Category Archives: Antique

Queen Victoria’s Sapphire Wedding Brooch

Queen Victoria is depicted dressed in her wedding wreath of orange blossom flowers and her wedding veil, with the small collar of the Garter. She also wears the brooch Prince Albert gave her on their wedding day and the ear-rings and necklace made from the Turkish diamonds given to her by the Sultan Mahmúd II in 1838. She noted in her Journal that the painting was ‘a surprise for my beloved Albert, for 10th of Feb’. It was placed in the Prince’s Dressing Room at Windsor. Signed and dated: Fr Winterhalter. Inscribed on the back with the names of the sitter and artist and the date, 1847, with the date of the Queen’s marriage, 10 February 1840.

Queen Victoria is often remembered as a stoic and solemn figure, especially during her mourning period following the death of Prince Albert. However, her love for colorful and ornate jewelry has been overshadowed by this image. showcased the happier days of her marriage, highlighting the jewelry that reflected her relationship with her husband and family, rather than commemorating death. This essay delves into the story of Victoria and Albert’s marriage through the jewelry they commissioned, gave to each other, and wore on various occasions, transforming these items into a part of the intimacy of their royal relationship.

Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 was a significant event for the young queen, and it produced even more jewelry.

Victoria was well-versed in the language of flowers and chose an orange-blossom wreath and trimmings for her wedding dress, which became a popular choice for Victorian brides. Prince Albert gave her a suite of orange-blossom jewelry over several years, beginning with an engagement gift accompanied by his own composition in 1839.

The obvious flower-language associations with the marriage were evident in the second brooch and the earrings, which were Christmas presents in 1845. The gold and porcelain circlet, the finest item in the suite, perpetuated the Queen’s wedding wreath, with blossoms studied from real, flowering sprigs, received in 1846.

Victoria wore it on the anniversary of her wedding day, often with the Honiton lace from her wedding dress. On her wedding anniversary in 1856, she wore a new pink dress from her mother, the Duchess of Kent, with the wreath from the set.

The orange-blossom theme recurred frequently in Victoria’s correspondence, as sprigs were constantly renewed with cuttings taken from royal wedding wreaths and bouquets. Orange blossom and myrtle, traditional in German marriage ceremonies, flourished on the terrace at Osborne House, and sprigs were sent to her married daughters to be worn on their significant anniversaries. Victorian royal brides wore orange-blossom wreaths and trimmings up to Queen Mary in 1893.

However, one of the most sentimental pieces of jewelry given to Victoria by Albert was a large sapphire set in a diamond border given to her by Albert on the eve of their marriage. She noted her wedding costume in her diary, including the sapphire brooch and her “Turkish” suite of necklace and diamond earrings. Despite being a severe critic and detail-oriented person, she let this omission pass when approving the huge group portrait. She left the brooch to the Crown in her will, but it was an intensely personal memento.

Above the Queen in her wedding dress, lace, and jewels, painted seven years later for the Prince Consort on the anniversary of their wedding, corrected this omission. Albert’s sapphire brooch is prominent on Victoria’s lace collar, and the creamy-white silk-satin dress is in the Museum of London, while the magnificent Honiton lace flounce survives in the Royal Collection. Her diamond necklace and long earrings were made by Rundells in 1839 from diamonds presented to her by Sultan Mahmúd II in 1838, hence the suite’s title.

Overall, the jewelry that Victoria and Albert gave to each other and wore on various occasions served as a symbol of their love and intimacy. While Victoria is often remembered for her somber appearance, this essay highlights the more joyful moments in her life through her jewelry choices.

The Times reporter observed that the Queen ‘wore no diamonds on her head, nothing but a simple wreath of orange blossoms…. A pair of very large diamond earrings, a diamond necklace, and the insignia of the Order of the Garter, were the personal ornaments worn by the Queen’, see The Times, 11 February 1840

This was not strictly true, as Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope (later Duchess of Cleveland) noted in her journal, she had on her head ‘a very high wreath of orange flowers, a very few diamonds studded into her hair behind‘, quoted in Picture Post, 29 November 1947, ‘When a Princess Marries’.

The cost of the lace veil and flounce, made by Miss Jane Bidney of Beer near Honiton, Devon, with a team of helpers, was reported variously at £1,000 and £1,500;. As was the convention for royal brides, Victoria’s Honiton lace veil is thrown back to reveal her face.

After the wedding ceremony Victoria asked Hayter to design an engraved seal. The design of clasped hands is a conventional expression of love in jewellery, but in this instance it has a personal meaning in showing the actual moment in the marriage ceremony of the joining of hands by the couple. On the Prince’s little finger in the design can be seen the gold ring set with an emerald, given to him as an engagement present by the Queen; she wears a bracelet with a miniature portrait of the Prince by William Ross at the centre. The seal, if it was made, has not been found. A very similar design was used for clasps to Albert’s and Victoria’s velvet covered prayer books , given to them by the Duchess of Kent on their wedding day. The prayer book clasp combines wit (clasped hands as a ‘clasp’) with sentiment of the kind so congenial to Victoria. Lady Lyttelton remembered that a seal was given by Prince Albert to the Queen, engraved with a pineapple and the legend ‘S’a gloire n’est pas sa couronne’.

11.2 carat Sapphire .925 Sterling Silver Handcrafted Ring

An Exquisite 19th Century Diamond and Sapphire Necklace and Earrings from the Victoria & Albert Museum

 

 

19th century diamond and sapphire necklace and earrings from the Victoria & Albert Museum. Necklace, ca. 1850 (made). Necklace, sapphires in brilliant-cut diamond borders, open-set in silver, England, about 1850. Museum Number M.89-1951. A Victorian silver, gold, sapphire and diamond demi parure, English, circa 1850. The necklace was adapted in the 1930s from a single row necklace to a double row, probably for Lady Cory; the accompanying earrings possibly made from parts of the necklace.




19th century diamond and sapphire necklace and earrings from the Victoria & Albert Museum








An Exquisite 19th Century Diamond and Sapphire Necklace and Earrings from the Victoria & Albert Museum

An Exquisite 19th Century Diamond and Sapphire Necklace and Earrings from the Victoria & Albert Museum
An Exquisite 19th Century Diamond and Sapphire Necklace and Earrings from the Victoria & Albert Museum




 

Antique French Rose Cut Diamond and Genuine Sapphire Bracelet

 

 

This lovely antique bracelet was made in France near the end of the Victorian era. The gently curved panel was hand carved in silver, backed with solid 18k gold and set with glittery rose cut diamonds, an old mine cut diamond and genuine sapphires. The edges are all finely millgrained to enhance the delicate nature of the design. The contrast of the bright, sparkling diamonds against the darkened silver is quite beautiful and lends an elegant femininity in such a way that isn’t too showy. The jeweled centerpiece connects at either end to a unique chain link bracelet that is also silver atop gold. The French hallmarks are located on each of the last bracelet links as well as on the clasp itself. The clasp holds very tightly and there is a safety mechanism on the side for added security. The length is 6-3/4” and the width at the widest point is 1/2”. This is such a stunning piece of jewelry that you really need no special occasion to justify wearing it! In fact, it’s dainty scale makes quite easy to wear casually. However it would also make a wonderful wedding bracelet!




Antique French Rose Cut Diamond and Genuine Sapphire Bracelet
Antique French Rose Cut Diamond and Genuine Sapphire Bracelet. 1,295.00 US Dollars







 

Sapphire and Antique Euro Diamond Ring Circa 1930s

 

 

“Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet.”
― Plato

Love is the joy of the good, the wonder of the wise, the amazement of the Gods.
Plato




A Gorgeous 1930s Sapphire and Antique Euro Diamond Ring

1930s Sapphire and Antique Euro Diamond Ring



Gorgeous Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Rings

These are a few of the many gorgeous sapphire and diamond estate rings that can be found online, or by actually going to an estate sale. Great prices can be found on sapphire jewelry at estate sales and auctions. Many times you can find stunning designs that are one of kind, and will never be created again.







Estate and Vintage Sapphire Rings
Estate and Vintage Sapphire Rings

These are a few of the many pieces of gorgeous sapphire and diamond estate jewelry that can be found online, or by actually going to an estate sale. Great prices can be found on sapphire jewelry at estate sales and auctions. Many times you can find stunning designs that are one of kind, and will never be created again. These gorgeous rings have been someone’s treasure for a long time, and many are considered antiques or vintage jewelry.  Now you can be the owner of such treasures with a little time and effort in seeking them out. The enjoyment one gets from hunting for such gorgeous treasures can be as much or more fun as wearing these exquisite pieces of jewelry. Estate jewelry can be a rare find, and seeking these treasures will leave you with a satisfaction rarely achieved by many individuals.

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ESTATE ART DECO 1.35ctw EURO DIAMOND SAPPHIRE PLATINUM ENGAGEMENT RING
ESTATE ART DECO 1.35ctw EURO DIAMOND SAPPHIRE PLATINUM ENGAGEMENT RING




 

This is a absolutely stunning estate ring that was made from platinum in the Art Deco style.  The age is unknown.  The ring is set with 1 European cut diamond of J (or better) color, VVS clarity that weighs approx. .95 ct.  I can not find a single inclusions with my jeweler’s loupe.  The diamond measures 6.75 mm with the bezel setting and it is 4.53 mm deep.  The ring is additionally set with 52 single cut diamonds of H-I-J color, SI clarity that weigh approx. .40 ctw.  These diamonds range in size from .005 -to .03 ct.  The ring is detailed with 38 natural blue sapphires that weigh approx. 1.20 ctw.  These sapphires are cabochon cuts in various fancy shapes and of the finest quality.  The head of the ring measures 9/16” square and it sits almost 3/8” high.  The ring size is a 7.75 and the total weight is 5.7 grams. 

ANTIQUE ART DECO 1.25ct OLD MINE DIAMOND .50ctw SAPPHIRE HALO COCKTAIL RING 1930
ANTIQUE ART DECO 1.25ct OLD MINE DIAMOND .50ctw SAPPHIRE HALO COCKTAIL RING 1930

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This is a Gorgeous and original antique ring that was made in the Art Deco style during the 1930s.  It is handmade from Platium.  The ring is set with 1 round old mine cut diamond (center) of L color, VVS1 clarity that weighs approx. 1.25 ct.  The color is in the faint yellow color range and I can not find a single inclusions when using my 10x jeweler’s loupe.  It has a tiny tiny nick on the table facet that can not be seen with the naked eye.   This diamond measures 7.6 mm with the bezel setting and it is 3.45 mm deep.  

The center diamond is framed with 22 natural blue sapphires that weigh approx. .50 ctw.  These sapphires are near square shaped and channel set with a darker blue color.  The ring is detailed with 36 rose cut diamonds that weigh approx. .38 ctw.  These diamonds are white and clear and they have a spread of .01 ct to .04 ct.  




ANTIQUE ART DECO 2.26ctw DIAMOND SAPPHIRE PLATINUM COCKTAIL RING 1930 FRENCH
ANTIQUE ART DECO 2.26ctw DIAMOND SAPPHIRE PLATINUM COCKTAIL RING 1930 FRENCH

 

This is an original antique cocktail ring that was made in the Art Deco style during the 1930s. It is handmade from Platinum and originates from France.  It has the Mker’s mark ‘LIF’ and a worn ‘PARIS’ stamp.  The ring is centrally set with 1 Old European Cut Diamond of G color, SI1 clarity that weighs approx. 1.0 carat.  This diamonds has one pinpoint inclusions in the center, but you have to know it is there to find it.  Otherwise, this diamond is completely clear and would have a VVS grade.  I can not grasp it to get a precise measurement, but it is very close to 6.45 mm in diameter by 4 mm deep.  

The ring is also set with 46 roundish old mine cut diamonds of F-G-H color, SI to I clarity that weigh approx. 1.26 ctw.  The total diamond weight is approx. 2.26 ctw.  The ring is detailed with 40 natural blue sapphires that weigh approx. 1.30 ctw.  These sapphires are French cut and channel set of the finest quality.




ESTATE ART DECO 1+ct EURO DIAMOND 1.20ctw SAPPHIRE HALO ENGAGEMENT COCKTAIL RING
ESTATE ART DECO 1+ct EURO DIAMOND 1.20ctw SAPPHIRE HALO ENGAGEMENT COCKTAIL RING

 

This is an estate cocktail/engagement ring that was made in the Art Deco Style from Platinum.  The mounting is post 1950 and the center diamond is an original antique.  The ring is centrally bezel-set with 1 European Cut Diamond of J color, I2 clarity that weighs approx. 1.15 ctw.  This diamond measures approx. 6.7 mm in diameter and it is 4.27 mm deep.  In my opinion, this is the ideal I2 clarity stone.  The frame and shoulders of the ring are set with 41 brilliant cut diamonds of G – H color, SI clarity that weigh approx.  .82 ctw.  The total diamonds weight is approx. 1.97 ctw.

The ring is detailed with a natural blue sapphire halo that is set channel set with 20 sapphires.  There are an additional 4 sapphires set in the shoulders.  The sapphires are fancy shaped and French cut weighing approx. 1.20 ctw.

ESTATE ART DECO .63ct MARQUISE DIAMOND 2ctw SAPPHIRE PLATINUM COCKTAIL RING
ESTATE ART DECO .63ct MARQUISE DIAMOND 2ctw SAPPHIRE PLATINUM COCKTAIL RING

 

This is a fabulous cocktail ring that was made in the Art Deco style from Platinum. The age is unknown.  The ring is centrally bezel-set with 1 marquise cut diamonds of J color, VS or better clarity that weighs .63 ct. and the weight is engraved in the shank.  It measures close to 9 x 5.2 x 2.38 mm and I can not find any inclusions with a 10x jeweler’s loupe.  The ring is also set with 12 roundish old mine cut diamonds of H color, SI clarity that weigh approx. .38 ctw.  The total diamond weight is approx. 1.01 ctw.  The ring is detailed with 34 natural blue sapphires that weigh approx. 2.0 ctw.  These sapphires are fancy shaped French cuts that are channel set and of the finest quality.  The marquise shaped head of the ring measure 1” north to south by 7/16” at the widest point. The total weight is 5.8 grams and the ring size is a 7.  The lower gallery is finely detailed. 

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An Exquisite Antique Pear Shape Ceylon Sapphire Ring Circa 1930

ANTIQUE PEAR SHAPE CEYLON SAPPHIRE RING

A lovely antique pear shape Ceylon sapphire ring, adorned with beautiful engravings, and prong set in handmade platinum. Small diamonds line the side of the gallery.

The center sapphire is from Ceylon and is 9.59. The diamonds on the side are 0.50 carats (E color and VS1 clarity) and 0.51 carats (D color and VS1 clarity) respectively. This ring is circa 1930.





ANTIQUE PEAR SHAPE CEYLON SAPPHIRE RING

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