Luxurious "Retro Style" Ring with Sapphire & Diamonds, France c. 1950

In all European countries, jewellery from the immediate post-war period is a symbol of new beginnings. The designs are both playful and optimistic, radiating the beginning of a new prosperity through heavy gold and colorful gemstones, yet are so abstract that they are not reminiscent of darker times through historical ornamentation. This ring, which was created in France around 1950, is a wonderful example of this. At the center of the ring is a polished cabochon of a natural blue sapphire, deliciously luminous like a sweet candy. It is embedded in reddish gold and surrounded by a ring of radiant diamonds that rise above a basket-like network of gold wires. To the left and right, further diamonds in platinum settings lead over to the ring band. As is typical of jewellery from the early post-war period, the diamonds are old cuts that were taken from heirlooms - because trade routes were interrupted by the war and materials were still scarce in some cases. In addition, a profound change in taste made many pieces appear almost unwearably unfashionable. The proportions of the wonderfully brilliant old cuts used here indicate that they were originally set in a piece from the late 19th century. A high-quality piece that not only wears decoratively, but can also tell us a lot about its time.

Estimate:£5,212.25

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