Edwardian-style engagement ring. A dazzling round diamond, flanked by deep blue sapphires, creates an exquisite interplay of br...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Antique Edwardian Blue Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This striking Edwardian ring is in excellent condition, with a fabulous combination of sapphires and intricate hand-crafted detail, making it a perfect choice for an engagement ring.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Edwardian deep Royal Blue Burmese sapphire and diamond cluster ring, circa 1915.
Located in London, GB
Edwardian deep Royal Blue Burmese sapphire and diamond cluster ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
8 Carat Vivid Blue Sapphire in Edwardian Antique Diamond Mounting
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
8.00 carat bright blue sapphire gem with an antique Edwardian style diamond mounting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Openwork Art Deco Inspired White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This jaw dropping ring, an Art Deco design piece of art is made of white gold and features an approx. 0.70 carat central bezel set blue sapphire. The rest of the ring’s top contains ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k 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.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 1.02 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique Edwardian sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 10k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 2.48 Carats No Heat Burma Sapphire Diamond Platinum Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing 1.20 carats - transparent deep blue. Natural Burmese in origin with no indications of heat treatment. Set with talon prongs with a halo surrou...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Cert 1.99ct Oval Sapphire in Platinum Edwardian-Style Bombe Engagement Ring
By Eytan Brandes 1
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Eytan Brandes designed this ring using various elements he likes from Edwardian engagement rings, such as the carinated band, the coin-edged pavé setting plates, and the elevated, al...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian 1.60 Carat Basaltic Sapphire Twist Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The antique twist ring displays two feature round faceted cut blue Basaltic sapphires, each eight-claw set diagonally on a twist.
Blue Sapphire, Platinum, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Edwardian Style Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring, App. 0.86 TCW
Located in Fairfield, CT
Natural No Heat Vintage Blue Sapphire And Diamond Cut Corner Profile Ring. This vintage ring has a natural, no heat, oval faceted sapphire center stone of navy blue color, 1.37 CTS, ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Three Stone 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This amazing Edwardian inspired ring features three main Ceylon sapphire with intricate details and an additional smaller diamonds around the face. The ring is crafted of white gold....
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 3.00CT Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring 1900s
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable antique platinum ring dating to the early 1900s, showcasing timeless Edwardian-era craftsmanship and refined elegance.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$862Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire London Blue Topaz Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A deep, velvety blue sapphire, with its captivating brilliance, forms the heart of the design. Surrounding it, a halo of vivid London Blue topaz gemstones creates the petals of a stu...
Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Art Deco Ceylon Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
A stunning royal blue 10.15 carat cushion-cut blue sapphire edwardian filigree ring with single-cut diamonds, set in Platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Natural diamonds sterling silver emerald ruby yellow, blue sapphire ring
Located in Delhi, DL
Stunning diamond sterling silver ring consists of : Metal- Silver Metal Purity- sterling silver Diamond- Natural diamonds Diamond origin- Natural earth mined Gemstone- Emerald, ruby...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brilliant diamond at its center, securely set in a sleek bezel setting for a clean, elegant look. Surrounding the diamond, rich blue sapphires add depth, color, and a regal vintage...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Sapphire White Sapphire Vintage Style Three Stones Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite vintage-style ring features three stunning natural blue sapphires at the center, each one carefully set to create a captivating trio. The rich blue hue of the sapphire...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Neo Classic Eternity Ring in Platinum with Diamonds and Blue Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
Neoclasic eternity ring with blue sapphires. Beautiful eternity ring crafted with neoclassic Edwardian patterns and textured sides in solid .900/999 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.81 carats with Diamond 0.73 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 2.4 cm Ring Size: 57 Total Weight: 11.14 grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Circa 1910s GIA 1.08ct Unheated Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1910s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Sapphire Details: GIA Report#: 6265964048 Weight: 1.08ct tot...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$637Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Pearl Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A poetic blend of elegance and artistry, this vintage-style floral ring features three vertical blue sapphires — deep, radiant, and full of mystery. Nestled above and below, luminous...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$525Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A bloom of timeless beauty, this vintage-style floral ring blossoms with a deep blue sapphire at its center — bold, regal, and endlessly enchanting. Diamond-studded petals unfurl aro...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,200Sale Price|25% Off
9K Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Five Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Five vibrant blue sapphires, each with a celestial depth, are perfectly complemented by brilliant, sparkling diamonds nestled between them. This ring isn't just an accessory; it's a...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
$1,725Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
At its heart, a deep blue sapphire, with a velvety, satiny luster, is set vertically to create an elegant focal point. This captivating gem is beautifully framed by a halo of etherea...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$712Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Natural Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Curve Solitaire Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brilliant round sapphire takes center stage, securely set in a delicate prong setting that highlights its deep, enchanting blue. The shoulders feature graceful floral curve detaili...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$825Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Two Stone Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace timeless sophistication with this Natural Blue Sapphire Vintage-Style Two-Stone Ring. Two dazzling sapphires, rich in deep blue hues, are gracefully set within a vintage-insp...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,606
Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An oval yellow gold Edwardian ring set with a natural blue sapphire (app. 1.5 carats) surrounded by two rows of old cut diamonds, the shank is also set with old cut diamonds (2.5 car...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold
.50 Carat Sapphire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size:4 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.5 grams Center Sapphire Details Shape: Old European Carat Weight: .50 carat Color: Blue Side Stone Details: Shape: Antiq...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$600Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Solid Natural Opal and Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Features a luminous round natural opal set securely in a smooth bezel. Flanking the opal are three deep blue sapphires on each side, creating a balanced and elegant design. The combi...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$712Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Three stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style three-stone ring features round blue sapphires set in a graceful row. Between each sapphire, a sparkling diamond adds brilliance and elegant contrast. The combinat...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A natural oval blue sapphire set in a sleek bezel setting, offering both security and sophistication. The center stone is beautifully framed by a floral-inspired design, adorned wit...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$975Sale Price|25% Off
9K Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A true masterpiece, featuring a central blue sapphire of deep, captivating hue, flawlessly flanked by two smaller sapphires. The unique triangular-cut side stones add a modern, artis...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.95 carats with Diamond 0.62 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 6.62 grams "We first opened do...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.80 carats with Diamond 0.42 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 7.22 grams "We first opened do...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 5.23 carats with Diamond 1.86 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 3.0 cm Ring Size: 50 Total Weight: 12.13 grams "We first opened ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$900Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A deep blue sapphire at the center, radiating rich, royal beauty. Surrounding it, a sparkling halo of brilliant diamonds adds light and contrast, enhancing the sapphire's vivid color...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
$600Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Sapphire and Pearl Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This lovely vintage-style ring features a stunning blue sapphire at the center, flanked by smaller blue sapphires on the top and bottom. The design is further enhanced with lustrous ...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Blue Sapphire and Opal Vintage Style Peacock Cocktail Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite vintage-style cocktail ring draws inspiration from the graceful elegance of a peacock feather, featuring a striking natural blue sapphire at its center. Surrounding th...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Unheated Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage 3 Stone Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Absolutely breathtaking vintage Cambodian sapphire and diamond ring. The brilliant blue stone against the bright white diamonds really catches the viewers eye. Exquisite detail work ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$825Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
At its heart lies a striking square-cut blue sapphire, exuding depth and royalty. Flanked on the sides by two smaller sapphires, the design draws the eye with perfect symmetry and ba...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$750Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal and Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A cluster of round natural opals bead-set at the center, surrounded by vibrant round blue sapphires in prong settings. The shoulders showcase intricate floral-inspired filigree work,...
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
$1,275Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire Diamond Filigree Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Filigree Three Stone Ring showcases three stunning deep blue sapphires Surrounded by sparkling diamonds on either side. The vibrant sapphire ta...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,200Sale Price|25% Off
9K Gold Natural Moon stone and Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Features a luminous round natural opal set securely in a smooth bezel. Flanking the opal are three deep blue sapphires on each side, creating a balanced and elegant design. The combi...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.
Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.
During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.
Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.
Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.
Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.
Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other 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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.