Antique Proposal - Edwardian Signed 'Ryrie' 18K Gold Natural Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring (EDR093)

Antique Proposal - Edwardian Signed 'Ryrie' 18K Gold Natural 'Old European Cut' Diamond Engagement Ring. This exquisite ring is crafted from 18K yellow and white  gold, hallmarked 18K. The ring features one natural 'Old European Cut' diamond, 6 natural Old European Cut side diamonds, Edwardian era styling and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring is expertly claw-set with a beautiful glowing diamond. The shoulders are tapered, crafted in white gold, and adorned by 3 glowing diamonds on each side. The shoulders exhibit exquisite delicate milgrain decoration, which is crafted in white gold. The ring is delicate, however it is substantial and solid for daily wear. The profile of the ring showcases cathedral shoulders, which gives the ring a lower sitting profile. The shank is polished and smooth, which allows for a comfortable fit and easy sizing. This wonderful ring would make a very special engagement ring, gift, or addition to any fine jewelry collection. 

Note: Appraisal included with the ring. 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.

The Old European Cut, a historic diamond cut, evolved in Europe and gained popularity between 1890 and 1930, serving as a precursor to the modern Round Brilliant cut. It's characterized by its round shape, high crown, and a small table, offering a unique charm due to being hand-cut. This cut was especially popular during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods. 

In 1953, GIA formally created its diamond grading system, known as the 4 C's. The 4 Cs of diamond quality are the universally recognized diamond grading system still to be used today.  1n 1955, GIA presented its first diamond grading reports, which became the hallmark of grading reports in the diamond industry. Before this time in antiquity clients did not care about diamond grading. It was based more so on the size of the diamonds (according to budget) , style, and sentiment.  This ring is a wonderful example of the Art Deco era, just beautiful! 

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

Although the origin of white color gold dates back to 1710, where it was discovered by two alchemists in Germany, it wasn't used widely until much later. White gold as we know it today was really popularised in the 1920s. Although it might seem strange, this luxury material came to popularity in wartime.

The history of the Canadian jewelry company Ryrie is tied to Ryrie Brothers, founded in Toronto around 1897 by James Ryrie, later joined by his brother Harry. Ryrie Brothers became a retail jeweller specializing in high-quality silverware and hollowware. In 1905, the company became a subsidiary of the well-known Canadian jeweler Birks, initially continuing as Ryrie, then as Ryrie-Birks, before full amalgamation with Birks by 1924. 

The Edwardian era corresponds to the reign of King Edward VII in Great Britain, whose short-lived governance (1901-1910) followed Victoria's long reign and preceded the modern House of Windsor in England. The "Edwardian" style broadly encompasses the years of 1901 through to 1919.

Measurements: 16.50 mm x 5.00 mm 

Stone Size: Diamond (Old European Cut Centre Diamond ) .47 carats         Diamonds(Old European Cut Side Diamonds) .12 carats        Total .59 carats 

Weight: 1.93 grams 

Ring Size: 5

Condition: Excellent     Note: Pristine Condition

Origin: Canada, Toronto    Company Ryrie , which is affiliated with Birks. 

Date: Circa 1910