Antique, Edwardian ruby & old-cut diamond bombé ring

Provenance

Made in c.1915 this Edwardian ruby and diamond bombé ring would have been the height of sophistication back when it was first made, and its certainly no less sophisticated now! The style of this ring is called bombé - meaning bomb-shaped in French - due to its characteristic domed shape. These rings mark the early development of the cocktail ring which was to come into full bloom towards the end of the Art Deco era. 

Set to centre with a natural ruby of Siam (modern day Thailand) origin in an open-backed rub-over setting in yellow gold. The ruby has such a striking scarlet-red colour which is often hard to come by, with most natural unheated rubies being more on the pink side. Round cut, it has a lively and bright appearance making it a joy to look down and admire on the hand.

Flanked on either side by a round old-cut diamond, an antique hand-cut diamond style characterised by its softer, more romantic sparkle compared to the harsh scintillation of modern laser-cut stones. These diamonds were the first diamonds to be cut in-the-round and mark a pioneering moment in the history of diamond cutting. To an intricately pierced bombé design formed by refined openwork - known then as "platinum lace" due to its delicacy and precision. The open-work forms acanthus leaf motifs and slightly more geometric forms alluding to the very early development of the geometric style which would go on to define the Art Deco movement just ten years later.

The shoulders taper so elegantly to form a solid platinum D-shape shank and the ring sits nice and low in profile, making it comfortable and tactile to wear. This is certainly a ring with a lot of character and personality which has undoubtedly lived a very fun past life before! 

The Natural Stones

• Ruby weight: 0.90ct
• Ruby size: Length 5.3mm; Width 5.2mm; Depth 3.6mm
• Gem Certificate: Natural, unheated; of Siam (Thailand) origin; round mixed-cut; Accompanied by GCS certificate #81820-52.
• Total diamond weight: 0.50ct; Round old-cut diamonds.

The Band

• Metal Composition: Platinum.
• Hallmarks: Marked with 'PLAT' to indicate platinum.

The Ring Overall

• Front Head Dimensions: Length 11.5mm; Width 19.5mm
• Height of Setting: 4mm

General Wear & Condition

• Excellent: all stones are secure and well set, with no damage to the mount. Professionally polished and carefully inspected by our workshop, ready to wear and enjoy.

Unless stated otherwise, gem weights and specifications are estimated (assessed in mount).