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
14K Yellow Solid Gold Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Regally elegant, this Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring exudes timeless sophistication and refined craftsmanship. A smooth, deep-blue sapphire cabochon takes ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Red Ruby Diamond Double Heart Vintage Style Crown Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Weight: 3.40 g.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
.40 Carat Diamond and .65 Carat Total Sapphire Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Clarity: VS Sapphire Deta...
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
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
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
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
Blue Sapphire Five Stone Wedding Band Ring Antique Style in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite Sapphire Ring captures historic elegance with a timeless Victorian-style five-stone design. Meticulously crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, it features five graduating ...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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
London Blue Topaz and White Sapphire Floral Cluster Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Designed as a blooming flower with pear-cut petals surrounding a brilliant center stone, this London blue topaz floral ring brings nature’s romance to life. Styled as a blue topaz sa...
Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
J.E. Caldwell sapphire and diamond three stone ring, American, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
J.E. Caldwell sapphire and diamond three stone ring. Set with a cushion shape cabochon natural unenhanced sapphire in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 1.20 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
9K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Duo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Duo ring features captivating oval natural ruby and blue sapphire, set side by side to symbolize love and connection. Accented by sparkling diamonds, the design blends rich color wit...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Natural Emerald and White Sapphire Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the romance of heirloom jewelry, this Emerald Engagement Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold and features a natural oval emerald framed by sparkling White Sapphire. T...
Sapphire, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
AGL Certified 7.76 Carat Oval No Heat Burma Blue Sapphire Ring in Platinum
Located in Miami, FL
AGL Certified 7.76 Carat natural Burma Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire Ring in Platinum. Originating from the legendary Edwardian-Art Deco era.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Filigree Vintage Style Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A piece that blends timeless elegance with intricate craftsmanship. At its center sits a captivating blue sapphire, its deep blue hue symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Surro...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Blue Topaz White Sapphire Three Stone Cluster Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the romance of heirloom jewelry, this Blue Topaz Ring features three elegant cluster settings that showcase natural blue topaz accented by shimmering white sapphires. Cra...
Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
$13,440Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Sapphire Diamond Dress Cocktail Ring, circa 1905
Located in Zurich, CH
Stunning 18 karat yellow gold platinum sapphire diamond dress cocktail ring, circa 1905. This fairy-tale jewel is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold with platinum and features a marquis...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Frank Walter Lawrence No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond 14K Gold Antique Halo Ring
By Frank Walter Lawrence
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mixed cushion cut sapphire weighing 3.69 carats total - transparent medium blue Natural Ceylon (Sri Lankan) in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Set ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cluster Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
At the heart of this stunning piece blooms a deep blue sapphire, surrounded by delicate diamond and Sapphire petals in a graceful floral design. Inspired by vintage charm, the intri...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous round natural opal at the center, glowing with iridescent color. On each side, triangular blue sapphires add a bold contrast and elegant symmetry. The band is adorned with...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Sapphire & Diamond 3 Stone Carved Ring, Birmingham 1918
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1918 This exquisite 18ct yellow gold ring captures the elegance of the Edwardian era.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Two Stones Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning vintage-style ring features two natural sapphires set side by side, symbolizing unity and everlasting love. Accentuated with delicate diamond accents, it sparkles with ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Circa 1910 12-14k Gold No Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1910. Antique no heat sapphire cabochon surrounded by two chunky old european cut diamonds that are very white and sparkly. Beautiful scroll work along the setting. This piece ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique 3.15 Carat Basaltic Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.15 carat Basaltic blue sapphire and 0.08 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry...
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Solid London Blue Topaz White Sapphire Art Deco Style Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bold, refined, and effortlessly timeless — this vintage-style engagement ring features a London Blue Topaz in a smooth bezel setting, glowing with ocean-deep allure. The elegant step...
Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid London Blue Topaz and Sapphire Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style floral ring captivates with an orchid-inspired design, centered by a deep London blue topaz glowing with elegant intensity. Surrounding it, shimmering sapphires ar...
Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Solid Natural Blue Topaz Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Luxurious look with this Natural Blue Topaz Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Ring, designed with a bold and balanced composition. Featuring a rectangular blue topaz at the center, the ...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Three stone Dinner Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three deep blue sapphires take center stage in this vintage-style three-stone ring, flanked by sparkling diamonds that enhance its rich, velvety hue. Each stone is set to capture max...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
London Blue Topaz Sapphire Pearl Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning vintage-style ring featuring a natural London Blue Topaz at its center. Deep blue sapphires surround the main stone, adding depth and rich color. Delicately accented with ...
Pearl, Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Three Stone Ring in 9k Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three vibrant blue sapphires rest gracefully within warm bezel settings in this timeless Sapphire Three Stone Ring. Designed as a meaningful Sapphire Diamond Anniversary Ring, delica...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Natural Unheated Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This exquisite three stone ring features a cushion shaped old cut natural unheated transparent blue sapphire mounted in an open back claw setting weighing 1.38 carats. The sapphire i...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum
Antique Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Platinum + 14K Yellow Gold Ring ca. 1900's
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring, handcrafted in Platinum and 14K yellow gold, features exceptional deep blue sapphires and old mine-cut diamonds in a low-profile setting designed for both comfort ...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Platinum Cocktail Ring with 2.5 Carats in Old Cut Diamonds Plus Sapphire Accents
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This amazing ring is actually a very ladylike and traditional antique bar pin that Eytan converted to a very contemporary and very kickass cocktail ring The face of the ring was an...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$1,190Sale Price|30% Off
14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Filigree Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three stunning sapphires arranged vertically for a striking look. Each deep blue stone is carefully set to highlight its rich color and brilliance. The vintage-inspired design featur...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Filigree Three Stone Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three deep blue sapphires form the elegant centerpiece of this Blue Sapphire Filigree Ring, accented with diamonds and framed by intricate detailing in 14K yellow gold. The elongated...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Sapphire and Pearl Victorian Inspired Foliage Floral Three Stone Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Delicately composed like a classical botanical portrait, this exquisite sapphire three stone ring displays three deep blue sapphires rising in a graceful vertical alignment. Shimmeri...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Gold, 9k Gold
Blue Sapphire Emerald Cabochon Three Stone Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Sapphire Three Stone Ring centers a rich blue sapphire cabochon, flanked by one emerald cabochon on each side in warm 9K yellow gold. The balanced arrangement creates striking c...
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Three Stone Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Captivating geometric elegance defines this Art Deco sapphire ring crafted in 14K yellow gold. Featuring a striking center row with a three stone sapphire ring configuration bordered...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby White Sapphire Three Stone Ring in 9k Yellow Gold with Milgrain
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three deep crimson rubies rest harmoniously alongside sparkling white sapphires in this captivating Ruby Three Stone Ring. Crafted as a romantic Ruby White Sapphire Ring, delicate mi...
Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Moonstone and Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Three Stone Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gracefully composed around a Moonstone Three Stone Ring, this design showcases luminous natural moonstones accented by rich blue sapphires in warm 9K gold. The balanced arrangement a...
Blue Sapphire, Moonstone, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique ring made of yellow gold with sapphires and diamonds, early 20th century
Located in Chorzów, PL
A vintage ring crafted from yellow gold (0.550-0.560 fineness). The ring is set with three round sapphires, totaling 0.80 ct, with an intense blue color. Additionally, two old bril...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Amethyst and White Sapphire Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Featuring three captivating oval amethyst stones, this trio design symbolizes harmony and balance. Each amethyst is beautifully accented with sparkling white sapphire in between, add...
Amethyst, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid Emerald and White Sapphire Vintage Style Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Two square emeralds define this creative vintage-style band ring, glowing with rich green elegance. Between them, three paired white sapphires add crisp brilliance and refined balanc...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Sapphire Vintage Style Three Stones Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite ring features a vibrant natural emerald at its center, symbolizing love and vitality. Flanking the emerald, two deep blue natural sapphires represent wisdom and streng...
Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Wedding Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold Stacking
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Antique Art Deco - Edwardian Diamond and Sapphire Wedding Ring Engagement Stacking Ring set with a gorgeous .25 Carat Old European Cut Diamond of brilliant white H color a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Twist Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edwardian 0.60 carat sapphire and 0.51 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our three stone ring collection.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Diamond Halo Ring. 1.40ct Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring I VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.40 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Sto...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 8 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 8ct gold band has a ruby, emerald and sapphire set within it with diamonds in between. The three coloured stones measure 5pts each and the diamonds measure 3pts each. Ring Siz...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 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
GIA Certified 1.09 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 18 karat Yellow Gold Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #5201058531 Shape: Circular Brill...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.95ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Behold our exceptionally unique and romantic diamond engagement ring, a true symbol of timeless elegance set in vintage platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Beautiful Blue gemstone sterling silver eternity band stack band ring
Located in Delhi, DL
This designer oxidized sterling silver ring consists of : Metal- Silver Metal Purity- sterling silver Color of metal- oxidized silver Gemstone- Blue Sapphire (Lab grown)
Blue Sapphire, Sterling Silver
C1910 Multi Gemstone set Harem Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
This 14k gold Edwardian harem ring contains an array of cushion cut diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies, and green demantoid garnets.
Diamond, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold,...
Diamond Sapphire Edwardian Style Openwork Bangle Bracelet & Ring Jewelry Set
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Accentuated with additional diamonds, these jewelry set are more than just an accessory, it is an expression of style and an heirloom in the making. Ring Information Style: Edwardian...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bague de fiançailles ancienne en platine, diamants et saphirs
Located in PARIS, FR
Bague de fiançailles ancienne en platine du début du 20ème siècle. De forme festonnée, elle est centrée d'un diamant taille ancienne d'env. 0,5 carat (estimé I - VS) entouré d'une li...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
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.