Skip to main content

Cartier Yellow Sapphire Necklace

Cartier Vintage Zodiac Sapphire Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Cartier Vintage Zodiac Sapphire Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace A fabulous vintage Cartier zodiac
Category

1990s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris diamond sapphire 18k yellow gold necklace
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier Paris necklace dazzles with diamonds and sapphires, elegantly set in luxurious
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Pink Sapphire Trinity Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
necklace features a trio of interlaced 18ct yellow gold rings; one of which has been pavé set with a single
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier French 4.80 carat sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold necklace
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in the 1980s, this vintage Cartier necklace is an exquisite display of refined elegance and
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier AGL Certified Ceylon Blue Sapphire Diamond Necklace, circa 1980s
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
but encompasses an entirely different feel. The Cartier Vintage Sapphire Diamond Lavalier Necklace
Category

Late 20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Sapphire Ruby Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Byzantine Cross Charm Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
by deep blue sapphires and rich red rubies, set in lustrous 18k yellow gold. The smooth, reflective
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Paris Carved Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Demi-Parure
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Paris Carved Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Drapery Necklace & Ear Clips. Of Mughal
Category

Vintage 1950s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

CARTIER Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Necklace and Earrings Set
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Sapphires, Cabochon Emeralds, and Round-Brillant Diamonds. Necklace Approximate Weights
Category

Vintage 1970s Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Recent Sales

Cartier Ruby & Emerald Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Estate Jewelry Curated by Parulina presents this magnificent Cartier Ruby and Emerald Necklace with
Category

Vintage 1950s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier AGL No Heat Ceylon Yellow Sapphire Amethyst Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
the pendant is a 12.24 carat cushion cut yellow sapphire that is certified by The American Gemological
Category

1990s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Diamond and Sapphire Cabochon Yellow Gold Pendant Choker Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
allure and opulent décor, this ravishing necklace from Cartier will accentuate your look in an
Category

Late 20th Century French Choker Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Vizantija Cross Sapphire Ruby Emerald Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vizantija Cross Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald Pendant And Chain Necklace by Cartier
Category

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Paris 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Choker Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Material: 18k Yellow Gold Hallmark- Cartier Paris 750, 223260 Creator- Cartier Paris Gemstone
Category

1990s Unknown Choker Necklaces

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

CARTIER Vizantija Cross Sapphire Ruby Emerald Yellow Gold Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Holland, PA
18k Yellow Gold Vizantija Cross Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald Pendant by Cartier. Stones: a. 4
Category

1990s French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier White, Yellow, Rose Gold and Pink Sapphire Trinity Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
Dandelion Antiques Code AT-1280 Brand Cartier Model Trinity Date Circa 2013 Serial No. WH
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Pearl Necklace with Sapphires, Diamonds and 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Hicksville, NY
16 inch long Cartier Pearl Necklace - 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearls, Sapphires, Diamonds Features
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Trinity Pink Sapphire Yellow Rose and White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
18k Yellow Gold, 18k Rose Gold, 18k White Gold Stones Sapphire Weight Approximately 2.61 g Length
Category

2010s French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, White Gold

1990s CARTIER Byzantine Multicolor Gemstone Yellow Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Cartier cross is made in 18k yellow gold and set with faceted rubies, sapphires, and
Category

1990s French More Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Cartier Hematite, Chalcedony, Ruby, Sapphire Malachite Diamond Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage Cartier hematite, chalcedony, ruby, sapphire, malachite and diamond necklace, circa 1990
Category

1990s Unknown Retro Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Hematite, Malachite, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold...

Cartier Magnificent Sapphire Diamond Gold Set
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Achieve true aesthetic affluence with this stunning 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet & Necklace Set from
Category

1990s Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Base Metal, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Byzantine Cross
By Cartier
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This charming gold cross was made by Cartier in the 1990s. Crafted from 18 karat yellow gold the
Category

1990s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

1990's Cartier Sapphire Cabochon 18 Karat Gold Chevron Necklace
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cable chain necklace centers a polished gold chevron station Bezel set with a sapphire cabochon
Category

1990s Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

Exquisite 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cartier Sapphire Diamond Necklace/Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A classic 18 K yellow Gold Necklace signed Cartier, serial number 40446. The necklace can be worn
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Link Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Vizantija Sapphire, Ruby & Emerald Cross Necklace 18 Karat In Stock
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vizantija Diamond & Ruby Pendant Cross Necklace This exquisite
Category

1990s French Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

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

Vintage Cartier 14k Yellow Gold 3mm Old Cut Sapphire Flower Petite Charm Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone:-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Old Cut - Vivid Medium Blue Color - 3mm (approx
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Byzantine Cross MM Brooch Pendant Top 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 1993
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
Brand:Cartier Name:BYZANTINE CROSS MM Brooch Pendant Top Material :4P Ruby, 4P Sapphire, 1P Emerald
Category

1990s French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Cartier Caresse d'orchidée Pink Sapphire, Diamond and Rose Quartz Orchid Necklet
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Caresse d'orchidée pink sapphire, diamond and rose quartz orchid necklet. A light and
Category

2010s French Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Jean Dinh Van Multi Stone Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier Vintage 1980 Jean Dinh Van Long Necklace 30" length 18k Yellow Gold Link Chain with 6
Category

Vintage 1980s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Cartier Chaine Necklace Set with a Yellow Saphir and Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Paris, IDF
Yellow gold Cartier chaine necklace set with a 11.41 carats oval shaped yellow sapphire surrounded
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Gem-Set Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Gem-set necklace, designed as a gold herringbone chain that showcases a central cabochon-cut oval
Category

Vintage 1980s French Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Gemstone Gold Cross Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
and four square-cut sapphires, mounted in polished 18k yellow gold, circa 1993, numbered DO9923
Category

1990s French Necklace Enhancers

Materials

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

Cartier Vizantija Gemstone Set Pendant and Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chain
By Cartier
Located in QLD , AU
with the pendant is 18k yellow gold, with a length of 30 inches/ 76.20cm. The chain has the Cartier
Category

20th Century French Byzantine Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Cartier Inspired Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Sapphire and Rubies
Located in Los Angeles, CA
filled with rubies, the other with blue sapphires. The necklace has a length of 37cm and the tiger
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

People Also Browsed

Bulgari Roman Intaglio Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Bvlgari, Italy. This Bvlgari ring is stylish seventies fashion, perfect for modern looks, and everyday wear. The vibrant jasper seal features an intaglio-cut im...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Dome Rings

Materials

Jasper, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Fish Lapis Lazuli Tiger's Eye Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous rare vintage Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a fish-shaped charm inlaid with lapis lazuli and tiger's eye and set with round bril...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Chain Bracelets

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Tiger's Eye, Yellow Gold

Cartier 18k Gold Trinity Charm Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Trinity Pendant is an elegant and timeless accessory, designed to captivate with its intertwined bands and polished finish. Crafted with precision, this charmt features three int...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Charm Bracelets

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bois D'Amourette Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra limited edition “Bois D’Amourette” necklace, designed with five textured 18k rose gold clover-shaped motifs alternating with five clover-shaped le...
Category

2010s French Link Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Art Deco Cartier Old Baguette Diamond and Emerald Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Cartier Old Baguette Diamond and Emerald Cocktail Ring. This unbelievable Cartier ring is crafted in platinum. There is an elongated baguette cut diamond i...
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Rare Cartier Mid-20th Century 14K Yellow Gold Locket Book Key Pendant
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier - rare mid-20th century 14K yellow gold book form locket key pendant 1940's The rectangular shaped 14K gold locket opens to reveal a pair of gold pages with early etched pho...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier, Les Berlingots de Cartier Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Bethesda, MD
The Les Berlingots collection by Cartier is a testament to elegance and playfulness. Each piece is a harmonious blend of vibrant colors and exquisite craftsmanship, reminiscent of th...
Category

2010s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Garnet, Rose Gold

Bulgari Retro Tubogas Style Gold and Ruby Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An 18k yellow gold and ruby necklace by Bulgari in the retro Tubogas style. Made in Italy, circa 1950.
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 K Yellow Gold Earclips Bulgari Torumaline Peridot Cornucopia Earrings
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
An iconic set of 18 K yellow Gold Cornucopia earclips showcasing 1 fancy cut Briolette pink Tourmaline and 1 fancy cut Peridot. 2.3 cm height and 1.5 cm wide. 18.52 grams. Stamped 7...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Peridot, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

CARTIER Trinity Natural Diamond 18k White Gold Small Bracelet
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Cartier bracelet from the iconic Trinity collection features 3 interconnected bangles made in 18k white gold and set with brilliant-cut round D-E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamonds. ...
Category

1990s Bangles

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Original 1985 13 Diamonds by the Yard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Valenza, IT
Original 1985, Extremely Rare Cartier Diamonds by the Yard 18Kt Yellow Gold 17.716 inches(45cm) Necklace: Cartier develops the idea of deploying exceptional diamonds into a minimalis...
Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Tubogas Serpenti Emerald 18k Yellow Gold 3-Row Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
An iconic Bulgari Tubogas ring circa 1980's showcasing 18k yellow gold in a perfectly balanced ring, set with a fancy cabochon Emerald The ring measures a size 6.5. The flexible natu...
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

ALDO CIPULLO 18k Yellow Gold & Lapis Pisces Zodiac Pendant Circa 1970s Vintage
By Aldo Cipullo
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Aldo Cipullo 18k Yellow Gold & Lapis Pisces Pendant Zodiac Circa 1970s Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer zodiac pendant. Aldo C...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Cartier Trinity Classic Diamond Three Color Gold Rolling Band Ring Size 5.5
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Dive into the world of luxury with the Cartier Trinity Ruby Pink Sapphire Diamond 18k Rose Gold Band — a testament to Cartier's iconic Trinity collection, combining precious gemstone...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Cartier Diamond approx.0.14ct 18K Pink Gold Diamants Legers Heart Necklace
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item Number: 24010110 ■Brand: Cartier ■Product Name: Diamants Légers Heart Necklace ■Product/Model Number: B7059400 ■Material: 1P Diamond (Approx. 0.14ct), 750 K18 PG Pink Gold ■Wei...
Category

2010s French Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Sapphires and Baguette Diamond Bracelet Circa - 1938
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Bracelet of Oval Sapphires Surrounded by Baguette Diamonds Which Embrace the Sapphires. 15 Oval No Heat Sapphires Consisting of, 6 - Kashmir, 8- Burma, 1 - Ceylon....
Category

Vintage 1930s Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Cartier Yellow Sapphire Necklace", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Cartier Yellow Sapphire Necklace For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the cartier yellow sapphire necklace you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 29 vintage or 1 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect cartier yellow sapphire necklace may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. A cartier yellow sapphire necklace can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 16 Sapphire versions can add an especially stylish touch. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also cabochon cut and princess cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a cartier yellow sapphire necklace, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Cartier Yellow Sapphire Necklace?

The price for a cartier yellow sapphire necklace starts at $2,000 and tops out at $750,000 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $8,250.

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.

Read More

This Victorian Necklace Features a Rainbow of Gems

If jewelry could talk, we know this piece would have good stories.

A Centuries-Old Style, Lockets Have Never Lost Their Romantic Appeal

Emblems of heartfelt emotion, elegant vessels for photos and keepsakes and perfect for layering, these special ornaments are an essential component of any thoughtfully curated jewelry collection.

This Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace Is an Heirloom in the Making

With more than 100 carats of diamonds, this vintage stunner converts into different styles, making it as versatile as it is breathtaking.

[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised

Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.

Next-Level Pearls That Go Well Beyond the Expected

Organic shapes, surprising textures, shimmering colors and inventive embellishments take the new generation of pearl jewelry from classic to cutting-edge.

7 Vibrant Jewels for a Breezy Late-Summer Wardrobe

Soak up the pleasures of the season with a these bold gems.

Whether Worn Alone or Layered, These Chain Link Necklaces Are Trending

Learn more about the stylish links that have passed the test of time.

Meet the Dapper, Mustachioed Parisian Who’s Tops in Crafting Enticing Jewels

After more than a decade creating the iconic Lanvin gems of the Alber Elbaz years, designer Elie Top dove into the world of fine jewelry, mixing silver and gold to create his own striking, timeless look.