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Unheated Blue Sapphire 5 Ct

Bellerophon Certified 5 Carat Intense Blue UNHEATED Sapphire Ring
Bellerophon Certified 5 Carat Intense Blue UNHEATED Sapphire Ring

Bellerophon Certified 5 Carat Intense Blue UNHEATED Sapphire Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

The ring is crafted from 18K white gold It features a stunning center stone, a 5 ct Natural Ceylon Heated Oval Cut IntenseBlue Sapphire, measuring 11.91 x 8.93 mm. The sapphire sho...

Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Mauboussin 18kt old Ring with 8.56 ct. Unheated Burma Sapphire & Diamonds
Mauboussin 18kt old Ring with 8.56 ct. Unheated Burma Sapphire & Diamonds

Mauboussin 18kt old Ring with 8.56 ct. Unheated Burma Sapphire & Diamonds

By Mauboussin

Located in Braintree, GB

A fine signed Mauboussin Paris dress ring in 18kt white gold, showcasing a stunning 8.56 carat cushion-cut natural sapphire of Burmese (Myanmar) origin. The vibrant blue sapphire is ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian1.30 Ct Sapphire 1.25 Ct Diamond Platinum Bar Brooch
Edwardian1.30 Ct Sapphire 1.25 Ct Diamond Platinum Bar Brooch

Edwardian1.30 Ct Sapphire 1.25 Ct Diamond Platinum Bar Brooch

Located in Napoli, IT

Metal: platinum, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 5 old mine cut diamonds totaling approx 1.25 Ct (H/I – VS/SI) – 5 cushion cut natural unheated blue sapphires totaling approx 1.30 ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

7.10 Ct Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Antique Ring
7.10 Ct Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Antique Ring

7.10 Ct Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Antique Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1910s The ring is finely crafted in platinum. It features a natural unheated cushion cut sapphire from Ceylon of a very nice blue color framed by a double halo of old cut diam...

Category

Vintage 1910s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 3.15 Ct Natural Sapphire Five Stone Ring
Vintage 3.15 Ct Natural Sapphire Five Stone Ring

Vintage 3.15 Ct Natural Sapphire Five Stone Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

Superb 1930 ca five stone natural Sapphire ring Hand crafted mounting beautifully rendered of solid 18 Kt gold designed with a raised fret work lifting up the stone’s array for more ...

Category

Vintage 1930s European Band Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

J.E. CALDWELL 1910 Edwardian Brooch In Platinum With 3.75 Ct Diamonds & Sapphire
J.E. CALDWELL 1910 Edwardian Brooch In Platinum With 3.75 Ct Diamonds & Sapphire

J.E. CALDWELL 1910 Edwardian Brooch In Platinum With 3.75 Ct Diamonds & Sapphire

By J.E. Caldwell & Co.

Located in Miami, FL

An Edwardian brooch designed by J.E. Caldwell & Co. This is an important antique brooch created in America by the Philadelphia based goldsmiths of J.E. Caldwell & Co. betwee...

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Certified 7.14 Ct No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Art Deco Certified 7.14 Ct No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

Art Deco Certified 7.14 Ct No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer This magnificent Art Deco example comes to us as witn...

Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Flexible Ring - AGL
Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Flexible Ring - AGL

Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Flexible Ring - AGL

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Flexible Ring - AGL/SSEF/GIA. This magnificent Art Deco ring is crafted in 18k rose gold and platinum. This ring...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Recent Sales

1.13 ct Vivid Cornflower Blue Sapphire, Unheated, GIA
1.13 ct Vivid Cornflower Blue Sapphire, Unheated, GIA

1.13 ct Vivid Cornflower Blue Sapphire, Unheated, GIA

Located in Sheridan, WY

GEMSTONE TYPE: Unheated Sri Lanka Ceylon sapphire RECOMMENDED JEWELRY SETTINGS: Solitaire Ring, Women Rings, Sapphire solitaire, Bracelets CERTIFICATE: CSL/GIA Full Lab Report includ...

Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire

2.03 ct Violet Sapphire, Unheated, Premium Cut, GIA
2.03 ct Violet Sapphire, Unheated, Premium Cut, GIA

2.03 ct Violet Sapphire, Unheated, Premium Cut, GIA

Located in Sheridan, WY

GEMSTONE TYPE: Unheated Sri Lanka Ceylon sapphire RECOMMENDED JEWELRY SETTINGS: Men Rings, Men Jewelry, Women Vintage Rings, Art Jewelry CERTIFICATE: IGL/GIA Lab Brief included. Any ...

Category

2010s Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

GIA Certified 5.04 ct Unheated Blue Sapphire Ring 8kt White Gold
GIA Certified 5.04 ct Unheated Blue Sapphire Ring 8kt White Gold

GIA Certified 5.04 ct Unheated Blue Sapphire Ring 8kt White Gold

Located in Tampa, FL

New 18kt white gold sapphire ring, set with unheated round cut natural blue Ceylon sapphire, measuring 9.64 x 9.51 x 6.77 mm with a carat weight of 5.04 ct.

Category

2010s Sri Lankan Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Blue Sapphire 5.35 ct Ceylon Natural GIA Certified Unheated, Loose Gemstone
Blue Sapphire 5.35 ct Ceylon Natural GIA Certified Unheated, Loose Gemstone

Blue Sapphire 5.35 ct Ceylon Natural GIA Certified Unheated, Loose Gemstone

Located in South Melbourne, AU

Rectangular radiant cut over 5 carat, this exceptional natural blue sapphire is dripping with personality and sparkle. Admired for its Ceylon origin and colour this natural unheated ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire

Unheated 4.05 ct Pink Sapphire Ring, 18kt Rose Gold GIA Certified
Unheated 4.05 ct Pink Sapphire Ring, 18kt Rose Gold GIA Certified

Unheated 4.05 ct Pink Sapphire Ring, 18kt Rose Gold GIA Certified

Located in Tampa, FL

A new 18kt rose gold custom pink sapphire ring set with a 4.05 ct cushion cut untreated natural pink Ceylon sapphire measuring 8.22 x 7.34 x 6.89 mm. Sapphire grading, Light, browni...

Category

2010s Sri Lankan Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Unheated Platinum Sapphire Ring, 5.59 Carat Ceylon Sapphire GIA Origin Certified
Unheated Platinum Sapphire Ring, 5.59 Carat Ceylon Sapphire GIA Origin Certified

Unheated Platinum Sapphire Ring, 5.59 Carat Ceylon Sapphire GIA Origin Certified

Located in Tampa, FL

Medium, moderately strong, blue color GIA B 5/4, set with 46 round brilliant cut diamonds with an approximate weight 1.00 ct's VS clarity G - H color and 2 round cut sapphire set i...

Category

2010s Sri Lankan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Yellow Sapphire Ring, 6.13 Carat Unheated Sapphire Platinum GIA Certified
Yellow Sapphire Ring, 6.13 Carat Unheated Sapphire Platinum GIA Certified

Yellow Sapphire Ring, 6.13 Carat Unheated Sapphire Platinum GIA Certified

Located in Tampa, FL

This is an incredible unheated oval cut 6.13 ct sapphire which carries a stunning tone coupled with equal saturation creates this perfect hue with no secondary colors outside pure ye...

Category

2010s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum

Color Change Sapphire Ring, 4.06ct Unheated 3 Stone Platinum Ring GIA Cerftified
Color Change Sapphire Ring, 4.06ct Unheated 3 Stone Platinum Ring GIA Cerftified

Color Change Sapphire Ring, 4.06ct Unheated 3 Stone Platinum Ring GIA Cerftified

Located in Tampa, FL

Type II, medium, moderately strong, violetish blue to purple color GIA vB 5/4 to P 5/4. Set with 2 cushion cut diamonds at 0.40 carats each, VVS-2 clarity, F color excellent cut & po...

Category

2010s Sri Lankan Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum

Unheated 3 Stone Sapphire Ring, 5.07 Carat Platinum 950 GIA Certified x 3
Unheated 3 Stone Sapphire Ring, 5.07 Carat Platinum 950 GIA Certified x 3

Unheated 3 Stone Sapphire Ring, 5.07 Carat Platinum 950 GIA Certified x 3

Located in Tampa, FL

Type II. medium, moderately strong, blue color GIA B 5/4, set with 2 cushion-cut diamonds with a weight 0.80 ct's VVS-2 clarity, F color GIA certified diamonds & sapphire.

Category

2010s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1.19 ct Alexandrite-Like, Color-change Sapphire, GIA
1.19 ct Alexandrite-Like, Color-change Sapphire, GIA

1.19 ct Alexandrite-Like, Color-change Sapphire, GIA

Located in Sheridan, WY

GEMSTONE TYPE: Unheated Sri Lanka Ceylon sapphire, alexandrite-like RECOMMENDED JEWELRY SETTINGS: Solitaire Ring, Women Rings, Sapphire solitaire, Bracelets CERTIFICATE: CSL/GIA Full...

Category

2010s Malagasy Loose Gemstones

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Alexandrite, Green Sapphire, Purple Sapphire

18 Karat White Gold 0.70 Carat Unheated Green Sapphire Oval Cut Stacking Ring
18 Karat White Gold 0.70 Carat Unheated Green Sapphire Oval Cut Stacking Ring

18 Karat White Gold 0.70 Carat Unheated Green Sapphire Oval Cut Stacking Ring

By Irene Bozza

Located in Málaga, ES

• 18 Karat Recycled White Gold • Weight: approx. 4 gr gold • Natural (Unheated) green sapphire 6×5 mm oval cut • 0,70 ct • Origin: Central Queensland mine, Australia • Hand-made i...

Category

2010s Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.70 Carat Unheated Green Sapphire Oval Cut Stacking Ring
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.70 Carat Unheated Green Sapphire Oval Cut Stacking Ring

18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.70 Carat Unheated Green Sapphire Oval Cut Stacking Ring

By Irene Bozza

Located in Málaga, ES

• 18 Karat Recycled Yellow Gold • Weight: approx. 4 gr gold • Natural (Unheated) green sapphire 6×5 mm oval cut • 0,70 ct • Origin: Central Queensland mine, Australia • Hand-made ...

Category

2010s Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold 0.70 Carat Unheated Green Sapphire Oval Cut Stacking Ring
18 Karat Rose Gold 0.70 Carat Unheated Green Sapphire Oval Cut Stacking Ring

18 Karat Rose Gold 0.70 Carat Unheated Green Sapphire Oval Cut Stacking Ring

By Irene Bozza

Located in Málaga, ES

• Available rose gold in size 53 (EU) 6 1/2 (US), 16,9 mm • The size can be altered to fit • 18 Karat Recycled Rose Gold • Weight: approx. 4 gr gold • Natural (Unheated) green sa...

Category

2010s Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian circa 1850 Natural No Heat Madagascar Blue Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Victorian circa 1850 Natural No Heat Madagascar Blue Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring

Victorian circa 1850 Natural No Heat Madagascar Blue Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring

Located in Berlin, Berlin

A natural, untreated (no heat) sapphire of 2,95 ct weight is set in yellow gold, the rich tone of which further intensifies the vivid blue of the stone.

Category

Antique 1850s Early Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

18 Karat Gold 2.1 Carat Green & Blue Sapphire Garnet Oval cut Stacking Ring Set
18 Karat Gold 2.1 Carat Green & Blue Sapphire Garnet Oval cut Stacking Ring Set

18 Karat Gold 2.1 Carat Green & Blue Sapphire Garnet Oval cut Stacking Ring Set

By Irene Bozza

Located in Málaga, ES

• 18 Karat Recycled Gold • Sapphire and Garnet 6×5 mm oval cut • 0,70 ct each, 2,1 ct total • Available in Blue Sapphire Yellow Gold in size 54 (EU) 7 (US), 17,3 mm • Available in...

Category

2010s Spanish Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

2.80 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire Rare Ring Possibly, French
2.80 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire Rare Ring Possibly, French

2.80 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire Rare Ring Possibly, French

Located in Napoli, IT

Dreaming the Blue Rarity ring from 1820 ca Magnificent representation of beauty of the early 1800 with a distinctive mount richly scrolled- 18 KT tested , bears hallmarks not easy t...

Category

Antique 1820s French Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Magnificent Art Deco Certified 7.14 Carat No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Magnificent Art Deco Certified 7.14 Carat No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

Magnificent Art Deco Certified 7.14 Carat No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer This magnificent Art Deco example comes to us as witn...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Victorian 5.90 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire 2.90 Carat Mine Diamond Ring
Victorian 5.90 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire 2.90 Carat Mine Diamond Ring

Victorian 5.90 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire 2.90 Carat Mine Diamond Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold and silver, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 1 oval cabochon cut natural unheated blue sapphire of approx 5.90 Ct (10.25 x 8.40 mm.) ...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

AGL Certified 8.463 ct. Unheated & Untreated Blue Sapphire & Fine Diamond Ring
AGL Certified 8.463 ct. Unheated & Untreated Blue Sapphire & Fine Diamond Ring

AGL Certified 8.463 ct. Unheated & Untreated Blue Sapphire & Fine Diamond Ring

Located in Aspen, CO

This is an important factor, as one does not want to purchase a stone which, for example, is a 5 cts sapphire but "faces up", as a 4 ct. because much of the weight is in the bottom o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Demantoid Rose-Cut Diamond Unheated Pink & Blue Sapphire Fancy Pink Diamond Ring
Demantoid Rose-Cut Diamond Unheated Pink & Blue Sapphire Fancy Pink Diamond Ring

Demantoid Rose-Cut Diamond Unheated Pink & Blue Sapphire Fancy Pink Diamond Ring

By Joke Quick

Located in Antwerp, BE

Pave set with : 4 X GHVS Rose-cut diamonds 0,40 ct., 5 X light pink rose-cut Unheated Pink Sapphires from Madagascar 0,60 ct., 6 X Demantoid Garnet from Madagascar 0,21 ct., 4 X u...

Category

Antique 18th Century Belgian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphi...

Antique Russian Unheated Sapphire Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Antique Russian Unheated Sapphire Diamond Gold Engagement Ring

Antique Russian Unheated Sapphire Diamond Gold Engagement Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Estimated total diamond weight 1.90 ct. The sapphire and diamond top measures 16 x 15 mm (5/8 x 9/16 in.)

Category

Early 20th Century Russian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

Vintage 5 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Gold Ring
Vintage 5 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Gold Ring

Vintage 5 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Gold Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1950 This chunky vintage ring is crafted in platinum and 18K gold. The ring features a natural unheated 5.06 ct Ceylon sapphire of a rich cornflower blue color. The sapphire i...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum

1.8Ct No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamonds Pendant
1.8Ct No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamonds Pendant

1.8Ct No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamonds Pendant

Located in Singapore, SG

Features: Main Gemstone - Burmese Unheated Sapphire Weight of gemstones (1pc) - 1.78 Ct Measurements of gemstones - 8.1x6.1mm (approx) Weight of diamonds (5 pcs) - 0.05 Ct Cut ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Singaporean Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Heart Shaped Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Heart Shaped Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring

Heart Shaped Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

The sapphire is approximately 5 carats. Estimated total diamond weight 0.63 ct.

Category

Vintage 1930s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire

Vintage Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Vintage Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring

Vintage Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

The ring features a high quality 4.70 ct unheated Ceylon sapphire of an excellent light blue color with some violetish hue.

Category

Vintage 1920s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 8.66 Carat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Cluster Ring
Antique 8.66 Carat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Cluster Ring

Antique 8.66 Carat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Cluster Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1890 This antique Russian 14K gold engagement ring features a chunky 8.66 ct cushion cut natural unheated Ceylon sapphire of an excellent medium blue color.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire

Antique 19th Century Burmese Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Antique 19th Century Burmese Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring

Antique 19th Century Burmese Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Estimated total diamond weight is 1.50 ct. The sapphire and diamond top measures 15 x 14 mm (5/8 x 9/16 in.)

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

Antique Russian Three Stone Sapphire Diamond Men's Ring
Antique Russian Three Stone Sapphire Diamond Men's Ring

Antique Russian Three Stone Sapphire Diamond Men's Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

made in Moscow between 1908 and 1917 14K gold ring centered with a natural unheated sapphire of a superb royal blue color (approximately 1 carat) between two old cushion cut diamo...

Category

Early 20th Century Russian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

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Unheated Blue Sapphire 5 Ct For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the unheated blue sapphire 5 ct you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 7 vintage or 52 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for an unheated blue sapphire 5 ct may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. An unheated blue sapphire 5 ct from Fine Jewels UK, Sarosi By Timeless Gems and Asprey London — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. An oval cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also cushion cut and heart cut versions for sale. Most of our unheated blue sapphire 5 ct for sale are for women, but there are 41 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Unheated Blue Sapphire 5 Ct?

Prices for an unheated blue sapphire 5 ct can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $87 and can go as high as $115,850, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,133.

The Legacy of Sapphire in Jewelry Design

On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry

Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.

Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.

America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.

The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.

You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.

Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).

The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)  

Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.