Saturday 25 July 2015

Edwardian 1900 18ct Gold Emerald and Diamond 0.45cts Cluster Ring




If it was good enough for Cleopatra than it is good enough for us. Emeralds were famously coveted by the Queen of Egypt and for centuries they were considered one of the rarest and most expensive gemstones in the world, especially those of the highest quality. Worn as an engagement ring by Jackie Kennedy, Halle Berry, Zoe Salanda and Olivia Wilde, the emerald complements very well with diamonds to bring out that extra wow factor in the design. As previously mentioned, the diamond cluster ring is gaining in popularity amongst many brides-to-be and antique jewellery collectors, particularly as a choice of gemstones and as a central piece surrounded by clusters of round diamonds. 










This 18ct yellow and white gold emerald and 14 diamond cluster ring totalling 0.45cts ticks all the right boxes. The square cut of the emerald changes the overall aspect of the design making it appear more modern and geometric, however the rub-over setting of the round diamonds including on the shoulders makes the ring more delicate, feminine and sophisticated. As emerald is 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale the bezel provides an added protection to the emerald. 



The popularity of gemstones and the diamond cluster engagement ring is informed by Princess Diana’s iconic Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cluster ring in the early 1980s and again when it re-emerged decades later upon the engagement between Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. This style of ring is the perfect symbol of love as well as exuding class and elegance.




To view more fabulous Art Deco dress rings please visit our website






Wednesday 22 July 2015

Art Deco Plat Diamond and Emerald Plaque Ring




The Art Deco era is one of our favourite periods of jewellery design, a time when modernisation and daring designs were embraced. Art Deco designs are bolder, stronger and more innovative than the preceding Victorian and Edwardian eras, with intricate designs and the use of precious gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires to create contrasting colours against the white diamonds. Diamonds were widely used especially in combinations of shapes as the fascination with geometry was explored. White metals were useful in creating the contrasts so essential to Art Deco design, and Platinum became available again for jewellery after the first war.




Art Deco is dominated by geometric patterns and linear designs that will immediately draw attention to antique and contemporary jewellery lovers everywhere, they never go out of fashion and are hugely collectible with a strong appeal for all ages. Art Deco treasures from the 1920s have been handed down as family heirlooms for decades and if you are one of the lucky ones then you have a one of a kind distinctive work of art that will last the test of time for generations to come.




The artistry and craftsmanship of this exquisite Art Deco ring really excels here. The platinum diamond and emerald plaque ring features an Early Modern Brilliant Cut diamond in the centre of 0.27ct, I colour and SI clarity and 2 side diamonds surrounded by 18 diamonds. Total weight 0.93ct. Elegantly accented with 6 small baguette cut emeralds.


This ring is a true reflection of the timeless style and elegance of the era.

To view more fabulous Art Deco dress rings please visit our website






Monday 13 July 2015

1930s Art Deco 5.82ct 'The Great Gatsby' Diamond Dress Ring




We have seen more and more young ladies falling in love with Art Deco engagement rings. This is not surprising as the fascination with geometries and proportions continues unabated. During the 1920s and 1930s the creation of transitional diamond cuts and advanced gemstone cutting resulted in glamorous and luxurious rings that suited the extravagance of living on a grander scale to suit the wealth of the roaring 20s.



The Art Deco era began in France, where the phrase was coined at the 1925 Exposition Des Arts Decoratif in Paris, where style, sophistication and class immediately come to mind. Back then jewellery was bold, dramatic and was all about making a statement. When the First World War ended, more and more women began to enter the fashion industry, marking the emergence of the Art Deco era and providing a touch of femininity to everything.



This extraordinary American platinum and iridium Art Deco dress ring circa 1930s is as eye-popping as you can get for a ring that represents the decade’s extravaganza. It is set with an Early Modern Brilliant Cut Diamond in the center weighing 1.78ct L colour and VS2 clarity accompanied by four 0.02ct round diamonds in the corner. Surrounding the central diamond you’ll see a wide variety of shapes; 4 Asscher cuts of 0.24ct each, 26 Baguette cut diamonds totaling 2.08ct, 8 early modern brilliant cut diamonds at 1ct in total and lastly 2 Triangle Cut shoulder Diamonds at 0.08ct. The overall total weight for the ring is 5.82ct. 


This ring is a stunning work of art that will be cherished for generations. 


To view more fabulous Art Deco dress rings please visit our website




 

Sunday 12 July 2015

18ct Victorian Ceylon Sapphire (2.00ct) & Diamond Cluster Ring Circa 1900




The sapphire and diamond cluster ring was an instant classic amongst fashionable ladies during the Victorian era and the popularity of the style has continued to go from strength to strength in the 21st century. This exquisite oval sapphire gemstone is not just any blue sapphire, but a natural Ceylon Sapphire of the finest deep vivid colour, weighing in at 2.00ct. Ceylon, or Ceilão was a name given to Sri Lanka when the Portuguese colonised the country in the early 1500s. Although the country gained independence in 1948 it was still widely known as Ceylon until it was officially named as Sri Lanka in 1972. However, sapphires from Sri Lanka are still named  Ceylon Sapphires, where a vast majority are predominately found. Although Sapphires are found in many countries, Explorer Marco Polo named Sri Lanka as having the most beautiful Sapphires in the world.




For centuries the Ceylon blue sapphire has been most coveted by royal families and aristocrats from around the world, admirers considered sapphires as a symbol of power, love and loyalty. Some of the world’s most famous women have worn Ceylon sapphires as their engagement ring, notably due to its beauty, allure and durability. Princess Diana wore the renowned 12ct oval Ceylon Sapphire engagement ring surrounded by round brilliant diamonds made by esteemed royal jeweller Garrard. The ring was then passed down to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Other prominent wearers of Ceylon Sapphires are Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Catherine II of Moscow.




This dazzling antique oval Ceylon Sapphire is surrounded by 14 x 0.05ct Old Mine Cut round diamonds totalling 0.70cts, colour I-J and VS-SI clarity. It is set in 18ct white gold with an 18ct yellow gold split shank tapered band that is both comfortable and secure. As a September birthstone sapphires would make an excellent birthday gift as well as gift for 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries. It is possibly the second most popular choice for engagement rings after diamonds. However, the popular combination of sapphires and diamonds gives you the best of both worlds.


 To view more fabulous antique sapphire jewellery please visit our website