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1980S Wide Diamond Gemstone 18K Gold Choker Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
centered with 6 of each natural precious Gemstone like Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald in Oval cabochon cut
Category

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Christian Dior Earrings
Located in New Hope, PA
Faux sapphire, emerald and ruby cabochons are surrounded by diamante on these half hoop clip back
Category

Late 20th Century French Hoop Earrings

Boucher Phoenix Brooch
By Boucher Jewelers
Located in Palm Desert, CA
with emerald, ruby and sapphire glass cabochons and ruby and clear rhinestones. Marked on the back "(c
Category

Vintage 1960s American Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Gripoix for Chanel Barbaric Medieval Round Brooch
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
, ruby and sapphire irregular cabochons and prong set crystal strasses. This brooch is from the period
Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Jolie Gabor Faux Gemstone Earclips, Provenance Bunny Mellon
Located in New York, NY
diamonds, ruby, sapphire and emerald cabochon stones.. Provenance Bunny Mellon. Excellent Condition Length
Category

Vintage 1960s American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Christian Dior Vintage Tutti Frutti Glass Bracelet
By Christian Dior
Located in Nice, FR
, emerald and ruby glass cabochons. T bar closure. Marked CHR. DIOR Germany. Indicative measurements
Category

20th Century French Cuff Bracelets

Christian Dior Vintage Faux Gems Dangling Earrings
By Christian Dior
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN DIOR vintage dangling earrings (for pierced ears) featuring faux gems (ruby, sapphire
Category

20th Century French Dangle Earrings

David Webb Gold Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cabochon Swirl Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of 18k yellow gold earrings set with ruby emerald and sapphire cabochons. Crafted by David
Category

Late 20th Century American More Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1960s Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Cabochon Gold Earrings
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful circa 1960s 18k gold earrings with approx. 0.50ctw diamonds,rubies, sapphire and emerald
Category

Vintage 1960s More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire

David Webb Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Cabochon Earrings
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
with cabochon rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Signed Webb for David Webb. They were originally just
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern More Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Three stone diamond ring with cabochon ruby, emerald sapphire
Located in Mt. Kisco, NY
18 karat gold and diamond dome ring in with cabochon ruby, emerald and sapphire. The ring has 98
Category

20th Century Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1980s Bezel Set Cabochon Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire Gold Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
One Ladies 18kt Yellow Gold Open Link Bracelet Designed With Two Cabochon Emeralds Weighing
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Link Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1950s Cabochon Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Large Open Cuff Mesh Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
: 2 Rubies Weighing Approximately 10 Carats, 3 Cabochon Sapphires Weighing Approximately 15 Carats
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Yellow Gold Bracelet with Approx 40 Carats Cabochons Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire
Located in Surfside, FL
Spectacular "TUTTI FRUTTI" wide 18k bracelet with approx 40 carats cabochons ruby, emerald and
Category

20th Century Link Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Buccellati Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Band Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k white gold band ring crafted by Buccellati featuring rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Ring is a
Category

20th Century Italian More Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1970s Ruby Emerald Sapphire Yellow Gold Cuff
Located in Torino, IT
Emerald and three Sapphire Cabochons. This eye-catching dramatic color contrast Bracelet is an elegant and
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire Gold Bracelet
By Bulgari
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k yellow gold cuff bracelet, crafted by Bulgari, featuring ruby (2.90ct), emerald (1.74ct) and
Category

20th Century Italian More Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

David Webb Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Ring
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Impressive large 18k hammered gold ring by David Webb, decorated with ruby, sapphire and emerald
Category

20th Century American More Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

David Webb Ruby Emerald Sapphire Gold Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k yellow gold earrings by David Webb, set with sapphire, ruby and emerald cabochons. Earrings are
Category

Late 20th Century American Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
Located in Phoenix, AZ
, emerald and sapphire cabochons. Diamond set links separate bezel set stones.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Gold Wrap Bracelet
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful 18k gold Italian crafted wrap bracelet, featuring sapphire, emerald and ruby cabochons
Category

20th Century Italian More Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pearl Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Large Gold Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large 18k yellow gold ring, decorated with three pearls, diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

French Large Sapphire Emerald Ruby Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large 18k yellow gold French brooch / pendant, decorated with ruby, emerald and blue sapphire
Category

20th Century French Brooches

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Alex Sepkus Ruby Emerald Sapphire Gold Toggle Bracelet
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Alex Sepkus 18k gold link toggle bracelet with emerald,ruby and sapphire cabochons. Bracelet is 8 1
Category

20th Century American More Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

White gold pave diamond ring with cabochon sapphire ruby emerald
Located in Surfside, FL
Pave diamond ring with cabochon sapphire, ruby & emerald in 18k white gold with approximately 1
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

White Gold

14 Carat Yellow Gold Bracelet with Rubies, Sapphire and Emerald
Located in Berlin, DE
1960's. Set with 2 cabochon-cut rubies with a total weight of 1,60 carats, 2 cabochon-cut sapphire
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Large Emerald Ruby Sapphire Gold Doorknocker Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of 18k yellow gold earrings set with sapphire, emerald and ruby cabochons. Crafted by David
Category

Late 20th Century American Drop Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

David Webb Gold Platinum Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Ring
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold and platinum ring, crafted by David Webb, decorated with ruby, sapphire and emerald
Category

20th Century American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

David Webb Sapphire Diamond Emerald Ruby Gold and Platinum Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold and platinum hoop earrings, crafted by David Webb, set with diamonds, sapphire, ruby and
Category

20th Century American More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, Turquoise and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Paris, FR
, emeralds, faceted sapphires and cabochon turquoises in closed setting. Safelty eight clasp Wrist size: 16
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Bangles

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1950s Seaman Schepps Ring Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Torino, IT
Retro TuttiFrutti Ring set in 14 karat Yellow Gold with 3 cabochon Rubies, 3 cabochon Sapphires
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

18 Karat Gold, Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald Small Architect Hoop Earring
By Amy Y
Located in Santa Monica, CA
and 0.15ct. cabochon emerald, ruby or sapphire. Cabochon stones are featured at the bottom of the
Category

2010s American Contemporary Hoop Earrings

Materials

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

Cartier Ring, Nigeria Collection, Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires and Em
By Cartier
Located in Paris, IDF
enhanced with cabochons emeralds, rubies and sapphires spots. Total weight of diamonds : about 3.70 carats
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

DAVID WEBB Gold Cabochon Gems Ring
By David Webb
Located in Lakewood, NJ
Bold David Webb hammered 18k yellow gold ring set with cabochon emeralds, sapphires and rubies.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Dome Rings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

CHAUMET - Yellow Gold Ring Pave Diamonds Cabochon Stone
By Chaumet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Stones: Pave Diamonds (approximately 2 cts) and Cabochon Blue Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

HAMMERMAN BROS. Diamond and Multi Gem Cabochon Gold Bracelet
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Lakewood, NJ
Gold and Diamond Bracelet by Hammerman Bros. with Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Cabochons
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold

1994 Chanel gilded metal cross brooch with glass paste cabochons
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
with ruby, sapphire and emerald glass paste cabochons. A pearly cabochons decorates the center of the
Category

1990s French Brooches

Materials

Gilt Metal

CoroCraft Sterling Carmen Miranda Bracelet with Diamante and Gem Tone Cabochons
Located in Palm Springs, CA
, gemset bullet emerald green and oval prong set ruby red --- sapphire blue and emerald green cabochon
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Bracelets

David Webb Gold Platinum Gemstone Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
SAPPHIRES - 6.86ctw CABOCHON EMERALDS - 3.91ctw ONYX MEASUREMENTS EARRINGS 25mm x 23mm ( 1 INCH = 25mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold, Diamond and Precious Gem Hoop Earring "Petite Architect" Earrings
By Amy Y
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amy Y's 18K-gold, diamond, sapphire, ruby or emerald detailed Petite Architect Earring is perfect
Category

2010s American Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Multi-Gem Cuff
By David Webb
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A heavy 18k gold David Webb cuff embellished with sapphire, ruby and emerald cabochons. The cuff
Category

American Cuff Bracelets

DAVID WEBB Gold Platinum Gemstone Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
- 2.30ctw Cabochon Rubies - 3.07ctw Cabochon Sapphires - 6.86ctw Cabochon Emeralds - 3.91ctw Onyx Clarity
Category

20th Century American More Earrings

Ciner Necklace and Earrings Set
By Ciner
Located in Chicago, IL
Ciner necklace and earrings in goldtone metal set with clear rhinestones and faux ruby, sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s American Link Necklaces

Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
3ctw combined Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Cabochon, 1ctw VS-White Diamond Ring Custom hand
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Baume Mercier 18k Gold Diamonds Rubies Emeralds Sapphires Lady s Watch
By Baume Mercier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Baume & Mercier 18K Gold Diamonds Rubies Emeralds Sapphires Lady's Watch Model Number: 16782 100
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamonds Multicolor 14K Gold Ring
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This is a beautiful vintage multi stone ring set with 2 cabochon rubies, emeralds and diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Exaggerated triple "J" hoop earrings Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires Emeralds 18K
Located in Chicago, IL
bezel set with 6 oval cabochon cut natural rubies, 6 oval cabochon cut natural blue sapphires and 6 oval
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Seaman Schepps Sapphire Ruby Emerald Gold Belt Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Depicting a belt with five "notches" and a buckle with emerald, ruby, and sapphire cabochons, this
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Verdura South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond and Gold Long Necklace
By Verdura
Located in Saint Louis, MO
, emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Some of the gemstones are carved while others are cabochon style. This is an
Category

20th Century American Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Fleurette Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Agoura Hills, CA
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby Cabochon & Diamond five
Category

Late 20th Century French Cluster Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Fouche Bespoke Horn Sapphire Emerald Ruby Wood Silver Cuff Bracelet
By Fouche
Located in London, GB
hand with fine silver. The intricate pin-clasp is set with a choice of 0.2-carat blue sapphire, emerald
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Kenyan Art Deco Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Silver

Fouche Bespoke Horn Sapphire Emerald Ruby Wood Silver Cuff Bracelet
By Fouche
Located in London, GB
finest silver. The intricate pin-clasp is set with a choice of blue sapphire, emerald or ruby cabochon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Kenyan Art Deco Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Sterling Silver

Fouche Bespoke Diana Vreeland Horn Emerald Sapphire Ruby Wood Cuff
By Fouche
Located in London, GB
intricate pin-clasp is set with a choice of blue sapphire, emerald or ruby cabochon. Inspired by warrior
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Kenyan Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate

Fouche Bespoke Horn Sapphire Emerald Ruby Wood Silver Cuff Bracelet
By Fouche
Located in London, GB
finest silver. The intricate pin-clasp is set with a choice of blue sapphire, emerald or ruby cabochon
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Kenyan Art Deco Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver

Fouche Cuff Bracelet Diana Vreeland Horn Emerald Sapphire Ruby Wood Cuff
By Fouche
Located in London, GB
plated clasp is set with a choice of blue sapphire, emerald or ruby cabochon set in the pin. Inspired by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold Plate

Fouche Bespoke Diana Vreeland Horn Emerald Ruby Sapphire Wood Cuff Bracelet
By Fouche
Located in London, GB
intricate pin-clasp is set with a choice of blue sapphire, emerald or ruby cabochon. Inspired by warrior
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Kenyan Contemporary Cuff Bracelets

Multicolored Cabochon Stones Gold Ring Presented by Carol Marks
Located in St.amford, CT
Multicolored Cabochon Stones 22K Gold Ring.
Category

Vintage 1980s Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Citrine, Emerald

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Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cabochon For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the ruby sapphire emerald cabochon you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 258 vintage editions and 49 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a ruby sapphire emerald cabochon may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A ruby sapphire emerald cabochon from David Webb, AVGVSTA and Cellini — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a cabochon version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and round cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a ruby sapphire emerald cabochon, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cabochon?

The price for a ruby sapphire emerald cabochon starts at $535 and tops out at $700,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $6,488.

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.