03/25/2013
Napoleon’s Engagement Ring to Josephine
In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte gave his future wife, Josephine, this stunning gold engagement ring with two pear shaped stones, one diamond, one blue sapphire, each weighing approximately 1 carat. It sold for almost $950,000 at a recent auction celebrating Josephine’s 250th birthday, when it was expected to fetch approxmiately $20,000.
05/20/2011
Antique Heirloom Diamond Ring
Today’s ring is nearly 100 years old and is a family heirloom given to one of our readers by her grandmother. The round stone is placed in a square setting surrounded by intricate triangular patterns of tiny diamonds. This contrasting play on geometrical shapes is typical of the art deco style.
10/05/2010
Round Brilliant Heirloom with Yellow Gold Setting
Today’s ring is an heirloom passed on from mother to daughter. The ring was reset specifically for the pinky finger as the daughter wished to wear it everyday but did not want it to be too flashy. Thus, she reset the ring so the diamond would not rise up above the setting, but instead was embedded within the gold halo.
Cut: Round Brilliant
Carats: 2.2
Setting: yellow gold
Jeweler: La Estrella del Norte, Manila
09/23/2010
Multi Stone Diamond Heirloom Ring
We have an incredibly unique heirloom ring to share with you today that is a piece of a bracelet in its original form. If you look closely, you can imagine what that bracelet must have looked like! And now, the round brilliant center stone contrasted with a series of emerald and other square cut diamonds makes for such a dramatic and eye catching cocktail ring!
About the ring: “My great grandmother was given a bracelet by her best friend, which she then passed down to her two daughters who split the bracelet into two pieces. From there, each daughter passed along certain pieces of the bracelet, reset in many different ways to their daughters and granddaughters (ME!) Each piece has retained its form from the original bracelet – stones have not been reset into new settings. This particular ring was set on a white gold band that my grandmother designed with a jeweler in Memphis.”
07/30/2010
Heirloom Pear Shaped Yellow Diamond Ring
We love heirloom rings, and even more so, love hearing the anecdotes that go along with them. Today’s ring is a pear shaped yellow diamond that has been passed down from mother to daughter. Its vintage feel and unique setting is definitely eye catching.
Also called a teardrop, pear shaped diamonds are a combination of round or oval and marquis cut – with one side of the stone rounded, and the other tapered. Brilliant cut pears usually have 58 facets, and sparkle nearly as much as the more common round diamond. Some even say that pear shaped diamonds enhance the length of the finger.
Cut: Pear shape, brilliant cut
Carat: 2.8
Setting: 14K yellow gold, Light Fancy, Golden Champagne Color, with 6 round full cut diamonds on each side.
A Jewelry Story: My father gave it to my mother in the 80s (I remember her going into the store many times looking at it and longing for it.) She wore it every day on her right hand and after she died it is the only ring of hers that I’ve sized to fit my hand (she had TINY hands) and sadly, I’ve only found a few occasions to wear it.
04/23/2010
Heirloom Ruby and Diamond Ring
Today we feature a ruby and diamond heirloom ring that has been passed on from mother to daughter. We love the unique and detailed setting and the way the baguettes encircle the center stone. It is absolutely breathtaking! Heirlooms such as these are special because not only are the gemstones and metal recycled, but they carry a significant history and mystique with them.
Cut: Center Diamond Euro-cut surrounded by 17 tapered baguette rubys
Carat: Center stone 1.35, baguette rubies 1.5 ct total, side panels pavaed with 5 large and 6 small diamonds, approx 2ct total.
Setting: Lady’s platinum doughnut style and pave
About this ring: “This ring was purchased for my mother by my father in the 80′s. It definitely is much older than that. I called it the ‘Wheel of Fortune Ring’ as a child because the rubies looked like the wheel to me.”