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Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This five stone gold band holds a central sapphire measuring 15pts and the two smaller stones
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

18K WG Sapphire Diamond Heart Ring Size 9 #15379
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Heart Ring Size 9 JAGi Certified- This elegant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 9 #15909
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 9 JAGi Certified- This elegant ring features
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 9 Karat Gold 0.32 Carat Sapphire 0.36ct Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Edwardian cluster ring crafted in 9K gold. The piece features: - 1pc. sapphire: round
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold

Vintage Multi Stone 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stylish ring holds Turquoise, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and diamonds. The diamond points sit
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k Gold

Natural Ceylon 9 Carat No Heat Star Sapphire Ring 14 Karat Gold 7 Men s Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
karat yellow gold. Cabochon cut natural Star Sapphire, approx. 9 carats (12.8 x 8.3 x 7.5mm), light
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ruby and White Sapphire 9 Carat Gold Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
white sapphires measuring 5pts each. The band is modelled in 9ct gold. Ring Size: K or 5 1/4 Band Width
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Acrostic Dearest Multistone 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
using Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Tourmaline. The wide band is modelled in
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 9k Gold

Estate Sapphire Diamond Wedding Band Stacking Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
: 9 = 0.14 Total Carats Ring Size: 6.5, sizable Rise Above Finger: 2mm Band Width: 1mm Weight: 0.9
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Sapphire and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
make this ring extra sparkly! Five graduated sapphires sit proud with eight diamonds on a decorative
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold

Vintage Green Sapphire Trillion and 9 Carat Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
green glow and is perfectly complimented by the bright 9 carat yellow gold. Ring Size: R or 8 1/2
Category

Vintage 1980s British More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold

9 Carat Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire Ring Certified
Located in New York, NY
Center Blue Sapphire: Carat Weight: 8.51 Carats Color: Blue Sapphire - Diffused J’adore Sapphire
Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Sapphire and 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
shoulders have gorgeous fan and scroll detail. Made in Chester, England. Ring Size: T or 9 1/2 Widest
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Sapphire and Opal 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
9ct gold and was made in London, England 1976. Ring Size: T or 9 1/2 Cluster Dimensions: 16x14mm
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Opal, Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Sapphire and 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This five stone holds five inky blue sapphires in an ornate gallery. the Sapphires total 90pts
Category

Vintage 1980s British More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold

Edwardian Sapphire and 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The sapphires in this ring are a deep blue colour and are set upon an ornate scroll detailed
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Sapphire, Pearl and 9 Carat Gold Snake Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
finger with a textured tail and sapphire set eyes with a trio of pearls on top of his head. Ring Size
Category

Vintage 1980s British More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Pearl, Gold

Vintage Star Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds a star sapphire in a dusky pink colour. The sapphire is set in yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sapphire measures approximately .16pts. Made in Birmingham, England. Ring Size: R 1/2 or 8 3/4
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds one sapphire measuring 50pts and the diamond total is 10pts. The glossy gold band
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Large Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A spectacular vintage cluster ring set with a superb oval sapphire measuring approx 5ct. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 9 Carat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
in 9 carat yellow gold. Ring Size: UK O 1/2, US 7.5 Cluster Dimensions: 9.37mm x 9.68mm
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds five deep blue sapphires. The central sapphire measures 50pts, the next
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sapphire measures approximately 25pts. All stones are set in platinum. Ring Size: Q 1/2 or 8 1/4 Panel
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sapphire measuring 15pts. On the platinum panel there are also two rose cut diamonds. Ring Size: N 1/2 or
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sapphire measuring 15pts. On the platinum panel there are also two rose cut diamonds. Ring Size: M 1/2 or
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold

New African Sapphire Kashmir Blue Oval 9 Carat 925 Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
short of amazing! The main sapphire is from Africa and is 9 carats and weighs 36.10 ctw. It is 13.3 x
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Sterling Silver, Silver

Antique Amethyst Ring 9 Carats
Located in Northampton, MA
approximately 9 carats. This pristine gem is set within a notched bezel, surrounded by silver flowers, each set
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 15k Gold, Silver

Art Deco White Sapphire and Moonstone 9 Carat Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Stunning Art Deco white sapphire and Moonstone cluster ring. This ring is modelled in 9 carat gold
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Moonstone, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

Vintage Sapphire and Aqua 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds an aqua at the centre measuring 75pts and either side are sapphires measuring 15pts
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Sapphire, Gold

Art Deco Blue Sapphire and White Sapphire 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The sapphires in this ring are an eye-catching bight blue colour with a wonderful shimmer them. The
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold and Platinum Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is gorgeous and holds a pale blue sapphire and sparkling diamonds. The sapphire measures
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
shoulders. Modelled in 9 carat yellow gold. Fully hallmarked 1989 London, England. Ring Size: UK S, US 9 1
Category

Vintage 1980s British Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, Ye...

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
"Dearest". Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. Modelled in 9 carat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1980s British Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, Ye...

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Dearest Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
"Dearest". Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline. Modelled in 9 carat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 9k Go...

New African IF 9 Carat Kashmir Blue, Royal Blue and White Sapphire Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
The ring is a size 6.25 and has just a beautiful setting.. It was mined in Africa. The IF stands
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage Sapphire and 9 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
shine to them and are a gorgeous inky blue colour. Ring Size: T or 9 1/2 Band Width: 3.5mm Weight
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Sapphire and 9 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The sapphire set within this 9ct gold band are square cut and total approx 50pts. They have a great
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold

Victorian Sapphire, Diamond and 9 Carat Rose Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The gorgeous design of this ring includes scalloped and dot detail and is set with three sapphire
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Holding five Sapphires and four Diamonds, this half eternity band is fabulous! The sapphires
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
sapphires total 25pts and the diamond total is 15pts. Fully hallmarked London 1953. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 9 Carat Gold 1/3 Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Six deep blue sapphires and five bright diamonds are set in a framed panel onto of this smooth 9ct
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Verdura 9 Carat Burmese Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
By Verdura
Located in Paris, IDF
Dome platinum ring set with a 9 carat natural burmese sapphire surrounded with brilliants in a
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1989 1.99 Carat Green Sapphire Ring 9 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
The Jaida Ring is a gift from 1989. With her vivid green 1.99 carat sapphire atop a ring of 9
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Green Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1960s 1.37ct Sapphire Solitaire Ring 9 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
from 9-carat gold and featuring delicately etched steps leading to a resplendent vivid blue sapphire
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s Blue Sapphire Signet Ring 9 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
The Evander Ring is a handsome jewel, crafted in 9 carat gold, he is a force of strength and beauty
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Impressive 9 Carat Gold Blue Sapphire and 0.75 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A vintage 9ct Gold, Sapphire and Diamond ring. Size ; T UK, 9 1/2 US Designed with a natural blue
Category

20th Century British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold

9 Carat White Gold Pink Sapphire Diamond Panel Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A stylish 9 carat white gold, pink sapphire and diamond ring. Large rectangular cluster head with
Category

20th Century British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold

Reinvented Vintage 1980s Sapphire Diamond Round Signet Ring 9 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Forged in 9 carat white gold, this adorable reinvented vintage ring sees a gleaming band widen to a
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow...

Vintage Circa 1950s Sapphire Diamond Ring 9 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
A timeless treasure of sapphire and diamond, the 9 carat gold Agnes ring evokes the elegance of a
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian 1903 Antique Sapphire Diamond Ring 9 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
A gorgeous antique from 1903, the 9 carat gold Alice Ring is a symphony of timeless elegance. A
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1960s 1.39 Carat Bright Green Sapphire Ring 9 Carat Rose Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
tumbling in the morning breeze. The Rosalind Ring Gem Details The bright green round sapphire is estimated
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Circa 1960s Fuchsia Sapphire Band Ring 9 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
A captivating creation from the 1960s, the 9 carat gold Georgina ring is a symphony of vibrant
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary Sapphire Diamond Dress Ring 9 Carat Two Tone Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
A celestial dance of light, this antique 18 carat gold ring from the late 1890s features three
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Natural Opal and Ceylon Sapphire 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A stunning ladies cluster or cocktail ring. SIZE ; N 1/2 UK, 7 US A solid 9 carat yellow gold
Category

20th Century American Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Opal, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold

1.37 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire Vintage 9 Carat Yellow and White Gold Ring
Located in Hamilton, AU
This enchanting vintage Ring is forged in 9 carat yellow and white gold and features a captivating
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18 carat pink gold ring composed of 9 round white sapphires of 1.1 carats
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18 carat pink gold ring composed of 9 round white sapphires: 8 0.05 carat sapphires or 0.4 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

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9 Carat Sapphire Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of 9 carat sapphire rings for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Platinum, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 4331 vintage editions and 5821 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of 9 carat sapphire rings made by Contemporary jewelers — as well as those associated with Modern — are very popular. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but LB Exclusive, Roshe Jewels and Peter Suchy produced popular versions that are worth a look. There are many oval cut, round cut and cushion cut 9 carat sapphire rings for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of 9 carat sapphire rings for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are 9 Carat Sapphire Rings?

On average, 9 carat sapphire rings at 1stDibs sell for $5,894, while they’re typically $27 on the low end and $6,500,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.