Few gemstones combine color, history and individuality as distinctly as sapphire. Celebrated for centuries in fine jewelry, sapphire belongs to the corundum mineral family and occurs in a remarkable range of colors. Deep and vivid blues remain the best known, while pink, purple and other fancy-color sapphires offer an equally compelling expression of the gemstone.
DSF Antique Jewelry brings together a diverse selection of antique, vintage and fine sapphire jewelry, ranging from important loose-gemstone-centered jewels to signed designer pieces and distinctive objects from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and later periods. The collection may include sapphire rings, brooches, stick pins, earrings, bracelets, cufflinks and other jewels set in gold or platinum, frequently complemented by diamonds and other gemstones.
Kashmir, Burma and Ceylon Sapphires
Among natural sapphires, geographic origin can become particularly significant when it is supported by recognized gemological documentation. Kashmir sapphires are especially admired for the distinctive visual character associated with important examples from the historic deposits of Kashmir. Fine sapphires from Burma, now Myanmar, are also highly regarded, while Ceylon sapphires, originating from present-day Sri Lanka, are known for a broad spectrum of beautiful blue tones and can display exceptional brilliance and luminosity.
DSF's collection includes noteworthy sapphires whose origin and treatment status have been identified by independent gemological laboratories when documentation is available. Important examples may be accompanied by reports from respected laboratories such as AGL or GIA.
Geographic origin should never be assumed from appearance alone. On DSF product pages, an origin such as Kashmir, Burma or Ceylon is stated specifically when supported by the available documentation or appropriate evidence.
Unheated and Natural Sapphire Jewelry
Heat treatment has been used for generations to improve the appearance of many natural sapphires and is widely encountered in the jewelry market. By comparison, sapphires confirmed to have no indications of heat treatment can be considerably less common, particularly when combined with desirable color, size, transparency and documented geographic origin.
For significant gemstones, laboratory reports can provide valuable information concerning treatment and, when determinable, geographic origin. DSF places particular emphasis on presenting these details accurately so clients can understand what distinguishes one sapphire from another.
The collection also demonstrates the many ways jewelers have worked with sapphire. Alongside traditionally faceted stones are cabochon sapphires, carved sapphires, intaglios, calibré-cut accents and fancy-color sapphires, each revealing different characteristics of the material.
Signed, Antique and Art Deco Sapphire Jewelry
Sapphire has played an important role in the work of many of the world's leading jewelry houses. The DSF collection may include signed sapphire creations by Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Sabbadini and other distinguished makers, as well as unsigned jewels selected for their design, workmanship and gemstone quality.
Antique and Art Deco sapphire jewelry is particularly compelling. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sapphires were frequently paired with diamonds, platinum and finely worked gold. French-cut and calibré-cut sapphires became important elements of Art Deco design, providing vivid color within precise geometric compositions.
From a rare documented gemstone to an elegant sapphire jewel intended for regular wear, every piece offers a different combination of color, design, craftsmanship and history.
Whether selected as a September birthstone gift, an important jewel for a special occasion, a distinctive addition to a personal wardrobe, or a piece to collect, sapphire jewelry continues to offer extraordinary variety and enduring appeal.
Every piece offered by DSF Antique Jewelry is examined for authenticity and condition before listing, shipped fully insured, and backed by more than 50 years of fine jewelry expertise. Private appointments are available in New York, with clients served worldwide.
