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Ceylon Sapphire

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1.65 Carat Natural Loose Deep Blue Sapphire Stone Oval Cut Sri Lankan Gemstone
Located in Bangkok, TH
mines of Sri Lanka (Ceylon), this sapphire radiates a deep royal blue color prized by collectors and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Modern Loose Gemstones

Materials

Blue Sapphire

Set in 18K Gold, Emeralds, Pink Sapphires, Tanzanites Diamonds Modern Bracelet
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The weight of the Tanzanites are 5.74
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 19.45 Ct Natural Untreated Sapphire 18 KT Silver Bracelet
Located in Napoli, IT
Adorned with a selection of 7 natural untreated unheated Sapphire Ceylon origin, lovely fleur de lys
Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Set in 18K White Gold, Morganites, Multi Sapphires Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
weight of the Multi Sapphires is 15.84 carats. The Multi Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Set in 18K Rose Gold, Tanzanite Cabochon, Pink Sapphires Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Pink Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Fancy Shaped Yellow Sapphire Diamond 2.45 Carat 14 Karat Gold 17 Inch Pendant
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
heart of this pendant lies a stunning 1.35 carat Baguette and Triangle Ceylon Yellow Sapphire, weighing
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Set in 18K Gold, 3.99 carats Emerald, Blue Sapphires Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
. The Blue Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds weight is 1.11 carats. Net 18K Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pink Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in London, GB
elegant shade of pink sapphire Ceylon origin accented with round brilliant cut diamonds all the way around
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gublin Certified 26.88ct Unheated Blue Star Sapphire 7.41ct Diamond Necklace
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
, this natural Blue Star Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka) origin is a rare prized find. The main stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Set in 18K Gold, 117.17 carats Kunzite, Pink Sapphires Diamonds Drop Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
is 17.67 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds weight is 3.89
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Set in 18K Gold, Emerald sugarloaf, Blue Sapphires Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
. The Blue Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The combined Diamonds weight is 1.61 carats. Net
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Exceptional 18 Karat Gold Ring with 2.43 Carat Sapphire and 1.36 Carat Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Exceptional 18 kt White Gold Ring with 2.43 ct Sapphire and 1.36 ct Diamonds Sapphire: Ceylon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.62 Carat "Cornflower" Blue Sapphire and White Diamond Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A gorgeous ring, it features an elegant octagon-cut natural Ceylon cornflower blue sapphire
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold

29.59 ct Ethiopian Opal, Pink Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring/ Pendant Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
origin. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 6.98 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Spectra Fine Jewelry GRS Certified 15.83 Carat Purple Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
piece features a mesmerizing purple sapphire of Ceylon origin, boasting its natural beauty with no signs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Platinum

Platinum Diamond GIA Certified 3.88 Carat Color Change Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
blue color that changes to purple and is no heat Sapphire and Sri Lankan/Ceylon in origin. The center
Category

2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Set in 18K Gold, 9.02 carats, Blue Sapphires Diamonds Chandelier Hoop Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
✦ Gemstone: Ceylon (Sri Lankan) Blue Sapphires ✦ Gemstone Cut: Pear ✦ Gemstone Weight: 9.02 ct. Approx
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

14K Gold Millgrain Circle Stud Earrings Bezel Set Pink Sapphires and Diamonds
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Ceylon Pink Sapphires Pink Sapphire Total Weight: 0.80 carats Accent Stones: Bezel-set round brilliant
Category

2010s American Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Certified Natural Oval Sapphire 19.17 carat and Diamond Ring in White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Ring features a Large Oval Blue Sapphire from Ceylon accented by Pear-shaped, Baguette, and Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Set in 18K Gold, Emerald, Pink Sapphires Rose Cut Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds weight is 1.12 carats. Net 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 8.80 C. Natural Untreated Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
selection of 4 oval faceted 100% Natural untreated/unheated Sky Blue Sapphires – Ceylon origin 4 oval
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Set in 18K Gold, Colombian Emerald, Multi Sapphires Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
3.51 carats. The Multi Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds weight is 0.33 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Platinum Three Stone Blue Sapphire 1.33 Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Beautiful Modern/Art Deco Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Metal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Set in 18K white Gold, Multi Sapphires Trillion Rose Cut Diamond Band Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sapphires Rose Cut is of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The combined Diamonds weight is 1.18 carats. Net 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

New 18k Yellow Gold GIA 4.09ct No Heat Yellow Sapphire Solitaire Brushed Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- Ceylon - Vintage Sapphire - 4.09ct (Exact-certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Set in 18K Gold, 4.78 carats Morganite, Blue Sapphires Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sapphires is 1.48 carats. The Blue Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds weight is 0.31
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Set in 18K Gold, 9.42 carats Blue Sapphires Rose Cut Diamonds stud Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
& natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 9.42 carats. The Blue Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Set in 18K Gold, 6.74 carats Emerald, Pink Sapphire Diamonds Enagagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
. The Pink Sapphire is of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds weight is 0.58 carats. Net 18K Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Hand Engraved Platinum Eternity Diamond Blue Sapphire Engagement Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
VS1 Clarity, 0.40-0.55 Carats, 12-18 Round Ceylon Blue Sapphires, 0.40-0.65 Carats (Carat weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Princess Sapphire Princess Ruby 6.50 Carat 18 Karat Gold Double Sided Cufflinks
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the epitome of luxury and sophistication: the Ceylon Princess Sapphire and Burma
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Set in 18K Gold, Tourmaline, Multi Sapphires, Freshwater Pearls Diamonds Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
. The weight of the Multi Sapphires is 1.82 carats. The Multi Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Aesthetic Movement Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

3 Carats Green sapphire and diamond cluster ring circa 1900 - 1910
Located in Uccle, BE
of the ring. The ring is set with a Ceylon green sapphire of approximately 3 Carats (very pleasant
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Belle Époque Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Certified 5.76 Carat Cushion Cut Sapphire Diamond 3 Stone Ring in Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A stunning ring showcasing a rich intense Certified Cushion Cut Ceylon Blue Sapphire weighing 5.76
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Purple Sapphire Ring w Earth Mined Diamond in 14K Solid White Gold OV 5x4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Ceylon, known for producing fine sapphires. Set in 1.52g of 14K gold, it's accented by two sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Set in 18K Gold, 13.10 carat Tanzanite, Pink Sapphire Diamond Pendant Necklace
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and one of a kind, Tanzanite & Pink Sapphire Modern style Pendant Necklace set in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Baguette Diamond Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamonds and Gold. Metal- 18K Yellow Gold, .750 Stones- 1 Cushion Cut Ceylon Blue Sapphire 1.08 Carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Purple Sapphire W Earth Mined Diamonds Ring in 14K Solid Rose Gold OV 6x4mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Delicate and refined, this 14k gold ring showcases a 0.99ct oval-cut purple sapphire from Ceylon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

NWT $26, 500 18KT Fancy Large Glittering Fancy Blue Sapphire Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Sparkling White Diamond Necklace. Necklace is comprised of Magnificent Large
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Set in 18K Gold, 7.28 carats Morganite, Blue Sapphires Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
carats. The Blue Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds weight is 0.78 carats. Net 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Set in 18K Gold, Spessartite Garnett, Pink Sapphires Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) origin. The Tsavorite weight is 0.04 carats. The Diamonds weight is 0.12
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Natural, Blue Sapphire Diamonds Band/ Cocktail Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
. The weight of the Blue Sapphires is 1.81 carats. The Blue Sapphires are of Ceylon origin. The weight
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Set in 18K white Gold, carved Aquamarine, Pink Sapphires Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sapphires is 6.25 carats. The Pink sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) origin. The Diamonds weight is 1.29
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold

Vintage Earrings natural 2ctw Sapphire 0.25ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 4.3 gr.
Located in SE
10.5 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm deep. Two oval cut natural fine likely Ceylon Blue Sapphires semitransparent
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Gold Evil Eye 14 Karat Yellow Gold Green Red Pink and Blue Sapphire
Located in Brooklyn, NY
(weight without the chain) Center approx. 0.40 carat Blue Sapphire [Ceylon] Small natural Diamonds approx
Category

2010s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Set in 18K Gold, Morganite, Pink Sapphires, White Enamel Diamonds Stud Earring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
the Pink Sapphires is 7.22 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel

18K White Gold JB Star Diamond GIA Certified 8.12 Carat No Heat Sapphire Ring
By JB Star
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Designer Collection Beautiful Modern/Art Deco Inspired Ceylon Blue Sapphire and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Set in 18K Gold, Blue Sapphires, Blue Enamel Rose Cut Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
: Ceylon (Sri Lankan) Blue Sapphires ✦ Gemstone Cut: Oval ✦ Gemstone Weight: 3.03 ct. Approx. ✦ Gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel

GIA Certified 6.13 Carats Colorless Sapphire Diamond 18 K Gold Ring
Located in Weston, MA
nobility. This exquisite piece features a rare and colorless 6.13 ct Ceylon unheated sapphire, expertly cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Natural Square Cut Multi Sapphires Band / Wedding Ring Set in 18K White Gold
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
weight of the Multi Sapphires 0.88 grams. The square cut Multi Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) origin
Category

2010s Indian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Sapphire, White Gold

GIA Certified 16.16 Carat Natural Unheated Star Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Weston, MA
star sapphire from Ceylon, with an ocean blue color and natural star formation that make it a
Category

2010s American Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold

18K White Gold Triangle Diamond Ring with GIA-Certified No-Heat Star Sapphire
Located in New York, NY
, showcasing a mesmerizing natural star sapphire from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), certified by GIA as unheated—a rare
Category

Early 2000s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Set in 18K Gold, 3.25 carats Morganite, Pink Sapphires Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds weight is 1.03 carats. Net 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

1923 Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS6.75 / 2.65gr
Located in SE
mm x 10 mm x 4.5 mm deep Sapphire likely from Ceylon of medium intensity Blue color with internal
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Mother of Pearl, Pink Sapphires Diamonds Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
. The weight of the Pink Sapphires is 2.04 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Pearl, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold

Set in 18K Rose Gold, Pink Sapphires, Tourmaline Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
is 4.92 carats. The Multi Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lankan) origin. The Diamonds weight is 0.15
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Set in 18K Gold, 8.63 carats Garnet, Pink Sapphires Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Pink Sapphires is 4.67 carats. The Pink Sapphires are of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) origin. The Diamonds weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Set in 18K Gold, Blue Sapphires, Black Enamel tapered Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
& natural Diamonds. The weight of the Blue Sapphire is 0.68 carats. The Blue Sapphire is of Ceylon (Sri
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel

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Ceylon Sapphire For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact ceylon sapphire 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, 18k Gold and Platinum. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. You’re likely to find the perfect ceylon sapphire among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing ceylon sapphire — no matter the origin — is easy, but Fine Jewels UK, OGI Ltd and Emilio! each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cushion cut and round cut alternatives. Most of our ceylon sapphire for sale are for women, but there are 418 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Ceylon Sapphire?

On average, a ceylon sapphire at 1stDibs sells for $14,193, while they’re typically $283 on the low end and $1,250,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Ceylon Sapphire
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Also known as Sri Lankan sapphires, ceylon sapphires are the highest quality sapphires on the market. Though they're available in a range of blues, the darker the stone, the higher quality it generally is.
  • A Ceylon Sapphire is a sapphire the originated from Sri Lanka. These sapphires are popular due to their quality, range of blue shades, and overall beauty.