Diamond Baguettes Cross Huggie Small
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Add a bit of luxury and edginess to your classic huggie with a new square format. These Cross Huggie Earrings come in two sizes, set in solid 14k yellow gold. Can’t find a color you ...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Diamond Baguettes Cross Huggie Large
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Add a bit of luxury and edginess to your classic huggie with a new square format. These Cross Huggie Earrings come in two sizes, set in solid 14k yellow gold. Can’t find a color you ...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
FLORENZA signed sapphire emerald glass maltese cross designer clip on earrings
By Florenza
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed FLORENZA • silver tone with glass stones • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ...
CARTIER Byzantine Multicolor Gemstone Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Cartier cross is made in 18k yellow gold and set with faceted rubies, sapphires, and emerald.
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sybarite Cross Earrings in Blackened Gold with Rubies
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Sybarite Jewellery is a London-based luxury brand crafting outstanding pieces, incomparable both in design and execution. Spearheaded by founder Margarita Prykhodko, a former archite...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian 18k solid gold multi coloured gemstone cross pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this 18 karat solid gold cross pendant decorated with rubies, emeralds and sapphires.
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Gold
RIMA Jewels 18k Gold Byzantine Ojo de Dios Cross Necklace
By RIMA JEWELS
Located in New York, NY
Rima Jewels signature 18k gold cross featuring a fuchsia sapphire center stone and demantoid garnets on the terminals.
Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18kt 16ct Royal Medallion Brooch Pin Flaming Celtic Cross Vintage Prime*
Located in New York, NY
3D Vintage Flaming Celtic Cross Medallion Pin Brooch / Pin / Ascot Knot 16.50 white stone. unknown 14 X 13mm 18kt yellow gold intricate flaming row details 30.1 grams. Overal...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Cross Brooch Necklace Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The diamond cross brooch features a central South Sea pearl of 16mm, 2 pear shape faceted emeralds (2.43 carats), 2 pear shape faceted Thai rubies (2.95 carats) 4 pear shape faceted ...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Whit...
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Multicolor Gemstone Openwork Cross Pendant Necklace 16"
Located in Addison, TX
Details: Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Purity: 14K Style: Openwork Cross Pendant Necklace Main Stones: (13) Multicolor Gemstones (appears to be citrine, tourmaline, sapphire) Sto...
Citrine, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cross and Chain Necklace
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer cross pendant is 18 Karat Gold with diamond and is handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style granulation work and finished with a unique velvet...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Pendant with Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Gold cross pendant necklace and chain is handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style granulation work and is finished with a unique velv...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Necklace with Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold cross pendant necklace and chain is handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style granulation work and is finished with a uniq...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Pendant with Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Gold Rhombus shaped cross pendant necklace and chain is handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style granulation work and is finished wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Necklace with Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold cross pendant necklace and chain is handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style granulation work and is finished with a uniq...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Square Cross with Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios Cross is all handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold and is microscopically decorated with granulation work all the way around. The background of this gorgeous Cross...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Byzantine Style Cross Necklace
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios Cross Pendant Necklace is all handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold and is microscopically decorated with Byzantine-style bead granulation work. This beautiful art...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Cross Ring Diamond Sphere Open Adjustable Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom orders available with ruby, emerald, or sapphire. The cross stands for the intersection of the vertical and the horizontal, the spiritual and the material.
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Two-Tone Cross
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios Designer Byzantine Style Cross Pendant Enhancer is handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold and features 7 Emeralds total weight of 0.40 Carat and 6 Diamonds brillian...
Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White D...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Diamond Cross Pendant with Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat yellow Gold and black Rhodium cross pendant necklace and chain are handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style granulation work and a un...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Vintage Pink Cross 14k Yellow Gold Mat texture Natural Tourmaline Pendant
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Cross Made about year in 2000 never used 14k Yellow gold approx weight 1.5 grams all mat texture (not shiny) Natural Tourmaline very nice pink color tone AAA each stone is ap...
Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Diamond Cross Pendant with Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold cross pendant necklace and chain is handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style granulation work and is finished with a uniq...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Long Cross Pendant with Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Gold marquise-shaped long cross necklace and chain is handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style granulation work and is finished with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Square Small Cross and Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios solid 18 Karat Gold cross pendant Necklace is handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style bead granulation work and finished with a unique velvet backgrou...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Bro...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Greek Key Cross with Chain
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios Cross pendant is all handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold and is microscopically decorated with granulation work all the way around. The gorgeous and unique piece...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
14K Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace with Multi-Gemstones 29.5 Inch 33.8 Grams
Located in New York, NY
Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Embrace bold elegance with this vintage 14K yellow gold pendant, showcasing a stunning cross design adorned with a captivating array of rubies...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Ruby Reversible 3-D Cross
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold geometric reversible 3-D Cross pendant is beautifully handmade with microscopically decorated Byzantine-style granulation work and finished...
Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
David Webb Cross River Emerald Diamond Bangle Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Emerald 20.62 cts.; Dia. 3.44 cts.; Sapphire 3.28 cts. Size: 2.5" in diameter Creator: David Webb Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 50 grams Period: 2018 The David Webb ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Diamond Maltese Cross Brooch Carved Rock Crystal Sapphir
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The vintage Seaman Schepps Maltese cross pin is made of carved rock crystal, 18 karat white gold and accented with diamonds and yellow sapphires.
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary Natural Diamond Ruby 18K White Gold Maltese Cross Brooch Pendant
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Period: 21st Century / Contemporary Style: Byzantine / Maltese Heraldic Cross High Jewelry Design Special Feature: Convertible Design (Dual-use Brooch and Pendant Necklace) Metal:...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Gold and Platinum Cross Pendant with Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian 18 karat yellow gold and platinum pendant, with a central brilliant diamond of 0.35 carats, and pearls and sapphires on the tips / Made in Italy 1920s
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faberge 1983 : Franklin Mint Midnight Cross Pendant in 18K solid gold and enamel
Located in Antwerp, BE
It shows a blue enamelled cross with cultured pearls at its ends. A stunning carré cut sapphire in the centre is encircled by four small brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Platinum Invisible Set Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum sapphire and diamond cross over ring, sapphire weight 4.49 cts diamonds weight 0.50 ct., (stone weight inscribed) H-I VS, ring size 9, wieght 7.7 dwt
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Rare 1970's Vintage Tiffany & Co Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Signature X Cross Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage 1970's Tiffany & Co Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Signature X Cross Ring. Fine ring from the rare Tiffany & Co Signature X range. Featuring pavé set round brilliant cut diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Ring in Platinum
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Four calibre-cut sapphires are positioned in a cross formation around the center diamond, while rows of round brilliant natural diamonds extend across the domed surface of the ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Oscar Heyman 18 Karat Platinum Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Cincinnati, OH
It will last a lifetime and can be passed down through generations. 18 karat yellow gold with beautiful baguette sapphires in a criss/cross design. Two diamond stations on either si...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Red Coral Maltese Black Enamel Diamond Sapphire Cuff Bracelet
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
In the middle, precious metal creates a Maltese cross with oval sapphires accenting the ends. Pavé set brilliant cut diamonds radiate from the corners.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, ...
Ruby and Sapphire Bypass "Toi Et Moi" Ring Engagement
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Stunning platinum ruby and sapphire "Toi et Moi" Cross Over Ring. This bypass ring is very well crafted in solid Platinum(different metals available).
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, ...
Antique 3.05 Carat Sapphire and 1.23ct Diamond White Gold Brooch, circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This feature cross formation features a round cut sapphire to the centre, flanked with cushion cut sapphires subtly graduating in size towards the cross-bar terminals.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold
Fendi Vintage Gripoix Ruby Emerald Lapis Crest Maltese Cross Logo F Earrings
By Fendi
Located in Wokingham, England
Fendi Vintage Gripoix Logo F Fendista Crest Maltese Cross Cabochon Emerald Sapphire Ruby Green Navy Blue Red Pierced Earrings, Gold Plated Very excellent condition.
Gold Plate
Art Deco Platinum Ring with Old Cut Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This refined Art Deco platinum ring displays a striking geometric composition, centered on a beautiful old-cut diamond framed by calibré-cut sapphires set in a cross formation. The ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Angara Natural GIA Certified Oval Sapphire Pendant with Diamonds in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Oval Sapphire Criss Cross Pendant with DiamondsSeptember Birthstone Pendant for Women: Blue Sapphire is the September birthstone and the traditiona...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
2.50 Carat Blue Sapphire Marquise Flower 18K White Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Secure post and butterfly back closures with prong settings for each stone Product Specifications: Item Type: Sapphire Stud Earrings Metal: 18K White Gold Total Weight: 1.97 grams C...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 2.24 CTTW 18 Karat White Gold 3.6 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Details: • Metal: 18K White Gold • Weight: 3.6 grams • Gemstones: 4 Oval Blue Sapphires, total approx. 2.00 carats • Diamonds: 65 Round Brilliant Diamonds, total approx. 0.24 carats ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
18k Gold Swiss Blue Topaz & Sapphire Diamond Earrings Square Baguet Cut
Located in SYDNEY, AU
These stunning clip-back stud earrings are crafted in 18ct yellow gold and feature a striking design with four square-cut Swiss blue topazes, four rectangular-cut dark blue sapphires...
Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.69 Carat Burmese Sapphire and 1.15 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated hexagonal-shaped cluster design displays a feature four claw set 1.69ct round cut Burmese blue sapphire to the centre. The sapphire is accented by a cross sett...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum
$890Sale Price|34% Off
New 15 Carat Amethyst & Sapphire 14k White Gold PL Sterling Necklace 18"
Located in Eagan, MN
Each opal is surrounded by diamond cut white sapphires and there are beautiful cross shaped clusters of white sapphires in between each stone.
Sapphire, Amethyst, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Diamond and Blue Sapphire Art Deco Style Pendant in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Surrounding the diamond are meticulously arranged French-cut blue sapphires, forming a cross motif. The combination of geometric precision and soft curves creates a sophisticated pie...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18k White Gold Heart Cut Sapphires White Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Available in size 8 USA (resizable on request), the ring features two heart-shaped blue sapphires that cross in opposite directions, with the gold following the heart shapes.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold 21.80 Carat Pink Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Earrings
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Rose Gold 21.80 Carat Pink Sapphire and Diamond Hoop Earrings This adorable and glamorous vibrant pink sapphire criss-cross hoop earring is extraordinary.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Bespoke Sapphire Diamond 18K Gold 1.55Ct Round Platinum Kiss Stud Drop Earrings
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
These elegant earrings feature a sophisticated articulated design, showcasing a graduating line of round brilliant-cut diamonds and vivid round blue sapphires, culminating in a disti...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
An Important Gold And Sapphire Cross By Robert Phillips
By Robert Phillips
Located in London, GB
An Important gold and sapphire cross by Robert Phillips, the ornate gold cross set with a cabochon-cut sapphire and four pearls to the centre with further cabochon sapphires to the e...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A late Victorian sapphire, emerald & diamond ring
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian sapphire, emerald and diamond cross-over ring, the two clusters centred with a sapphire weighing 0.36ct and an emerald weighing 0.22ct, each within a cluster of old-...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
4.75 Carat Sapphire and Cushion Cut Diamond Cross
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
CushionCut Sapphires and White Cushion Cut Diamond set in this beautiful and minimalistic Cross.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sapphire Ruby Cross Pendant and Chain Solid 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 12.8 Grams Chain Length: 20" Pendant Diameter: 1.5" x 1.0" Stamped: "750" "Italy" Gemstones: sapphires and...
Sapphire, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.
Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.
With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.
Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.
Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.
After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.