French Retro 18K Gold, Platinum, Diamond & Sapphire Ring

A classic Retro 18K gold and platinum ring with a special twist—the use of natural “pierres de famille” instead of synthetic stones in modern cuts. The crown of the ring is centered with a good rose cut diamond of about .62 carat (with a face-up appearance of about 1.5 carats) flanked on either side by a graduated pair of cushion cut blue sapphires, and bordered on the outer edges with bands of old mine and old European cut diamonds. The sides of the crown are worked with a pierced gallery. Many Retro jewels were created during the World War II years, hence the frequent use of synthetic gemstones. This ring, however, features natural stones that were repurposed from the owner’s old jewels inherited from family into something more fashionable. The shank is stamped with French 18K gold and platinum hallmarks.

• Origin: France, ca 1940
• Condition: excellent, typical wear to surfaces of sapphires
• Dimensions: crown 7/8” long x 5/8” wide tapering to 3/16” at the back of the shank
• Finger Size: 6
• Approximate Total Gemstone Weight: diamond, 1.22 cts; sapphire, 2.76 cts
• Weight: 8.6 g