One-of-a-kind sapphire jewellery to buy for September birthdays on thesaleroom.com
04 September 2020 Suddenly it’s September, which means sapphire is the birthstone of the month.Typically blue, these stones can appear in many other colours including yellow, pink and orange due to different impurities within the crystal.
Historically these stones were thought to represent the purity of the soul and were worn by priests and kings in the Middle Ages to provide protection for the body and soul. They have also been credited with protecting the wearer against snakes, eye problems and melancholy and have been thought to transform stupidity into wisdom.
Whether or not any of the legends are true, these beautiful, hard-wearing stones have been prized for thousands of years.
One of the most famous examples is the St Edward’s sapphire, which is in the Imperial State Crown worn by Queen Victoria in 1838 and is believed to have been worn by Edward the Confessor during his coronation in 1042.
Such a specimen might be generally out of reach but not to worry. Today, sapphires are still being mined and synthetic stones are in production, so buying a used gem is a great way to get the look without the carbon footprint. There are plenty of examples of sapphire jewellery, new and old, to be picked up at auction on thesaleroom.com.
Antique earrings
There is a huge supply of sapphires, antique and modern, going under the hammer at Adam’s auction of Fine Jewellery & Watches in Dublin on September 15. Among the highlights is this pair of early 20th century sapphire and diamond pendant earrings offered in a fitted case by ‘PG Dodd & Son’ of London. Made c.1920, they are now offered with an estimate of €8000-12,000.
View and bid for these sapphire and diamond earrings here.
Art Deco pin
Roseberys London offers this Art Deco rock crystal, sapphire and diamond jabot pin with an estimate of £2400-2800 during its auction of Jewellery & Watches on September 22. Made c.1925, it features two flexible line swags each composed of alternate single-cut diamond and French-cut sapphire three-stone sections.
View and bid for this Art Deco pin here.
1960s bracelet
Estimated to fetch £2500-3000 at Mellors & Kirk’s sale of September 16-17, this sapphire, diamond and gold bracelet dates to c.1960. Formed of textured, articulated links, it is in good condition except for a slight twist from occasional wear.
View and bid for this bracelet here.
Sapphire and ruby collar
Fellows in Birmingham offers this ruby and diamond collar which features at its centre a large yellow sapphire. Offered with a Vourakis pouch, it has an estimate of £4000-6000 at Fellows’ auction of Fine Jewellery on September 17.
View and bid for this sapphire and ruby collar here.
Art Deco dress ring
Another Art Deco offering comes from Gerrards in Lancashire during its two-day auction of art and antiques, which runs from September 17-18. The diamond- and sapphire-set dress ring, size S, is marked 18ct and is catalogued as being in excellent condition. It is available with an estimate of £1500-1800.
View and bid for this Art Deco ring here.