Art Deco diamond and emerald ring,French,Circa 1930.

This ring is in excellent condition.

The French cut dates back to the 15th century, evolving from early cuts such as the table cut. As cutting techniques developed, stones with a greater number of facets had become increasingly sought after thanks to their increased scintillation compared to the earlier, simpler cuts. The French cut became particularly popular in France during the Renaissance and reached its peak in the 17th century, particularly among European nobility.

The introduction of the old mine cut saw a shift away from this cut until it once again gained popularity in the 1920s, during the Art Deco period, due to their geometric appearance being the perfect complement to the linear designs favoured during this era. However, as preferences changed, fewer diamonds were cut in this fashion making antique jewellery containing French cuts rare and particularly sought after as a collector’s piece.