Deco Artistry - art Deco 14K White Gold Natural 'Old European Cut' Diamond Ring (ADR277)

Deco Artistry - Art Deco 14K White Gold Natural 'Old European Cut' Diamond Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted from 14K white gold, hallmarked 14K. The ring features one natural Old European cut diamond, 4 natural Old European cut diamonds (side),  Art Deco era styling and quality gold-work. The sparkling centre diamond is housed by a square setting , and flanked by two shimmering diamonds on each side of the gallery. The shoulders are chased with exquisite foliage motifs, adding beauty and character to the ring. The diamonds are bright, white and full of life and sparkle. The shank is polished and smooth, which allows for a comfortable fit. This Art Deco era ring is a piece to be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come, a true Art Deco treasure. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of antique jewelry. It is recommended that this ring be insured for $1200.00 (tax Excluded) 

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.

The old European cut diamond became very popular around the late 1800s and is the predecessor of today’s modern round brilliant cut. This antique cut has once again become a favorite due to the features of its cutting style and the fact that no two stones will ever be cut exactly alike. As one of the most popular antique diamond shapes, the old European cut diamond was the all-important step in diamond-cutting evolution to go from a classic like the old mine cut to today’s more modern shapes.

A well-cut round diamond is always going to be popular, and the old European cut diamond was the most well-cut round diamond of its time. Most popular from around 1890-1930, the old European cut evolved from the old mine cut, which appeared early in the 1700s. The old European cut is known as a transitional cut. It still had the large culet (the point at the bottom of the diamond that is sometimes flat, or large, when the facets don’t meet in a point), high crown, and small table of the old mine cut, but it was round instead of cushion and featured more precise cutting details.

As the name denotes, the old European cut was developed in Europe and widely adopted throughout the continent. The stones were taken from the rough, measured, cleaved and cut entirely by hand. Without the precision cutting technology that is used today, these cut-by-hand diamonds are all slightly different and always unique.

Like the modern round brilliant cut, the old European cut has 58 facets. However, the location of these facets and their proportions and size all vary. This is why each one is so incredibly unique and no two will ever look the same. However, just as with the old mine cut, these stones were cut by candlelight and meant to be worn at night, so diamonds were always cut to maximize their sparkle under this lighting.

600 BC: The first gold coins are struck in Lydia, Asia Minor. These are a crude mix of gold and silver. 560 BC: The Lydians learn how to refine these metals and the world's first bi-metallic coinage is created: gold and silver. These are called Croesids after their King, Croesus.

White gold has been around since the turn of the 19th century, but it wasn't until the 1920s when it really started gaining popularity. At the time, platinum had been the preferred precious metal for jewellery. But it quickly became scarce as World War II raged on, and countries began to stockpile it for military use.

Measurements: Face of the Ring 12.00 mm x 9.00 mm 

Stone Size: Diamond (Old European Cut Centre ) .03 carats   Diamonds(Old European Cut Sides )  .04 carat 

Weight: 1.58 grams 

Ring Size: 6  

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1920