This stunning ring takes design cues from crisp, delicate symmetry of the late Edwardian and early Art Deco eras - the perfect home for its hand-cut old European diamonds - but the fabrication of the ring in palladium, a member of the platinum family, tells us this romantic piece was made slightly later. While white gold and platinum (both freshly available for jewelry use in the early 20th century) were the metals of choice in the 1910s-1930s, restrictions to civilian use of various metals during World War II meant those favourites were unavailable. Palladium was used instead from about 1939, and at a lower price than platinum and whiter than white gold, made a fine option for the time. Palladium is still occasionally used in jewelry (and in white gold alloys), but usage dropped way down once platinum and nickel were no longer considered strategic resources for war.

In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Joséphine de Beauharnais with a "toi et moi" ring (featuring a sapphire and a diamond), and the "you and me" style has remained in fashion with occasional surges in popularity to this day. Often the stones are set at an angle or in a complementary fashion, but there's something about this particular design that speaks to us - we love the way the two stones are set straight and level, appearing as two equal partners facing the world side by side.

Very good vintage condition. 

Details:

• Palladium, stamped and tested

• Size 5 and can be resized within one size
• Two primary old European cut diamonds approximately 0.33ct and 0.30ct, 0.46ctw accent diamonds, overall 1.09 carat total weight

• Face of ring measures 8.4mm wide, 14.3mm across, with a 4.6mm rise; back of band measures 1.6mm wide and 1.2mm thick

• 2.4g