Gifts of Grandeur: An Art Deco Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald Ring, 1920-1930

Ring
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Since we’re looking at rings and things with rings today, let’s study this handsome Art Deco creation which may have been made in the U.S. between 1920 and 1930. This ring features a central band of baguette cut diamonds with pointed ends. Above and below the central band is a line of sapphires and emeralds, cut to fit the peaked edge of the diamonds and arranged in blocks of color. This is further outlined by an outer band of brilliant-cut diamonds.


This shows the Art Deco love of the concentration of densely-packed gemstones in a precise geometric arrangement. The color of the stones is allowed to speak for itself, mounted in a discreet platinum setting. Art Deco jewelers loved platinum because its strength allowed minimal quantities of metal to be used, and allowed the diamonds and colored gemstones to have the greatest possible prominence.