Antique Star Sapphire
Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Star Sapphire
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
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Antique Star Sapphire For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Antique Star Sapphire?
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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)
Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is a star sapphire rare?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Yes, a star sapphire is rarer than other types of sapphires. The gemstones get their name from the natural starburst effect that appears on their faces when you view them under a single overhead light. On 1stDibs, shop a range of star sapphire gemstone jewelry.
- What is a pink star sapphire?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A pink star sapphire is a rare and unique gem that is characterized by its star pattern and pale red or pink hue. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted gems from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The term blue star sapphire means a blue corundum stone that displays a six-pointed star when viewed in the light. Blue star sapphires are usually polished cabochons rather than cut gems. On 1stDibs, find a variety of blue star sapphire gemstone jewelry.
- Are star sapphires real gems?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, natural star sapphires are real gems. The star-like reflective effect comes from inclusions present in the gemstones. Keep in mind that some jewelry features man-made star sapphires rather than natural stones, making it important that you purchase from reputable jewelers or online platforms. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted star sapphire gemstone jewelry.
- Are purple star sapphires rare?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, natural purple star sapphires are rarer than sapphires of other colors like blue. Natural purple star sapphires come in a variety of hues from light lavender to deep violet. Sapphires can even be colorless, or white, although examples are very rare, since the corundum from which they are formed has to have been untouched by any other element. Non-blue colored sapphires are referred to as “fancy sapphires” and can be pink, purple, orange, yellow or green. Shop a collection of vintage and modern sapphire jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023One way to tell if a star sapphire is natural is to shine a flashlight on it while in total darkness. On a genuine star sapphire, the light that reflects off of the stone will be the same color as the stone. Glass and other materials used to create synthetic stones may show reflections in different colors. To be certain of the authenticity of a gemstone, take it to an experienced jeweler or appraiser for an evaluation. On 1stDibs, find a selection of star sapphire jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A blue star sapphire has a transparent body with a deep blue color. A blue star sapphire ring’s worth depends on the 4Cs — color, clarity, cut and carat. Prices for a blue star sapphire ring can also differ according to size and time period. These accessories begin at $449 and can cost as much as around $200,000 or more. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage blue star sapphire rings.