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White Gold Daisy Ring with 1.62 ct Sapphire and 1.30 ct Diamonds
White Gold Daisy Ring with 1.62 ct Sapphire and 1.30 ct Diamonds

White Gold Daisy Ring with 1.62 ct Sapphire and 1.30 ct Diamonds

Located in PARIS, FR

1.62-carat Ceylon sapphire in a vibrant blue hue, likely untreated, adding rarity and natural beauty

Category

Vintage 1980s European Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

White Gold

Saphire Brilliant Pendant Platinum luminous incredible Color 3.585 ct 1.46 ct
Saphire Brilliant Pendant Platinum luminous incredible Color 3.585 ct 1.46 ct

Saphire Brilliant Pendant Platinum luminous incredible Color 3.585 ct 1.46 ct

Located in Viena, Viena

, which makes this gemstone extremely rare. For this reason, Padparadscha sapphires regularly achieve

Category

2010s Italian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum

Vintage Must de Cartier Mystery Tank Watch. ARGENT Manual Black Dial Tank.
Vintage Must de Cartier Mystery Tank Watch. ARGENT Manual Black Dial Tank.

Vintage Must de Cartier Mystery Tank Watch. ARGENT Manual Black Dial Tank.

By Cartier

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Rare Black dial Blue sapphire cabochon crown. Please ask for more details, photos or videos.

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Saphire Brilliant Earrings 900 Platinum orange-pink 7.14 1.14ct incredible Color
Saphire Brilliant Earrings 900 Platinum orange-pink 7.14 1.14ct incredible Color

Saphire Brilliant Earrings 900 Platinum orange-pink 7.14 1.14ct incredible Color

Located in Viena, Viena

gemstone extremely rare. For this reason, Padparadscha sapphires regularly achieve sales prices that far

Category

2010s Dominican Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum

3.02 Carat Mandarin Garnet Cushion Three Stone Ring in Platinum Merkaba Jewelry
3.02 Carat Mandarin Garnet Cushion Three Stone Ring in Platinum Merkaba Jewelry

3.02 Carat Mandarin Garnet Cushion Three Stone Ring in Platinum Merkaba Jewelry

By Merkaba

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Jewelry Beverly Hills on 1stDibs to discover rare garnet, spinel, sapphire, and collector grade gemstone

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Spinel, Mandarin Garnet...

Collection of Byzantine Gem Cameos c. 900 – 1100 AD
Collection of Byzantine Gem Cameos c. 900 – 1100 AD

Collection of Byzantine Gem Cameos c. 900 – 1100 AD

Located in Chicago, IL

purity. Tourmalines and aquamarines were rare and exotic gemstones. Sapphires were brought from Ceylon

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Byzantine Models and Miniatures

Materials

Aquamarine, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline

NWT $50, 000 18KT Gold Glittering Fancy 22.5CT Emerald Long Strand Necklace
NWT $50, 000 18KT Gold Glittering Fancy 22.5CT Emerald Long Strand Necklace

NWT $50, 000 18KT Gold Glittering Fancy 22.5CT Emerald 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

Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. 925 Vermeil ARGENT Quartz Tank.
Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. 925 Vermeil ARGENT Quartz Tank.

Vintage Must de Cartier 590005 Tank Watch. 925 Vermeil ARGENT Quartz Tank.

By Cartier

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

.590005 Comes with a new GUCCI leather band Rare Gray and White Dial with Quartz movement . New battery

Category

1990s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Moiseikin 18k Gold Diamond Baroque Pearl Fancy Colour Stone Pendant
Moiseikin 18k Gold Diamond Baroque Pearl Fancy Colour Stone Pendant

Moiseikin 18k Gold Diamond Baroque Pearl Fancy Colour Stone Pendant

By MOISEIKIN

Located in Hong Kong, HK

. Intricate gold filigree is embedded with multiple colour stones such as rare demantoid garnet, sapphires

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

Aires Jewelers 18K WG GIA Certifies Blue Sapp. & Dia. Dangle Earrings— 6.95ct
Aires Jewelers 18K WG GIA Certifies Blue Sapp. & Dia. Dangle Earrings— 6.95ct

Aires Jewelers 18K WG GIA Certifies Blue Sapp. & Dia. Dangle Earrings— 6.95ct

Located in Morris Plains, NJ

origin and quality ✦ Exceptional 6.95ct total sapphire weight — rare at this size and color quality

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Moiseikin 18 Karat Gold Baroque Pearl Handmade Ring
Moiseikin 18 Karat Gold Baroque Pearl Handmade Ring

Moiseikin 18 Karat Gold Baroque Pearl Handmade Ring

By MOISEIKIN

Located in Hong Kong, HK

night sky image with unique form of south sea baroque pearl, diamonds, rare demantoid garnets and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Moiseikin 18k Gold Keshi Pearl Diamond Emerald Demantoid Handmade Ring
Moiseikin 18k Gold Keshi Pearl Diamond Emerald Demantoid Handmade Ring

Moiseikin 18k Gold Keshi Pearl Diamond Emerald Demantoid Handmade Ring

By MOISEIKIN

Located in Hong Kong, HK

night sky image with unique form of south sea keshi pearl, diamonds, emerald, rare demantoid garnets and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Russian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Sapphire, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Green Kyanite and Silverite Multistrand Paradizia Necklace with Tahitian Pendant
Green Kyanite and Silverite Multistrand Paradizia Necklace with Tahitian Pendant

Green Kyanite and Silverite Multistrand Paradizia Necklace with Tahitian Pendant

By Paradizia

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Description Six strands of beautifully crafted and composed rare Green Kyanite and Moss Sapphire

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Kyanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Helen Blythe-Hart "Celebration" Ring
Helen Blythe-Hart "Celebration" Ring

Helen Blythe-Hart "Celebration" Ring

Located in Litchfield, CT

), padparadscha sapphires, rare yellow tourmalines, and tsavorite garnets, it is an organic landscape of color and

Category

2010s American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, Padparadscha Sapphire , 18k Gol...

Genuine Cartier Diamond Watch. Must de Cartier Vendome Round Burgundy Dial
Genuine Cartier Diamond Watch. Must de Cartier Vendome Round Burgundy Dial

Genuine Cartier Diamond Watch. Must de Cartier Vendome Round Burgundy Dial

By Cartier

Located in Port Charlotte, FL

Rare Burgundy Bordeaux dial Sapphire Cabochon Crown. Diamond Set bezel. Condition: New battery

Category

1990s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

1.60 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Pink Spinel Cushion Cut Tanzanian Gemstone
1.60 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Pink Spinel Cushion Cut Tanzanian Gemstone

1.60 Carat Natural Loose Purplish Pink Spinel Cushion Cut Tanzanian Gemstone

Located in Bangkok, TH

sparkle, spinel is often prized as a rare alternative to sapphire. This gem features excellent clarity and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Burmese Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Spinel

Colombian emerald and diamond bar brooch, circa 1920.
Colombian emerald and diamond bar brooch, circa 1920.

Colombian emerald and diamond bar brooch, circa 1920.

Located in London, GB

Colombian emerald with insignificant oil and rare 'gota de aceite' effect, in an open back rubover setting

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Flower Rainbow Natural Diamond Stud Earrings in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Flower Rainbow Natural Diamond Stud Earrings in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)

Flower Rainbow Natural Diamond Stud Earrings in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)

Located in New Delhi, DL

. Set with a rainbow of round-cut multicolor sapphires, natural baguette diamonds form a striking center

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Oval Tanzanite Halo Ring 8.56 Carat, Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
Large Oval Tanzanite Halo Ring 8.56 Carat, Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold

Large Oval Tanzanite Halo Ring 8.56 Carat, Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold

Located in Great Neck, NY

mistaken for rare blue sapphire—this exquisite fine gemstone perfectly captures nature’s artistry and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

4.15 Carat Grey Blue Ceylon Spinel Three Stone Diamond Platinum Ring – Merkaba
4.15 Carat Grey Blue Ceylon Spinel Three Stone Diamond Platinum Ring – Merkaba

4.15 Carat Grey Blue Ceylon Spinel Three Stone Diamond Platinum Ring – Merkaba

By Merkaba

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

traditional engagement ring, offering sapphire level presence with the uniqueness that fine spinel collectors

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Spinel, Platinum

9.64-Carat Bluish Green Tourmaline Elongated Emerald Cut Loose Gem by Tamir
9.64-Carat Bluish Green Tourmaline Elongated Emerald Cut Loose Gem by Tamir

9.64-Carat Bluish Green Tourmaline Elongated Emerald Cut Loose Gem by Tamir

By Merkaba

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Jewelry Beverly Hills on 1stDibs to discover rare Tourmaline, Spinel, Sapphire, Emerald, Alexandrite, and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Tourmaline, Other, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold...

Cartier 1925 Panther Bezel 18K Yellow Gold 28mm Ref 2325 Watch
Cartier 1925 Panther Bezel 18K Yellow Gold 28mm Ref 2325 Watch

Cartier 1925 Panther Bezel 18K Yellow Gold 28mm Ref 2325 Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

excluding panther head. Get the Cartier timepiece that no one else has. A rare vintage collector’s watch

Category

1990s Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

36.67 Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
36.67 Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills

36.67 Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills

By Merkaba

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Beverly Hills on 1stDibs to discover rare opals, unheated sapphires, spinel, tourmaline, and collector

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mint Green Tourmaline Necklace 3.56 Carat Round - Luxury Gift Beverly Hills
Mint Green Tourmaline Necklace 3.56 Carat Round - Luxury Gift Beverly Hills

Mint Green Tourmaline Necklace 3.56 Carat Round - Luxury Gift Beverly Hills

By Merkaba

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

prized possession. Similar to other rare gemstones like unheated Sapphires, no oil Emeralds, Tanzanite

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Ribbed Wristwatch
Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Ribbed Wristwatch

Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold Ribbed Wristwatch

By Piaget

Located in Stamford, CT

Crystal: Sapphire Dial: Rare original 18k Piaget ribbed to match case Outside case: 98170 325705 Inside

Category

Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

1.03Ct Natural Colour Change Garnet Pink Purple IGI Certified Heart Cut Gem
1.03Ct Natural Colour Change Garnet Pink Purple IGI Certified Heart Cut Gem

1.03Ct Natural Colour Change Garnet Pink Purple IGI Certified Heart Cut Gem

By Gems and Jewels UK

Located in Birmingham, GB

jewellery. A fine, top grade, certified untreated colour change garnet sapphire. Unique and rare gemstone

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Jewelry

0.49 Carat Trillion Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum F VS Single Cut Diamonds
0.49 Carat Trillion Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum F VS Single Cut Diamonds

0.49 Carat Trillion Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum F VS Single Cut Diamonds

By Merkaba

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

, custom jewelry, or bespoke designs, our collection features high-quality gemstones, including rare

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Rolex President Brown Dial Diamond 18K Day Date Watch Ref 18038
Rolex President Brown Dial Diamond 18K Day Date Watch Ref 18038

Rolex President Brown Dial Diamond 18K Day Date Watch Ref 18038

By Rolex

Located in Miami, FL

is crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring All Original scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal, rare

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

No-Heat Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA Certified
No-Heat Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA Certified

No-Heat Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA Certified

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

platinum set ring. Rubies from Sri Lanka are vary rare, most fall under pink sapphire and have lighter

Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Chanel Pair of Chain decorated Cuffs
Chanel Pair of Chain decorated Cuffs

Chanel Pair of Chain decorated Cuffs

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

Maison Gripoix in emerald, ruby and sapphire. Rare and exceptional find. 1980's France. Excellent

Category

Vintage 1980s French Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Bronze

18 Karat Gold Hammered Link Bracelet with Brilliant Cut Diamond Charm 0.72 Carat
18 Karat Gold Hammered Link Bracelet with Brilliant Cut Diamond Charm 0.72 Carat

18 Karat Gold Hammered Link Bracelet with Brilliant Cut Diamond Charm 0.72 Carat

By Malcolm Betts

Located in London, GB

into the world that is Malcolm Betts. A world where centuries-old diamonds, rare rubies and sapphires

Category

2010s British Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Philip Hulitar Jeweled Crystal Brooch
Philip Hulitar Jeweled Crystal Brooch

Philip Hulitar Jeweled Crystal Brooch

By Philip Hulitar

Located in New York, NY

Large Philip Hulitar Jeweled Crystal Brooch from the 1950's. Pieces by this couturier are rare

Category

Vintage 1950s Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Located in London, GB

A Bentley & Skinner sapphire and diamond ring, the 5.50 carats octagonal-cut sapphire, accompanied

Category

2010s British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

“Diana” Spaced Oval Halo Five Carat Pink Oval Sapphire Platinum Ring
“Diana” Spaced Oval Halo Five Carat Pink Oval Sapphire Platinum Ring

“Diana” Spaced Oval Halo Five Carat Pink Oval Sapphire Platinum Ring

By David Gross Group

Located in New York, NY

will be a rare oval heated sapphire weighing a minimum of five carats • The pink sapphire will be

Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Platinum

“Diana” Spaced Oval Halo Six Carat Blue Oval Sapphire Platinum Ring
“Diana” Spaced Oval Halo Six Carat Blue Oval Sapphire Platinum Ring

“Diana” Spaced Oval Halo Six Carat Blue Oval Sapphire Platinum Ring

By David Gross Group

Located in New York, NY

will be a rare oval heated sapphire weighing a minimum of six carats - The sapphire will be accompanied

Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

GIA Certified 1.56 Ct. Natural Rare Padparadscha Sapphire Diamond Ring
GIA Certified 1.56 Ct. Natural Rare Padparadscha Sapphire Diamond Ring

GIA Certified 1.56 Ct. Natural Rare Padparadscha Sapphire Diamond Ring

By Hand Made

Located in Los Angeles, CA

sapphire diamond ring in 14k rose gold. The center stone boasts this rare sapphire's unmistakable

Category

2010s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Padparadscha Sapphire , 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Rare Edwardian 2.60 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire 3.0 Ct Old Diamond Ear Rings
Rare Edwardian 2.60 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire 3.0 Ct Old Diamond Ear Rings

Rare Edwardian 2.60 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire 3.0 Ct Old Diamond Ear Rings

Located in Napoli, IT

The rarity in Nature! Rare, adorable, authentic Edwardian period Diamond and Sapphire ear studs

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

GIA Certified 2.60 Carat Cushion Cut Padparadscha Sapphire
GIA Certified 2.60 Carat Cushion Cut Padparadscha Sapphire

GIA Certified 2.60 Carat Cushion Cut Padparadscha Sapphire

Located in LA, CA

Cushion Cut Padparadscha Sapphire is a rare and highly prized gem that is valued for its exceptional

Category

2010s Loose Gemstones

Materials

Padparadscha Sapphire

Hawkantiques 3.0 Carat Natural No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Ring 1.50 Carat Rare
Hawkantiques 3.0 Carat Natural No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Ring 1.50 Carat Rare

Hawkantiques 3.0 Carat Natural No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Ring 1.50 Carat Rare

Located in Napoli, IT

Diamonds, combined with a one off designed taking inspiration from the rare Sapphire cut This is sturdily

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ceritfied Pink Sapphire 1.18 Carat Tulip Ring
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ceritfied Pink Sapphire 1.18 Carat Tulip Ring

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ceritfied Pink Sapphire 1.18 Carat Tulip Ring

By Thomas Kurilla Jewelry

Located in New York, NY

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ceritfied Pink Sapphire 1.18 Carat Tulip Ring, Tiffany Designer , Thomas

Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ceritfied Yellow Sapphire 1.37 Carat Tulip Ring
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ceritfied Yellow Sapphire 1.37 Carat Tulip Ring

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ceritfied Yellow Sapphire 1.37 Carat Tulip Ring

By Thomas Kurilla Jewelry

Located in New York, NY

select rare sapphires like this sapphire may change in size and quality, unless you get it fast

Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold and Platinum Ceritfied Pink Sapphire 1.18 Carat Tulip Ring
18 Karat Rose Gold and Platinum Ceritfied Pink Sapphire 1.18 Carat Tulip Ring

18 Karat Rose Gold and Platinum Ceritfied Pink Sapphire 1.18 Carat Tulip Ring

By Thomas Kurilla Jewelry

Located in New York, NY

availablity of select rare sapphires like this sapphire may change in size and quality, unless you get it

Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, 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.