The Enduring Allure of Antique Sapphire Jewellery

Reading Time: 5 minutes

September’s birthstone, the sapphire, has been popular since the Middle Ages. Antique sapphire jewellery boasts a rich history, symbolising wisdom, royalty, divine favour, and protection across ancient cultures.

The celestial blue gemstone is believed to symbolise heaven and attract divine favour.

The sapphire gemstone is a variety of the mineral corundum that occurs in spectacular colours with great durability and stability.  Usually, when one thinks of the colour of this gemstone, the first colour that pops into mind is blue sapphire. However, sapphires come in a variety of colours, including pink, yellow, green, purple, orange and even black.

These colours are determined by trace elements in the mineral corundum, with red corundum being the exception and called a ruby.

Sapphire’s history spans millennia, deeply intertwined with royalty, religion, and mythology, originating in ancient Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and valued across cultures for symbolising heaven, purity, and power.

Today, the precious stone is a refinement that any woman would love to keep in the jewellery box and flaunt on special occasions.

Also Read: Emeralds: The Luxurious Green Gem 

What Is A Sapphire?

Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminium oxide), easily recognised by its bright blue colour.

Sapphires traditionally come from Sri Lanka and Burma. Other sources are Australia, Cambodia, China, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Thailand, the USA (Montana) and Vietnam.

What Does Sapphire Symbolise?

Throughout history, sapphire has symbolised wisdom, truth, and protection. Its association with the sky led many cultures to believe it represented heaven itself. Clergy wore sapphires to signify purity and divine favour, while rulers chose them to represent justice, loyalty, and power.

In medieval Europe, sapphires were thought to protect the wearer from envy and harm. They were also believed to promote clear thinking and honest judgment, making them popular among judges and leaders. For centuries, the stone has been linked to sincerity, faithfulness, and lasting love, which explains its enduring presence in engagement rings and heirloom jewellery.

Mythology Tales of Sapphire Gemstone

As one of the oldest known gemstones in history, the sapphire is shrouded in numerous legends. 

• In mythology, for example, blue is considered a pure, heavenly colour. Therefore, in many Eastern cultures, sapphires were believed to ward off evil. 
• In ancient Persia, people believed the Earth rested upon a giant sapphire. Its reflection was said to give the sky its blue colour, reinforcing the gemstone’s connection to the heavens.
• In Greek mythology, the Titan Prometheus was chained to a rock as punishment for giving fire to mankind, and that rock is believed to be a sapphire. When Hercules freed Prometheus, a link of the chain was left on Prometheus’ finger, along with a piece of the rock. 
• In Eastern cultures, sapphire held equally powerful meaning. Buddhists believed it aided spiritual enlightenment and inner peace

Sapphire Jewellery Through the Ages

Antique sapphire jewellery reflects the styles, values, and craftsmanship of different historical periods. Each era brought its own interpretation of this timeless gemstone.

• Victorian Era (c. 1837–1901)

Victorian sapphire jewellery is often bold and romantic. Large, ornate designs were popular, especially cluster rings featuring a central sapphire surrounded by rose-cut diamonds.

Many Victorian pieces carry sentimental meaning, often created to mark engagements, anniversaries, or mourning.

• Edwardian Era (c. 1901–1910)

Edwardian jewellery introduced lighter, more delicate designs. Platinum became widely used, allowing jewellers to create intricate filigree and lace-like settings. Sapphires were often paired with diamonds to create an elegant look.

• Art Deco Era (c. 1920s–1930s)

Art Deco sapphire jewellery is instantly recognisable for its bold geometry and striking contrast. Clean lines, symmetry, and strong shapes defined the style. Blue sapphires were frequently set alongside diamonds, creating a dramatic visual impact.

• Retro Era (c. 1940s)

Retro jewellery embraced boldness and scale. During this period, sapphire jewellery became more sculptural, often featuring large stones and mixed metals such as yellow and rose gold. Designs were dramatic and expressive.

Popular Antique Sapphire Jewellery Styles

Across eras, certain sapphire jewellery styles have remained especially popular.

• Cluster Rings: Cluster rings, featuring a central sapphire surrounded by smaller diamonds or gemstones, appear in Victorian, Edwardian, and later designs. Their halo effect enhances the sapphire’s colour and presence
• Three Stone Rings: Three-stone rings continue to appeal for their symbolism and balanced design. Antique examples often feature sapphires flanked by diamonds, creating a timeless look.
• Brooches: Brooches were another favourite, particularly in the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Sapphire brooches were worn both as decorative accents and protective talismans.

This elegant 18k blue sapphire and diamond brooch is designed as a radiant starburst, centred with a vivid blue sapphire. The piece drew strong interest at a recent Giftex auction, where it was keenly contested among bidders.

Also Read: Allure of Antique Brooch Jewellery

• Necklace and Earrings: Necklace suites, including matching necklaces, earrings, and brooches, were often commissioned by wealthy families. These sets were designed to be worn together on formal occasions and passed down as treasured heirlooms.

A five-row necklace strung on a chedia, a matching pair of bangles, earrings, a ring, and a white gold chain with a pendant formed this striking blue sapphire jewellery suite, drew significant attention and proved to be a popular attraction at a recent Giftex auction.

Caring for Sapphire Jewellery

Sapphire is prized not only for its beauty but also for its durability. Still, proper care is essential, especially for vintage and antique settings.

• Gentle Cleaning: When cleaning sapphire jewellery, gentle methods are best. Warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush can safely remove everyday dirt.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using harsh chemicals or steam cleaning, especially for antique pieces, as older settings, foils, or inclusions may be damaged. After cleaning, dry the jewellery with a soft cloth rather than leaving it to air dry.

• Storing Sapphire Jewellery:  Although sapphire is hard, it can still scratch softer gemstones and metals. Store sapphire jewellery separately, ideally wrapped in soft fabric or placed in a lined jewellery box. 
• Professional Repair Work: For valuable or heirloom sapphire jewellery, periodic professional inspection is recommended. A qualified jeweller can check settings, clean the piece safely, and make any necessary repairs without compromising its integrity or historical value.

With thoughtful care, sapphire jewellery retains its brilliance and character, preserving both its beauty and its story for future generations.

Sapphire Jewellery as a Gift

Antique sapphire jewellery makes a meaningful gift for many occasions. As September’s birthstone, sapphire is an obvious choice for birthdays, but its symbolism also suits anniversaries, engagements, and milestone celebrations.

Each antique piece tells a story, making it especially suited to becoming a family heirloom.

Discover Heirloom Treasures at Giftex

For collectors and jewellery lovers, Giftex: A World of Collectibles Auction presents an opportunity to discover heirloom and vintage jewellery in a diverse range of styles and gemstones.

From vintage rings to elegant brooches and necklace suites, each piece reflects a different chapter of jewellery history. Stay tuned and don’t miss the chance to own something truly special.

Sapphire: A Gemstone That Endures

Antique sapphire jewellery is more than an accessory. It is a connection to centuries of belief, artistry, and human expression. From ancient myths to royal courts and modern collections, sapphire has remained a symbol of wisdom, protection, and enduring beauty.

Whether worn for its meaning, its history, or its striking colour, sapphire continues to enchant. It is no surprise that this celestial gemstone remains a refinement any woman would cherish, carefully kept in a jewellery box and proudly worn on special occasions.