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NWT $14, 000 Fancy 18KT Gold 7CT Fancy Baguette Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
NWT $14, 000 Fancy 18KT Gold 7CT Fancy Baguette Sapphire Diamond Bracelet

NWT $14, 000 Fancy 18KT Gold 7CT Fancy Baguette Sapphire Diamond Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Sparkling Magnificent Fancy Rare Baguette Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet. Bracelet contains approx 7CTS of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

NWT $36, 500 18KT Gold Rare Baroque Sea Pearl Gorgeous Diamond Dangle Earrings
NWT $36, 500 18KT Gold Rare Baroque Sea Pearl Gorgeous Diamond Dangle Earrings

NWT $36, 500 18KT Gold Rare Baroque Sea Pearl Gorgeous Diamond Dangle Earrings

Located in New York, NY

The Following Items we are offering are these Extremely Rare Beautiful 18KT Gold Fine Rare Large

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k...

NWT $14, 000 18KT Gold Fancy Glittering Large Blue Sapphire Tennis Bracelet
NWT $14, 000 18KT Gold Fancy Glittering Large Blue Sapphire Tennis Bracelet

NWT $14, 000 18KT Gold Fancy Glittering Large Blue Sapphire Tennis Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Rare Gorgeous Fancy Oval

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

NWT 29, 000 18KT Fancy Large Glittering Rare Colorful Spinel Diamond Earrings
NWT 29, 000 18KT Fancy Large Glittering Rare Colorful Spinel Diamond Earrings

NWT 29, 000 18KT Fancy Large Glittering Rare Colorful Spinel Diamond Earrings

Located in New York, NY

The Following Items we are offering is this Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Gorgeous Glittering

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

GIA Certified Unique Bi Colour Sapphire 1.34Ct Yellow Blue Oval Cut Untreated
GIA Certified Unique Bi Colour Sapphire 1.34Ct Yellow Blue Oval Cut Untreated

GIA Certified Unique Bi Colour Sapphire 1.34Ct Yellow Blue Oval Cut Untreated

By Gems and Jewels UK

Located in Birmingham, GB

GIA Certified Unique Bi Colour Sapphire 1.34Ct Yellow Blue Oval Cut Untreated Natural Unique GIA

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire

6.36 Ct No Heat Certified Madagascar Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
6.36 Ct No Heat Certified Madagascar Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

6.36 Ct No Heat Certified Madagascar Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

certification stating NO Heat Sapphire from Madagascar – absolute natural, not treated Sapphires are rare

Category

Mid-20th Century European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

GIA Certified 1.22ct No Heat Ceylon Pink Sapphire Ring in 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.22ct No Heat Ceylon Pink Sapphire Ring in 18k Gold

GIA Certified 1.22ct No Heat Ceylon Pink Sapphire Ring in 18k Gold

By OGI Ltd

Located in New York, NY

18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring with GIA Certified Ceylon Pink Sapphire and Diamonds Item Details

Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

NWT $142, 300 18KT Gold 45CT Fancy Glittering Large Sapphire Diamond Necklace
NWT $142, 300 18KT Gold 45CT Fancy Glittering Large Sapphire Diamond Necklace

NWT $142, 300 18KT Gold 45CT Fancy Glittering Large Sapphire Diamond Necklace

Located in New York, NY

The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Rare Gorgeous Fancy

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

IGI Certified 2.04 Carat No heat cyelon Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
IGI Certified 2.04 Carat No heat cyelon Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18K White Gold

IGI Certified 2.04 Carat No heat cyelon Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18K White Gold

Located in KOWLOON, HK

This exquisite ring showcases a stunning 2.04-carat unheated Ceylon sapphire, a rare and highly

Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold

IGI Certified 1.39 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold
IGI Certified 1.39 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold

IGI Certified 1.39 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold

Located in KOWLOON, HK

yellow sapphire, a rare variety of natural corundum. Masterfully fashioned into a pear mixed cut. Its

Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 5.00 Ct Natural Sapphire 3.20 Ct Diamond Russian Bracelet
Antique 5.00 Ct Natural Sapphire 3.20 Ct Diamond Russian Bracelet

Antique 5.00 Ct Natural Sapphire 3.20 Ct Diamond Russian Bracelet

Located in Napoli, IT

, intertwined links leading to a centre cluster with rich Diamond set surrounding a rare no heat natural Blue

Category

Early 20th Century Russian Edwardian Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Natural Sri Lankan Blue Sapphire Gemstone 6.66 carats with GIA Report
Natural Sri Lankan Blue Sapphire Gemstone 6.66 carats with GIA Report

Natural Sri Lankan Blue Sapphire Gemstone 6.66 carats with GIA Report

Located in Los Angeles, CA

and quality This exquisite blue sapphire is a rare blend of size, quality, and origin—an

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

IGI Certified 3.05 Carat No heat Green Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
IGI Certified 3.05 Carat No heat Green Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18K White Gold

IGI Certified 3.05 Carat No heat Green Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18K White Gold

Located in KOWLOON, HK

showcases a stunning 3.05-carat marquise-cut unheated greyish green sapphire, a rare and captivating

Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 3.38 Carats Oval Cut Pink Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring
GIA Certified 3.38 Carats Oval Cut Pink Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

GIA Certified 3.38 Carats Oval Cut Pink Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring

By Roman Malakov

Located in New York, NY

A lovely engagement ring, showcasing a rare 3.38 carats oval cut sapphire certified by GIA as Pink

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

NWT $47, 500 18KT Gold Glittering Fancy 25CT Blue Sapphire Long Strand Necklace
NWT $47, 500 18KT Gold Glittering Fancy 25CT Blue Sapphire Long Strand Necklace

NWT $47, 500 18KT Gold Glittering Fancy 25CT Blue Sapphire Long Strand Necklace

Located in New York, NY

The Following Item we are offering is a Rare 18KT Gold Rare Fancy Long Strand Blue Sapphire Strand

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Rope Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

AIG Certified 7.90 Carat Orange Sapphire 1.40 Carat Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
AIG Certified 7.90 Carat Orange Sapphire 1.40 Carat Diamonds 18K Gold Ring

AIG Certified 7.90 Carat Orange Sapphire 1.40 Carat Diamonds 18K Gold Ring

Located in New Delhi, Delhi

piece tells a unique story that connects and captivate hearts. An exquisite rare orange Sapphire and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

20 Carat Moonstone and Sapphire Gold Statement Halo Cocktail Ring
20 Carat Moonstone and Sapphire Gold Statement Halo Cocktail Ring

20 Carat Moonstone and Sapphire Gold Statement Halo Cocktail Ring

Located in Montreal, QC

Simply Beautiful Finely Detailed Rare Moonstone and Sapphire Gold Halo Ring. Centering a securely

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Moonstone, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

10.35 Carat Purple Sapphire No Heat Ceylon and Diamond Cluster Ring
10.35 Carat Purple Sapphire No Heat Ceylon and Diamond Cluster Ring

10.35 Carat Purple Sapphire No Heat Ceylon and Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in Miami, FL

piece is unmistakably natural and noticeably valuable, featuring a rare purple-pink sapphire surrounded

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Platinum

14K Solid White Gold Padparadscha Sapphire Ring: Earth Mined Diamond Accents
14K Solid White Gold Padparadscha Sapphire Ring: Earth Mined Diamond Accents

14K Solid White Gold Padparadscha Sapphire Ring: Earth Mined Diamond Accents

Located in Columbus, OH

Featuring a rare 0.58ct Ceylon Padparadscha sapphire in a 6x4mm setting, this ring glows with soft

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

AIG Certified 29.00 Carat Orange Sapphires  5 Carat Diamonds 18k Gold Necklace
AIG Certified 29.00 Carat Orange Sapphires  5 Carat Diamonds 18k Gold Necklace

AIG Certified 29.00 Carat Orange Sapphires 5 Carat Diamonds 18k Gold Necklace

Located in New Delhi, Delhi

more than Alluring. This exquisite piece features rare and mesmerizing Sapphires stones, each of which

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Burma No Heat Blue and Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Burma No Heat Blue and Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring

GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Burma No Heat Blue and Pink Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring

Located in Kowloon, Hong Kong

sophisticated ring showcases an exceptionally rare unheated Burmese sapphire of approximately 1.03 carats. The

Category

2010s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

NWT $22, 000 Important 18KT 27.50CT Fancy Blue Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings
NWT $22, 000 Important 18KT 27.50CT Fancy Blue Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings

NWT $22, 000 Important 18KT 27.50CT Fancy Blue Sapphire Diamond Drop Earrings

Located in New York, NY

The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Large Rare Fancy Blue

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Platinum Shield Sapphire European Diamond Earrings Burma No Heat GIA
Art Deco Platinum Shield Sapphire European Diamond Earrings Burma No Heat GIA

Art Deco Platinum Shield Sapphire European Diamond Earrings Burma No Heat GIA

Located in Winter Springs, FL

natural Burmese sapphire of shield cut design. The sapphires are particularly rare, accompanied by a GIA

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Roberto Coin Cento Pink Sapphire Necklace in 18k White Gold
Roberto Coin Cento Pink Sapphire Necklace in 18k White Gold

Roberto Coin Cento Pink Sapphire Necklace in 18k White Gold

By Roberto Coin

Located in Honolulu, HI

one and a half carat rare pink sapphire. The sapphire is brilliant cut and bezel set. The pendant is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

NWT $91, 500 18KT Gold Magnificent Large Blue Sapphire Cabochon Sapphire Bracelet
NWT $91, 500 18KT Gold Magnificent Large Blue Sapphire Cabochon Sapphire Bracelet

NWT $91, 500 18KT Gold Magnificent Large Blue Sapphire Cabochon Sapphire Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

The Following Item we are Offering is this Magnificent 18KT Gold Large Extremely Rare Fancy Large

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

15.63 Carat Multi Color Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold Station
15.63 Carat Multi Color Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold Station

15.63 Carat Multi Color Sapphire & Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold Station

Located in Miami, FL

rare padparadscha color, teal blue-green varieties, and rich violet stones. Each oval-cut sapphire

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Heart Shape Sapphire South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter
Heart Shape Sapphire South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter

Heart Shape Sapphire South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings Design by Ella Gafter

By Ella Gafter

Located in New York, NY

larger carved heart shape cabochon yellow sapphires, a rare technical feat. (Total weight of sapphires is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond,...

NWT $12, 500 18KT Gold Magnificent 17.50ct Rainbow Sapphire Diamond Earrings
NWT $12, 500 18KT Gold Magnificent 17.50ct Rainbow Sapphire Diamond Earrings

NWT $12, 500 18KT Gold Magnificent 17.50ct Rainbow Sapphire Diamond Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Rare FANCY MULTI SAPPHIRE AND WHITE DIAMOND Dangle Earrings. Each Earring is Exquisitely adorned with

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

White Gold Black Star Sapphire Diamond Stick Lapel Pin
White Gold Black Star Sapphire Diamond Stick Lapel Pin

White Gold Black Star Sapphire Diamond Stick Lapel Pin

Located in New York, NY

This stick/lapel pin is an extraordinary piece of jewelry that showcases a rare and magnificent

Category

2010s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond No Heat Blue Sapphire Pink Spinel Demantoid Pavé 18K Rose gold Ring
Diamond No Heat Blue Sapphire Pink Spinel Demantoid Pavé 18K Rose gold Ring

Diamond No Heat Blue Sapphire Pink Spinel Demantoid Pavé 18K Rose gold Ring

By Joke Quick

Located in Antwerp, BE

This 18K rose gold ring, handmade in Belgium by jewellery designer Joke Quick, showcases a rare

Category

2010s Belgian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Spinel, Garnet, 18k Gol...

79.63 Carat Sapphire Pendant (N-H) in 18K White Gold (GRS Certified)
79.63 Carat Sapphire Pendant (N-H) in 18K White Gold (GRS Certified)

79.63 Carat Sapphire Pendant (N-H) in 18K White Gold (GRS Certified)

Located in Bangkok, TH

Grand, rare, and exquisitely crafted—this Sapphire and Diamond Pendant is a true masterpiece of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

NWT $40, 000 18KT South Sea Pearl Fancy Parrot Diamond Sapphire Emerald Brooch
NWT $40, 000 18KT South Sea Pearl Fancy Parrot Diamond Sapphire Emerald Brooch

NWT $40, 000 18KT South Sea Pearl Fancy Parrot Diamond Sapphire Emerald Brooch

Located in New York, NY

The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important 18KT Gold Radiant Sapphire and Diamond

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Agate, South ...

IGI Certified 2.00 Carat No Heat Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
IGI Certified 2.00 Carat No Heat Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold

IGI Certified 2.00 Carat No Heat Pink Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold

Located in KOWLOON, HK

beauty of a rare and intense reddish-pink sapphire. At the heart of this stunning ring is a mesmerizing

Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Gold

20Th Vintage 11 Carat Unheated Sapphires Detachable Unsigned Certified Necklace
20Th Vintage 11 Carat Unheated Sapphires Detachable Unsigned Certified Necklace

20Th Vintage 11 Carat Unheated Sapphires Detachable Unsigned Certified Necklace

Located in Rome, IT

11 Carats of exquisitely rare, not heated certified sapphires. This unique jewelry report, numbered

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Vanity Items

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Malachite, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold

Ukrainian Blue Topaz Yellow Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Designer Diamond Ring
Ukrainian Blue Topaz Yellow Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Designer Diamond Ring

Ukrainian Blue Topaz Yellow Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Designer Diamond Ring

By Natkina

Located in Genève, GE

represents the blue sky over golden fighting shields in yellow and orange sapphires. Rare topazes, sun-yellow

Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold

NWT $23, 519 Magnificent 18KT 35CT Rainbow Multi Color Sapphire Diamond Necklace
NWT $23, 519 Magnificent 18KT 35CT Rainbow Multi Color Sapphire Diamond Necklace

NWT $23, 519 Magnificent 18KT 35CT Rainbow Multi Color Sapphire Diamond Necklace

Located in New York, NY

The Following Item we are offering is this Rare Important FANCY MULTI RAINBOW SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Certified Natural Color Changing Sapphire Pendant in 18K White Gold & Diamond
Certified Natural Color Changing Sapphire Pendant in 18K White Gold & Diamond

Certified Natural Color Changing Sapphire Pendant in 18K White Gold & Diamond

Located in Kowloon, HK

Features: The centerpiece of this pendant is a rare color-changing sapphire that adds a magical touch to

Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Rare Bandit Jackrabbit Pearl Pin 18kt
Vintage Rare Bandit Jackrabbit Pearl Pin 18kt

Vintage Rare Bandit Jackrabbit Pearl Pin 18kt

Located in New York, NY

Rare Handmade Pearl sapphire pin Very Well Made 13.1mm Natural South Sea Pearl .20ct natural

Category

2010s American Brooches

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari 1970s 18K Gold Torque Bangle with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds
Bulgari 1970s 18K Gold Torque Bangle with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds

Bulgari 1970s 18K Gold Torque Bangle with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds

By Bulgari

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

Very rare "slave" bangle 1970s Sapphire and emerald cabochons approx 0.44 - 0.5ct, with 10 baguette

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 2.10 carat Ceylon no heat sapphire diamond 18k white gold ring
Edwardian 2.10 carat Ceylon no heat sapphire diamond 18k white gold ring

Edwardian 2.10 carat Ceylon no heat sapphire diamond 18k white gold ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

, the sapphire originates from Ceylon and is certified as having no heat treatment—an increasingly rare

Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Spectra Fine Jewelry AGL Certified 8.06 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Ring
Spectra Fine Jewelry AGL Certified 8.06 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Ring

Spectra Fine Jewelry AGL Certified 8.06 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Ring

By Spectra Fine Jewelry

Located in New York, NY

classic design and striking details. Crafted in platinum, it features a rare unheated Ceylon sapphire

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

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Rare Sapphire For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate rare sapphire for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and 14k Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect rare sapphire may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic rare sapphire over the years, but those made by Natkina, Fine Jewels UK and Gemjunky are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A rare sapphire can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 128 Sapphire versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and cushion cut alternatives. Finding a rare sapphire for sale for women should be easy, but there are 60 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Rare Sapphire?

The price for a rare sapphire starts at $100 and tops out at $485,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $5,800.

The Legacy of Sapphire in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)  

Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.

Questions About Rare Sapphire
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    Yes, a star sapphire is rarer than other types of sapphires. The gemstones get their name from the natural starburst effect that appears on their faces when you view them under a single overhead light. On 1stDibs, shop a range of star sapphire gemstone jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Yes, natural purple star sapphires are rarer than sapphires of other colors like blue. Natural purple star sapphires come in a variety of hues from light lavender to deep violet. Sapphires can even be colorless, or white, although examples are very rare, since the corundum from which they are formed has to have been untouched by any other element. Non-blue colored sapphires are referred to as “fancy sapphires” and can be pink, purple, orange, yellow or green. Shop a collection of vintage and modern sapphire jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.