Victorian 1.19 Carat Sapphire and 1.28 Carat Diamond Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate for the feature diamond in addition to an independent diamond grading report card for the feature sapphire and su...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Cabochon Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold Cabochon Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring. This beautiful Victorian star sapphire and diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Sapphire Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The brooch is an exceptional gauge of gold and is in exceptional condition. Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Round Faceted Content 0.18 carat Dimensions 3.69mm x 3.03mm x 1.80mm Dia...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Silver 9.5ct Sapphire & Diamond Dangle Brooch Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely breathtaking antique brooch or pendant that was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold and silver during the early Victorian era. It features magnificent and t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
18 carat yellow gold diamond and sapphire engagement ring, Napoleon III period
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Ring “toi Et Moi ”diamond Sapphires 18 carat yellow gold, Napoleon III period 18 carat yellow gold engagement ring, Late 19th century set with an old-cut diamond weighing just over...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
1890s 1.28 Carat Sapphire 1.65 Carat Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The sapphire is encircled by ten individually bezel set Old European round cut diamonds.
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 0.80ct Sapphire and 1.23ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Weight: 4.12 grams Date: Circa 1890
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.63 Carats Diamond Sapphire Platinum 14 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring old mine cut diamonds and cushion cut sapphires - bezel set to front and alternating in pattern.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
2.42 Carat Diamond and 1.05 Carat Pink Sapphire Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Natural pink Cut Round mixed Content (total) 1.05 carats Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Old European Content (total)...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1890s Ruby and Sapphire 1.50 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Bangle
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Old European round Content (total) 1.50 carats Gemstone Quality Ruby and Sapphire Quality Color Red/Blue Cu...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Natural Sapphire Rose cut Diamond Drop Earrings 18 KT/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
These beautiful antique earrings are 1890 circa Hand crafted of solid 18 KT silver topped Charmingly scroll designed in a fabulous openwork Set throughout with a selection of 70 anti...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Flip Band. Carre Cut Sapphire and Ruby two rows Diamond 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Gemstones: Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds Gemstone Cuts: Carré Cut Sapphire and Ruby Jewelry Type: Flip Band Ring Style: Victorian Flip Ring, Eternity Band, Half E...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut Diamond and Sapphire Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut Diamond and Sapphire Pin. This beautiful pin has 5 deep bright blue sapphires surrounded by rose cuts in a beautiful tw...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Sapphire Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Triple Coil Flexible Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A vintage sapphire and ruby 18 karat yellow gold snake triple coiled flexible bracelet, Circa 1890.
Sapphire, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Sapphire Diamond Enamel Silver 18K Gold Antique Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 0.55 carat - transparent medium blue Prong set in yellow gold with an elongated silver-topped oval shaped surround Featuring b...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver,...
Antique 1.60ct Sapphire, 1.05ct Diamond, Ruby and 15k Yellow Gold Insect Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of Victorian insect jewellery. Sapphire Quality: Origin: Basaltic Deposit Colour: Blue Cut: Cushi...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bailey Banks and Biddle Three Stone Ring with Diamond and Sapphire
By Bailey, Banks & Biddle
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A beautiful 18 carat gold three-stone ring with two European cut diamonds (app. 0.80 carat in total F-G, VS) and in the middle one cushion cut natural non-heated Ceylon sapphire (2.6...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Link Bracelet, AGL Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Victorian link bracelet from the late 1800s, featuring a captivating combination of blue sapphire and white diamonds. The bracelet showcases a vivid blue sapphire weighing approxim...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.58tgw Sapphire, Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
The setting of the ring measures 11mm long and 14mm wide, the band is 3mm wide at the back. Total sapphire weight, estimated: 0.58ctw Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.46ctw Tot...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,336Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian Silver and Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond Insect Brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
The body of the brooch is intricately modelled with openwork wings and a highly detailed form, pavé-set with 53 round brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated total weight approximately 1.1...
Silver
16.53 Carat No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, 14k. This stunning antique ring is set with a lush 16.53 carat cornflower blue sapphire (No heat, Ceylon, GGTL Lab Report) The look is big color in a one-of-a-kind ring....
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,000Sale Price|35% Off
Victorian Purple Star Sapphire Ring, 1890s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
The centre stone of this lovely Victorian ring is a purple star sapphire. The sapphire is natural and a transparent stone with a beautiful star that is well centered and shows a dist...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Silver, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Platinum, Natural Unheated Sapphire, and Diamond Pin
Located in Princeton, NJ
An exceedingly rare and highly coveted platinum, natural unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, and old-mine cut diamond pin in the shape of a balloon with a bow. This magnificent piece is Ed...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Sapphire Russian Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 1899s imperial russian era rare 14k gold locket pendant decorted with natural blue sapphires hall marked 56 imperial russian gold standard with an orginal imperial russian go...
Victorian GIA No-Heat Burmese Pink Sapphires & Old Mine Diamond 16KY Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian English GIA 1.80ctw No-Heat Burmese Pink Sapphires & Old Mine Diamond Double Rows Engagement, Wedding Anniversary 16K Yellow Gold Band Ring VALENTINE'S PERFECT GIFT IDEA!
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold
Antique Blue Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
You can't help but fall in love with this magnificent Late Victorian blue sapphire and diamond five-stone ring. The fantastic piece features three old cut diamonds, with an approxim...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Sapphire 18 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds three sapphires which total 40pts and two diamonds totalling 30pts. These are set in engraved settings. The glossy gold band is modelled in 18ct gold and hallmarked C...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring, circa 1894
Located in London, GB
This checkered Victorian ring is a great statement piece. Five blue sapphires and five diamonds form an alternating pattern. The centre sapphire is 0.35 carat, the two lower sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian No heat Sapphire Snake Necklace, circa 1890s.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Antique No heat Sapphire Snake Necklace, circa 1890s An articulated necklace in 18kt gold, designed as a coiled serpent, its head finely detailed. The necklace is set with two natur...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Bullet Cab Star Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Art Nouveau Bullet Cabochon Star Sapphire pinky ring set in platinum from the early 20th Century. 10mm star sapphire with elegant, scalloped setting circa 1900's USA. Smaller Size 4.
Star Sapphire, Platinum
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Diamond and Sapphire Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds a diamond at the centre measuring approx 7pts and two sapphires measuring 10pts each. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1894. Ring Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/2 Band Width: 6mm W...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Victorian 0.60ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, hallmarked 1890s
Located in London, GB
The ring has been crafted from 18 carat yellow gold with hallmarks dating the piece to 1890 on the inside of the band. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 0.60...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 16 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 4.95 Carat Diamond Platinum Enagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, large vintage 16 carat Ceylon sapphire and 4.95 carat diamond, platinum cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Victorian 4.48 Carat Sapphire 1.20 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Bangle
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Victorian 4.48 carat sapphire and 1.20 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set bangle; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This stunning...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Flower Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful bangle bracelet showcasing cabochon shaped ruby, sapphire, and emerald, surrounded by brilliant diamond petals. Each flower is spaced by round diamonds set in yellow gold...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.60ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1896
Located in London, GB
This exquisite five stone ring dates to the Victorian era. At its centre sits an unheated sapphire weighing 1.40 carat, flanked by two 0.40 carat, old cut diamonds and two 0.60 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
Three rows of gemstones stud this gorgeous Victorian ring. Five diamonds form the middle row, with five sapphires above and five rubies below. The diamonds are G colour and VS clarit...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Sapphire And Diamond Russian Gold Brooch
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique russian 14k gold brooch centered with blue sapphire cobouchon cut stone flanked with 4 rose cut diamonds with lenght of 4cm brooch was made in moscow 1899.c during the imperi...
Gem No-Heat Burma Pink Sapphire & Diamond Navette Antique Ring
Located in Bethesda, MD
Discover the rare beauty of this 14kt rose gold ring featuring a stunning 2.07ct no-heat Burma pink sapphire, certified by AGL for its natural origin and exceptional quality. No-heat...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
1890s Antique Purple Sapphire and Old Mine Cut Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A rare 1890s antique ring from the antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California. It is set with a purple-pink natural sapphire and two gorgeous, ma...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Marcus & Co. Sapphire Cabochon 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Stickpin
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a highly domed sapphire bullet cabochon weighing approximately 1.70 carats. Eye clean and true blue in color with medium saturation. Bezel set with a twisted rope and a con...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.10 Carat Pink Tourmaline Sapphire Enamel 15k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1895
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Nouveau 6.10 carat pink tourmaline, 1.72 carat sapphire and enamel, 15 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse antique gemstone jew...
Sapphire, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, Enamel
0.81 Carat Sapphire 0.48 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring Circa 1895
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.81 carat sapphire and 0.48 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, palladium and silver set triple cluster ring; part of our collection of sapphire jewel...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Palladium, Silver
Victorian Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Antique Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Victorian Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Antique Cocktail Rare Victorian Ring, Antique Ring, Ceylon Sapphire Ring, Diamond Ring, 14K Gold Ring (carefully tested and guarantee...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Sapphire & Diamond Halo 18 Carat Yellow Gold Coronet Cluster Ring, c.1890s
Located in London, GB
You cannot help but fall in love with this beautifully detailed Late Victorian coronet cluster ring, dating to the 1890s and crafted in rich buttery 18 carat gold. At its heart sits...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k gold bracelet with old-cut sapphires and diamonds, Austria 1872-1902
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique bracelet crafted from 14-karat yellow gold (0.580 fineness). Provenance: Austrian fox head hallmark 1872-1922, import stamp 1872-1902, mark of the Vienna inspection office. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Victorian 6.40 Ct Star Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Glorious Victorian Destiny Stone This strikingly beautiful dinner ring, dating from the 1880 ca, features one rare natural untreated, six rays untreated, unheated, Natural Sapphire L...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Sapphire, Rose Cut Diamond and 15 Carat Gold Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This pendant is modelled in 15 carat gold and has two rose cut diamonds and a sapphire set within it. Fully hallmarked 1897 Chester. Dimensions: 16x14mm Height including loop: 22mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 0.80 Carat Sapphire 1.25 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1895
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.80 carat sapphire and 1.25 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and silver set triple cluster ring; part of our collection of Victo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
GIA 24.67 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Rose Gold Jockey Cap Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Unique estate 1890's star sapphire and diamond Jockeys cap pendant necklace.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Russian sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Brooch And Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian brooch pendant with multi gem color stones and diamonds consists of natural ruby /demantoid sapphire/ emerald/old mine cut diamond/ rose cut diamonds in 14k gold sett...
Antique Art Nouveau Ring Sapphire Cabochon Diamond 14 Karat Gold Lilies
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This solid Art Nouveau ring was made in the last decade of the 19th century, in 1895 ca out of 14 carat gold. The intricate cast has been hand finished, chiseled and engraved. The r...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Art Deco 3.1 Carat Sapphire Diamond Bracelet 15 Karat Gold Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
The bracelet dates to the Edwardian - Art Deco period, circa 1890 - 1920. SAPPHIRES 3 Faceted Natural Sapphires Total Weight: 3.1 Carat Central sapphire is 7mm in length Color: Fin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,983Sale Price|25% Off
Circa 1880s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Old Cut Diamond And Sapphire Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6 grams. Main old cut diamond is 0.83 ct . Totally is all old cut diamond about 3 ct. Totally is ruby and sapphire 0.25. Ring size is US 6.2 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18k Gold Oval Cabochon Sapphire Old Rose Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Slightly Greenish Dark Blue Color - 7.8x6.1mm (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Rose Cut - Fi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian (c. 1880–1900) Ruby & Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 K Yello
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This exquisite Late Victorian cluster ring showcases the vivid interplay of ruby, sapphire, and diamond in a richly detailed graduated halo design. At its heart, a 0.32 ct old Europe...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian C. 1890s Antique GIA 1.09ct Pink Sapphire Solitaire 9K Rose Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elegant simplicity well describes this exquisite and truly timeless solitaire Natural PINK SAPPHIRE ring which dates back to the C. 1890s, a late Victorian single Sapphire stone ring...
Pink Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose 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.
If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.
Graves filled scores of opulent rooms with furniture and treasures to tell the story of how new money remade New York society.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Representing everlasting love, serpentine often appear on fashionable gems from the era on Queen Victoria.
A new show at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, in Providence, reveals why the various and sundry creations of the Gorham Manufacturing Company still shine.
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Enriching rooms with layers of visual interest is key to the New York– and Toronto-based decorator’s signature style.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.