Estate engagement ring with diamond and lapis lazuli lady di style

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring)

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Estate
  -  See also: estate jewelry or more info on styles

Period: ca. 1950
  -  (events and facts in 1950)

Material: 18k yellow gold and silver, see also: The silver on gold technique
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Technique: Gold-backed silver or the silver on gold technique. This technique finds its origin centuries ago, when jewelers believed that only a silver mounting could render the true beauty of a diamond. Backing the silver jewel with a (thin) layer of gold was a practical precaution taken to avoid the silver jewelry leaving black stains on clothing or skin. Over the years, with the recognition (and thus use) of platinum as precious metal and the development of white gold the practical necessity to use bi-colored material became obsolete. The argument to use bi-colored metals became more an estetic then a practical one.

Extra information: Betrothal rings were used during Roman times, but weren't generally revived in the Western world until the 13th century. The first well-documented use of a diamond ring to signify engagement was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in imperial court of Vienna in 1477, upon his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy.

Before the 20th century, other types of betrothal gifts were common. Before the end of the 19th century, the bride-to-be frequently received a sewing thimble rather than a engagement ring. This practice was particularly common among religious groups that shunned jewelry. Engagement rings didn't become standard in the West until the end of the 19th century, and diamond rings didn't become common until the 1930s. Now, 80% of the women are offered a diamond ring to signify engagement. (from: Wikipedia)

Lady Di ring - Princess Diana's Engagement Ring - In the early 1980s, no single piece of jewelry represented a fairy tale romance more than Princess Diana’s engagement ring. The Princess of Wales had captured the public’s heart, and her exquisite taste in fine gems became an icon for the royal feeling every bride wants on her wedding day.

Prince Charles initially proposed without an engagement ring, insisting that Diana consider the implications of the role of his wife – being a couple under constant camera barrage and the pressure to provide the next generation’s heir – before accepting. Diana, however, needed little encouragement, and after she accepted a selection of engagement rings was presented for her consideration by Garrard Jewellers. Diana choose an oval blue sapphire engagement ring that weighed in at an astounding 18 carats and was surrounded by 14 small diamonds in an elegant cluster setting.

Although this ring is "a tad" smaller than its royal compeer it has great allure and just waiting for its princess to wear.

Many years later, in 2010 to be precise, their son Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his mom's engagement ring.... (to be continued we guess).

Diamonds: 16 brilliant cut diamonds with a total estimated weight of approx. 1.04 crt.
Note: All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Total diamond weight: approx. 1.04 crt.

Precious stones: One cabochon cut lapis lazuli
  -  (more info on precious stones)

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and lapis lazuli for September.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: "18K" and "750" indicating 18K gold
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: top of ring 2,12 cm (0,83 inch) x 1,80 cm (0,71 inch)

Weight: 5,00 gram (5,00 dwt)

Reference Nº: 12268-0054

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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