Skip to main content

1920s Art Deco Blue Sapphire

to
93
957
289
1,198
1,076
786
79
62
55
30
17
14
7
5
4
4
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
24
18
7
6
6
Sort By
Art Deco 4.90 CTW No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Antique Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing 3.00 carats total - transparent vivid blue Natural Ceylon
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

GIA Certified 0.94 Carat E SI2 Old European Cut Diamond and Blue Sapphire Art De
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Art Deco-style ring features a 0.94 carat GIA-certified old European cut diamond of
Category

2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

.75 Carat Old European Diamond Sapphire Art Deco Platinum Dome Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco 1920's Diamond and sapphire engagement ring. 3 center diamonds with 4 triangle cut and
Category

Vintage 1920s Dome Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Art - Deco Ring 1.2ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum ØUS 7.25 /3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Sapphire + Diamonds + Platinum Ring from 1900s -1920s. All metal parts of this ring are
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Platinum 2 carat Diamond and Sapphire Art Deco Pendant Pin Necklace
Located in Big Bend, WI
Platinum Art Deco pendant with 2 carats of diamonds accented by specialty French calibre cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

White Gold French Cufflinks Christal Mat Sapphires Blue
Located in Berkeley, CA
Gifts for him or her ! These cufflinks from the 1920's are stunning with a band of blue sapphires
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cufflinks

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond 28.90cts Blue Sapphire Platinum Geometric Link Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
This Stunning Antique art deco bracelet with Cabochon Sapphire was crafted in luxurious Platinum
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1.00 Carat H VS2 Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Halo Art Deco Stud Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
These exceptional Art Deco-style stud earrings showcase a beautifully matched pair of 0.50 carat
Category

2010s American Art Deco Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Waltham "Sapphire" Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Square METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Early 20th Century Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Ring 18K Gold – French 57 (US 8)
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A striking example of Art Deco craftsmanship, this early 20th Century ring pairs a deep-blue, 0.90
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco Filigreed 18K White Gold Four Diamond Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
ladies handmade filigreed 18K white gold four-across, diamond and sapphire art-deco (1920-1930
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Antique Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Sugarloaf Sapphire Flower Brooch
Located in Winter Springs, FL
• Measurements: 2.70 inches tall x 1.60 inches wide • Weight: 30.9 grams • Era: Original Art Deco, circa 1920s
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond And Sapphire Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Art deco large ring in 18k white gold and old european cut diamonds with an estimate weight of 0.50
Category

Vintage 1920s Cluster Rings

Art Deco 14K White Gold 3.36ctw Old European Cut H SI1 Diamond Sapphire Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This exquisite Art Deco filigree ring is a stunning testament to the elegance of 1920s
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

GIA Certified 6.75 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco era (1920s-1930s), this piece incorporates modern craftsmanship, blending vintage aesthetics
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 10K White Gold Filigreed Diamond Sapphire Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
grams One ladies 10K white gold diamond and sapphire art deco (1920-1930) brooch. The metal was tested
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold

1920s Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
platinum. This Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Old European Cut 2.04ct Diamond Sapphire Target Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Art Deco-inspired ring showcases a stunning 2.04 carat Old European cut diamond at
Category

2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

GIA Sugar Loaf Blue .75 Carat Sapphire Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's Art Deco handmade sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified round, sugar loaf
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

GIA Certified Asymmetrical Art Deco Antique Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
1920's jazz-age platinum ring emanates vintage charm and enchantment.

 Condition: Very Good Era: Art
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum .62ct Diamond Ring GIA report
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco platinum filigree ring featuring an European cut diamond weighing .62cts with GIA report
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1920s German Ring Sapphire solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 7.25 US/1.7gr
Located in SE
Antique German Ring in Rose Gold featuring old cushion cut natural Sapphire 4 mm x 3 mm / ca 0.2 ct
Category

Vintage 1910s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

Diamond And Sapphire 1920s Platinum Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
1920s orginal Art Deco period large ring with an estimate old cut diamond weight of 1.20 carars H
Category

Vintage 1920s Cluster Rings

Salt pepper shakers, Art Deco silver plate with cobalt blue glass
Located in San Francisco, US
These Art Deco salt and pepper shakers combine silver-plated metalwork with cobalt blue glass
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

1920s 1.20 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.20 carat natural blue sapphire and 0.68 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Sapphire Stud Dangle Earrings
Located in Houston, TX
One pair of ladies ANTIQUE filigreed 900 platinum diamond, and sapphire art-deco (1920-1930) dangle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Diamond and Sapphire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
: Type: Natural Sapphire Shape: French Cut Carat Weight: .25 carat, total weight. Color: Blue Finger to
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Diamond Blue Sapphire Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
round diamond, flanked by deep blue sapphires, creates an exquisite interplay of brilliance and elegance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Bracelet with Sapphire
Located in New York, NY
. Further decorated with 2.9-carat of calibre-cut blue sapphires, this bracelet is secured with a double
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Diamond Bracelet with Sapphire
Diamond Bracelet with Sapphire
$28,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Tiffany Co. Blue Sapphire Diamond Tennis Bracelet
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
platinum. This exceptional Art Deco jewel is set with approximately 2.00 carats of vivid blue sapphires and
Category

Vintage 1930s American Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Deco 1920 18kt Yellow Gold and Platinum Brooch w/ Diamonds, Sapphires Pearls
Located in Aventura, FL
. Period: 1920's Style: Art Deco Metal: 18Kt Yellow Gold & Platinum Stone: Natural Diamonds, Sapphires
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace 0.65 Carats 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
(approx. 0.35 ct.) that add rich color and contrast. The geometric silhouette, inspired by 1920s Art Deco
Category

2010s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.70 Carat Sapphire, 2.92 Carat Diamond and Platinum Watch Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920s Art Deco 0.70 carat sapphire, 2.92 carat diamond and
Category

Vintage 1920s Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Paul Flato 1940 Deco Retro Brooch Platinum 27.09 Ctw Color Sapphires Diamonds
By Paul Flato
Located in Miami, FL
city back in the 1940, during the American art deco and the retro periods. This colorful elegant brooch
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...

Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Filigreed Old Cut Diamond Sapphire Brooch
Located in Houston, TX
grams One 14K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire art deco (1920-1930) brooch. The metal was tested and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Old Miner Twin Diamond Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
White Gold art deco (1920-1930), diamond and sapphire cocktail, dinner, dress ring with a soft-square
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Doris Leslie Blau 1920s Chinese Art Deco Rug in Soft Pastels (Size Adjusted)
Located in New York, NY
1920s Chinese Art Deco Rug in Soft Pastels with Floral Trellis Design (size adjusted) Size: 13'8
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Bulgari Ceylon Blue Sapphire Diamond Bracelet, circa 1980
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
as sleek and opulent as any Art Deco example, however, there is a certain voluptuousness, a certain
Category

20th Century Italian Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

The Sapphire Garden: An Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug of Poetic Splendor
By Walter Nichols
Located in Dallas, TX
77231 Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, 08'09 x 11'06. Woven during a golden era of cross-cultural
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1920s Nordic Halo Ring 1ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US /2.2 gr
Located in SE
Old Nordic Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 12 old European cut
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1.24 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
: Type: Natural Sapphire Shape: French Cut and Antique Square Step Cut Carat Weight: .15 carat, total
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Tutti Frutti clip brooch in platinum and gold, crescent moon
Located in PARIS, FR
sapphires, nine emeralds and fourteen diamonds. Art Deco brooch, in the style of Cartier Paris Tutti Frutti
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold

GIA Certified 6.50 Carat Natural Star Sapphire Diamond Men s Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco 1920’s men’s violet blue star Sapphire diamond ring. Set in platinum with diamond accents
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Reverse Carved Rock Crystal Equestrian Motif Multi Charm Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
common motifs. A magnificent gemstone and reverse carved crystal charm bracelet from the Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum

Diamond Sapphire Accent Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Fresno antique old mine diamond Art Deco engagement ring features a dynamic 0.82 carat cushion
Category

2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

AUSTRIAN Art Deco 1925 Curvex Wristwatch in Platinum With 7.75 Ctw in Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
wristwatch, created in Austria during the art deco period, back in the late 1920's. The case has been crafted
Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1920s French 18K Yellow Gold Daisy “Marguerite” Ring with 0.40 ct Sapphire Ros
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
-Cut Diamonds, ~0.24 ct total Period: Circa 1920s, Transitional Belle Époque → Art Deco Style: Daisy
Category

Vintage 1910s French Belle Époque Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

TUTTI FRUTTI 1950 Art-Deco Pendant Brooch In Platinum Diamonds Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco Tutti-Frutti gemstones brooch. This is a gorgeous vintage brooch, created in America
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

Large Chinese Rug in Sapphire Blue Tones with Ornate Floral Motifs 11 0" X 13 3"
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large Chinese Rug in Sapphire Blue Tones with Ornate Floral Motifs 11'0" X 13'3" Alive with color
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Art Deco GIA 1.26 Carat 1.01 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Superb Art Deco era 2-Stone Ring with two Old Mine Cut Diamonds and Sapphires, composed of platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Antique 22 Karat Gold, Multi-Colored Sapphire, and Citrine Brooch
Located in Princeton, NJ
A 1920s blue and yellow sapphire and citrine pin set in 22 karat yellow gold. The pin centers a
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Citrine, Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold

Art Deco Platinum 1.31ct Diamond Ring GIA Report
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco platinum filigree ring featuring an European cut diamond weighing 1.31cts with GIA report
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Jabot Brooch with Opals, Diamonds, and Gemstone Beads Circa 1920s
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Jabot Brooch with Opals, Diamonds, and Gemstone Beads Circa 1920s This exquisite jabot
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Sapphire Diamond Ring 3.28 Carat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
-four (54) mixed cut Sapphires. Total carat weight 3.28 Carats. The Sapphires are a true Sapphire Blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Sapphire Diamond Ring 3.28 Carat
Sapphire Diamond Ring 3.28 Carat
$8,000 Sale Price
33% Off
GIA Certified .43 Carat Yogo Gulch Montana Sapphire Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
This 1920's Art Deco pendant is set with amazing .43 carat round blue sapphire from Yogo Gulch
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Circa 1930s 18K White Gold .80ct Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Stone Details: Sapphire, synthetic, rectangular step cut shape, blue. Band Width: 2.7mm Condition
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 45.18 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1920's translucent 45.18 carat star sapphire Art Deco cocktail ring. Platinum setting
Category

Early 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1920s Art Deco Blue Sapphire", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

1920s Art Deco Blue Sapphire For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 1920s art deco blue sapphire you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. If you’re looking for a 1920s art deco blue sapphire from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. A 1920s art deco blue sapphire from Tiffany Co., Cartier and J.E. Caldwell Co. — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old european cut and oval cut versions for sale. When shopping for a 1920s art deco blue sapphire, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 1920s Art Deco Blue Sapphire?

On average, a 1920s art deco blue sapphire at 1stDibs sells for $6,016, while they’re typically $400 on the low end and $150,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

A Close Look at Art-deco Jewelry

Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.

The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.

However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)

While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.

Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.

A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.

Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other 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.