Rare IGI Certified Colour Change Sapphire Ceylon Pinkish Purple 0.91ct Oval Cut
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare IGI Certified Colour Change Sapphire Ceylon Pinkish Purple 0.91ct Oval Cut IGI Certified Rare Colour Change Ceylon Sapphire Gemstone. 0.91 Carat sapphire with a rare colour cha...
Sapphire
IGI Certified 4.44ct Untreated Ceylon Blue Star Sapphire Natural Oval Rare Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
IGI Certified 4.44ct Untreated Ceylon Blue Star Sapphire Natural Oval Rare Gem IGI Certified Natural Rare Untreated Ceylon Star Sapphire. 4.44 Carat with a sharp six ray star under ...
Blue Sapphire
Unique Ceylon Sapphire 1.17ct Bi Colour Vivid Yellow Purplish Blue Octagon Cut
Located in Birmingham, GB
Unique Ceylon Sapphire 1.17ct Bi Colour Vivid Yellow Purplish Blue Octagon Cut Unique Natural Bi Colour Octagon Cut Ceylon Sapphire Gemstone. Purplish Blue With Yellow Streak. 1.17 ...
Sapphire
Fine IGI Certified 2.43ct Untreated Ceylon Violet Blue Star Sapphire Natural Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine IGI Certified 2.43ct Untreated Ceylon Violet Blue Star Sapphire Natural Gem IGI Certified Natural Rare Untreated Star Ceylon Sapphire. 2.43 Carat with a sharp six ray star unde...
Blue Sapphire
Natural 1.07ct IGI Certified Bi Colour Blue Yellow Ceylon Sapphire Unheated Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural 1.07ct IGI Certified Bi Colour Blue Yellow Ceylon Sapphire Unheated Gem Unique IGI Certified Untreated Bi Colour Greenish Yellow Blue CEYLON Sapphire Octagon Cut Gem. 1.07 C...
Sapphire
Unique 4.02ct GIA Certified Ceylon Sapphire Bi Colour Untreated Octagon Rare Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
Unique 4.02ct GIA Certified Ceylon Sapphire Bi Colour Untreated Octagon Rare Gem Fine Quality GIA Certified Natural Untreated Bi Colour Ceylon Sapphire. 4.02 Carat sapphire with a u...
Sapphire
Natural GIA Certified 1.55ct Ceylon Yellow Sapphire Untreated No Heat Heart Cut
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural GIA Certified 1.55ct Ceylon Yellow Sapphire Untreated No Heat Heart Cut Natural GIA Certified Untreated Ceylon Yellow Sapphire. 1.55 Carat sapphire with a beautiful bright y...
Sapphire
AGL-Certified 14.22 Carat Emerald-Cut Blue Sapphire Ceylon No Heat
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional 14.22 carat emerald-cut blue sapphire is a true collector-grade gemstone, accompanied by AGL certification confirming its coveted Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin and, mos...
Blue Sapphire
GRS Certified 5.14 ct Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire – Oval Cut Ceylon Origin
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
This remarkable gemstone is a GRS-certified Natural Padparadscha Sapphire, an extraordinary treasure renowned for its rare and enchanting orange-pink hue. Revered as one of the most ...
Pink Sapphire
Certified 7.76 Carat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire Gemstone Oval Cut Pair
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Prepare to be enchanted by a rare and exquisite pair of Natural Unheated Ceylon Blue Sapphire Gemstones, each meticulously crafted into an oval cut, creating a perfectly matched pair...
Blue Sapphire
Natural Sri Lankan Light Cornflower Blue Ceylon Sapphire Matching Pair 1.91 cara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Sri Lankan (Ceylon) light cornflower blue sapphire matching pair totaling 1.91 carats. Expertly matched in color, size, and proportions, these eye-clean gemstones display a s...
Sapphire
Natural Sri Lankan Light Cornflower Blue Ceylon Sapphire Matching Pair 3.52 cts
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Sri Lankan (Ceylon) light cornflower blue sapphire matching pair totaling 3.52 carats. Expertly matched in color, size, and proportions, these eye-clean gemstones display a s...
Sapphire
Real 4.32ct No Heat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire Oval Sri Lanka
Located in New York, NY
Retail Price - $10,000 Item Stock Number - BS874633232676 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 4.32ct Color - Blue Treatment - No Origin - Sri Lanka
Blue Sapphire
Real 1.98ct No Heat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire Oval Sri Lanka
Located in New York, NY
Retail Price - $12,000 Item Stock Number - BS874633232669 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 1.98ct Color - Blue Treatment - No Heat Cut Grade - Sri Lanka
Blue Sapphire
Real 1.77ct No Heat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire Oval Sri Lanka
Located in New York, NY
Retail Price - $10,000 Item Stock Number - BS874633232670 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 1.77ct Color - Blue Treatment - No Heat Origin - Sri Lanka
Blue Sapphire
Real 4.32ct No Heat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire Oval Sri Lanka
Located in New York, NY
Retail Price - $10,000 Item Stock Number - BS874633232676 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 4.32ct Color - Blue Treatment - No Origin - Sri Lanka
Blue Sapphire
Real 1.83ct No Heat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire Oval Sri Lanka
Located in New York, NY
Retail Price - $10,000 Item Stock Number - BS874633232675 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 1.83ct Color - Blue Treatment - No Origin - Sri Lanka
Blue Sapphire
Real 2.07ct No Heat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire Oval Sri Lanka
Located in New York, NY
Retail Price - $12,000 Item Stock Number - BS874633232668 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 2.07ct Color - Blue Treatment - No Heat Origin - Sri Lanka
Blue Sapphire
2.61ct Unique GIA Certified Ceylon Sapphire Bi Colour Blue Yellow Pear Cut Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
2.61ct Unique GIA Certified Ceylon Sapphire Bi Colour Blue Yellow Pear Cut Gem Unique GIA Certified Natural Bi Colour Pear Cut Ceylon Sapphire Gemstone. 2.61 Carat sapphire with a b...
Sapphire
Unique GIA Certified 2.35ct Ceylon Sapphire Bi Colour Yellow Blue Oval Cut Rare
Located in Birmingham, GB
Unique GIA Certified 2.35ct Ceylon Sapphire Bi Colour Yellow Blue Oval Cut Rare Unique GIA Certified Natural Bi Colour Oval Cut Ceylon Sapphire. 2.35 Carat sapphire with a beautiful...
Sapphire
IGI Certified 1.03ct Colour Change Sapphire Ceylon Pink Purple No Heat Oval Cut
Located in Birmingham, GB
IGI Certified 1.03ct Colour Change Sapphire Ceylon Pink Purple No Heat Oval Cut IGI Certified Untreated Colour Change Ceylon Sapphire Gemstone. 1.03 Carat sapphire with a rare colou...
Sapphire
$4,889Sale Price|30% Off
AIGS Certified 4.61 Ct Cornflower Blue Natural Sapphire Pear Cut Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
AIGS Certified Cornflower Blue Natural Sapphire Pear Cut Loose Gemstone – Unheated Ceylon Blue Sapphire, Premium Pear Shape Faceted Jewelry Stone, Investment Grade Collector Gem, Fin...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
Natural Sri Lankan Light Cornflower Blue Ceylon Sapphire Matching Pair 4.04 cara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite matching pair of natural cornflower blue sapphires boasts a total weight of 4.04 carats. Featuring the highly sought-after cornflower blue hue, these sapphires display...
Sapphire
$3,144Sale Price|30% Off
Certified Natural Yellow Sapphire 9.14 Carat Oval Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Certified Natural Yellow Sapphire Oval Cut Loose Gemstone – Genuine Ceylon Yellow Sapphire Ring Stone, Precious Pukhraj Gem, Bright Golden Yellow Sapphire for Engagement Ring, Pendan...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
$1,312Sale Price|30% Off
Certified Natural Yellow Sapphire 2.00 Carat Oval Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Certified Natural Yellow Sapphire Oval Cut Loose Gemstone – Genuine Ceylon Yellow Sapphire Ring Stone, Precious Pukhraj Gem, Bright Golden Yellow Sapphire for Engagement Ring, Pendan...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
$454Sale Price|30% Off
1.84 Ct Yellow Natural Sapphire Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring or Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Yellow Natural Sapphire Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone – Heated Ceylon Yellow Sapphire, Premium Cushion Shape Faceted Jewelry Stone, Fine Loose Sapphire for Engagement Ring, Pendant, Cus...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
$374Sale Price|30% Off
1.76 Ct Yellow Natural Sapphire Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone for Ring or Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Yellow Natural Sapphire Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone – Heated Ceylon Yellow Sapphire, Premium Cushion Shape Faceted Jewelry Stone, Fine Loose Sapphire for Engagement Ring, Pendant, Cus...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire
Rare 3.72ct No Heat Natural Ceylon Blue Sapphire Oval Sri Lanka GRS Certified
Located in New York, NY
Retail Price - $30,000 Item Stock Number - BS874633232667 Certificate Number - GRS2022-038273 Shape - Oval Carat Weight - 3.72ct Measurements - 9.97 x 7.98 x 5.76 Color - Blue Treatm...
Blue Sapphire
Royal blue saphire natural, no heating untreated 2.87ct Sri-Lanka(ceylon)
Located in Berlin, BE
!!UNTREATED NATURAL!! This exquisite 2.87-carat Royal blue saphire, sourced from the historic gem-rich region of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), exemplifies the exceptional natural be...
Blue Sapphire
$709Sale Price|20% Off
1.12Ct Ceylon Sapphire Light Blue Oval Cut Natural Loose Gem VS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.12Ct Ceylon Sapphire Light Blue Oval Cut Natural Loose Gem VS Natural Ceylon Light Blue Oval Cut Sapphire Gemstone. 1.12 Carat sapphire with a beautiful vivid light blue colo...
Sapphire
1.12ct Ceylon Sapphire Light Blue Oval Cut Natural 6.5x4.8mm Loose Gem VS
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.12ct Ceylon Sapphire Light Blue Oval Cut Natural 6.5x4.8mm Loose Gem VS Natural Ceylon Light Blue Oval Cut Sapphire Gemstone. 1.12 Carat sapphire with a beautiful vivid light blue...
Sapphire
Fine 2.15ct Ceylon Sapphire Vivid Blue Oval Cut Natural 8.7x5.9mm Loose Gem VVS
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine 2.15ct Ceylon Sapphire Vivid Blue Oval Cut Natural 8.7x5.9mm Loose Gem VVS Fine Natural Ceylon Vivid Blue Oval Cut Sapphire Gemstone. 2.15 Carat sapphire with a beautiful vivid...
Sapphire
Natual 1.29Ct Purple Blue Bi Colour Ceylon Sapphire Pear Cut Loose Gem 7.6X5.6mm
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
NATUAL 1.29ct Purple Blue BI COLOUR Ceylon Sapphire Pear Cut Loose Gem 7.6x5.6mm Natural Unique Purple Blue Bi Colour Ceylon Sapphire Gemstone. 1.29 Carat with a beautiful purple bl...
Sapphire
$1,037Sale Price|20% Off
1.08Ct Ceylon Sapphire Cornflower Blue Loose Fancy Fan Cut Natural VS
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.08Ct Ceylon Sapphire Cornflower Blue Loose Fancy Fan Cut Natural VS Natural Cornflower Blue Fancy Cut Ceylon Sapphire Gemstone. 1.08 Carat with a beautiful fine cornflower blue co...
1.08ct Ceylon Sapphire Cornflower Blue Loose Fancy Fan Cut Natural 8.6x6.2mm VS
Located in Birmingham, GB
1.08ct Ceylon Sapphire Cornflower Blue Loose Fancy Fan Cut Natural 8.6x6.2mm VS Natural Cornflower Blue Fancy Cut Ceylon Sapphire Gemstone. 1.08 Carat with a beautiful fine cornflow...
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.
Are you shopping for diamonds and other loose gemstones to create your own custom jewelry?
Why might you purchase a diamond or gemstone “loose” — that is, on its own, not mounted in a piece of jewelry? Perhaps you’re a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment. The scarcity of high-quality colored diamonds, for instance, especially pink diamonds, means that their value increases over time; the same is true of rare Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies. Far rarer than diamonds, Paraiba tourmaline, discovered only in the 1980s, is treasured as much for its extraordinary color as its scarcity, both of which contribute to its high value.
A more common scenario would be that you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation.
If this sounds like you, read on for tips on becoming one of the world’s savviest gem hunters.
Educate yourself: When buying any piece of gem-set fine jewelry, you should familiarize yourself with the factors that determine a stone’s price. This will enable you to streamline your search for the perfect gem and have intelligent, productive conversations with sellers.
There is a wealth of information online, such as our diamond-buying guide and this overview of colored gemstones for engagement rings. The buying guides of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), searchable by stone type, are also a widely trusted source for consumers venturing into the world of diamonds and gems for the first time.
Vet your vendor: If you peruse 1stDibs with any regularity, you know there is no shortage of vendors who deal in top-quality loose gemstones. (Read about our vetted sellers.) Finding a trustworthy, established dealer may be as easy as getting a recommendation from friends or family. And, although it may sound obvious, it pays to Google your candidates — and consult customer reviews — before making contact.
Harakh Mehta, designer and founder of the Mumbai, India–based fine-jewelry brand Harakh, has an innate understanding of proper client relations, especially when the customer is in unfamiliar territory. “Start chatting with the dealer, get to know them better," he says. "It’s very important to establish a comfort level. We never push a sale, as we want it to be a carefully considered purchase. So, if the client is not in a rush, we do it over a few virtual meetings or phone calls.”
Request documentation: The best dealers go to great lengths to furnish clients with documents verifying the quality rating, natural origin and provenance of a stone — showing, for example, that loose emerald hails from the famous Muzo mine in Colombia — and disclosing any treatments applied to enhance its appearance. (And who doesn't love emerald jewelry? The most valuable emeralds are the ones that have a deep bluish-green to true green color and no visible inclusions.)
If no grading report is available for a stone you are interested in, the dealer should be able to provide an authenticity document, such as an appraisal or info sheet, that has been signed by an in-house gemologist or professional appraiser. Google those names, too, for extra peace of mind.
Ask for videos and visuals: When transacting with a gem dealer online, you should always request real-time videos and photographs, since professional photos of a stone, usually on a white background, have likely been retouched for optimal presentation.
Read more about how to buy loose gemstones and find your dream gems today on 1stDibs.