Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, often referred to as the “big three” gemstones, have cemented their enduring appeal throughout history. From ancient times to the present day, they have been cherished as the quintessential gemstones for engagement and betrothal rings. While contemporary jewelry designers are introducing a plethora of alternative stones, these classic gems continue to hold a special place in the annals of jewelry history. Notable figures such as Queen Victoria, Jackie Kennedy, and the Duchess of Windsor have all celebrated emeralds, while sapphires have been cherished by luminaries like Mary Pickford, Jean Harlow, and Princess Diana. Rubies, with their timeless allure, adorned the ring with which Earl Charles Spencer proposed to the former model Victoria Lockwood in 1989.
In the world of antique and vintage rings, there exists a captivating array of styles from different time periods to explore:
1. A La Vieille Russie’s Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring: This stunning piece, mounted in platinum, hails from English craftsmanship around 1925.
2. Lang Antiques’ Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Sapphire Ring: Set within an Art Deco platinum and diamond mounting, this no-heat sapphire gem represents a masterpiece of the 1930s.
3. The One I Love NYC’s Natural Sugarloaf Sapphire Ring: This Art Deco creation showcases a sugarloaf sapphire, encircled by transitional cut diamonds.
4. Wartski’s Colombian Emerald Masterpiece: An exceptional sugar-loaf Colombian emerald graces this piece, encircled by eighteen brilliant-cut diamonds. The openwork platinum gallery and setting capture the essence of the 1930s.
5. Humphrey Butler’s Victorian Graduated Emerald and Diamond Ring: An exquisite five-stone half-hoop ring, featuring alternately set square-cut emeralds and old mine-cut diamonds. It’s artfully crafted in all gold, complemented by rose-cut small diamond accents.
6. Berganza’s Colombian Emerald and Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring: With a hexagon-shaped emerald cut center stone, this ring is adorned with thirty round-cut diamonds, set in open-back platinum, and hails from around 1920.
7. S.J. Phillips’ Early 20th-Century Ruby and Diamond ‘Eye’ Cluster Ring: French in origin, this mesmerizing piece from around 1910 boasts a central cushion-cut Burma ruby.
8. Estate Diamond Jewelry’s Edwardian Era Ruby and Diamond Two-Stone Ring: An antique marvel featuring a round-cut natural ruby and cushion-cut diamond prong-set in platinum over 18K gold. Rose-cut diamonds artfully grace the shoulders, with French import marks.
9. S.J. Phillips’ Single Stone Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring: An early 20th-century American beauty, this piece from around 1910 showcases a cushion-cut ruby, elegantly claw-set from east to west. Tapering shoulders are adorned with graduated diamond leaf clusters, mounted in platinum, adding a touch of artistry to the design.
The enduring charm of sapphires, rubies, and emeralds in engagement rings is celebrated through these masterpieces, offering a timeless symbol of love and commitment across the ages.
