RARE SAPPHIRE JEWELRY
M.S. Rau carries one of the world's finest selections of antique and contemporary sapphire jewelry, including rare, untreated sapphire rings, among the most coveted colored gemstones in the world., Sapphire, the September birthstone, is normally blue (often called natural blue sapphire), but to be deemed a fancy sapphire this only occurs in a variety of colors - from yellow sapphires to green sapphires. Our collection includes antique sapphire engagement rings, vintage sapphire gemstone rings, antique sapphire earrings, sapphire bracelets, sapphire stud earrings, sapphire and diamond necklaces and also estate sapphire rings. The sapphire jewel has long been sought after to include in fine antique and jewelry collections. More commonly, as more people stray away from the traditional diamond ring, sapphire has seen a resurgence as an alternative gem for a wedding ring or an engagement ring. At M.S. Rau, you can be certain that our collection of contemporary and antique jewelry has been hand-selected with precise attention to detail by our expert team of jewelers, ensuring that you will only find the very highest quality vintage style sapphire jewelry, in a variety of carat weights, available on the market. Unlike jewelry that surface only occasionally at auction houses, our rare handcrafted sapphire jewelry is available for private purchase every day.
KASHMIR
What truly sets fine Kashmir sapphires apart is their color. Gemologists describe the finest examples as cornflower blue, a richly saturated hue with the soft, glowing quality that has never been matched by sapphires of any other origin. This softness and saturation come from microscopic rutile inclusions within the stone, lending even a bright blue Kashmir sapphire an almost luminous depth. Because so few were ever mined, a cushion-shaped or cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire of significant carat weight is exceedingly difficult to find, and each one should carry a documented origin and treatment status confirmed by a leading laboratory.
CEYLON
Sri Lanka's Ceylon sapphires are famous for a bright, pure blue with exceptional clarity, since they contain fewer of the fine inclusions that soften Kashmir stones, giving them a lively brilliance. Sri Lanka's mines are also known for large, clean crystals, so a fine Ceylon sapphire of significant carat weight, ideally with a certificate confirming unheated, natural origin, remains a benchmark stone in the sapphire world.
PADPARADSCHA
Named for the color of the lotus blossom, the Padparadscha sapphire is prized for its rare fusion of pink and orange, a balance so precise that no two stones ever look quite alike. Historically found almost exclusively in Sri Lanka and, more recently, Madagascar, a fine Padparadscha is so scarce that it should always carry documentation from a leading laboratory confirming its natural, untreated color.
BURMA
Sapphires from Burma's storied Mogok Valley are prized for a rich, velvety royal blue with a violet undertone. Untreated Burma sapphires of fine color and size are exceedingly rare today, making a certified natural stone a true find for any serious collector.
Our collection of fancy natural sapphire jewelry includes the timeless elegance of Kashmir sapphire, Ceylon sapphire, Burma Sapphire, and Padparadscha sapphire, each laid in a variety of settings, including platinum, white gold, and yellow gold. If you're looking for a sapphire engagement ring or a sapphire necklace, the antique and estate jewelry experts at M.S. Rau can help. From the most unique, antique rings such as vintage sapphire engagement rings, star sapphire rings, exquisite pink sapphire jewelry, to remarkable untreated sapphires of every carat size and hue (including green sapphires, yellow sapphires, and blue sapphires), you will find it all at M.S. Rau. If you are interested in finding new additions to your fine jewelry collection, consider a one-of-a-kind natural sapphire ring from our beautiful selection. Shop our impressive collection of estate diamond jewelry and sapphire rings as well as the rest of our antique sapphire jewelry collection on our website or at our New Orleans showroom today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I confirm a sapphire's origin?
Reputable buyers should always request certification from an independent gemological laboratory such as AGL, SSEF or Gübelin, each of which can confirm both a stone's origin and its treatment status. At M.S. Rau, significant sapphires come with detailed provenance and documentation from certified gemological laboratories
Why do Kashmir sapphires carry such strong demand among collectors?
Because the Kashmir mines were exhausted more than a century ago, no new supply will ever enter the market, and that finite scarcity has only intensified strong demand over time. Every generation of collectors competes for the same limited number of stones.
Why are sapphires a popular choice for engagement rings?
Sapphires rank a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamonds, making them exceptionally durable for everyday wear. They also come in a wide range of colors beyond blue, giving couples a distinctive alternative to a traditional diamond while still choosing a gemstone with real staying power.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.