Van Cleef & Arpels Mid-Century Diamond Ring

Created in 1944, this Van Cleef & Arpels Paris ring is composed of diamonds, 18K gold and platinum. The flared, bombé form centers a graduating line of old European-cut diamonds, within a reflective concave and sculpted surround, with gadrooned accents. Extravagantly voluminous, daring and original, this Van Cleef & Arpels ring is both sculptural and utra-stylish.

Materials: 1 old mine-cut diamond (weighing approximately 1.50 carats); 4 old mine-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 1.50 carats); 18K Gold; Platinum
Signed: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, French assay marks
Literature: A ring of this design is illustrated in The Van Cleef & Arpels Collection 1906-1953, p. 476.

Van Cleef & Arpels had returned to gold as early as 1933, leading the way in Paris as re-adopters of a noble metal that had been out of favor during the Belle Époque and Art Deco periods, when platinum reigned. The firm's profound feeling for gold was evident in their unique 1930s and 1940s jewelry inspired by French textile arts such as "passementerie" - Van Cleef & Arpels indisputably led and excelled there. The use of gold to create sculpture, warmth and volume in jewelry styles, inspired by world cultures, has continued throughout the life of the firm.