Midcentury Transitional & Old European-Cut Diamond Wedding Set

Dating to circa 1950, this Midcentury wedding set pairs a 1.72-carat round transitional brilliant-cut diamond with ten old European-cut diamonds, bringing two chapters of diamond cutting together in a single composition.

The center diamond, graded VS2 clarity and J color, is held in platinum above a 14KT yellow gold shank. Four old European-cut diamonds extend along the shoulders. The coordinating wedding band continues that rhythm with six additional old European-cut diamonds. Together, the ten accent diamonds weigh approximately 1.20 carats, with SI1-SI2 clarity and H-I color.

We especially like how closely the two rings were designed to work together. The diamond-set band follows the engagement ring rather than disappearing beneath it, so the entire set reads as one continuous field of diamonds.

The transitional brilliant cut occupies an important place in diamond-cutting history. Developed between the old European cut and the modern round brilliant, it reflects the gradual move toward the more precisely proportioned brilliant cuts that would dominate the 20th century. Here, the transitional-cut center is surrounded by earlier old European cuts, allowing the differences between generations of diamond cutting to coexist within one Midcentury jewel.

The ring is currently a size 7.

Appraised Value:  $23,400