Double Deco Delights

October 21st, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Recently, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some outstanding vintage Art Deco jewelry. We appraised this wonderful diamond and black onyx ring which features two large Old European cut diamonds, both approximately 1 3/4 cts, both eye clean, near colorless and well matched. Imagine some flapper gal dancing the night away in a Roaring 20’s speakeasy wearing this striking piece, the epitome of the cocktail ring!

These magnificent gems, bezeled and set, along with diamond encrusted platinum insets, into the black onyx (dyed black chalcedony) cabochon create a very dramatic effect, typical of the Art Deco style. In this classic handcrafted platinum setting, we see meticulous work and attention to detail inside and out– the ring is beautiful from almost any angle! Though it’s not marked, we think the piece was made in France or Switzerland during the 1920’s or so.

 

We were lucky enough to acquire this platinum Art Deco ring, set with two unusually high quality one carat + Old European cut diamonds. one of VVS2 clarity, the other of VS1, both of high color.

 

Note the detailed bright cutting and engraving, crisp milgraining and fine hand pierced filigree work. No stamped out parts here! Our very well preserved vintage sparkler dazzles from across the room- it’s some serious bling! Now auditioning in our vintage jewelry case– call for price.

These two rings are good solutions to one of the toughest design problems in jewelry making, that of setting two similar sized stones side by side in a piece of jewelry. Designs with odd numbers and a center, such as the three stone ring, always seem balanced and easy to look at. Two stones mounted together are like a teeter totter, and can easily seem out of whack,  so the challenge is to create an attractive balance. We think both treatments are very effective- what’s your opinion?

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