Sapphire and diamond bib necklace

A bib necklace set with blue sapphires and diamonds, a symbol of sophistication in contemporary high jewelry.

About this subject

This bib necklace, an emblematic piece of high jewelry, combines faceted blue sapphires with colorless diamonds in a symmetrical and fluid composition. The “bib” design, covering the neckline like a bib, dates back to the 1920s, when Parisian jewelers such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels popularized the style. The sapphires feature shades ranging from sky blue to royal blue, sourced from traditional deposits in Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Each gem is cut in oval or pear shape, enhancing the brilliance and color saturation.

The 18-karat white gold setting provides contrast with the intense blue of the sapphires. The gradual arrangement of stones, larger in the center, smaller at the ends, creates a cascading effect that emphasizes the natural movement of the neck. Brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 15 carats, surround each sapphire, amplifying overall shimmer through multiple reflections.

In jewelry culture, the bib necklace symbolizes luxury and female power, often worn at gala events and red carpets. The Tuscan-inspired backdrop, with Italian villa terraces, echoes the Renaissance, a period when Florentine goldsmiths excelled in gem cutting. Pieces like this require hundreds of hours of artisanal goldsmithing, with hand-setting by master jewelers.

Fun fact: the sapphire is the 45th anniversary gemstone and has been associated with wisdom and nobility since the Middle Ages. The use of sapphires in royal necklaces, such as Princess Diana’s, cemented its status as a gem of royalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the term 'bib necklace' mean in jewelry?

In jewelry, a bib necklace is a style that broadly covers the neckline like a bib. It usually features multiple rows of precious stones or metals, creating a lavish and striking look, popular since the 1920s.

What are the key characteristics of a quality sapphire?

High-quality sapphires have intense and uniform color (cornflower blue or royal blue), high transparency, and symmetrical cut. The most valuable come from Kashmir, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, with visual clarity and no inclusions visible to the naked eye.

How is a high-jewelry necklace like this made?

The creation involves manual gem selection, detailed CAD design, precious metal casting, and artisanal setting. Each sapphire and diamond is individually placed in claws or micro-pavé, a process that can take hundreds of hours of work.