18K Rose Gold Fly Shaped Orange Sapphire and Yellow Sapphire Brooch
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Bug FLY Shaped Orange Sapphire and Yellow Sapphire Brooch 8 Mixed Diamonds - 0.06 CT 8 Diamonds - 0.05 CT 23 Green Garnets/Pink Sapphires/Rubies - 0.21 CT 64 Orange Sa...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Impressive Large Yellow Sapphire Gold Flower Brooch Voirin Sonrel for Rene Boivi
Located in New York, NY
Large 18k yellow gold flower brooch, with round cut vivid yellow sapphires.
Yellow Sapphire, Gold
Swedish 3.18 Carat Yellow Sapphire 2.40 Carat Diamond Platinum Brooch Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco Swedish 3.18 carat yellow sapphire, 2.40 carat diamond and platinum brooch; part of our diverse collection of sapphire brooches.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
White Gold Australian Pearl and Yellow Sapphire Flower Brooch by Diamrusa
Located in BILBAO, ES
- Maker: Diamrusa - Year: 2006 - Metal: 18K White Gold - Weight: 19.23 grams - Gemstones: 478 yellow and orange sapphires (approx. 12.24 carats total) - Center: 1 Australian pearl ...
Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Bee Brooch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Tampa, FL
A vibrant and beautifully crafted bee brooch fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold, set with glowing yellow sapphires and finished with ruby eyes and diamond-set wings.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond with Yellow Sapphire Brooch/Pendant Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 1.28 carats with Yellow Sapphire 1.78 carats Brooch/Pendant set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings (chain not included) Width: 3.2 cm Length: 6.0 cm Total Weight: 9.59 grams ...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18KT Yellow Gold 3.10Ct Blue & Yellow Sapphire Ribbon Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Cellini Jewelers Designed as a fluid ribbon, this 18 karat yellow gold brooch is invisibly set with 3.10 carats of princess cut blue and yellow sapphires .
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Fly Gold Brooch 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k yellow gold Gemstones: 20 round blue sapphires Sapphire Total Carat Weight: ~1.80 carats Diameter: 1.30" long, 1.05" wide Total Weight: 6.3 Gra...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER 18K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A striking study in bold geometry and refined craftsmanship, this CARTIER brooch exemplifies the house’s timeless modernist aesthetic.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ribbon Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A dramatic, couture-quality brooch crafted in 18K yellow gold, styled as an elegant ribbon-tied jeweled tassel.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Fancy Yellow Diamond & Sapphire Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Retro Fancy Yellow Diamond & Sapphire Flower Brooch A brooch featuring a GIA certified fancy yellow diamond surrounded by sapphires designing a flower motif.
Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Gold Yellow Sapphires and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18K Gold Yellow Sapphires and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch Details: Featuring yellow sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Bulgari Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Swan Brooch
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Swan Brooch A Bulgari brooch from 1988, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and designed in the shape of a swan.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
English 1960s Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold Flower Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold flower brooch, English made. Set with sapphires and approx. 0.06ct diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Mesopotamian Brooch with Dark Blue Sapphire
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
18 karat yellow gold Mesopotamian Serpent brooch is encrusted with dark blue great cut transparent sapphire, cushion or octagon cut, 4 carats.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bird Brooch
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Handcrafted in glowing 18k yellow gold, this brooch features a graceful bird adorned with 3.27 carats of vivid rubies, a 0.31-carat sapphire, and 0.93 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Multi Color Natural Sapphire Brooch 14K Yellow Gold 16 Carats
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k yellow gold Sapphire Count, Shape and Color: 6 cabochon star sapphires, 1 oval light blue faceted sapphire, 1 oval purple faceted sapphire, 1 oval y...
Star Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapp...
English Yellow Sapphire Diamond Gold Frog Brooch Pin
Located in New York, NY
English made 18k yellow and white gold frog brooch, set with yellow sapphires, emerald eyes and approx. 0.64ctw in SI/H diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold
Antique French Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Bow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French 0.45 carat sapphire and 0.93 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and silver set brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collection...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Yellow Gold Peacock Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, large and impressive 0.42 carat diamond, 0.28 carat ruby and 0.45 carat sapphire, 18 karat yellow gold peacock brooch; part of our diverse jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Topaz Sapphire Emerald Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This intricately designed piece can be worn as both a pendant and a brooch. The 14K Yellow Gold is set with one centering fancy-cut topaz and enhanced with round emeralds, sapphires,...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 1.11tcw Pink Sapphire Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this vintage bee brooch features a detailed, dimensional design accented with vibrant pink sapphires.
Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 1.11tcw Pink Sapphire Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this vintage bee brooch features a detailed, dimensional design accented with vibrant pink sapphires.
Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage diamond sapphire 18k yellow gold panther brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Set in warm 18k yellow gold, twelve round brilliant cut diamonds of E-F color and VS clarity offer bright, precise brilliance, while eleven deep blue sapphires provide contrast and d...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Ladybird Brooch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Ladybird brooch. The brooch is set with 4 cabochon sapphires throughout the wings, with a row of 9 square cut rubies running through the centre of the body and 28 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 1.11tcw Pink Sapphire Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this vintage bee brooch features a detailed, dimensional design accented with vibrant pink sapphires.
Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 1.11tcw Pink Sapphire Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this vintage bee brooch features a detailed, dimensional design accented with vibrant pink sapphires.
Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald Ladybird Brooch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Ladybird brooch. The brooch is set with 4 cabochon emeralds throughout the wings, with a row of 9 square cut sapphires running through the centre of the body and 2...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Ladybird Brooch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Ladybird brooch. The brooch is set with 4 cabochon rubies throughout the wings, with a row of 9 square cut sapphires running through the centre of the body and 28 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold Orchid Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Tiffany & Co diamond sapphire and yellow gold brooch circa 1950. * SPECIFICATIONS: DIAMONDS: three round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.15 carat, approximately H...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Antique Brooch with Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stone Information - Primary Stone(s): Sapphire - Cut: Round - Color: Blue - # of Stones: 5 - Carat Weight (ea): ~0.164ct/ea - Total Carat Weight: ~0.82cttw Secondary Stone(s): Diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.43 Carat Pink Sapphire Yellow Sapphire Diamond Tulip Brooch 18K White Gold Pin
Located in New York, NY
3.43 Carat Pink Sapphire Yellow Sapphire Diamond Tulip Brooch 18K White Gold Pin Pink Sapphire Weight: 3.43 Carat Yellow Sapphire Weight: 2.88 Carat Diamond Weight: 1.15 Carat This...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Ladybird Brooch
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Ladybird brooch. The brooch is set with 4 cabochon rubies throughout the wings, with a row of 10 square cut sapphires running through the centre of the body and 28...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Dahlia Flower Brooch w/Sapphires
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18k yellow gold Sapphires: 7 round cut = 0.15cttw Dimensions: 35.70mm x 44.36mm Weight: 21.9 grams
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sabbadini 18KT Yellow Gold Ladybug Brooch, 6.02Ct. Yellow Sapphires & Black Onyx
By Sabbadini
Located in New York, NY
Their creativity shines in this 18 karat yellow gold lady bug brooch. The wings art artfully set with square cut yellow sapphires and black onyx stones.
Onyx, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue, Pink and Yellow Sapphire Flower Brooch 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Sapphires of many colors glimmer as jeweled flowers for this brooch.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, ...
Victorian Sapphire Pearl Floral 14K Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Westport, CT
An original Victorian 14K yellow gold sapphire and pearl brooch pendant. Designed in a delicate floral motif, the piece is decorated with round white pearls and centered with a natur...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jean Vitau 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Pansy Brooch
By Jean Vitau
Located in Henderson, NV
This stunning jewelry piece by Jean Vitau perfectly captures the pansy flower's elegance. The top petals feature vibrant sapphires, while a diamond sparkles at the center, surrounded...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Parrot Brooch with Sapphires, Diamonds, Emeralds
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Custom-made 18k yellow gold parrot brooch, with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds!
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1960s Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Brooch in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Abstract Spray Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An eye-catching abstract spray brooch from the 1970s crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Brooch with Sapphire
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary brooch will be custom made of 18 karat yellow gold with natural dark blue sapphire.
Beryl, Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Whi...
Antique Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire Brooch, Late 20th Century Design
Located in Sewickley, PA
This delicate brooch features a graceful three-stone design centered with vivid pink gemstones, each cut in an oval or pear like silhouette. The stones are arranged in a horizontal r...
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Rabbit Ruby Sapphires Yellow White Gold Brooch
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Great gift for a Rabbit lover with this adorable Brooch The hairs are made of yellow gold threads (18k) The eyelashes and mustaches in white gold The eyes are sapphires and the mu...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Double-Unicorn Pin Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating brooch showcasing two unicorns crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Daffodil Sapphire Brooch
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary Brooch features natural dark blue sapphire, golden daffodil flower and large detachable prasiolite drop.
Amethyst, Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Sapphire Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Starfish Brooch
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Jewels of diamonds and sapphires recreate this saltwater creature. An 18k yellow gold base is furnished with pavé set diamonds. Bezel set in 18k white gold, sapphire cabochons decora...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive sapphire and diamond brooch has been crafted in 12k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Emerald Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Flower Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An intricate and highly detailed floral brooch featuring a plethora of fine gemstones. The brooch features 5 vivid bright green emeralds which have rich intense color, and weigh a to...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold & Sapphire Flying Duck Brooch 1970s
Located in Towson, MD
One vintage 1970s flying duck brooch crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, set with one round 1.5mm blue sapphire weighing approximately 0.02 carat, serving as the bird’s eye.
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Butterfly Brooch. This brooch is made up of 20.31 carats of yellow sapphire and 1.82 carats of white diamonds. 18K White Gold Diamond and...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970S Sapphire Owl 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Brooch pin
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Owl Enamel Brooch pin This exquisite 1970s brooch pin is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold and adorned with white high-quality enamel to highli...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Brooch / Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, large 1.55 carat Ceylon sapphire and 2.20 carat diamond, 10 karat yellow gold and silver set sweetheart brooch/pendant with wings; part of our divers...
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Jean Vitau 18KT Yellow Gold Leaf Brooch, Diamonds, Yellow Sapphire & Tsavorite
By Jean Vitau
Located in New York, NY
The leaves are set with 8.56 carats of round brilliant yellow sapphires and 5.74 carats of round brilliant tsavorites.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Lugano 11.10 carat diamond yellow sapphire 18k yellow gold enamel flower brooch
By Lugano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Complementing the diamonds are 19 vibrant oval and round brilliant cut yellow sapphires totaling approximately 8.60 carats, creating a rich, sunlit contrast that brings the floral mo...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1910s Sapphire and 1.19 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique sapphire and diamond brooch has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A charming and finely crafted vintage bee brooch, masterfully made in Italy in solid 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 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.
Vintage brooches, which refer to decorative jewelry traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
While jewelry trends come and go, brooches are indeed back on the radar thanks to fashion houses like Gucci, Versace, Dior and Saint Laurent, all of which feature fun pinnable designs in their current collections. Whether a dazzlingly naturalistic Art Nouveau dragonfly, a whimsical David Webb animal, a gem-studded bloom or a streamlined abstract design, these jewels add color and sparkle to your look and a spring to your step.
Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones. Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.
At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric. Chanel, of course, has never abandoned this style, producing gorgeously baroque CC examples since the 1980s.
Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.
Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches for sale on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.
The care that went into crafting this jewel, with its lifelike carved petals and diamond accents, matches the sentiment it represents.
For starters, it is one of the jewelry designer’s most celebrated works.
Though it sparkles with more than 27 carats of diamonds, this multifaceted gem delivers more than just dazzle.
Stellene Volandes takes us on a glittering, engrossing tour through the centuries.
From cameos to cigar bands, here are the looks on our radar this season.
The philanthropist and heiress was an avid jewelry collector, and her trove of Jean Schlumberger creations embodies the love of nature she shared with the famed designer.