Sapphire: The Royal Birthstone Will Make You Anything But Blue

Marlo Laz’s 14K yellow gold sapphire and diamond Starburst earrings.

Modern designers have been working with fancy colored sapphires in all cuts and colors for some time. Still, the return of the regal blue gem (September’s birthstone) is turning up in various styles and independent designer collections— from antique and vintage-inspired styles to celestial and marine life-inspired jewels. There are also authentic antique pieces, particularly Art Deco styles, which collectors are snapping up.

Simon Teakle’s pair of Art deco sapphire and diamond earrings, each designed with a three-row articulated diamond tassel with sapphire rondell and bead detail, mounted in platinum, circa 1920.

Here’s a bit of history behind these alluring stones: Medieval kings wore the gem around their necks to defend themselves from harm; by the 11th century, sapphires were chosen for ecclesiastical rings. When royal families gave the first betrothal rings in the 14th and 15th centuries, sapphires were favored over other gems; many passed down through generations of nobility. This all made perfect sense: Sapphires symbolize romantic love, truth, fidelity and loyalty.

If we fast-forward to 1981, Lady Diana Spencer was 19 years old when she became engaged to The Prince of Wales. Diana brought the fiery blue stone, set in an antique style with a halo of diamonds, back as the engagement ring to own, and she continued to wear it even after her divorce from Prince Charles. We recently honored “The Princess of The People” as it was 25 years ago since her tragic death. The ring was passed down to Kate Middleton—The Duchess of Cambridge. When she lifted her hand to show it to the cameras, a media blitz was created around the world; jewelry store phones began to ring off the hook and designers started developing the next wave of sapphire rings.

But it has been years since then and blue sapphires in bridal and every other category continue to be a popular stone. It won the hearts of Hollywood’s royalty in the early to mid 20^th century—actresses such as Mary Pickford, Joan Crawford, Myrna Loy, Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow are just some of the A-listers of the silver screen in its heyday to own and then wear their own jewelry in film. Additionally, all of the major jewelry houses of the time designed some of the most memorable and historical pieces that have graced socialites, aristocrats and celebrities.

Here is a range of September’s birthstone from contemporary designers as well as antique dealers and shops:

Nikos Koulis’ Oui 18K white gold sugarloaf blue sapphire ring with trapezoid diamonds and black enamel.

Estate Diamond Jewelry’s Art Deco sapphire and diamond bracelet, handcrafted circa 1920, and featuring large French-cut sapphires.

Selim Mouzannar’s Beirut Earrings in pink gold set with diamonds and blue sapphires.

Jemma Wynne’s 18K yellow gold blue sapphire heart and diamond ring.

REZA’s platinum Blue Moon earrings with blue sapphires and diamonds.

A La Vieille Russie’s Art Deco nail broach with sapphire and diamonds.

Arman Sarkisyan 18K yellow gold and oxidized silver Cupid’s Arrow Studs with blue sapphire and diamonds.

Sophie Theakston’s To The Moon And Back blue sapphire and yellow gold cabochon cuff.

ANANYA’s 18K white gold Scatter Regal Earrings in blue sapphire and white diamonds.

Fred Leighton’s matched pair of platinum bangle bracelets with round, baguette and single cut diamonds accented with emerald cut sapphires. Circa 1930s.

Selim Mouzannar Kastak Charm in pink gold and navy blue enamel set with diamonds and blue sapphire.

Monan’s 18K yellow gold Starfish earrings from the Turquoise Coast collection with sapphires and diamonds.

Jacquie Aiche’s sapphire petal and diamond pavel ring.

Luisa Alexander’s blue sapphire and diamond choker.

Yoki Creations’ oceanic wave inspire 18K blackened gold earrings