$1,489Sale Price|20% Off
Scroll Pattern Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Scroll Pattern Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold Crafted in 14k white gold, this ring features a 2.25 carat sapphire at the center accented by princess cut diamonds tota...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
German Kabirski Peu Gold Plated Silver Ring with Ametrine & Pink Sapphires
By German Kabirski
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The band carries 16 pink sapphires, arranged as a line of princess-cut stones on one side and octagon-cut stones on the other.
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,752Sale Price|48% Off
18K 3.95ct Sri Lanka Purple Sapphire Invisible Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
18 karat white gold ring showcases a rare, cushion cut purple sapphire solitaire diamond ring. The sapphire measures 9.18-8.05 x 5.58 mm and weighs 3.98 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Moon Fashion Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Houston, TX
The deep blue sapphire moon is formed from princess-cut natural sapphires, while the star is highlighted with shimmering round brilliant-cut diamonds, creating a beautiful contrast o...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Orange Sapphires and Diamond Statement Band in 18k White Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Orange Sapphires and Diamond Statement Band in 18k White Gold A striking unisex band ring masterfully crafted in luminous 18K white gold, showcasing twenty-six natural princess-cut ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum 2.83ctw GIA Cushion Ceylon Purple Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
We guarantee that this ring is going to make a special statement and that you're going to fall in love with it, especially the color of the sapphire, the moment you land your eyes on...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Invisible Set Sapphire and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Princess Cut Sapphire and Diamond Gold Ring A captivating vintage ring that radiates sophistication, this 18K yellow gold masterpiece showcases a striking geometric arrangem...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Green Tourmaline 18 Karat Gold Ring Yellow Sapphire
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Fantastic ring in yellow gold 18 k gr. 15,90 with green tourmaline baguette ct 14,30, a yellow sapphire on the side princess cut. Size 13eu. Fantastic and unique.
Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
1.71 Total Carat Sapphire and Diamond Ladies Ring
By SEAWAVEDIAMONDS
Located in New York, NY
1.71 Total Carat Sapphire and Diamond Ladies Ring -Metal Type: 14K White Gold -1.05 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Center Stone, Clarity Enhanced -0.56 Carat Princess Cut Blue Sapphire ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Square Cut Alternating Sapphire & Diamond 5 Stone Channel Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Square Cut - Channel Set - Royal Blue Color - 0.48ctw (exact) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Square Princess Cut - Channel Set - H/I Colo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 2.15 carat sapphire diamond 14k white gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 14k white gold ring highlights a 2.15 carat sapphire framed by a dazzling array of round and princess cut diamonds for striking brilliance.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Sapphire Cts 0.22 Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This sapphire diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k white gold weighing 3.78 grams.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Natural Blue Princess Sapphire and Diamond 0.81 Carat TW Gold Cocktail Band
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful sapphire band. Mounted in a beautiful 18K White Gold setting with natural princess cut blue sapphires complimented by natural round white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.86Carat Natural Sapphire Diamonds Ring & Matching Eternity Band*
Located in New York, NY
Rounds, Full cuts G-color Vs-2 clarity. 1.01ct Additional side princess cut natural sapphires Depth of ring: 7.4mm Accompanied by 1.26ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
A Gold Toi et Moi Ring with Sapphire and Diamond
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18k yellow gold open ring with a cabochon-cut blue sapphire x at both ends (together app 3 ct) bezel set, the shank is decorated with three rows of seven princess-cut diamonds an...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
$1,916Sale Price|20% Off
Radiant Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Radiant Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold Crafted in 18k white gold, this ring centers on a vivid 1.23 carat pink sapphire framed by .76 carat total weight of round...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Natural Sapphire & Diamond Bypass Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
Ring size: 6.75 (can be re-sized) 14k white gold 14 = 0.60 ctw, G/H color, VS/Si clarity, princess cut diamonds 7 = 0.75 ctw, rectangular French cut sapphire Gram weight: 5.96 grams
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$12,565Sale Price|30% Off
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Multi-Color Sapphire Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring with 4 rows of invisible set Rainbow color Princess Cut natural Sapphires a total weight of 3.47 Carat and 1.58 Carat Princess Cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sa...
18 Kt White Gold Ring Diamonds & Sapphires Invisible Set
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE GOLD RING WITH BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS AND INVISIBLE SET PRINCESS CUT SAPPHIRES. MATERIAL: 18kt white gold WEIGHT: 13.4 grams DIAMONDS: brilliant cut diamonds together ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k White Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Fashion Stacking Ring
By Ideal Luxury
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to offer this 14k White Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Fashion Stacking Ring. This stunning ring feature 0.33ctw natural princess cut pink sapphires accented by 0.40ctw ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.5 Carats Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Firenze, FI
beautiful 18k white gold ring with blue sapphire . the main stone surrounded by 8 brilliant cut diamond and 2 princess cut diamonds ,approximately 0.60 the diamonds are H color and V...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
White Gold 1.32tcw Diamond Halo Engagement Ring with Sapphire Accent Stones
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 3.9 Grams Stones: 1.32tcw Diamond: Center (4 x 4.2 x 2.6mm, 0.36ct), Round (1 - 1.75mm, 0.005 - 0.02ct) Princess Cut Sapphire Accent Stones (1.75mm) Measurements: 9.3 x 19.3 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Peter Suchy GIA Certified 2.24 Carat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified green cushion cut sapphire set in platinum with 4 baguette and 2 princess cut side diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Platinum
Peter Suchy GIA 2.32 Carat Octagon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Mounted in a platinum setting and accented with a princess cut diamond on each side. The GIA has certified this sapphire as natural, no heat.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Gem Fancy Yellow Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is complemented by 2 carats of princess-cut diamonds which are invisibly set on the two sides of the sapphire.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 1.18 Carat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
This IGI-certified Natural Blue Sapphire Ring is a masterclass in vibrant color and modern geometric design.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vera Wang Love Collection 1.20ctw Diamond & Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
By Vera Wang
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - H Color - SI1 Clarity - 0.85ct (exact) (58) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set -...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Multirow Ring 18Kt White Gold with Pink Sapphire & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Adorn your hand with the epitome of elegance: a Multirow Ring in 18Kt White Gold, adorned with a captivating 20 princess cut pink sapphire (1.60 carats) and by 42 sparkling full cut ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold
Alfieri & St. John Diamonds and Blue Sapphires Gold Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The ring is set with brilliant-cut 1.00ct diamonds and princess-cut 2,00ct blue sapphires. ALFIERI & ST.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,319Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Blue Princess Sapphire and Diamond 1.03 Carat TW Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's classic sapphire ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow and White Gold setting with natural princess cut blue sapphires complimented by natural round white diamond me...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.33 Total Carat Pink Sapphire Diamond Ladies Ring
By SEAWAVEDIAMONDS
Located in New York, NY
2.33 Total Carat Pink Sapphire Diamond Ladies Ring -Metal Type: 18K White Gold -1.73 Carat Oval Cut Pink Sapphire -0.60 Carat Princess Cut Invisible Set Side Natural Diamonds, G-H...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Christopher Designs GIA Certified 2.38 Carat Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
By Christopher Design
Located in Stamford, CT
Christopher designs sapphire and diamond ring. Oval sapphire set in 18k yellow gold setting with three rows of 1.50 carats of bright princess cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 15mm x 11.6mm Ceylon No Heat Star Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
In this rose gold ring setting are 36 round brilliant diamonds 0.53cts forming a halo and scattered around the center star sapphire. Then a combination of 11 princess cut diamonds 0....
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Natural Pink Sapphires Diamonds Geometric Band 14kt Gold 12441
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
1.10ct Natural Pink sapphires Ring Mounted in Invisible Set & channel.
Brown Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Moi Mila Emerald and Yellow Sapphire Stackable Ring Set
Located in Lawrenceville, GA
Gold(14K) : 11.60g Emerald (Princess-cut) : 4.10ct Yellow Sapphire (Brilliant-cut) : 2.50ct Color being the heart of the design here, these beautifully handcrafted rings are worked ...
Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Multi-Color Sapphire Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents this gorgeous 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring with two rows of invisible set Rainbow color Princess Cut natural Sapphires with a total weight of 2.82 Carats...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sa...
GIA 6.08 Carat Natural Oval Yellow Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1970's bright but warm, yellow sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified natural, no hear oval brilliant cut yellow sapphire, centered in a platinum setting accented with s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 3 Stone Diamond Sapphire Ring 18K White Gold Size 7.75
Located in West Hempstead, NY
The ring includes: One brilliant cut round diamond approximately 3.3mm, GH color, SI clarity (slightly loose in setting) One old cut round diamond approximately 3mm, GH color, includ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$24,750 / item
Very Fine 2.88Ct Cushion Cut Natural Pink Sapphire Ring
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a Gem Quality truly rich Bubble Gum Pink Cushion Cut Sapphire. Most pink sapphires do not have the vivid hue of this gemstone.
Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1930 Platinum halo Ring with Diamonds and Blue Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
Surrounding the central diamond is a captivating halo of blue sapphires, totaling 0.65 carats. These sapphires are expertly cut in a French style, adding a vibrant contrast to the pi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$9,664Sale Price|20% Off
14K Rose Gold Oval Orange Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
And a center row of 15 princess cut, channel set diamonds. With a color grade (H) and clarity grade (SI2).
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Three Row Diamond and Sapphire 18k Gold Ring
Located in Delray Beach, FL
This stunning three row split shank diamond and sapphire ring is crafted from 18K white gold. The ring features a princess cut diamond enhancing the top and bottom rows of the ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co Square Cut Blue Sapphire Diamond 18k Gold Three Stone Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Stunning yellow gold ring set with a fine square cut deep blue sapphire (3mm) and two princess cut diamonds (2mm).
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 6.29cts Multi-sapphire & 1.13cts Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a multi-sapphire gemstone set within a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
14K White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring Size 6.75 #17065
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 6.75 JAGi Certified- This stunning ring features ten princess cut natural blue sapphires and eight round brilliant cut diamonds set in ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Diamond & Sapphire Ring, Size 6.5 - 3.8g
Located in Providence, RI
The four rows of channel set princess cut sapphire gemstones provide strong contrast to the intricate detailing and additional prong set white diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
0.78ct Diamond and sapphire chunky Egyptian engagement ring 18ct gold 6.3g
Located in London, GB
Hallmarked Weight of the ring 6.3g Egyptian hallmark. Blue sapphire gemstone princess cut vivid blue colour natural untreated sapphire gemstone total weight 0.20ct Diamonds round sh...
Diamond, Sapphire
JB Star GIA 4.41 Carat Yellow Orange Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By JB Star
Located in Stamford, CT
Orange cushion cut Sapphire an diamond engagement ring from JB Star. Bright yellowish orange GIA certified natural sapphire with simple heat treatment only, center stone, with 10 pri...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
Vera Wang 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring w/ Sapphires
By Vera Wang
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Vera Wang Material: 14k white gold Center Diamond: princess cut = 0.30cttw Color: G Clarity: I1 Diamonds: 73 round cut = 0.40cttw Color: H / I Clarity: SI1 Sapphires: 0.10c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rainbow Sapphire and Diamond Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
Georgios designer offers 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring featuring 1.7 Carats of princess cut Multicolor Sapphires set in an invisible setting creating a beautiful rainbow.
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sa...
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 6- This sparkling band features three princess cut diamonds and four princess cut sapphires set in classic 18K whi...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
$3,796Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Sapphire Diamond Ring 6.75 14k W Gold 13.3 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stone: Natural Finely Faceted Quality Sapphire, Diamond Species & Variety: Corundum/Sapphire Stone Cut: Cut Corner Rectangular Modified Brilliant Cut Stone Color: Yellow Transpar...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
.48 Carat Square Sapphire Princess Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This beautifully crafted ring features six richly colored square sapphires with an approximate total weight of .48 carats which are accented by on sparkling princess-cut center diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Cushion Shape 1.12ct Sapphire and 0.52ct Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in London, GB
With two 0.22ct Princess Cut Diamonds on each side. With 11 Diamonds on each side Additional Information: Sapphire Weight: 1.12ct Total Diamond Weight: 0.52ct - 0.44ct and 0.08ct D...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Magnificent 3.35ct Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
A velvety 1.99ct emerald-cut blue sapphire sits enthroned amidst a high-voltage halo of 38 brilliant round and 2 princess-cut diamonds, creating a persuasive 3.35ct explosion of spar...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,277Sale Price|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Sapphire Cocktail Ring, 1.06ct & 3.40ct
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Further complementing the diamond are 10 princess cut sapphires invisible set to the shoulders with an approximate total weight of 3.40ct and displaying a medium blue hue.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Sapphire and Diamond Baguette Ring in 14k White Gold
By Louis XV Jewelers
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A stunning one of a kind ring! With princess cut pink sapphires set upside down creating such a unique look!
Diamond, Pink 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.
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.
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