A Spark from the Past: Vintage Fifties Diamond Engagement Ring

A splendid embodiment of vintage glamour, this Fifties engagement ring, circa 1950, is believed to be of Belgian origin. Fashioned in platinum, it features a resplendent old European cut diamond, complemented by seven brilliant cut diamonds, culminating in an approximate total carat weight of 1.32. Historically, diamonds symbolised strength, courage, and invincibility, evolving into emblems of love, as evidenced in the tradition initiated by Archduke Maximillian in 1477. This ring captures the essence of that heritage, presenting a timeless testament to love and commitment.

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring)

Condition: very good condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Vintage Fifties (of the twentieth century)
  -  See also: Fifties (of the twentieth century) or more info on styles

Period: ca. 1950
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Material: platinum
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Extra information: Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April, and besides being the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, it is also the anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage.

Even though the diamond is the hardest of all gemstones known to man, it is the simplest in composition: it is common carbon. The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to earth. It was even said by some that they were the tears of the Gods or perhaps crystallized lightning or hardened dew drops. The exact origin of diamonds remained something of a mystery for centuries.

In ancient times only kings wore diamonds as a symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. Over the centuries, the diamond acquired its unique status as the ultimate gift of love. It was said that Cupid's arrows were tipped with diamonds which have a magic that nothing else can ever quite equal.

But it wasn't until 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, that the tradition of diamond engagement rings began. Even the reason a woman wears it on the third finger of her left hand dates back to the early Egyptian belief that the vena amoris (vein of love) ran directly from the heart to the top of the third finger, left hand.

Diamond(s): One old European cut diamond with an estimated weight of ± 0.62ct. (colour and clarity: K/M, i).
Seven brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 0.70ct. (colour and clarity: F/H, si/i).

Total diamond count: Eight pcs.

Total diamond weight: approx. 1.32 crt.

- All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: No trace.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: diameter of top of ring 1,20 cm (0,47 inch)

Weight: 3,80 gram (2,44 dwt)

Ring size Continental: 55 & 17½ , Size US 7¼ , Size UK: O

Resizing: Free resizing (only for extreme resizing we have to charge).
  -  (more info on ring sizes)

Reference Nº: 17185-0383

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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