Belle Epoque / Edwardian Archives

Late Edwardian diamond solitaire engagement ring.

February 12, 2013

Diamond + filigree = true love.

Edwardian diamond solitaire and filigree engagement ring, late 1920's. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This lacy Edwardian diamond solitaire engagement ring comes from the early 1920’s. It centers a beautiful and brilliant European-cut diamond, weighing .65 carat, which bright-white from within a hexagonal setting.

There are only so many ways I can tell you that I love filigree. I bet this one’s really sparkly, with all that light coming through the openwork on the sides.

Side view of an Edwardian diamond solitaire and filigree engagement ring, late 1920's. Via Diamonds in the Library.

And it passes my final test for ring love – embellishment in unexpected and unnecessary places!

Alternate view of an Edwardian diamond solitaire and filigree engagement ring, late 1920's. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This fabulous Edwardian diamond solitaire engagement ring was sold to some lucky person by Lang Antiques, and is listed in the Lang Antiques archive. (I bet she said yes.) All images and info are thanks to Lang.

2.90 carat antique cushion-cut diamond engagement ring

February 10, 2013

I tend to go for squarish diamonds over roundish, but there are exceptions. And this Edwardian solitaire engagement ring is one of them.

2.90 carat antique cushion-cut diamond engagement ring, circa 1915. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Isn’t it great? It was made in 1915. I think the contrast of that 2.90 carat antique cushion-cut diamond with the delicately engraved platinum ring is wonderful. It has a gorgeous gallery, too.

2.90 carat antique cushion-cut diamond engagement ring, circa 1915. Side view. Via Diamonds in the Library.

It’s a little tricky to tell, but the filigree of the gallery actually forms a fleur-de-lys motif. And please note that that hand-engraving goes absolutely all around the ring.

2.90 carat antique cushion-cut diamond engagement ring, circa 1915. Alternate view. Via Diamonds in the Library.

The Lang Antiques’ description sums up this antique cushion-cut diamond engagement ring by saying, “Understated elegance par excellence.” 2.90 carats is a lot of sparkle power for “understated,” but I still think the phrase suits the design of the ring, if not the size of the diamond, perfectly.

A 2.90 carat antique cushion-cut diamond engagement ring, circa 1915. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This antique cushion-cut diamond engagement ring is currently for sale at Lang Antiques. All images and info are thanks to Lang.

Seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara, circa 1915.

February 6, 2013

While I love to look at any tiara, when I picture myself wearing one it looks something like this seed pearl and diamond bandeau.

Seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara, circa 1915. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This simple, elegant, beautiful seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara was made in 1915. It is set at the center with a pear-shaped diamond, and is further accented with circular- and single-cut diamonds. The diamonds are arranged in a simple, geometric pattern; bordered by seed pearls on both the top and bottom.

Detail view of a seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara, circa 1915. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara was listed in Sotheby’s May 2012 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

What do you think of it? Are you seduced by its delicate lines and restrained elegance, or would you prefer something flashier?

(As for when I might need a tiara: all kinds of occasions. Like in case I am suddenly transported to a land where I am a princess, or receive an invitation to a fancy party at Downton Abbey in the 1920’s, or if I am in the mood for formal grocery shopping.)

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