






Fabulous Retro 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby And Diamond ‘Bow’ Ring Circa 1940-50’s
Please note, boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.
“During the Retro era (late 1930s–1950s), synthetic Rubies were an exciting innovation in fine jewellery, not a compromise. Jewellers of the time embraced these lab-created stones because they offered the same chemical composition, brilliance, and durability as natural Rubies, but with greater consistency and accessibility during wartime shortages. Far from being “fake,” synthetic rubies were considered modern marvels—a symbol of progress and ingenuity. Many prestigious jewellers proudly featured them in their designs, celebrating the era’s spirit of creativity and technological advancement”.
Bold, glamorous, and utterly irresistible — this retro-era 18-carat yellow gold diamond and Ruby bow ring is the kind of piece that makes you stop mid-sentence just to admire it. Dating from the 1940s into the 1950s, this ring captures the confident elegance of its time — a period when jewellery was designed to be seen.
Weighing an impressive 9.5 grams of solid 18-carat gold, this ring feels as luxurious as it looks. With gold prices climbing, it’s not just a showstopper — it’s a brilliant investment piece too. The craftsmanship is exceptional: beautifully balanced, wonderfully solid, and designed to sit perfectly on the finger.
The design is pure mid-century magic — a large, sculptural bow that radiates retro charm. At its heart are two perfectly matched baguette-cut stones: one a sparkling diamond, the other a vivid synthetic Ruby. In this era, synthetic Rubies were the height of innovation — created in laboratories to achieve flawless colour and clarity that natural stones could rarely match.
Far from being “cheap,” these gems were celebrated for their precision, beauty, and modernity, making them a favourite among fine jewellers of the time.
Six additional round brilliant-cut diamonds are flush-set into the bow’s ribboned curves, adding just the right touch of sparkle.
Even the under-gallery — the part you don’t normally see — is beautifully finished, a testament to the skill and pride of its maker.
And comfort? It’s divine. Despite its bold look, the ring sits beautifully on the hand, the bow’s outer edges curving gently to rest comfortably against neighbouring fingers. It feels substantial, balanced, and luxurious — the kind of ring you’ll never want to take off.
Slip it on alone for a statement look, or pair it with a wedding band, diamond eternity, or ruby ring on either side — it plays well with others and looks sensational every way you wear it.
Elegant, confident, and full of retro glamour, this is a piece that celebrates both style and substance. Rings like this don’t come along often — and when they do, they don’t stay long.
STONES
Diamond - Baguette-cut
1 x approximately 3.7 x 1.5mm
1 x approximately 3.7 x 1.5mm synthetic Ruby
MEASUREMENTS
A stunning spread across the finger - 2.1cm
Width at widest part of ‘bows’ - 1.1cm
Rise at highest ‘bow’ points - 7.1mm
WEIGHT
9.55 Grams
MARKS
18ct
An obscure makers mark we can identify
ERA
Retro - 1940-1950’s
SIZE
O or 17.5mm diameter - US 7 1/4 - 55.1mm circumference
Could be resized up 3-4, down 4 by any competent jeweller
CONDITION
This is a very substantial ring both in weight (9.5 grams) and quality. There are no chips or abrasions to the Ruby or diamond, they are bright and beautiful, well set and secure, as are the flush set smaller diamonds. No thinning the shank or any other area of the ring. No repairs or evidence of previous resizing. No issues to note. A stunning ring!!
Laybys & Hold Policy
Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay?
At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above ranging between 4-6 months. Contact us for more details.
Purchase Guide & Refund Policy
For information regarding our Purchase Guide & Returns Policy, please click here
Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
All purchases include a photographic keepsake.
If the item includes an independent gemmological valuation certificate (which is always clearly stated in the product description), the physical certificate will be included.
Choose options






