Antique Edwardian 1910s 0.90 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K white gold with an Old European cut Diamond at the center weighing approximately 0.90 carat, G color, SI1 clarity, and accenting Square cut Sapphires. Circa 19...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unheated 1.23ct Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Ring GIA - Delightful!
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply stunning Estate ring set in solid Platinum and featuring a stunning Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire almost certainly from Sri Lanka weighing 1.23ct.
Diamond, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum
Antique Edwardian 1910s 2.37 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K white gold with a GIA certified Old Mine cut Diamond weighing 2.37 carat, I color, SI1 clarity, GIA #12500962. The ring features accenting Square-cut blue Sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Silver925 Sapphire Cubic Zirconia Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Zircon, Sapphire, Silver
AGL Certified 5.95 Carat Color Change Purple Sapphire Ring
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: New Era: Edwardian Revival Metal: Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone: Sapphire Carat Weight: 5.95 Cut: Oval Color: Violet Clarity: Transparent Accent Diamonds: 18 Old M...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
$600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Opal Sapphire White Sapphire Floral Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the romance of heirloom jewelry, this Opal Floral Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold and features a luminous natural opal surrounded by sapphires and white sapphires...
Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Sapphire, Diamond & Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl, Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Edwardian Circa 1900 Calibrated Sapphires, Old Cut Diamonds & Natural Pearl to the Centre UK Size N 1/2 U...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Gold and Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An extra ordinary 18 carat yellow gold custer ring, set with a beautiful, oval-cabochon cut sapphire (16 carats) held by eight spall gold claws. Surrounded by an entourage of rose-cu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Gold Pearl And Sapphire Crossover Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 14K Gold Pearl and Sapphires Crossover Ring. It depicts a wrap around ring ending with two flowers with several petals holding a blue gray pearl and each one of them enhanc...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Edwardian Engagement Ring. Old Euro Cut Diamond Navette Platinum 18K Gold H VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.20 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Seco...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold
Natural multi-colored sapphire sterling silver wedding eternity band ring
Located in Delhi, DL
Stunning sterling silver wedding band ring consists of : Metal- Silver Metal Purity- sterling silver Gemstone- Multi-colored sapphire Gemstone origin- natural real earth mined Ring ...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
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
$15,750Sale Price|25% Off
Ceylon Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Armadale, Victoria
Modern ring made in Edwardian style, using old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
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
$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
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
Antique Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This delicate cluster ring holds a sapphire and the centre measuring 15pts and surrounding it is a halo of Diamonds measuring 2pts each. The metal work around the stones holds lovely...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Antique Platinum-topped 14K Gold, Sapphire, & Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, antique sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. In 14 karat yellow gold with platinum-topped elements. Likely a conversion from a stickpin or earring with a slightly flattened,...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Sapphire
Located in beverly hills, CA
This stunning vintage ring showcases a dazzling Old European cut diamond at its center, offering timeless elegance and exceptional sparkle. The diamond, weighing approximately 0.25 c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.57 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Flower Halo Ring in Platinum Royal Blue
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An incredibly pretty sapphire diamond cluster ring crafted in luxurious platinum throughout. The central sapphire, originating from Ceylon where the finest sapphires are mined, displ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique-Style 14K White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A romantic fusion of vintage charm and refined craftsmanship, this 14K white gold filigree ring features a captivating old-world design. At its center is a bezel-set natural sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum 6.6 Carats Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring, Early 20th Century
Located in London, England
It would make the most incredible engagement ring or an impressive cocktail ring. Additional information: Material: Platinum Origin: England Date of Manufacture: 1910s Era: Edwardia...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 4.60 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Ring GIA 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving this vintage beauty!! Ring Details Material: 18K Yellow Gold Era: Edwardian 1900 - 1920 Head Width: 16mm Head Height: 5.8mm Shank Width: 1.4mm Weight: 4.53 Grams Finge...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Cocktail Ring with GIA Certified Oval Star Sapphire - Size 4.75
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stone Information - --------------------------------------------- Primary Stone(s): Sapphire - Stone Grading: - Origin: Natural - Sri Lanka - Report #: GIA 6233957489 - Color: Pale ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Russian Belle Epoque Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Swirl Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in St. Petersburg between 1899 and 1904 14K yellow gold, eighteen natural pink sapphires (approximate combined weight 1.25 ct), seventeen old cut diamonds (approximate total ...
Diamond, Sapphire
GIA Certified Antique Unheated Rose Cut Sapphire Ring 14k Rose Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
Here we have a gorgeous Edwardian Era unheated sapphire in 14k gold ring. The ring top is an original with a new ring band.
Sapphire, Rose Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Sapphire & Diamond Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Ring Hallmarked 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham worn date letter Makers Mark AH A beautifully balanced antique ring featuring three sapphires interspe...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
9K Yellow Gold Natural Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Exuding regal sophistication, this breathtaking Natural Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Ring beautifully honors a luxurious Victorian era inspired aesthetic. Seated at the he...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Sapphire Diamond Double Floral Antique Style Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Two sapphire blossoms create this enchanting Sapphire Floral Ring, where sparkling diamonds highlight each petal in 9K yellow gold. Inspired by a Victorian Inspired Ring, the gracefu...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K White Gold Natural White Sapphire Vintage Styler Dome Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
At its center sits a brilliant round white sapphire, radiating pure elegance and clarity. The vintage-inspired setting features delicate detailing that enhances the stone’s natural s...
Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Openwork Filigree Shield Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Evoking the romance of a bygone era, this magnificent Sapphire Engagement Ring features a captivating round-cut sapphire nestled within a grand, rectangular openwork shield.
Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This solid vintage-style ring blooms with creative elegance, featuring a rich sapphire set at the center like a flower’s heart. Surrounding diamonds are delicately prong-set, connect...
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Emerald and White Sapphire Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A celebration of timeless elegance, this vintage-inspired ring features a vivid oval emerald set in classic prongs — glowing with natural, lush green brilliance. Flanked by shimmerin...
Sapphire, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Old Cut Marquise Diamond Pink Sapphire Navette 18KYG Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Exquisite vintage 18 karat yellow gold navette ring featuring a dramatic elongated design centered with two old cut marquise diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, graded approx...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, 1920s Sapphire and Diamond Oval Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Cluster Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s This exquisite ring features a striking oval cluster design that embodies timeless elegance. At its centre is a nat...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Gold
$1,598Sale Price|20% Off
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
Vintage 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1964
Located in London, GB
This elegant vintage cluster ring dates back to 1964. The ring centres around a stunning light blue sapphire weighing 0.50 carat. The emerald cut sapphire is claw set in platinum an...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Three Stone Anniversary Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the timeless beauty of antique jewelry, this Blue Sapphire Three Stone Ring showcases rich blue sapphires accented by sparkling diamonds in a graceful solid gold setting....
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
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
9K Yellow Gold Vintage Style Cluster Ring with Blue & White Sapphires
Located in Bangkok, TH
Showcasing natural blue sapphires set at each of the four corners, this vintage-style ring exudes elegant symmetry. A sparkling white sapphire takes center stage, nestled gracefully ...
Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Chester 1912 Hallmark, Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Gypsy Ring Hallmarked 18ct Gold Chester 1912 18ct yellow gold ring, set with two round-cut sapphires and three diamonds in alternating order. Each s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Engraved Cocktail Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Handcrafted in solid 9K yellow gold, four round blue sapphires anchored within glittering diamonds defines this exquisite sapphire cocktail ring. Intricate scrollwork and delicate mi...
Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Peridot and White Sapphire Vintage Style Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant emerald cut peridot shines at the center of this vintage-style ring, radiating fresh, verdant brilliance. Its step-shoulder band is adorned with sparkling white sapphires, ...
Peridot, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This sapphire and diamond vintage-style floral ring blossoms with timeless elegance, featuring a radiant sapphire at its heart. Encircling the center, sapphires and diamonds are acce...
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Blue and White Sapphire Vintage Style Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-inspired ring features two square-cut blue sapphires, deep and mysterious like twilight skies. Set apart by a radiant white sapphire, the contrast creates a poetic balan...
Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$10,500Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Legacy Pink Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size 4.5 Breathtaking pink sapphire and diamond halo Legacy engagement ring from Tiffany & Co..
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
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
14K Yellow Gold Natural Sapphire Pearl Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Step back into the romantic elegance of the Victorian era with this breathtaking statement piece. Exquisitely crafted, this Natural Sapphire Pearl Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring...
Sapphire, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, 1912 Hallmarked, Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 18ct Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring Hallmarked Chester 1912 18ct yellow gold ring, set with three round-cut sapphires and two diamonds in alternating order. Each stone i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silver925 Sapphire Pearl Cubic Zirconia Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Pearl, Sapphire, Zircon, Silver
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
Antique Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Natural Diamond Ruby & Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Natural Diamond Ruby & Sapphire Navette Cocktail Ring Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 5.27 grams Diamonds: Approx. 1.75 CTW old mine cut natural ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old Cut Diamond & Blue Sapphire Antique Style Filigree Milgrain Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Framing the entire design are narrow French cut baguette shaped sapphires. Ring Information Style: Edwardian Weight: 4.30 g.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$1,610Sale Price|30% 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...
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Natural Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Two Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Drawing you into a world of antique elegance, this spectacular Natural Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Two Stone Ring masterfully reflects a Victorian era inspired grandeur. Two verti...
Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
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
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
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.