$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
6.50 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Earrings
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Composed of pear-shaped sapphires, accented by pear-cut and round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Square Octagon Sapphire Pair – 2.75 Carats Total
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A sophisticated pair of Square Octagon Cut Sapphires, with a combined weight of 2.75 carats. The gemstones feature a classic geometric silhouette with crisp, well-defined edges, maki...
Sapphire
3.50ct Sapphire 3.00ct Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The pendant is set with lovely pear shape sapphire that weighs approximately 3.50ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Multicolor Sapphire Ring 3.72 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Blue Sapphire: 1.18 Carats Orange Sapphire: 1.08 Carats Green Sapphire: 0.90 Carats Pink Sapphire: ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire,...
Multi Color Diamond & Sapphire Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
Multi Color Diamond & Flower Ring A pear shaped pink diamond, yellow diamond & blue sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
5.10 Carat Pear Shape Blue Saphire and Diamond Halo Drop Pendant Necklace
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Showcasing a pear shape blue sapphire weighing 5.10 carats. Surrounded by a row of brilliant round diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$942Sale Price / item|44% Off
Blue sapphire 14k solid gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Depends from size Central stone: Natural sapphire Weight: 0.70 ct, pear cut, color - intense blue Clarity: Transparent with inclusions Surrounding stones: Diamonds: round brilliant...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 2.65ct Sapphire Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1970s, this chunky gold ring features a single pear cut sapphire. The impressive 2.65 carat pear is a vibrant mid-blue colour and is claw set into 18 carat yellow gold.
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$950 / item
The Parrot Sapphire And Diamond Necklace
Located in Fatih, 34
The heart of “The Parrot” is its striking pear-cut sapphire. The gemstone’s vivid blue hue was chosen to represent the deep indigo feathers of a magnificent macaw or the serene sky o...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
De Grisogono 24.60ctw Sapphire & 35ctw Diamond Earrings SSEF
By de GRISOGONO
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Pear-Shaped Blue Sapphires (12.39ct & 12.21ct) & Diamonds approx. 35.00 cts.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
62.20 ct Natural No Heat Sapphire Necklace set in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
Featuring 51 natural no-heat pear-cut sapphires, it showcases a vibrant rainbow of colors, designed to captivate and enchant
Sapphire, Platinum
Vera Wang 14 Karat White Gold Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Vera Wang
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Vera Wang Material: 14K white gold Center Diamond: 0.20ct pear Color: H Clarity: SI1 Diamonds: 95 round cut= 1.00cttw Color: H Clarity: SI2 Sapphire: 23 round cut = 0.25ct...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$40,000Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sapphire Diamond Earrings
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of blue sapphires and Diamond Earrings Each set with pear and marquise shaped sapphires, accented by brilliant and marquise-cut diamonds, mounted in 18K white gold, posts and hi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,700
Sapphire Ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold Sapphire Ring Gold colour & carat: White gold 18kt Weight: 3.76 grams Set with- Stone type: Diamond Shape: pear Carat: 0.66 cts Colour: blue Colou...
Blue Diamond, 18k Gold
Cluster Earrings with Diamonds & Sapphires
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Cluster Earrings with Diamonds & Sapphires in 18k WG Blue Sapphires totaling 2.47ct White marquee diamonds totaling 1.87ct White Pear Shape diamonds totaling 1.77ct White Round diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond 18kt White Gold Earrings
Located in Bethesda, MD
Elegant 18kt white gold earrings featuring unheated sapphires (approximately 6.50ct) paired with lustrous pear-shaped rubies (1.20ct) and sparkling round and baguette diamonds (0.80c...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold
1.42 carats of Sapphire Pendant
Located in New York, NY
At its heart gleams a captivating pear-cut sapphire, weighing a luxurious 1.42 carats, radiating with deep, enchanting hues.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.89 Carat Tanzanite Pear and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry house with nearly 50 years of history serving elite collectors, retailers, and dealers ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, the design features Pave Set Diamonds, a larger Pear Cut Diamond, and a larger matching Pear Cut Sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$1,500 / set
Curvy green tourmaline and pink sapphire Earring
Located in New York, NY
Cluster of dynamic, colorful stones creating an aurora like phenomenon using semi precious color stones. 3 pear shaped (6X4) green tourmaline, pink sapphire and aquamarine in each p...
Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Double-Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb pear-shape blue sapphire of 2.80 carats takes center stage, showcasing a rich, vivid royal blue color with excellent brilliance.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Double-Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb pear-shape blue sapphire of 2.80 carats takes center stage, showcasing a rich, vivid royal blue color with excellent brilliance.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1.97 ct Natural Pink Sapphire & Diamond Pendant in Platinum
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite piece features a 1.97-carat natural pear-cut pink sapphire, beautifully complemented by 1.52 carats of natural mixed-cut white diamonds, graded G/H color and VS1/VS2 c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier Sapphire and Diamond Byzantine Cross Pendant
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
At its heart, the pendant showcases vibrant blue pear-cut sapphires, elegantly positioned to draw the eye.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,707 / set
Brooch and Earrings Diamonds and Sapphires 1950 1960
Located in Paris, FR
A set comprising a bodice clip and a pair of earrings, in openwork platinum (950‰) and yellow gold (750‰), set with brilliant-cut diamonds and pear-shaped sapphires. An 18-karat yell...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
2.38 Carat Purple-Pink Unheated Madagascar Sapphire – GRS Certified
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This exquisite 2.38 carat sapphire captivates with a refined purple-pink hue of remarkable softness and depth. The color presents an elegant balance between rosy warmth and subtle vi...
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
Certified 3.49ct. Teardrop Faceted Dark Green-Blue Sapphire Gemstone
Located in Crescent City, IL
Certified 3.49 carat polished teardrop-shaped (pear) faceted sapphire gemstone. Deep green with blue flash throughout.
Green Sapphire
Belle Époque Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Sautoir Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The principal pendant centers on an impressive pear-shaped blue sapphire weighing approximately 25 carats, surrounded by diamonds and enclosed within an intricate framework of diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum
Unique IGI Certified Bi Colour Blue Yellow 0.76ct Australian Sapphire Untreated
Located in Birmingham, GB
Unique IGI Certified Bi Colour Blue Yellow 0.76ct Australian Sapphire Untreated IGI Certified Untreated Unique Bi Colour Blue Yellow Sapphire Pear Cut Gem. 0.76 Carat with a unique ...
Sapphire
1.04ct Unique IGI Certified Bi Colour Blue Yellow Australian Sapphire Gemstone
Located in Birmingham, GB
With an excellent pear cut. Standard heated like nearly all sapphires on the market.
Sapphire
GIA Certified 2.90 Carat Sapphire Round Diamond Platinum Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
1 Certificate, Natural Blue Sapphire, Heated Gemstone: 2.55 Carats 19 White Round Diamonds: 0.35 Carats Metal: Platinum, 7.00 Grams GIA Certificate # 6233539938
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2.00ct Sapphire 0.50ct Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The pendant is set with lovely pear shape sapphire that weighs approximately 2.00ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unique 1.04ct GIA Certified Hazy Blue Yellow Sapphire Unheated 8.1x5.4mm VVS
Located in Birmingham, GB
Unique 1.04ct GIA Certified Hazy Blue Yellow Sapphire Unheated 8.1x5.4mm VVS Unique GIA Certified Natural 'Hazy Silky' ' Yellow Blue Sapphire Gemstone. 1.04 Carat sapphire with a ha...
Sapphire
Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 2.40 Carats, Pink Sapphire 0.27 carat with Diamond 0.54 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 51 "Since we first ope...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sapphire Diamond White Gold Chandelier Earrings
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous pair of 14k white gold sapphire diamond chandelier earrings feature lovely pear shape sapphires that weigh approximately 3.00ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$124,000Sale Price|20% Off
Pear Cut Emerald Minor Oil Diamond Necklace
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
vivid green emerald and diamond necklace The graduated row of brilliant-cut diamonds leading to two marquise-shaped diamonds, supporting a pear-shaped pink sapphire weighing 15 ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Blue Sapphire and Pink Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 2.96 carats and Pink Sapphire 3.19 carat with Diamond 1.03 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 1...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
AtelierX 10 carat White Orchid Sapphire 18k gold earrings
Located in Stockholm, SE
These earrings are not mere adornments; they are museum-quality masterpieces of wearable art, meticulously crafted to captivate the discerning collector. Each earring showcases a mag...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.65 Ct Blue Sapphire Oval Loose Gemstone
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
This natural Blue sapphire offers elegance and sophistication. With its rich color saturation and precise cutting, it is the perfect centerpiece for an engagement ring or luxury jewe...
Blue Sapphire
Natural Sapphire Cabochon Set – Pendant Necklace PS 1.08ct, Earrings 0.60ct, 14K
By Ajami Diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Details: Pendant necklace: Pear-shaped Natural sapphire, 1.08ct; 14K yellow gold, 2.80 grams.
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Natural 1.03ct Colour Change Australian Sapphire Blue Green IGI Certified Gem
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural 1.03ct Colour Change Australian Sapphire Blue Green IGI Certified Gem IGI Certified Rare Colour Change Australian Sapphire Gemstone. 1.03 Carat sapphire with a rare colour c...
Sapphire
$942Sale Price / item|44% Off
Pear Garnet Pendant in 14 Karat Gold, Flower Design Pendant with Natural Garnet
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pendant size: 30x14.5 mm Set with garnet, color - red. pear cut, approx 2.5 ct. Clarity: Transparent Surrounding stones:- 1 orange-red sapphire 0.08 ct, round cut, transparent ...
Garnet, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold
2.23 cts, Certified Faceted blue pink Sapphires Pair
By True Gems
Located in บางรัก, TH
Certified Faceted sapphires opposite pair sku144 Origin: Sri Lanka Sizes: 8.98x5.55x3.22 mm, 8.76x5.48x3.13 mm Weight: 2.23 ct This pair doenst have any treatments, even normal heat...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire
Georgian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This antique piece focally features a striking pear shaped sapphire possessing a royal blue colour tone.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 12k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A vivid blue sapphire forms the heart of this charming vintage ring, its graceful pear-shaped silhouette framed by a sparkling halo of diamonds totaling approximately .21 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Chandelier Diamond Earrings
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
These earrings are a true embodiment of sophistication and glamour, featuring a mesmerizing array of fourteen Sapphire Pear shapes with a total carat weight of 3.50 carats.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Gold Modern Sapphire Diamond Chandelier Earrings, 9ct Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Pear-shaped sapphires crown each earring, with a fringe of five blue drops beneath.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$2,884Sale Price|35% Off
18k Ring White Gold Ring Diamond Ring Tanzanite Ring Tanzanite Pear
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18K Ring White Gold Ring Diamond Ring Tanzanite Ring Blue Tanzanite Pear Shape Ring This 18K solid white Gold Tanzanite / Diamond bezel halo ring. The fine Quality gold finish...
Tanzanite, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
White Sapphire with Pink Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
White Sapphire 1.58 carats with Pink Sapphire 0.40 carat and Diamond 0.07 carat Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 1.2 cm Length: 2.6 cm "Sinc...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oscar Heyman & Brothers Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman Brothers Sapphire and Diamond Earrings This exquisite pair of Oscar Heyman Brothers earrings features a stunning combination of GIA-certified natural sapphires and eleg...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Open Cuff Bracelet with Diamonds & Sapphires
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Open Cuff Bracelet With white diamonds and 2 pear shape sapphires in 18K White Gold Diamonds Totaling 1.04ct Blue Sapphires totaling 2.00ct
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning 2.19ct Natural Unheated Blue Sapphire Loose Gemstone - GIA Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
This magnificent loose gemstone is a spectacular 2.19-carat natural sapphire of Ethiopian origin, showcasing an elegant pear shape with a brilliant-cut crown and a step-cut pavilion.
Blue Sapphire
Natural 5.54 Ct TW Diamond & Blue Sapphire Earrings, 18K White Gold
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Natural Blue Sapphire Earrings, 5.54 Ct. TW, Pear shape, GIA Certified - Made of 18K White Gold - Metal weight of 6.20 grams - Total carat weight of 5.54 - Main stone weight of ...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Citrine and Pink Sapphire Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a captivating brooch crafted from 18ct yellow gold into the shape of a butterfly. Perfectly matched vibrant orange citrines act as the wings with each stone being expert...
Citrine, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
22.16 ct GIA Certified Natural No Heat Sapphire Bracelet set in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
Featuring a stunning array of natural, certified no-heat pear-cut sapphires, each stone displays its own captivating hue, creating a striking rainbow effect.
Sapphire, Platinum
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Pear-Shaped Hot Pink Tourmaline Single Stone Bezel Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Pear-Shaped Hot Pink Tourmaline Stack Ring features a 1.20 carat pear-shaped hot pink tourmaline set in a hand-crafted 18 karat gold bezel. The pear-shaped t...
Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori Diamond, Sapphire & Emerald Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meticulously crafted in 18 karat white gold by Bvlgari’s master Italian craftsmen, The earrings center two pear shape blue sapphires weighing 1.16 carats total, the earrings are lavi...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Elegant Sapphire & Diamond Pendant in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Elegant Sapphire & Diamond Pendant in 14k White Gold Crafted in 14k white gold, this pendant features a 0.48 carat pear-shaped blue sapphire framed by 0.14 carat total weight of dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
5.30 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Ring with 16 Pear Shape Diamonds 1.65 Ct by McTigue
Located in New York, NY
5.30 Ceylon Sapphire 5.30 American Gemological Laboratory (AGL) #cs68197 16 colorless to near colorless Pear Shape diamonds 1.65 carats handmade wire mounting by McTigue
Platinum
Elegant Sapphire & Diamond Drop Necklace in White Gold
By Pico Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Necklace contains 1 center pear shape sapphire 1.90ct, 14 smaller pear shape sapphires 5.85tcw and 197 round brilliant diamonds, 5.75tcw.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry.
Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.
Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.
America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.
The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.
You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.
Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).
The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)
Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.