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.
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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.
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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