DATE: Retro, c.1940

Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of retro era jewellery (late 1930s through to 1950) but, as with most things (music, food, literature, etc.) I can usually find something in a given style/genre I really like. And this French ring is one such example of retro jewellery that I really do like. A stunning marquise rose cut diamond is the focal point of this 1940s solitaire. It's mounted in a white gold collet setting with arched shoulders stepping down towards the band - the largest arch on each side featuring pierced openwork decoration. It's not too bulky (as these rings often are) and it's positively architectural, with subtle hints of the preceding Art Deco era. Crafted in 18 karat gold.

STONES 

Marquise Shape Rose Cut Diamond

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 13.7 x 15.4mm (north/south by east/west)

Width of band: 2.9mm

Diamond: 11.6 x 5.2mm

WEIGHT 

4.0g

MARKS 

French control marks (eagle head) for 18k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, light wear commensurate with age and use. Some minor losses to the white gold collet setting. One of the gold diamonds cut out of the shoulder has come away on one side