SOLD Retro 18K, Diamond & Ruby Ring

Usually, when you  consider something that is “Retro”, you think of  something dating back to the 1960s or 1970s. But when it comes to Retro jewelry, the time period involved goes back even further, to around the time of World War II. Like Art Nouveau, the Retro jewelry period is both highly distinctive and relatively short lived. Because platinum was needed as a strategic metal during WWII, the jewelry of the 1940s made a sudden turn to rose and rosy-yellow gold. The bold dramatic designs that distinguish Retro jewels immediately evoke the style and glamour of Golden Age Hollywood. Retro pieces resembled the geometric jewelry of 1920’s Art Deco era. But Retro pieces were three-dimensional, not flat. Also, due to wartime scarcity, they weren’t adorned from top to bottom with glittering jewels like Deco jewelry. These bold, modern pieces went well with the masculine wartime fashions of famous designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. Retro jewelry is also known as Retro Modern or Cocktail jewelry, and often incorporates fanciful versions of  every day objects, flowers, seashells, birds and other animals.

This streamlined Retro ring is set in bright yellow 18 karat gold, with two half circles of electric pink rubies on the top, and three rows of glittery diamonds across the band. Like a glowing, modern neon light on a movie marquee, it must have caused quite a sensation when first worn. A glamorous piece, perfect for reflecting your name in lights!

Details (approximate)

Size (can be resized): 6

Dimensions: Ring top is 12mm wide

Weight: 5.8 grams; Diamonds approx. .44ctw

Materials: Gold, ruby, diamond

Metal: 18K yellow gold

Marks: 750/J.T.

Condition: Very good vintage condition; some wear on stones commensurate with age and wear.

LORL, LOE