As WWII brought the diamond-cutting workshops of Amsterdam to a halt, American manufacturers stepped in to produce the industrial diamonds needed for the war effort, and also the gem quality diamonds sought after by sweethearts eager to show their commitment to far-away fiancées. Dinhofer Brothers of New York City was among these manufacturers. Founded by Romanian immigrants in the 1920s as producers of platinum and gold jewelry, by the 1940s they employed sixty women as diamond cutters.

One of those sixty women was Gladys Purisch, who left her job as a stenographer to make three times the salary working as a cutter. Perhaps it was even Gladys who faceted the sparkling diamonds in this ring. If so, we think she did a wonderful job.

Platinum & diamond mid-century engagement ring, featuring approx. 0.65 carat old European cut diamond of J/K color and VS2 clarity. Maker’s mark for Dinhofer Bros, c. 1940s – 1950s.

Currently a size 6, this ring can be resized.