Since sapphires may contain trace elements of titanium,
copper or iron, these gems are unique in the range of colors they display. It
is perfectly acceptable for a gorgeous sapphire to have a deep blue, bright orange or full green coloration. Vintage sapphires are usually sold in
settings. Unless the gem is of a rare cut, it is rarely sold as a loose stone.
Buying vintage sapphires is a wonderful opportunity to own a truly unique piece
of jewelry. Yet how do you go about finding just the right piece?
Determine your
definition of the term vintage. As noted previously, it is rare that
sapphires are sold as loose gems. Unlike diamonds, these gems are usually
defined by their settings. Decide ahead of time if you want to own a sapphire
that is a vintage piece, but may be in a newer setting, or if you wish to own a
piece of sapphire jewelry that falls under the vintage designation by virtue of
its setting. Looking for color can be your ally in the quest for dating the
stones.
Understand the
retailer’s definition of vintage. Sticklers for detail will tell you that a
true vintage sapphire must have been mined or cut between 1960 and 1979.
Unfortunately, some retailers and also private sellers do not necessarily
follow this rule. They may consider anything newer than 1960 to be vintage even
if the piece is only five years old. Others will go back further than 1960 and
double-list Art Deco pieces as vintage sapphire jewelry. While you cannot force
a retailer to adopt your understanding of the term, it makes your buying
experience a lot more pleasant when you understand how the seller defines the
term vintage. White and green sapphires are the most common colors that you
find in stones mined and cut between 1960 and 1979.
Appreciate the
settings. Vintage settings for sapphires usually favor the solitaire. This
creates an optical illusion that makes the gem appear larger than it is. If the
sapphire jewelry’s creation date falls closer to 1970 than 1960, look for
cluster pieces. Rings in particular followed this design trend. Get closer to
1979, and you find the occasional marquise cut.
A word on
reproductions. Do you want to purchase a vintage sapphire because the time
of its mining or cutting has a special meaning to you? Are you hoping to
purchase a sapphire in a vintage setting because the look appeals to you and
ensures that you purchase a largely unique piece of jewelry that is no longer
mass-produced? Are you fascinated by wearing something that has previously
belonged to someone else? If so, it is a crucial that you work with a retailer
who has a reputation for selling authentic pieces. There are now plenty of
jewelry makers who specialize in vintage reproductions. These professionals
create gorgeous sapphire pieces that look like the real deal all the way down
to artificial ageing of the setting. Recognize these pieces by their lower
price tags when compared to authentic vintage jewelry.
It is clear that vintage sapphires make for gorgeous
collector pieces. As long as you work with a reputable seller and know ahead of
time what you are looking for, you are likely to find some breathtakingly
beautiful vintage sapphires.
Peter Suchy Jewelers located at 1137 High Ridge Road in
Stamford Connecticut offers a wide selection of vintage sapphire jewelry—please stop by our showroom.
If you prefer to browse for vintage and estate sapphire
jewelry online, head on over to our eBay store.
Be sure to like us on Facebook and check out our awesome
Pinterest Board dedicated to sapphire jewelry!
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