Vintage Sapphire Engagement Rings
20th Century Unknown Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century French Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s British Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Gold
Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Modernist Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow...
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
2010s British Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum
Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Green Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold,...
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s British Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Diamond, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
American Engagement Rings
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s French Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s British Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Green Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold
American Engagement Rings
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Romantic Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Unknown Engagement Rings
Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s British Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Vintage Sapphire Engagement Rings For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Vintage Sapphire Engagement Rings?
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.
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 rings, vintage 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A sapphire engagement ring symbolizes faithfulness and sincerity. The stone itself can also symbolize wisdom, good fortune, virtue, and holiness. Find a collection of sapphire engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, it's okay to have a sapphire engagement ring. Many people associate sapphires with commitment and romance, making them a meaningful gemstone for bridal jewelry. Famously, Prince William presented Kate Middleton with a 12-carat oval blue sapphire ring for their engagement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of sapphire rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023No, it is not weird to have a sapphire engagement ring. Although many people think of diamonds as the go-to stones for engagement rings, others prefer alternatives. Sapphires are hard gems that resist scratching and cleavage, making them a durable choice for engagement jewelry. They also come in a variety of colors, like blue, clear, red and yellow, so there are options to suit many tastes. Many celebrities have worn sapphire engagement rings, including Kate Middleton, Elizabeth Taylor, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of sapphire engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A vintage engagement ring is generally defined as an engagement ring that is 20 to 80 years old. By definition, “antique” applies to anything that is 100 years or older. The most popular vintage styles for engagement rings are Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco. Vintage engagement rings could feature traditional diamonds or colored gemstones. Find a wide variety of vintage engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, white sapphires are good for engagement rings. While white sapphires are largely cloudy and muted in appearance, they still display brilliance (even as the brilliance isn't as intense as the level of brilliance associated with diamonds). They're also one of the hardest gemstones. Importantly, white sapphires are better for couples on a budget, as the choice of this stone is more affordable when compared to a diamond of a similar size. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of sapphire engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A blue sapphire engagement ring is traditionally symbolic of faithfulness, wisdom and honesty. One of the most renowned blue sapphire engagement rings belonged to Princess Diana. Shop a range of authentic vintage and contemporary blue sapphire engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023There is no single best shape for a sapphire engagement ring, as each type of cut has its own distinctive benefits. To draw attention to the color of the gemstone, consider stepped cuts like the emerald and the cushion. If you prefer to maximize the sparkle of your stone, opt for brilliant cuts like the round, oval, heart and pear. Find a wide variety of sapphire engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023What a pink sapphire engagement ring symbolizes is a matter of individual interpretation. To some, engagement rings set with pink sapphires represent love and romance. Others link the gemstone with fortitude and power and may believe that it speaks to the strength of a relationship when placed in an engagement ring. Other traditional meanings for pink sapphires include wisdom, compassion and good judgment. Find a wide variety of pink sapphire engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023A vintage engagement ring is generally any engagement ring that dates back 20 to 80 years. Rings that are 100 or more years old are antiques. The design of a vintage engagement ring is influenced by each era's artistic visions, cultural movements and preferences in materials, gemstones and motifs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023You can buy vintage engagement rings from many sources. Local estate sales, auctions and secondhand shops can be good local sources. Another option is to shop for vintage pieces on trusted online platforms. You can find a large collection of vintage engagement rings from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Whether halo engagement rings are vintage depends on their age. Any ring made at least 20 to 80 years ago is vintage, while older pieces are antiques. Halo engagement rings emerged during the Art Deco period and have remained popular since. As a result, you can find many antique and vintage examples, as well as contemporary rings that show off a central gemstone surrounded by a halo of accent stones. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of halo engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023You can find vintage engagement rings in many places. If you want to shop in person, check out second-hand stores, auction houses and estate sales. Browsing the collections of trusted online platforms can also allow you to quickly discover many vintage pieces. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of vintage engagement rings from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, vintage engagement rings are popular among some people. Many find the details of rings produced during the last 20 to 99 years to be visually appealing. In fact, some contemporary jewelry makers even draw inspiration from vintage designs. Some people also prefer vintage rings because they inherit them from relatives or because they like the idea of wearing an engagement ring that has a history. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of vintage engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023A vintage-style engagement ring is a piece of bridal jewelry designed in the style of rings produced in the past. Many vintage-style engagement rings borrow elements from Victorian, Art Deco or Edwardian jewelry. Although the rings may closely resemble authentic antique or vintage rings, they are actually contemporary pieces produced in recent years. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024There are several reasons why people buy vintage engagement rings. Some prefer the way jewelry looked in decades past and select vintage pieces that fit their tastes. Others choose vintage engagement rings to get a unique, one-of-a-kind piece or like the idea of their jewelry having a long history. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The difference between vintage and classic engagement rings has to do with taste and time. Vintage engagement rings date back 20 to 80 years and occupy the sweet spot between historic and modern. Whether or not an engagement ring is "classic" may pertain solely to the style of the ring. The solitaire setting is considered a classic setting for engagement rings. Tiffany Co. broadly helped put diamonds on the map in 1886 by introducing the American marketplace to the solitaire diamond design, which is still the quintessential engagement ring style. Designed to maximize a diamond's sparkle, the trademark Tiffany Setting elevated the stone on six prongs (in contrast to the bezel setting, which was common at the time). In the late 1800s, Cartier sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible, and the house's Solitaire 1895 engagement ring is considered a classic engagement ring. Find antique and vintage engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The difference between vintage and antique engagement rings is age. For an engagement ring to be considered an antique, it must be at least 100 years old. Vintage engagement rings are pieces made at least 20 years ago. Shop a collection of vintage and antique engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Details that reflect the trends of previous eras are what make an engagement ring look vintage. During the 1940s, engagement rings often featured two-tone metal bands and small central stones flanked by accent stones like baguettes. During the 1950s, World War II-era restrictions on platinum were finally lifted, and many people chose platinum engagement rings set with a single brilliant-cut diamond. The 1960s brought colored gemstones into fashion, and engagement rings from the 1970s and ’80s often featured bold, flashy geometric designs. In the 1990s, marquise diamonds and white gold and platinum metals were popular. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The difference between vintage, antique and estate engagement rings comes down to age and history. Rings that are over 100 years old are antiques, while those produced 20 to 99 years ago are vintage. Estate engagement rings are any rings that have had a previous owner. They can include antique, vintage and even contemporary rings produced during the last 20 years. Shop a large selection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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