Vintage Sapphire Jewellery

There is no definitive answer to whether sapphire is worth more than diamond. Both gems have their own unique properties and benefits. The value of every individual sapphire or diamond depends on a number of factors, such as weight, size, shape and clarity.

Sapphire is thought to symbolise truth, sincerity and faithfulness, making vintage sapphire a popular choice for engagement rings.

The two rarest colours of natural sapphire are Padparadscha (a pink-reddish colour) and cornflower blue, which features a lighter, more purple-toned blue than the more popular gems available.

Sapphires rank second only to diamonds on mineral durability (Mohs) scale. Diamond is the most durable naturally occurring element, ranking as a 10 out of 10. Sapphires are also very durable, and rank as a 9 out of 10.

Sapphire is the birthstone of September, making vintage and antique sapphire jewellery a popular gift – a vintage sapphire bracelet or necklace would make a fantastic birthday present for loved ones born in this month. Read our post on the significance of sapphire as September’s birthstone for more information.

Sapphires are found within both metamorphic and igneous rocks and are formed by different shifts in natural elements, such as mixings, chemical changes, pressure and heat. Sapphire is predominantly found within Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and Afghanistan, though there are also mines within Australia, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar and Nigeria. We indicate the origins of a vintage sapphire within our product listings wherever this information is available.

Yes, as one of the most durable gemstones using in jewellery today, sapphires are more than capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear. Even antique and vintage sapphire jewellery can be worn every day.

Representing honesty, faithfulness and sincerity, it’s no surprise that sapphires are a popular choice in engagement rings. Sapphire engagement rings rose further in popularity in the 2010s, when the Duchess of Cambridge was engaged to Prince William using the sapphire and diamond engagement ring once belonging to William’s mother, Princess Diana. Sapphire’s durability, beauty and generally high value means that sapphire engagement rings have always been favoured amongst betrothed couples and remain one of the most popular forms of vintage sapphire jewellery available today.