Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three coral surrounded by diamonds and sapphires.
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Turquoise, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver ring mounted with a central turquoise surrounded by a frame of sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage 4.50tcw Violet Sapphire Starburst Explosion Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A dramatic 1960s Italian starburst cocktail ring handcrafted in solid 18K yellow gold, ablaze with approximately 4.5 carats of round-cut purple sapphires, each measuring 5.25mm.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphires Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Sapphire, Turquoise, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 14k...
Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three central sapphires surrounded by a frame of diamonds, rubies and little sapphires.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by petals of sapphires and diamonds.
Sapphire, Diamond, Coral, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by petals of sapphires and diamonds.
Sapphire, Diamond, Coral, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Multicolor Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The multicolor sapphire cocktail ring features a three-sided geometric design of faceted calibrated square-cut blue, pink, and yellow sapphires of brilliant color (6.47 carats).
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, S...
$70,800Sale Price|20% Off
Gübelin Certified 4.21 Carat Unheated Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and highly desirable sapphire ring centered around a 4.21 carat natural blue sapphire, accompanied by a prestigious Gübelin Gem Lab report confirming Sri Lankan (Ceylon) o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 0.80 Carat Diamond Sapphire Filigree Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Gold handmade genuine Art Deco ring. It is set in 18k white Gold featuring a large sparkling Old European cut diamond, total weight 0,80 ct. H color VS2 clarity surrounded ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Sapphire, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted, in the central part, with a flower of sapphire and rubies, surrounded by diamonds.
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Sapphire, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted, in the central part, with a flower of sapphire and emeralds, surrounded by diamonds.
Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three coral in the central part representing three faces surrounded by diamonds, sapphires and two pearls.
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Diamonds Corals Sapphire Ebony Rose Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Spectacular 14 kt rose gold ring, enriched with diamonds from ct 1.81, g 3.60 of coral and sapphires from ct 0.61, and ebony g 4.60. Unique and particular design. Total total weight ...
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Topaz, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by sapphires and, between of them, diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$160,000Sale Price|20% Off
GUBELIN Certified 9 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptional Certified 9 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring Exceptional Certified 9 Carat Blue Sapphire Unheated sapphire
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by petals of sapphires and diamonds.
Sapphire, Diamond, Coral, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
18 Karat Baguette and Round Diamond Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
18 Karat Baguette and Round Diamond Cabochon Sapphire Ring Sophisticated and full of class! 18k yellow gold ring 6.6 grams all handset This is a beautiful cabochon sapphire three sto...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Buccellati Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Dome Ring, 18K Gold
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural vintage ring by Buccellati, crafted in 18K yellow and white accent gold. The bold dome design is centered with a rich blue sugarloaf cabochon sapphire, prized for its de...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Topaz, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18 Kt White Gold Sapphires & Brilliant Cut Diamonds Ring
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt White Gold Sapphires & Brilliant Cut Diamonds Ring Completely Designed & Handcrafted in our workshop. Sapphires : Round Cut, 0.83 Ct Diamonds : Brlliant Cut, 3.6 Ct Match...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Band Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Turquoise, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central turquoise surrounded by leaves studded with diamonds, sapphires and little turquoise.
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three corals in the central part surrounded by sapphires and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Emerald, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central emerald surrounded by sapphires that are surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Buccellati Diamond Sapphire Ruby 18K Gold Floral Eternity Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Buccellati Italian 18K Yellow and White Gold Floral Sapphire and Ruby Statement Ring This captivating vintage Buccellati ring embodies Italian elegance and craftsmanship, sh...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cantamessa 18K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring
By Cantamessa
Located in Miami, FL
Details Designer: Cantamessa Origin: Italy Type: Cocktail Ring Style: Domed / Bombé / Statement Metal: 18K Rose Gold Pink Sapphires: Approx. 4.50 Carats Total Pink Sapphire Count: 80...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold
Green Tourmaline 18 Karat Gold Ring Yellow Sapphire
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Fantastic ring in yellow gold 18 k gr. 15,90 with green tourmaline baguette ct 14,30, a yellow sapphire on the side princess cut. Size 13eu. Fantastic and unique. All Giulia Colussi ...
Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three bottom of coral in the central part surrounded by sapphires and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Alex Jona Tanzanite Blue Sapphire White Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold band ring set with a 1.53 carat Cushion-cut Tanzanite and 4.81 carats of Blue Sapphire.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alex Jona Yellow Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold ring, set with 3.03 carats of yellow sapphires.
Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
This is an elegant 18-karat white gold ring featuring a stunning design. At its center, a captivating sapphire weighing 0.91 carats takes the spotlight, surrounded by intricate petal...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
5.04 Carat Natural Pink Sapphire Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant and highly collectible ring is centered by a 5.04 carat natural pink sapphire, certified by C. Dunaigre, a respected Swiss gemological laboratory. The gemstone is of Mad...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
1980s 18k gold and 13c cabochon sapphire cocktail ring
Located in London, GB
This 18k gold cocktail ring's design is centred around a beautiful cabochon cut sapphire which weighs approximately 13 carats. The deep blue of the sapphire is enhanced by the yellow...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by four drops coral, diamonds and sapphires.
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Yellow Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with sapphires in the central part surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Bulgari Fancy Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Flower Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring from Bulgari's Flower collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a diamond center and five petals of natural fancy pear-cut sapphires in beautiful shad...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Diamond Ring with Yellow Sapphire
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handcrafted ring has 1.15 carat yellow sapphire and 1.52 carat weight of F/G color, VS clarity diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Sapphires, Spinel, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central sapphire surrounded by diamonds and hydrothermal spinel.
Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Dalben Oval Star Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18 kt white gold satin finishing ring with an oval cabochon cut silver star sapphire weight 7,03 carat and 24 rose cut white diamonds weight 0,18 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a round sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
3.64 Carat Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional three stone ring centered by a rare 3.64 carat natural Padparadscha sapphire, accompanied by a Gübelin Gem Lab report confirming its highly desirable orangy pink color...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , 18k Gold, Plat...
$3,156Sale Price|20% Off
7.00 Carat Green Blue Yellow Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yell...
Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Band Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing band ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with rows of diamonds and sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Multi-Color Sapphire Diamond Band Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K Rose gold band ring is from Riad Collection. This astonishing band ring is decorated by natural multi-coloured sapphires in total of 1.73 Carat and natural white diamonds in tota...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...
Multicolor Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
This ring is totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths Diamonds 0.13 ct Multicolor Sapphires 7.66 ct Total weight 14.2 g head ring dimension 3 x 2.5 x 1.2 cm Italian size 17 Fren...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Bulgari 35.72 ct. Ceylon Sapphire Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Sapphire 35.72 ct.; 4.0 cts. diamonds Color/Clarity: Ceylon No Heat; H-I VS-SI Certifications: SSEF Size: 6.5 Creator: Bulgari Metal: 18K yellow gold Weight: 25.20 gram...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Gold Ring with Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
Antique 18K Gold Ring with Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamonds An exquisite antique ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring a vivid cushion-cut ruby and a deep blue sapphire set side by ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This stunning ring in 18K white gold is a true expression of luxury and refinement, characterized by an elegant and timeless design. At the center of this jewel, a magnificent sapphi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Kt White Gold Amethyst, Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt White Gold Amethyst, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Diamonds : Brilliant Cut 1.15 Ct Sapphires : 0.52 Ct Gemstone : Amethyst Ca. 26 Ct Ring Size : 54 EU / 7 US ( size can be adju...
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Turquoise Sapphires 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Fantastic ring made of 18 carat white gold with blue and pink sapphires,natural turquoise, entirely handmade by expert craftsmen in the sector. The turquoise present on the ring reca...
Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Sapphires 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.5 Carats Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Firenze, FI
beautiful 18k white gold ring with blue sapphire . the main stone surrounded by 8 brilliant cut diamond and 2 princess cut diamonds ,approximately 0.60 the diamonds are H color and V...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Alex Jona Pink Tourmaline Sapphire 18k Rose Gold Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona one-of-a-kind design collection, designed and hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring, set with an oval cabochon tourmaline weighing 5.50 carats.
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Amethyst, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
All around, a frame of diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Bulgari Ceylon sapphire and diamond trombino ring, circa 1970s.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Ceylon sapphire and diamond trombino ring. Set to centre horizontally with an octagonal emerald cut natural Ceylon sapphire in an open back rubover setting with a weight of 9...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Tiger Ring Diamond Blue Sapphire Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The tiger ring with diamonds and blue sapphire carries 1.70 carats of blue Ceylon sapphire of brilliant quality (tiger crown and 2 eyes).
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry.
Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.
Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.
America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.
The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.
You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.
Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).
The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)
Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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