Blog
This beautiful solitaire engagement ring features a sparkling 0.50 carat old European cut diamond of H color and VS2 clarity. The gem is set in platinum prong mounting with carved scrollwork detailing on the shoulders. The inside of the setting is stamped with the maker’s mark "B.S. & F." for Black, Starr & Frost, a historic New York jewelry firm. This piece dates c. 1920.
We’re smack in the middle of the House of Virgo, the 6th house of the zodiac that rules from August 23rd to September 22nd. Virgo is Latin for Virgin, so naturally the constellation is represented as a maiden with flowing hair.
The Constellation Virgo painted by Sidney Hall in 1825.
We couldn’t help but see a similarity between Ms. Virgo and the languid ladies depicted by Art Nouveau artists:
The Precious Stones: Topaz, Ruby, Amethyst & Emerald. By Alphonse Mucha, 1900.
The above series depicts four maidens representing topaz, ruby, amethyst and emerald. We they'd look equally lovely rendered in gold and diamonds:
Art Nouveau Lady Locket in 14k gold and diamond, c. 1900. Currently available at Gray & Davis.
If a gemstone ring is worn frequently, chances are that sooner or later the stones will become loose. If this happens to you, don’t panic because it happens to everyone! You wouldn’t expect a car to be used day in and day out without every requiring maintenance, and jewelry is no different. Our hands are busy---even when extra care is taken, over time a ring is bound to take a little abuse. Bumping into the edge of a drawer, getting snagged on clothing, and general wear to prongs can all contribute to stones getting a little loose in the setting.
In order to be sure that a gem doesn’t fall out completely, there are some easy preventative measures that can be taken.
1) Try to avoid wearing your ring while sleeping or doing any sort of manual labor. This will help keep the stones tight in their setting for as long as possible.
2) Every once in a while, do the “tap” test. Hold your ring up to your ear, grasping the metal band. Tap the band lightly, and listen closely for any rattling noises. If you hear any rattling, it means the stones are a bit loose and need to be tightened.
3) If there are any signs that a stone is loose stop wearing your ring, and bring it in to Gray & Davis for a complimentary ring checkup! This service is included for life with every ring purchase. We’ll tighten all the stones, give it a good cleaning and examine it to see if any other repairs are needed. Even if you don’t notice anything amiss, we still recommend bringing in your ring every six months to one year just to be sure.
A beautiful .53 carat I/SI1 old European cut diamond is set in a charming mount that features buttercup prongs and an Egyptian lotus motif on the shoulders. Worn hallmarks tell us this ring was fabricated in England, most likely in the late 19th century.
Currently available at Gray & Davis.
Would you say yes?
This darling vintage engagement ring features a 0.35 carat brilliant cut diamond and a simple platinum setting with diamond-embellished shoulders. Sometimes the best things come in small packages.
Currently available at Gray & Davis.
Would you say yes?
Gray & Davis carries a unique selection of antique & vintage engagement rings and collector's jewelry from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras. We are also available for custom work and repairs.
Gray & Davis | 234 West 13th Street, New York, NY, 10011, United States