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14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

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14 K Yellow Gold 1980s Cocktail Ring Sapphire Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Captivating cockatail Ring in 14 K yellow Gold featuring a lovely blue oval Sapphire weighing
Category

1980s Unknown Contemporary 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
14K Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring Approximate Dimensions: 5.5 (Ring Size) Approx. 2 carats (Sapphire
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

14K Gold Coral Sapphire Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 14K Gold Coral Sapphire Ring. It depicts a flower shaped ring adorned with a round
Category

20th Century Unknown Victorian 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Coral, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

14K Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire total approx. 4.0ct. Ring size: 6.5
Category

Mid-20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

14K Yellow Gold Yellow Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
14K Yellow Gold ring with 1 oval yellow sapphire approximately 7.32 carats
Category

1970s 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite ring highlights the unique beauty of a substantial 13.44 carat cabochon sapphire
Category

1980s 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro sapphire 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking Retro-era sapphire ring beautifully reflects the bold, sculptural aesthetic that
Category

1940s Retro 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Star Sapphire Ring
Located in Queens, NY
14K White Gold Star Sapphire Ring, featuring one flush set purple star sapphire cabochon weighing
Category

20th Century Modern 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k White Gold Moonstone Sapphire Ring
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 14k White Gold Weight: 5.4 grams Size: 6 (US sizing) Gemstone: Moonstone & Sapphire
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Moonstone, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This incredible ring is made in 14k yellow gold with a rich blue sapphire and sparkly white
Category

1980s 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Black Star Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Austin, TX
A distinctive modern ring crafted of textured 14k white gold featuring a remarkable black star
Category

1950s 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold

14K Gold Diamond And Sapphire Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 14K White Gold, Diamonds and Sapphire Ring. It depicts a queen like ring consisting of an
Category

20th Century American 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k Sapphire Cabachon Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful star sapphire ring from the vintage (ca1960) era! This stunning ring features a large
Category

1970s 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-century Synthetic Sapphire Ring in 14k
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-century Synthetic Sapphire Ring in 14k This Mid-century ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Graceful Sapphire Diamond Crossover Ring in 14k
Located in Bloomington, MN
This graceful ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a sophisticated crossover design set
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring 8.7g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' sapphire and diamond ring in 14k white gold setting. Stamped 14k and weighs 8.7 grams. The
Category

Late 20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14K Gold Diamond Sapphire Bouquet Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 14K Gold Diamond Sapphire Bouquet Ring Marked: 14K Approximate Dimensions: 7.25 (Ring
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage sapphire diamond 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 14k yellow gold ring highlights a vivid cushion cut blue sapphire framed by sparkling
Category

1990s Contemporary 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modernist Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Band
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Modernist Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Band This rare find is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow
Category

1980s 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K White Gold Sapphire Diamonds Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 14K White Gold Sapphire Diamonds Ring Approximate Dimensions: 7.5 - 7.75 (Ring Size) 1.9
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring 4.6g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies 18k yellow gold sapphire and Diamond ring. Stamped 750 and weighs 4.6 grams gross weight
Category

Late 20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage sapphire diamond 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A charming vintage 14k yellow gold ring set with 0.60 carats of blue sapphires, accented by 0.20
Category

1980s Contemporary 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage sapphire diamond 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A charming vintage 14k yellow gold ring set with 0.60 carats of blue sapphires, accented by 0.20
Category

1980s Contemporary 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Gold Pearl And Sapphire Crossover Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 14K Gold Pearl and Sapphires Crossover Ring. It depicts a wrap around ring ending with
Category

20th Century Unknown Edwardian 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

14K Yellow Gold Black Sapphire Ring 12.3g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Unisex ring. 14k yellow gold and black cabochon star sapphire. The ring tests 59% gold using an XRF
Category

Late 20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a stunning blue sapphire and diamond ring made in 14k yellow gold. Sapphire is said to
Category

1980s Contemporary 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Platinum Sapphire Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This stunning vintage ring from the 1960s is expertly crafted in 14K yellow gold and platinum
Category

1960s 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum

Retro sapphire diamond 14k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in the 1940s, this Retro ring showcases a vibrant oval cut sapphire weighing approximately
Category

20th Century Retro 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Turquoise Sapphires Cocktail Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 14K yellow gold turquoise sapphires ring. It depicts a navette shaped top decorated with
Category

20th Century Unknown 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Floral
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Floral This absolutely stunning vintage ring is finely
Category

Late 20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K White Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
color. 14 French cut about 1.2mm sapphires are genuine Earth mined gems. All gemstones in this ring are
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Sapphire Diamond Ring 14K Gold Flower Estate
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Flower Estate This estate ring is finely crafted in solid 14K
Category

Late 20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stone: 1.40ct Sapphire, 0.48tcw Diamond Measurements: 12.2 x 8 x 5.7mm Ring Size: 7 Hallmark: 14k Item
Category

Late 20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Vintage Solitaire Sapphire Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Solitaire Sapphire Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mens Diamond Sapphire Ring Band 14K Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This estate ring is crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold (stamped). Three square cut natural blue
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire 14k White Gold Six Prong Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sapphire and white gold solitaire engagement ring. The petite 14-karat white gold solitaire ring
Category

1970s Modern 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Vintage Sapphire Diamond Ring 4.1g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' Vintage diamond and blue sapphire ring in a 14k white gold setting. Stamped 14k and weighs
Category

Late 20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage DANKNER 14K Sapphire Diamond Buckle Ring
By Henry Dankner Sons
Located in Henderson, NV
Vintage Dankner 14K yellow gold sapphire and diamond buckle ring. 7 baguette cut sapphires: 1.50ctw
Category

Late 20th Century American 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Ring 14k White Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Ring 14K White Gold This vintage ring is crafted in solid 14K
Category

Mid-20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Flower Sapphire Diamond Ring in 14k white gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Flower Sapphire Diamond Ring in 14k white gold This ring is crafted in 14k white gold and
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K White Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K White Gold Vintage This dramatic vintage sapphire and diamond
Category

Mid-20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid-century Flower Sapphire Diamond Ring in 14k
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-century Flower Sapphire Diamond Ring in 14k This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Sapphire Ring Diamond 14k Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful vintage sapphire ring, featuring diamonds, made of 14k gold. The sapphire's gorgeous
Category

1990s Unknown 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Retro 14k Diamond and Sapphire Statement Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous diamond and sapphire ring from the Retro (ca1940s) era! Crafted in 14k white gold, this
Category

1940s Retro 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Opal Diamond Sapphire Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Carat Weight: 0.80 carats Condition: Preowned, Excellent Stamped: "14k" Opal Diamond Sapphire Ring 14k
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k white gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold Sapphire and diamond ring, containing 1 oval sapphire weighing .75pts. and 12 round
Category

1950s American Art Deco 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k white gold  Sapphire and Diamond Ring
14k white gold  Sapphire and Diamond Ring
$1,580 Sale Price / item
20% Off
14K Gold Burma Sapphire Diamond Enamel Ring, AGL
Located in Queens, NY
14K Gold Burma Sapphire Diamond Enamel Ring, AGL Report #1139225, dated 26 March 2024, indicating
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Enamel

Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K White Gold Shield Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K White Gold Shield Cocktail The ring is crafted in solid 14K White Gold
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire Diamond Bridal Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features prong-set blue sapphire, with a bridal design
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Large Star Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
14K White Gold Large Star Sapphire Diamond Ring Approximate Dimensions: 10.5 (Ring Size) 2 cm
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire Ruby Diamond Ring 14K 5.87 Carats
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This lovely Sapphire Ruby Diamond Ring is set in 14K White Gold. It features a Oval cut Sapphire
Category

1980s Unknown Modern 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Leaf-Spray Sapphire Diamond Ring 1.65ctw 14K Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A graceful vintage sapphire and diamond ring crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, designed in an
Category

1970s 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Vintage Diamond Sapphire Cluster Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
Everyone always loves diamonds & sapphires!! Ring Details Material: 14K Yellow Gold Era: Retro
Category

1960s Retro 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Swirl Sapphire Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Swirl Sapphire Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 14k
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Natural Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous bypass ring is made in 14k white gold and showcases natural blue sapphires and
Category

1980s Contemporary 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring 1.00ct Sapphire, 8.2g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring 1.00ct Sapphire, 8.2g Ladies sapphire and diamond ring in
Category

20th Century 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

14K 1.52 carat Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold sapphire and diamond ring featuring an oval blue sapphire weighing 1.52 carats. It
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

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14k Vintage Sapphire Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 14k vintage sapphire ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 14k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 426 vintage or 43 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect 14k vintage sapphire ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 15th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a 14k vintage sapphire ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Antinori Fine Jewels, Diamonds Mine and Alberto are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and mixed cut alternatives. Most of our 14k vintage sapphire ring for sale are for women, but there are 65 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 14k Vintage Sapphire Ring?

The price for a 14k vintage sapphire ring starts at $300 and tops out at $44,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $1,445.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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.