Diamonds Rubies Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Scarab Brooch
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
the center of the scarab's body lies a magnificent cabochon sapphire, chosen for its deep color and
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
House of Sol Gold filled Silver Scarab Charm with Sapphire
Located in Sarasota, FL
-Each Scarab charm, symbolizing the god Ra, showcases meticulous craftsmanship from Istanbul's
Sapphire, Gold-filled, Silver
18k Pink Tourmaline scarabs earrings with reversible sapphire Huggies
By Diane Griswold Johnston
Located in Cohasset, MA
18 karat reversible white sapphire and blue sapphire huggies with handcarved pink tourmaline scarab
Pearl Diamond Yellow Sapphire Precious Tourmaline Incruster 18k Gold Scarab Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
A fabulous interpretation of the most Ancient Egyptian symbol- The Scarab Primarily amulets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
$12,314Sale Price|20% Off
Pearl Diamond Yellow Sapphire Precious Tourmaline Incruster 18k Gold Scarab Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
A fabulous interpretation of the most Ancient Egyptian symbol- The Scarab Primarily amulets
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
$8,500
W 16.93 in L 18.12 in
Antique Egyptian Scarab Brooch Ruby Sapphire Diamonds Citrine Garnet Gilt Silver
Located in SE
Antique Egyptian Revival sacred Scarab Beetle Brooch made of Gilt / Fold Filled Silver decorated
Diamond, Ruby, Citrine, Garnet, Sapphire, Gold-filled, Silver
Vintage 18K Gołd French Egyptian Revival Scarab Multi-Stone Necklace
Located in Venice, CA
Kirsten’s Corner’s favorite things: Egyptian Revival and nuggets. In between each scarab cabochon is a cast
Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Pink Sapphire Scarab 18 Karat Gold Flexible Ring
Located in Bangkok, Bangkok
Flexible silver and 18K gold ring with pink sapphires and scarab pieces. Size #53 wt.17.08g
Unavailable
L 17.72 in
Rainbow Scarab Necklace Multicolored Sapphires 18k Gold Diamonds and Tsavorites
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in Amsterdam, NL
yellow gold chain on which sit two sterling silver scarabs, set with real scarab wings and embellished
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sa...
Scarab Multi-Color Gold Bracelet of Diamonds Sapphires Amethyst and Tsavorites
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in Amsterdam, NL
scarabs shown here are set with real scarab wings, brown diamonds, blue sapphires, and tsavorites, but the
Amethyst, Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire...
Bibi van der Velden Scarab Earrings with Pink Sapphires and Amethysts
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in Jackson, WY
off, these earrings make a chic and head-turning statement. Details Pink Sapphire Real Scarab Wings
Amethyst, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Bibi van der Velden Scarab Short Necklace with Scarabs and Diamonds
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in Jackson, WY
five scarabs with real scarab wings, diamonds, and sapphires set in yellow gold. Details: Scarabs
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Scarab 18 Karat Gold Diamond Topaz Amethyst Sapphire and Tsavorite Eternity Ring
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Five beautiful scarab beetles joined together make up the Scarab Eternity Ring, designed in 18k
Amethyst, Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, ...
Diamond Scarab Stars Ring in Sterling Silver 18 Karat Gold Amethyst and Sapphire
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in Amsterdam, NL
piece is designed in 18k rose gold and sterling silver, with the scarab beetle set with brown diamonds
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Tsavorite, Amethyst, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Go...
Sapphire Scarab Pendant Brooch 18K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This lovely vintage Scarab Pendant Brooch has 3 large Sapphire stones form the head (approx. 0.40
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sapphire Scarab Pendant Brooch 18K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This lovely vintage Scarab Pendant Brooch has 3 large Sapphire stones form the head (approx. 0.40
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Colleen B. Rosenblat Citrine Sapphire Gold Scarab Ring
By Colleen B. Rosenblat
Located in Hamburg, DE
In old Egypt the scarab was a symbol for resurrection and life and since that time a lucky charm
Citrine, Sapphire, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colleen B. Rosenblat Rubellite Sapphire Gold Scarab Ring
By Colleen B. Rosenblat
Located in Hamburg, DE
In old Egypt the scarab was a symbol for resurrection and life and since that time a lucky charm
Rubelite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Colleen B. Rosenblat onyx sapphire gold scarab ring
By Colleen B. Rosenblat
Located in Hamburg, DE
sapphires 0.72 ct could be your lucky charm. In old Egypt the scarab was a symbol for resurrection and life
Onyx, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Thomas Brogan Egyptian Revival Sapphire Gold Scarab Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 14 carat gold Egyptian Revival ring set with a Ceylon sapphire carved in the shape of a scarab
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique French Diamond Emerald Sapphire Pearl Scarab Brooch
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This unusual and highly coveted scarab brooch is set with Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubies, and
White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Colleen B. Rosenblat Rubelite Sapphires Rose Gold Scarab Ring
By Colleen B. Rosenblat
Located in Hamburg, DE
In old Egypt the scarab was a symbol for resurrection and life and since that time a lucky charm
Rubelite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold
W 1.62 in L 1.74 in
Egyptian Revival Winged Scarab Diamonds Ruby Sapphire Turquoise 18 Karat Gold
Located in MIAMI, FL
Egyptian Revival Winged Scarab Diamonds Ruby Sapphire Turquoise 18k Yellow Gold. This beautiful
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Lapis Lazuli Scarab Pendant
By Diane Griswold Johnston
Located in Cohasset, MA
Lovely hand carved scarab in natural lapis lazuli oval stone (by Master Idar-Oberstein carver
Blue Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Victorian 4.47 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Gold Scarab Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set oval cabochon star sapphire, deeply carved as an Egyptian scarab motif Star
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
1.0 Carat Cabochon Blue Sapphire Hand-Carved Scarab 22K Yellow Gold Gypsy Ring
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Infused with symbolic charm, this gypsy ring showcases a 1.00ct blue sapphire with an intricately
Blue Sapphire, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Scarab Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Turquoise 20.67 Carat, Sapphires 0.61 Carat
By Colleen B. Rosenblat
Located in Hamburg, DE
characteristic scarab motif, these colourful gems have been considered as lucky charms since Ancient Egyptian
Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colleen B. Rosenblat White Gold Scarab Ring
By Colleen B. Rosenblat
Located in Hamburg, DE
In old Egypt the scarab was a symbol for resurrection and life and since that time a lucky charm
Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Art Deco Gold Ring with Antique Gemset Scarab
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco gemset scarab ring with emeralds, sapphires and rose-cut diamonds, decorated with
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century Egyptian Revival Diamond and Gem-Set Scarab Bracelet
Located in Kingston, NY
on a scarab, set with rose-cut diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, joining ankh and lotus
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.38 in D 0.63 in L 2.38 in
Edwardian Art Nouveau 1900 Scarab Brooch Gold Silver Diamonds And Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
An Edwardian scarab pendant-brooch made in England This is a very beautiful antique brooch
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Ye...
Pendant with Scarab Beetle Gold Mounted, Art Deco Period 1920-1930
Located in Paris, FR
which are decorated with lotus leaf motifs. The beetle is entirely set with sapphire, emerald and
Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Sapphire Scarab Pendant Brooch 18K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This lovely vintage Scarab Pendant Brooch has 3 large Sapphire stones form the head (approx. 0.40
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Lapis Lazuli Scarab Pendant 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire Cabochons
Located in New York, NY
Hand carved scarab Lapis Lazuli pendant in 18k yellow gold with cabochon sapphires. The scarab was
Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Scarab Necklace Pendant Diamond Sapphire Emerald 14k Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
natural emeralds and sapphires. This chic scarab necklace brings to life the glamour of the Art Deco
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ruby Scarab Beetle Brooch Pin
Located in Troy, MI
Scarab beetles have been regarded as very important in Egyptian jewelry for centuries! This fully
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.34 in D 0.52 in L 2.05 in
Edwardian-Art Nouveau 1900 Scarab Brooch Silver And 7.29 Ctw Sapphires & Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
An Edwardian scarab pendant-brooch made in Austria. Very handsome and well realized convertible
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Sold
H 0.57 in W 2.44 in L 2.4 in
Vintage 2.75 Carat Diamond Ruby Sapphire Onyx Yellow Gold Scarab Beetle Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive large 2.75 carat diamond, 0.87 carat ruby, 0.08 carat sapphire and
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Lapis Lazuli Gold Scarab Pendant
By Diane Griswold Johnston
Located in Cohasset, MA
Lovely hand carved scarab pendant in natural lapis lazuli stone (by Master Idar-Oberstein carver
Blue Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
1960s Multi Gem 18 Karat Yellow Gold Scarab Brooch Necklace
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Sapphires 0.38 Total Gem Weight 10.34 Carats SIZE: 20 " Chain hangs 18" Long SIZE: Scarab 5.5 cm X 5.2 cm
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, 1...
Egyptian Revival Enamel Sapphire Ruby Gold Scarab Brooch
Located in London, GB
An antique Egyptian revival scarab brooch, the cabochon-cut sapphire in a rub-over setting with
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Bailey Banks and Biddle Art Nouveau Sapphire Scarab Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
sapphire designed as a scarab, sapphire weighing approximately 18.15 carats, to the sculpted 18k gold mount
Sapphire, Gold
Amy Y Contemporary Liam Diamond Sapphire Painted Enamel Scarab Ring
By Amy Y
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amy's gorgeous, contemporary 18K-yellow gold, diamond, sapphire and painted enamel scarab ring
White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bibi Van Der Velden Floaty Scarab Ring with Pink Sapphires and Diamonds
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in Jackson, WY
scarabs encrusted with real scarab wings, pink sapphires, amethysts, and brown diamonds composed of
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline and Zircon Scarab Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Gently articulating 18K rose gold stylized Egyptian scarab earrings mounted with cabochon pink
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline, Zi...
Russian Pre Revolution Egyptian Revival Enamel Sapphire Gold Scarab Brooch
Located in Toronto, Ontario
tests as 14kt. The 90 old mine cut diamonds are mounted in silver and the scarab is carved in pink
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold, Silver
18 White Gold Flower Ruby Invisible Stud Earrings
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
A lovely ruby stud earrings that you can use as everyday.We use the top quality Ruby for our invisible setting.It is deep red and very sparking. The invisible is a highly technique ....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Diamond Pearl Ruby Enamel Gold Brooch by Carlo Giuliano
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in London, GB
Highly Important Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Portrait Brooch by Carlo Giuliano recognized to be arguably the most significant 19th century Egyptian Revival jewel. An important Egyptian...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$4,748Sale Price / set|29% Off
H 1 in W 0.32 in
AJD Sparkling Dangle Brazilian Emerald Earrings May Birthstone
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Exquisite Handmade Brazilian Emerald Earrings in 18KT Yellow Gold Discover the allure of our sparkling handmade Brazilian emerald earrings, a unique and elegant addition to any jewel...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold & Sterling Silver Beetle Brooch with Rose Cut Diamonds Onyx & Ruby
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the Edwardian era, this large and impressive Rhinoceros beetle brooch is encrusted with Rose Cut diamonds on an 18k gold and sterling silver body. The insect’s head and antenna...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Masriera 18 Karat Yellow Gold Angel of the Morning Plique a Jour Enamel Ring
By Masriera
Located in Troy, MI
Masriera is a company world-renowned for their amazing enamel work & Art Nouveau reproductions. This 18kt yellow gold Angel Of The Morning ring with “plique-à-jour” and “basse taill...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$4,500
H 0.91 in W 1.52 in
Antique Pink Sapphire Diamond Turquoise & 14k Yellow Gold Insect Bar Brooch
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Up for your consideration is this stunning antique 19th century 14k yellow gold insect bar brooch, pin. This beautiful antique brooch is formed of a single barrette of gold, on whi...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE A breathtaking vintage gown. I would estimate this to be from around the late 90's. It has a pale blue lining which is overlayed with a sheer turquoise layer that ...
Unavailable|$4,527
W 0.6 in L 0.79 in
Vintage Scarab in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds, Emerald and Enamels
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful brooch in 18 Kt gold, enamels, diamonds and emerald, which depicts a scarab, was made by a talented Italian goldsmith Over the history and religious beliefs surroundin...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
$470Sale Price|20% Off
L 1.19 in
Vintage style Rose cut Diamond Sterling silver ruby emerald Pearl Bee Brooch pin
Located in Delhi, DL
This Gorgeous Queen Bee Diamond Sapphire brooch is a unique handcrafted art. It brings back the memory of the Victorian era. It has been crafted in 925 sterling silver with 18K Gold ...
Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold Ring Vintage Tiffany Favrile Cobalt Blue Glass Scarab
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless allure of luxury with this exquisite 18k yellow gold ring, adorned with a rare vintage Tiffany Favrile cobalt blue glass scarab designed by the renowned artis...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
American Art Nouveau Plique a Jour Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Wonderful American Art Nouveau 14k Plique a Jour Brooch of enameled poppies on a pale green plique a jour ground. Flowers modeled in high relief with pink and green translucent ename...
14k Gold
Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Bethesda, MD
Indulge in the allure of timeless elegance with these exquisite Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings. Featuring two stunning diamonds weighing 1.66 carats and 1.65 carats respectively, for ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian Era Rose Cut Diamond Earrings 1790's
Located in Firenze, IT
This pair of rare Georgian era earrings is set with large antique rose cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in silver and backed in 14K gold. Each circular rose-cut diamond in closed-b...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
$5,361 / item
14kt gold Scarabs chain necklace
Located in Roma, RM
Important choker in solid 14 kt yellow gold. Necklace created entirely by hand by Italian artisans. The technique is that of lost-wax microsculpture. Tiny gold scarabs follow each ot...
Gold, 14k Gold
Rare 4.46 Ct Russian Demantoid 1 Ct Diamond Earrings AGL and GIA Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of contemporary 14K yellow and white gold earrings features two well matched Russian demantoids (2.40 ct and 2.06 ct) from the Ural Mountains. Both demantoids have well def...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k 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.