Delectable Art Deco Filigree Diamond and Sapphire Belais Ring c. 1915

Caroline's Jewelry with a Past is offering an Edwardian / Art Deco ring in 18kt. white gold filigree, circa 1915. The center diamond is a round, bezel and prong set 0.25 carats old European cut diamond. It is SI2 clarity, I color. This lovely piece has 2 long triangular shaped sapphire accents and an additional eight 0.04 carat diamonds in the lovely mount. The ring is decorated with engraving around the shank. The mounting is a "Belais" made mounting, the original makers of white gold in the US. The center of the ring measures 15/16" tall (north to south) X 5/8" (east to west) wide. A charming ring, it is a size 7-1/2, can be resized and is in excellent condition. The piece weighs 3.3 grams.

During the Edwardian era, platinum became the metal of choice in jewelry. Around 1917, white gold became a substitute for platinum. It was developed by the Belais Brothers of New York who were the American creators of a formula for white gold. It took them 30 years to perfect the correct combination of metals to produce the look they desired. Their white gold was introduced about 1917. Throughout much of the 1920's, most jewelers called white gold, "18kt. Belais". The Belais brothers held the patent on the process throughout the 1920's.

The gold content of this piece has been tested using standard accepted testing methods, such as acid testing. The piece is marked "Belais" and "18kt.". The diamonds were measured for size using a standard jeweler's caliper. The diamonds were tested using a standard jeweler's diamond tester. The stones were not removed from the piece to determine exact carat weight.