Skip to main content

1920s Art Deco Blue Sapphire

to
58
873
260
1,096
993
733
64
48
44
22
15
8
6
4
4
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
23
16
7
6
5
Sort By
Cartier Paris c.1920's Art Deco Vanity Case In 18k Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
period of the 1920s. A stunning and magnificent vanity case, created during the art deco period in
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Boxes and Cases

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Ring .58ct French Cut Sapphires Original 1920's 18K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1920's Diamond French Cut Sapphire Engagement Ring .58ct 18K
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 2 Stone Sapphire Diamond Ring 2.71ct Baguettes Original 1920's Plat
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1920's Vintage 2 Stone Sapphire Diamond Ring 2.71ct Platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 0.40ct Sapphire Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920s this beautiful cluster ring features a mid blue sapphire at its centre
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Blue Sapphire Diamond White Gold Art Deco, Stange Co., circa 1920s, Ring
Located in North Attleboro, MA
rectangular French cut blue sapphires surround a sparkling old European cut center white diamond. The 14k
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1920s Art Deco Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Brooch
Located in Hicksville, NY
: .25cttw, F color, VS Clarity, Old European Sapphire Details: Natural Sapphires, Cabachon Shape and
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1920s Art Deco Ring with Old European Cut Diamond & Sapphires
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This stunning 1920s Art Deco engagement ring features a 0.47ct old European cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Gold

Art Deco 1.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
An intense natural blue sapphire sits central in this classically Art Deco ring. The sapphire is an
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 1.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This glamorous Art Deco cluster ring boasts a natural unheated sapphire at it’s centre. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 1920s Diamond and Sapphire White Gold Brooch/Pin
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat white gold Art Deco brooch set with forty-nine old European cut diamonds approximately
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 2.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
An intense royal blue Sapphire sits between two old cut diamonds in this timeless Art Deco trilogy
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 1.65ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
An intense blue sapphire sits between two glittering old cut diamonds in this Art Deco trilogy ring
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 0.55ct Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
The eye catching geometric symmetry, synonymous with the Art Deco movement is apparent in this
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1920's 1.50ct Emerald Cut Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
blue sapphires, is a true testament to the height of the Art Deco period. This will make a perfect
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 0.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant blue sapphire is flanked by two old cut diamonds in this 1920s trilogy ring. The central
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Platinum, 1920s Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Bow Brooch Platinum Circa 1920s This exquisite art deco brooch is designed in the shape
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

French 1920s Art Deco Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum ring, dog head hallmark. A sublime Art Deco ring, its platinum setting follows the
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Two-Tone Cufflinks, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
All handmade and dating back to the 1920s, these cufflinks feature deep blue sapphires and with a
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 19.00 Carat Sapphire & Diamond Brooch, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Gem & Pearl Laboratory #12028 Age: 1920s, Art Deco Metal: Platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1920s Platinum Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Engraved Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful ring from the 1920s Art Deco period is made in platinum with both natural sapphire
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 2.34ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Austrian, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning natural blue sapphire is the centre of this lavish art deco ring. The 2.34 carat
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 2.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Art Deco trilogy ring features a stunning natural unheated sapphire as its
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 3.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Antique 1920s cluster ring centres around a stunning 3.00 carat oval cut sapphire. The
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.10ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, C.1920s
Located in London, GB
beautiful platinum ring dates back to the 1920's. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Carat Weight: 1.10
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
sapphires. A classic Art Deco with geometric shapes and milgrain settings. Pendant Length: 1.75 inches
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 1.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
carat. The ring has been expertly hand crafted in platinum and dates back to the wonderful Art Deco era
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond and Blue Sapphire Filigree Navette Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1920s, this Art Deco Navette-shaped band fashioned from 18kt white gold features a
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Sapphire Solitaire Engagement Ring .65ct Original 1920s Antique 18K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from the 1920's Sapphire Solitaire Engagement Ring .65ct 18K
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Sapphire 3 Stone Ring Sri Lanka Sapphire Mined Diamond 1.58ct GIA 1920s
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from the 1920's 3 Stone Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring 1.58ct
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Blue Sapphire and Diamond Navette Pinky Ring
Located in Denver, CO
this navette-shaped pinky ring, complemented with deep blue sapphire accents and decorative piercing
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Deco Diamond Sapphire Engagement Ring Mined .45ct 18K Antique 1920's-1930's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Total Diamond & Sapphire Weight Solid 18K White Gold Circa 1920's-1930's The Art Deco Era in Jewelry
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco 1.5cttw Diamond + Sapphire 18k Gold Shield Cocktail Ring, 1920s
By Belais
Located in North Attleboro, MA
This is a fine antique Art Deco diamond and natural sapphire ring circa the 1920s. This stunning
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Sapphire Engagement Cocktail Ring .65ct 14k Antique Original 1920s-193
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920's-1930's Sapphire Engagement Ring .65ct 14K Yellow Gold Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Band Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
sapphire in the centre weighs 0.50 carat and is an oval cabochon cut gemstone. It is a wonderful blue
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Art Deco 4.54ct Sapphire and Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning Natural Sri Lankan Sapphire is central to this Art Deco coronet cluster ring. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire Ring .50ct Natural Round Solitaire Original 1920s Antique 18K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1920's Vintage Sapphire Ring .50ct Round Solitaire 18K White
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified Art Deco Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Denver, CO
In this Art Deco gem, a circular brilliant cut diamond measuring 1.08 carats, J color, VS1 clarity
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1920s Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Art Deco 0.37 carat diamond, 0.16 carat sapphire and 14 karat gold cocktail
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

14K Art Deco Filigree .57ct Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 14K white gold filigree ring featuring a round blue sapphire. The genuine earth mined
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Solitaire Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning Diamond solitaire ring supported by lovely deep blue sapphires, this ring is completely
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 3 Stone Sapphire Ring 3.51 Carat Round Cut Original 1920s Platinum
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1920's 3 Stone Sapphire Ring 3.51ct Round Cut Platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Platinum

1920s Art Deco Platinum and Gold Sapphire Cufflinks
Located in Hicksville, NY
: 9.5 grams Sapphire Details: Natural, Blue, .75ct total weight. Condition: Excellent
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cufflinks

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful halo ring shows off a lovely deep blue sapphire as the centre stone. It has a weight
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Platinum Art Deco 1920s Three Stone Ring with Sapphire Accents
Located in Hicksville, NY
. Side Stone Details: Natural Sapphires, Blue. Band Width: 1.5mm Condition: Excellent
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Filigree Ring, circa 1920s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This heirloom-quality Art Deco platinum ring is a magnetic piece, exuding elegance with its
Category

20th Century Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 2.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Cocktail Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
– H Clarity: VS Metal: Platinum Age: 1920s, Art Deco Size: P
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1920s Art Deco Platinum 1.09 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Sapphires
Located in Hicksville, NY
Carat Weight: .08 carat, total weight Color Stone Details: Type: Sapphires Carat Weigh: .08 carat
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold Plate

Art Deco Champagne Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1920s from 14kt white gold, this Art Deco band is designed around a bold Old
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Two Stone Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring 2ct 18K Original 1920s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920s Two Stone Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring 2ct 18K White Gold Art
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

.63 Carat Periwinkle Blue Sapphire Platinum Bow Art Deco Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original 1920's Art Deco Platinum swirl bow design ring with a AGL certified natural pear shaped
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Platinum Art Deco circa 1920s Tiffany & Co Natural Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Platinum Art Deco Circa 1920s Tiffany & Co Natural Sapphire Diamond Bracelet 5mm wide 25.9 gram
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire Solitaire Engagement Ring 1.15ct Original 1920s-1930s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920's-1930's 1.15ct Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Vintage Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Platinum Sapphire Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco platinum brooch, with blue sapphires and approx. 1.50ctw diamonds - center stone is
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

18K Art Deco Filigree Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 18K white gold filigree ring featuring a round blue sapphire. The genuine earth mined
Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1.19 Carats Old European Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ribbon Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds. Weighing approximately 0.20 carat total - eye clean and bright. Flanked by French cut sapphires
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco 14K White Gold Natural No Heat Cornflower Blue Sapphire 1.50CTW Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Art Deco 14k white gold natural no heat cornflower blue sapphire 1.50ctw ring Era: Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold

Art Deco 1920s Platinum & 14K Gold 6.5tgw Diamond & Sapphire Panel Bracelet
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco sapphire, diamond, platinum, and white gold bracelet, comprising one old European cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Portuguese Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum

14K White Gold Art Deco Natural Blue Sapphire Filigree Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This 14k white gold ring features a natural blue sapphire in an Art Deco mount. The sapphire is a
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco GIA 26.5ct Natural No-Heat Star Blue Sapphire Platinum Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco 1920's GIA 26.5ct Natural No-Heat Star Blue Sapphire Platinum Diamond Ring This Antique
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

GIA Certified 5.07 Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Art Deco Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1920's Art Deco filigree sapphire and diamond pendant necklace. Platinum pendant necklace
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1920s Art Deco Blue Sapphire", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

1920s Art Deco Blue Sapphire For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 1920s art deco blue sapphire you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. If you’re looking for a 1920s art deco blue sapphire from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. A 1920s art deco blue sapphire from Tiffany & Co., Cartier and J.E. Caldwell & Co. — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old european cut and oval cut versions for sale. When shopping for a 1920s art deco blue sapphire, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 1920s Art Deco Blue Sapphire?

On average, a 1920s art deco blue sapphire at 1stDibs sells for $6,016, while they’re typically $400 on the low end and $150,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

A Close Look at Art-deco Jewelry

Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.

The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.

However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)

While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.

Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.

A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.

Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other 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.