Help finding history, background for estate engagement ring

by Alex G
(Norristown, Pennsylvania )

Hi, I just bought an estate engagement ring from a local independent jeweler. My soon-to-be-fiance loved it in the showroom and I went back to buy it. But I'd love to get more history on it before giving it to her - like how old is the ring/diamond, is there a style that it followed (or design name), where might it be from, how common is it etc.?

Here's what I know: paper work says it's got an old European cut center diamond, 1ct, 18k white gold, no stamps on it or numbers on the diamond. The accent diamonds are listed as round single cut but another jeweler I saw today insists they are old mine cut accent diamonds (she really liked them!). I've attached a picture.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!
Alex

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starstarstarstarstar 		Gorgeous--Elegant--Stunning choice!
by: Bettes

Alex, it IS gorgeous!! You & your fiancée have superlative tastes. Thanks for sharing the photos…most helpful for those of us who love solving mysteries, especially those involving antique and vintage rings.

Your magnificent engagement ring is from early 1900s. From late 1800s to maybe 1920s, even the late 20s. Edwardian jewelry began adding filigree pieces. Some jewelers may suggest Art Deco or Art Nouveau period/design. Your own study will guide you well.

Suzanne has the answers! Here on her website! Suzanne Gardener’s Everything Wedding Rings gives outstanding information about Edwardian, Art Deco and Art Nouveau wedding rings! Edwardian jewelry was already well-respected when Art Deco and Art Nouveau pieces began to make their appearance.

On Suzanne's drop-down menu, upper right corner, there's "Antique Rings" choice. Dig into it, Alex. She's a great teacher!

Start with the Edwardian jewelry section. Suzanne’s words in that section: "It was during this time that the famous filigree ring made its debut, and today an authentic antique filigree ring is truly something to cherish." Note well the last phrase she writes.

Two reasons from my own view that I offer this information: 1) My dearest friend’s grandmother, born 1880, treasured her white gold filigree ring. Married in 1897, yes, she was young, this was her engagement ring. I admired it greatly & asked for similar one for my engagement ring.) 2) I myself have a 18k white gold filigree ring from that period--with pair of Old European cut diamonds. Over 100 years old in 2015. Original owner was past 100 at her death in 2005.

All the best to you & your fiancée, Bettes in N.C.
PS: Since there don’t seem to be any replies to your posting, you must have recently posted it. (It’s just past mid-April 2020.)

Your Facts for this beautiful Ring: 1ct, 18k white gold. No identifying stamps inside the ring’s shank (band). Some rings have 18k stamped inside. More recent made-in-this style may have the company or designer’s stamp.
Diamond: 1ct Old European cut diamond
Accent diamonds: round single cut OR perhaps old mine cut accent diamonds.

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