Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring By ‘Belais’ Circa 1920 Independent Insurance Valuation Included For $9,000 AUD
$2,209.00 $2,812.00
For those of you looking for the perfect antique Art Deco engagement (or dress) ring, look no further!
Crafted by USA company ‘Belais’ founded by David Belais (1863-1933) this superb all original Art Deco ring is simply superb.
Modelled in 18ct white gold and centred with an approximately 0.45ct brilliant cut diamond - ‘F’ colour and SI2 clarity - which is set in a rub over bezel setting to the most beautiful quintessential Art Deco hexagonal black vitreous enamel border, to a further hexagonal frame.
The shoulders, gallery and shank are equally stunning .. engraved shoulders, openwork filigree gallery and further engraving extending half way down the slim half round shank.
Stamped clearly with the ‘Belais’ trademark and 18K, this ring is simply to die for!
STONES
Diamond
1 @ approx 0.45ct
Colour - F
Clarity SI2
MEASUREMENTS
7.45 Wide at widest point
Rise 4.85mm
WEIGHT
1.8 Grams
MARKS
‘BELAIS’
18K
SIZE
O or 17.5mm diameter US 7 1/4
Can be re-sized
CONDITION
Very very good antique condition. No chips to diamond, bright white ‘F’ colour, good clarity. Engraving is crisp. Shank is slim by design. Gorgeous original Art Deco ring by iconic Belais.
Belais Manufacturing Co., founded by David Belais (1863 – June 5, 1933):
Belais Manufacturing Co. was among the early manufacturers of white gold jewellery in the United States. During the late 19th and early 20th century, they experimented with various alloys as a substitute for platinum in jewellery due to its expense and the onset of World War I. As the war progressed, demand for platinum for military efforts increased. The costly metal was becoming harder and harder for jewellers to acquire, and eventually, in 1918, the government enforced a ban on all non-military use of platinum.
David Belais presented his final formula to the trade in 1917. A patent was applied for on October 5, 1918, and granted on February 10, 1920.
The formulation specified in Belais’ patent resulted in an 18 karat white gold alloy composed of gold, zinc, which thus avoided any problems with the platinum restrictions imposed by the war.
The advertising campaign for Belais white gold was incredibly successful and the term ‘Belais’ became synonymous with white gold. In a November 22, 1922 issue of The Jewellers’ Circular their advertisement claimed they were the “Youngest in Style, Oldest in Skill.” Their slogan, “Belais Made Means Well Made” successfully convince jewellery retailers and the jewellery buying public that Belais white gold was superior to all others.
Belais and their advertisements made a lasting impact on the history of jewellery and importantly his white gold alloy. The ad campaigns were so influential that in nearly every one of these ads, retailers sold original rings made using '18k Belais', as opposed to '18k white gold'.
REFERENCES:
Please ask to view a copy of the independent valuation if desired. The physical certificate will be included with the purchase.
Please note boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.
