Antique 18K, Silver & Diamond Navette Dinner Ring

The Belle Epoque, or 'Beautiful Age' (Fr.), was a period of peace and prosperity, with artistic expression taking the forefront in many forms of life, including fashion and jewelry. The timeframe for this era is 1871 - 1914, just before the onset of WWI. In America, this period is referred to as 'The Gilded Age'.  The Industrial Revolution stimulated the economy, making it possible for the middle classes to purchase luxuries like jewelry and fashionable adornments.

The dinner ring became popular during the Edwardian Era, when ladies wished to showcase their wealth, albeit in a genteel, understated manner. The rings had low profiles so they could be worn under a glove and 'revealed' when the lady removed her glove in order to dine. Predecessors to the cocktail ring, the style remained in vogue up until Prohibition, then enjoyed a resurgence during the 1930s and 1940s.

This glamorous, elegant dinner ring is what is called a 'navette', which means 'little ship' in French. The elongated diamond top is absolutely covered with fifteen diamonds and set in silver, which was the preference at the time. It's easy to imagine this ring on the hand of a lady, the diamonds glittering in the candlelight. Just as special today, it would be the star of any jewelry collection, so we have named her 'Danica', which means 'star'!

Details (approximate)

Size (can be resized): 9

Weight: 3.06 grams

Materials: Gold, Silver, Diamond

Metal: 18K yellow gold (shank); Silver (setting)

Marks: 18CT

Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear