Recently Sold (ADR262)

Toi Et Moi - Art Deco 14K White Gold Old European Cut Diamond 'You And Me' Wedding Set With The Original Celluloid Velvet Box. This exquisite ring-set  is crafted from 14K white gold, hallmarked 14K. The Engagement ring features two natural Old European hand-cut diamonds, Art Deco era styling and high quality craftsmanship. The wedding band features one natural Old European hand-cut Diamond, 6 natural hand-cut single cut diamonds, art Deco styling, and high quality craftsmanship. The gallery on the engagement ring is masterly hand-set with two beautiful high quality sparkling diamonds (side by side), which represents 'you and me'. The shoulders are a beautifully decorated with forget-me-knot flowers (a characteristic often seen on antique jewelry) and some lovely raised detail. The wedding bands gallery is expertly hand-set with a row of sparkling diamonds, and raised detail, which matches the engagement ring. The band is smooth and polished, which allows for a comfortable fit and easy sizing. This rare Art Deco era find would make a wonderful wedding set for that special someone. 

Comments: Exquisite design, and high quality diamonds. 

Note: Appraisals included with the ring set. Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of antique jewelry. 

History : The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. A majority of these early stones were transported along the network of trade routes that connected India and China, commonly known as the Silk Road. 

Toi et Moi, meaning ‘you and me’ in French, might be some of the most romantic and simple words someone could hear from a love one. Having these words translated into a ring is even more romantic! Toi et Moi rings are made with two stones that are set next to each other without ever touching and  on the same ring. Historically, these stones were of similar size and shape, but contemporary designers are playing with this design.

One of the first Toi et Moi rings mentioned in jewelry history is that of Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1796, Napoleon was a revolutionary soldier in the French army. Napoleon offered to his first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais a gorgeous Toi et Moi ring. At the time, Josephine was 6 years older than him, with 2 children from a previous marriage. Napoleon’s family was none too pleased about this union, but nothing could stop the two lovebirds. The Toi et Moi ring was made in gold, with a delicate band holding a pear shaped sapphire and an antique pear shaped diamond. Each weigh just under 1-carat. Though they divorced in 1810, this ring is still a strong symbol of romance and love. In 2013, the ring sold for just under $1 million at Osenat, a French auction house! 

The Reesor's Jewellery store has a long history in Brandon. It started as one of Brandon's earliest businesses in 1882 by David Anson (D.A.) Reesor. The store sold wedding rings, silverware, watches, clocks and missed marriage licenses. 

Around 1900 the original store was destroyed by fire. D.A. Reesor reopened his business at 824 Rosser Avenue in 1902. The new store featured oak wall showcases with full glass plate fronts and a long glass counter running down the centre of the store. The second floor was devoted to the watch repair shop. 

Reesor spent every day until his death at the age of 80 at his jewelry store. When Reesor passed away he was considered to be Brandon's oldest merchant. After Reesor's death in 1940. the store was sold to Fred Fenwick and then to A.E. (Ted) Duffield in 1958. In 1978, Jane Duffield, and his sister Judy McIntosh took over the business from their father. 

The business occupied the 824 Rosser Avenue location until 1979, when the building was torn down to make way for the Brandon Gallery Mall (Towne Center). Reesor's Jewellery (1958) Ltd moved into the mall in 1980 and operated there until 1997. Today, Reesor's Jewellery is located in the Shopper's Mall. 

Measurements: Face of the rings (Engagement Ring) 18.00 mm x 5.50 mm  (Wedding  Ring) 18.00 mm x 3.50 mm 

Stone Size: Diamond (Old European Cut) Engagement Ring 1.00 carats  Wedding Band .23 carats  = 1.23 carats Total Weight 

Weight: 5.20 grams     

Ring Size: 5 1/2 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Canada, Brandon, Manitoba      Provenance: Originally purchased at Reesor's Jewellery in the 1920s, family heirloom from private estate. 

Date: Circa 1920