1930's Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold

About the Item

Made in Europe during the 1930's, this charming diamond engagement ring features an especially pretty European cut diamond amid a gracefully curving mounting of small accent diamonds. (please note that dark areas in the diamonds are just reflections) Set in 14K white gold and measuring approximately 5.3 mm in diameter, the beautiful center European cut diamond is estimated to weigh just over half a carat, or so. Extremely fiery and lively, the chunky old cut diamond has an open culet and beautiful facet pattern. I judge it to be in the H-I range of near-colorless and it faces up very white. Completely eye-clean, it's also beautiful under magnification. Original to the ring, it remains in very good condition - I see no nicks, chips or scratches, just a little bruting around the girdle (very common with old cut/antique diamonds). It's still held securely within the vintage squared setting. A total of 18 small fiery diamonds are bead-set across the curved and milgrain edged shoulders. Some are small European cut diamonds and some are single cut diamonds, which I believe are old replacements. (I count 6 OEC cuts and 13 single cuts) Measuring approximately 1.2 - 1 mm in diameter, I estimate the smaller stones total carat weight to be approximately .12 to .14 carats, bringing the estimated total carat weight in the ring to approximately .65 carats, or so. Also, remaining in good condition, these smaller stones are lovely accents, with good color and eye-clean clarity. I see only a few teeny tiny clear inclusions in some of the single cuts, viewed with magnification. Their bead settings show some expected wear; the milgrain remains nice and crisp. I love the curved gallery that allows so much light into the diamonds, as well as the profile that allows the engagement ring to sit very nicely, snuggled up with a band, if desired. Very elegant and sparkly on the hand, the face of the ring measures approximately 17 x 6 mm, with a rise off the finger of approximately 6.07 mm at the highest point - the table of the center diamond. The reeded style band gently tapers from approximatley 3.18 mm at the shoulders to approximately 1.8 mm at the very back. An original European mark of "585" remains inside, indicating 14K gold. (I have also tested the gold to confirm its purity) Showing no signs of having been sized in the past, the ring registers as a size 8 on my mandrel but fits a little more generously due to the style of the band. It may be sized up or down within reason by a good jeweler. on my scale, the finished weight is 3.12 grams. Overall, the ring is in very good vintage condition, with some expected light superficial wear that could be buffed and polished if desired. The color of the white gold is very slightly warm as it hasn't been rhodiumed. (it certainly could be, if you like)

Ring Size:

8 US, Resizable

Metal:

White Gold

Stone:

Diamond

Stone Cut:

Old European Cut

Weight:

3.12 g

Place of Origin:

Europe

Period:

20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1930 to 1942

Condition:

Replacements made: I believe the small accent diamonds were likely all originally old European cut stones - over time I think some of these small stones were replaced with old single cut stones, so there is now a combination of cuts visible with magnification. Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Danvers, MA

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU3614220072762

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