Master design and craftsmanship are everywhere you look at this stunning c1940s aquamarine ring. This bright and unbelievably clean natural aquamarine is four claw set and shoulder heads are stepped with milgrain edged bezel set fluorite, which was often used in place of diamonds due to WWIl as it affected the supply of gemstones.
A lot of mines closed due to lack of workers and the trade routes were significantly affected. This affected the supply of diamonds and a lot of gemstones, forcing jewellers to use larger gemstones over diamonds. This saw the popularity of large aquamarines rise a lot with smaller alternative white gems and rubies then used as accent stones. This ring is a perfect example from this era. Due to the price of gold this also meant the jewellers had to use their ingenuity to give these rings volume whilst being more conservative with the gold used. This gave rise to the ribbon or volute style which is featured in this ring. Often open-worked galleries with swirling ribbons of gold and high heavy paneling were featured. Their popularity has really peaked in the last few years and they are being given the spotlight they deserve!
With so many interesting influences you can see why this style of ring is a favourite of mine. This beautiful piece encompasses every feature of the era including those shoulders that are made to curve around the opposite finger for the utmost level of comfort. The shank is a little misshapen due to being sized up in her lifetime.
Weight 8.72g
Size P
Beryl-Aquamarine x 1 15.74 x 11.76 x 7.74mm
Very Pale Blue Eye clean Approx 7.09cts
Fluorite x 6 @ 2.51mm average each
Approx 0.90ct Round Single Cut
Hallmarks 583/14ct Good
Sits 9.8mm off the finger
Valued $10,610