Blue Sapphire Lord of the Rings Pendant

Erin Hogarth

At the AGTA show, Jeffrey Bilgore of New York exhibited a sapphire, diamond, and platinum pendant (see above) inspired by The Lord of the Rings. From initial inspiration to delivery of the just-finished pendant midweek at the show, the piece was 15 years in the making.

“I read it in high school,” Bilgore said of the beloved trilogy. “I read it again in college. Then I read it to my son when he was little, and when he was older he read it to me.”

The 19.30 ct unheated light blue Sri Lankan sapphire briolette rotates within the platinum setting, accented by 177 round Flawless to VVS round brilliant diamonds (0.86 carats total). The pendant is modeled after the Phial (vial) of Galadriel, which the elf queen Lady Galadriel gives to hobbit Frodo Baggins for light and protection during his journey to Mordor. The vial contains water from her fountain, which holds the light and power of the elves’ cherished star Eärendil.

“The Star of Eärendil is the North Star at night and the star you see in the dawn,” Bilgore said. “It gives you hope in the darkness and brings you strength.” He said the pendant “symbolizes all the good energies of hope and faith that add light to the world and protect those that it shines on.”

The concept for the pendant came to Bilgore when he bought a diamond briolette in 2004, a year after establishing his own business. Prior to that, he spent 16 years as the primary gem buyer for Oscar Heyman. He began sketching the design but then sold the diamond. Over the next decade, he continued to refine the design. He eventually acquired a pair of light blue sapphires and began developing the piece with a jeweler about five months before the AGTA show.

“The Lord of the Rings is a story about our world, the power of faith, and good vs. evil,” Bilgore said after the show. “Today, with all that is going on in Ukraine, it seems even more meaningful. The story shows how wars destroy everything and put groups against groups for no good reason. That only trust and faith in each other and in the positive powers of love and respect can conquer all.” He added that the story—with its elves, dwarves, hobbits, and other beings—is also about diversity. “No matter your size, shape, color, or type, everyone has value and strengths.”

“Others have attempted to replicate the Phial of Galadriel, but not quite like this,” he said. “If you have anything going on in your life, put it around your neck and you’ll be protected. You’ll get through it.”