Remarkably Flashy Retro Fashion Ring c. 1940

Caroline's Jewelry with a Past is offering a 14kt. rose gold Retro Modern ladies fashion ring circa 1940. This piece has all the design elements typical of this period in jewelry design. It has a central bezel set, round, brilliant cut diamond of 0.33 carats (1/3 cart) set in platinum. This diamond is SI2 clarity, I-J color (as-mounted assessment). There are an additional 14 round diamonds, prong set and mounted in platinum. These diamonds accent the center stone in a crescent shape. The side diamonds have a total of 0.62 carats (11 -0.05 points, 1- 0.03 point, 1- 0.02 point, 1- 0.015 point). The total weight for all diamonds is 0.95 carats (prox). For added color, there are 11 round, prong set, medium dark red rubies fanning out around the diamonds. The rubies measure 3mm each for a total weight of 0.90 carats (prox). The ring is a size 6, can be re-sized , and weighs 11.3 grams. The dimensions of this ring are, 1" (north to south) X 1" (east to west).

Retro modern jewelry first appeared in continental Europe, notably France around the mid 1930's. At the New York World's Fair in 1939, van Cleef and Arpels exhibited their "Retro Modern" collection of jewelry made with rose gold, large stones, and big styles which started the fad. The "big look" in jewelry continued through World War II. This jewelry had more circular and fluid lines than the Art Deco style which preceded it.

The gold content of this piece has been tested using standard accepted testing methods, such as acid testing. The platinum has been tested using standard testing methods and deemed to be a platinum layer on top of the 14kt. rose gold. The diamond and ruby sizes were calculated using a standard jeweler's caliper. The diamond was tested using a standard jeweler's diamond tester. The rubies were tested using a jeweler's stone tester. The diamonds and rubies were not removed from the piece to do physical testing or for weight.