Although this example dates to the 1960s, boule rings were very much in fashion in the 1930s with many designers offering their interpretations, such as Belperron, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier.
Bombé diamond and lapis lazuli ring by Cartier, Paris, circa 1960
We have chosen this elegant and classical half-and-half boule ring by Cartier for its somewhat unusual combination of diamonds with richly coloured lapis lazuli, carved with a fluted decoration to match the reeded shank.
The Duchess of Windsor was instrumental in establishing the vogue and owned two half-and-half boule rings by Cartier, one set with rubies and sapphires, made in 1937, and the other, set with turquoises and sapphires, dated around 1950, both showing below.
From The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor | At auction: Geneva, April 1987
Left: 18 carat yellow gold, platinum, ruby and sapphire dress ring, by Cartier, Paris, 1937 | The shank is inscribed and dated: Our Reunion in Condé 3-XII-36-3-V-37 - marking a period of separation for the couple at an important point in their relationship
Right: 18 carat gold, turquoise and sapphire dress ring, by Cartier, Paris, 1950
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Further details:
A ring of bombé form composed of half fluted lapis and half pavé-set diamonds; mounted in platinum, with French assay marks
Diamonds, total weighing approximately 2.5 carats
Marks: Cartier Paris 017207
Dimensions: 3/4 x 1 x 1 1/8 inches / 1.9 x 2.5 x 2.9cm
Ring size: 5 1/4
LITERATURE
cf. Coleno, Nadine. Amazing Cartier: Jewelry Design since 1937. Paris: Flammarion, 2009, p.164
For further information on Cartier’s diamond and lapis lazuli bombé ring:
info@understanding-jewellery.com