Taille Française Grande, or, The Biggest French Cut

[Niel]

it looks so huge for the ctw. i was sure it was over 2 cts. Its beautiful and i love everything about it. Im glad it didnt get away.

 

[Cachette]

I adore your new ring Circle!!! What an amazing find!!

Enjoy!

Cachette

 

[Maisie]

I don't know if it's the correct era but I could totally see that ring on something like Downton Abbey! It's a beautiful ring and it looks fabulous on you!

 

[manderz]

Circe! Good grief, this is AMAZING! It's so perfect, I would swear it was made for your hands specifically. And after reading your thoughts in the other thread about selling your other honker, I'm so glad you didn't end up going that way. Bravo!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Just lovely my dear! AND I am so happy you did not trade your RB for this ring. Really, it is a unique and different piece, not a trade or upgrade! Anyways, love it and it looks fabulous on your hand.

 

[anne_h]

Gorgeous ring!

Maybe this is its ruby cousin:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/750954-1000322/Art-Deco-Diamond-Ruby-Ring

Anne

 

[k_darling]

It's incredible. I love it.

 

[pregcurious]

This ring is amazing! You mentioned another rink with a 4 ct French cut...could you provide the link?

 

[arkieb1]

It's beautiful on you!!!! I sent you a message via LT, I hope that is O.K so I can send you some bad looking pics before I rip mine out of its setting.

 

[Confection10]

Absolutely stunning

 

[Snicklefritz]

FABULOUS! More pics please!

 

[movie zombie]

congrats!

 

[ericad]

AMAZING! I've never seen its equal - lucky lady! So happy that you got it!

 

[KristinTech]

Love the perspective shots! Your dh is a good sport.

 

[Farleysmom]

Stunning. Such a unique and lovely ring. It looks fab on.

 

[Laila619]

Really beautiful, Circe! Congrats!

 

[derbygal]

It is absolutely stunning. I love it on your right hand. Congrats on finder her!

 

[Circe]

It's breathtaking. It really looks stunning on you.

Thank you, Sparkly!

Brava Circe!

I love the IRL shot of your ring with the sapphire bracelet, it looks like you could definitely pull that beauty off as one of your everyday pieces of jewelry.

Thanks, Sandy - it hasn't left my hand since I got it, so I can tell you it likes costume parties and flea markets!

Magnifique! I adore this ring and it looks amazing on you! Love the va-va-voom modeling pics.

Hee, thanks Elysian - I may have gotten the mother of all eye-rolls from my patient spouse, but it was worth it.

Wow, I like!

Thank you, Andelain!

Yay!!! Your gorgeous art deco ring indeed deserves her own thread

I love the real life pics!!!! How elegant It clearly shows that the ring is just perfect for everyday wear. And it makes such a lovely set with your sapphire bracelets.

Those Art Deco guys knew what they were doing with their rich, elegant and very wearable geometrical designs with rich details but never too much. It's great to admire your ring. Like like like!!!

Thank you, Acinom! My very favorite period, aesthetically, is that narrow window when Edwardian became Deco - I feel like, having only recently discovered the awesome possibilities of platinum and synthetic gems, there was this explosion of innovation and creativity. Comparing the designs from that period to those of the late Victorian is just night and day. (Which isn't to say I don't love that too - when it comes to bling, I am an equal-opportunity admirer.) I'm glad you like!

Wow! That's really an amazing ring!

Yep... I have absolutely nothing else to say because all the drooling keeps me occupied!

Heheheheheh - thanks, Kalomeli!

So glad that you finally have this beauty in hand! It's such a stunning ring. And the IRL photos are the best!

Thanks, Rhea - I've always like the perspective thread: I'm glad I finally have something good to contribute!

Wow, it's one unique ring And the coverage is fantastic

Ashleigh, thank you - I DO love the sheer SIZE of it, I'll admit. I have a nailpolish called "Size Matters" - I always wonder what circumstances the creator was thinking of, like, somebody asks about your polish, you say "Size matters!" and ... what, they give you the non sequitor award? - and when next I give myself a manicure, methinks I'm going to have to go there.

Wow, is all I can say! That is an awesome ring! I can clearly see why you had to have it. I am so glad it didn't get away. Missing that beauty would be something I would have a hard time getting over. It is gorgeous and so very perfect for you Circe! 'Meant to be' has never been more fitting! Style-wise, it is a perfect fit with your e-ring and lovely bracelet. It is so unique. Although I have seen other rings that have the calibrated sapphire halo, the cut of that stone really makes this one shine. Love love love it, Circe! So happy for you!

Thanks, Luv2Sparkle! I'm really, really, really glad that the dealer liked it as much as I did and hid it away before somebody else could snag it ... and I'm really glad I randomly wandered in that day ... and I'm really glad he was nice enough to hold it for me for over two months! He's a prince, is all I can say. Plug and shout-out: Stephen Herdemian is a wonderful dealer with a great selection.

Oh my gosh, it is stunning!!! And it looks flipping HUGE!! Its a beautiful stone - i'd love to see more close up pics

Milady, your wish is my command! As soon as I finish responding, I got some posting to do ....

EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. you post a new piece, my mind is just blown. If I could trade with anyone on ps…

Also, I'm super jealous of your gorgeous hair!

Kelli, thank you, on both counts! I am very, very flattered.

This is going to sound super cheesy, but when I saw the first pic, I got a lump in my throat like tears were going to happen. This ring is THAT beautiful. Not only beautiful, but rare...

Wow, THANK you - that's not cheesy, that's a lovely thing to hear! I really appreciate it.

Circe, it is beautiful and the gallery is gorgeous

Thanks, ADG! With your username (and collection), you know from Deco, and I am delighted!

Circe, it is beautiful!! <3

Thanks, Smores!!!

it looks so huge for the ctw. i was sure it was over 2 cts. Its beautiful and i love everything about it. Im glad it didnt get away.

Niel, thank you! Its weight remains a mystery, but I do luuuuuuuuuuurve how it faces up.

I adore your new ring Circle!!! What an amazing find!!

Enjoy!

Cachette

Thanks, Cachette!

I don't know if it's the correct era but I could totally see that ring on something like Downton Abbey! It's a beautiful ring and it looks fabulous on you!

I think it is - thank you! I would like to be a Dowager Duchess type, but, realistically, I'm more of a Martha Levinson. I could see her pulling that off!

Circe! Good grief, this is AMAZING! It's so perfect, I would swear it was made for your hands specifically. And after reading your thoughts in the other thread about selling your other honker, I'm so glad you didn't end up going that way. Bravo!

Manderz, me too! I love this one ... but I love one on each hand EVEN MORE.

Just lovely my dear! AND I am so happy you did not trade your RB for this ring. Really, it is a unique and different piece, not a trade or upgrade! Anyways, love it and it looks fabulous on your hand.

Thank you, Dreamer - it was your good advice that pushed me in that direction. So, thank you twice over!

Gorgeous ring!

Maybe this is its ruby cousin:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/750954-1000322/Art-Deco-Diamond-Ruby-Ring

Anne

Anne, that's hilarious - I posted that in my other thread as one of the TWO other similarly cut stones I could find. Great minds shop alike! (And I like the idea of it having a family get-together one of these days .... )

It's incredible. I love it.

Thank you, K! Its acquisition was made all the sweeter by the excellent company that followed - you and Ginger were awesome company.

This ring is amazing! You mentioned another rink with a 4 ct French cut...could you provide the link?

Sure, PC! I believe it belongs to RandG - I'll look it up right after I post the pics!

It's beautiful on you!!!! I sent you a message via LT, I hope that is O.K so I can send you some bad looking pics before I rip mine out of its setting.

Thanks, Arkie! I just managed to write back today (as I type this, my toddler is demanding I dance - never a dull moment in la casa Circe), and I'm very much looking forward to seeing your pics!

Absolutely stunning

I love the emoties - they say it all. Thank you!

FABULOUS! More pics please!

How can I resist? Coming up, ma'am!

congrats!

Thank you, MoZo!

AMAZING! I've never seen its equal - lucky lady! So happy that you got it!

Thank you, Erica - that is high praise indeed, considering the source. I'd been eyeballing the gorgeous dinner ring you guys have up, with the french cuts and the onyx, when I came across it again ... you guys planted the seed!

Love the perspective shots! Your dh is a good sport.

He is indeed. He's also put up with my spending all day saying things like, "And did I tell you about the fluorescence? LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE FLUORESCENCE. In fact, step into this closet ...."

Stunning. Such a unique and lovely ring. It looks fab on.

Thank you!

Really beautiful, Circe! Congrats!

Thank you Laila!

It is absolutely stunning. I love it on your right hand. Congrats on finder her!

Thank you, DG! It's a good spot - this way I can still wear my ruby one on the middle finger next to it!

And now ... a quick shoutout shot to SB, who asked for a few of it with the dinner ring!

 

[GemFever]

Incredible, Circe! I had to catch my breath when I saw the last two pics -- new ring with the ruby ring. Wow.

 

[armywife13]

Absolutely stunning! I love it!!!

 

[Scarlett1]

WOW!!!
What a sensational ring
Real old school Hollywood glamour which I absolutely love Gorgeous!!!

 

[ihy138]

Most stunning piece I've seen in a long while, perhaps to date. So lovely - thanks for sharing!

 

[starburst]

What a gorgeous & rare beauty!! Wear it in good health!!

 

[WhoaNelly]

OMG: how gorgeous is that ring---and what a fantastic collection you have. the uniqueness and beauty of your pieces. Great glam shots too

 

[Rosebloom]

Oh my good Lord in heaven, how did I miss this?! Circe, it's AMAZING. INCREDIBLE. PERFECT in every possible way. I just adore it!!!! WOW. Think of all the adventures of its previous owners. And now you get to own it for a time and add to its legacy.

I'm completely inarticulate because I'm so bamboozled by this amazing piece! When I can find a coherent sentence, I'll be back to gush more, I'm sure.

 

[pregcurious]

I love the 2 rings together!!! Drool!

 

[Trekkie]

Oh my giddy aunt! She is absolutely gorgeous!

You have a beautiful collection - what I wouldn't give to play in your jewellery box!

 

[Circe]

Incredible, Circe! I had to catch my breath when I saw the last two pics -- new ring with the ruby ring. Wow.

Thanks, GF! I will admit, both together at the same time is a little fancy, even for me. That's for the extra fancy occasions.

Absolutely stunning! I love it!!!

Thank you so much!

WOW!!!
What a sensational ring
Real old school Hollywood glamour which I absolutely love Gorgeous!!!

Thank you - me, too! I have this great book about jewelry in Hollywood in the Golden Age, and, man, any opportunity to channel that ...

Most stunning piece I've seen in a long while, perhaps to date. So lovely - thanks for sharing!

Wow, that is high praise, indeed - thank you!

What a gorgeous & rare beauty!! Wear it in good health!!

Thank you for the lovely well-wishes!

OMG: how gorgeous is that ring---and what a fantastic collection you have. the uniqueness and beauty of your pieces. Great glam shots too

Thanks, Nelly! I can't take credit for the photography, just for the not turning pink in the shots while my husband teased, but it definitely got good results! Maybe the ring is like Freya's girdle - you wear it, you turn sophisticated. I could use some of that in my life!

Oh my good Lord in heaven, how did I miss this?! Circe, it's AMAZING. INCREDIBLE. PERFECT in every possible way. I just adore it!!!! WOW. Think of all the adventures of its previous owners. And now you get to own it for a time and add to its legacy.

I'm completely inarticulate because I'm so bamboozled by this amazing piece! When I can find a coherent sentence, I'll be back to gush more, I'm sure.

Rosebloom, thank you so much. You always know just what to say, with the nicest turn of phrase ... I love thinking of it like that! BTW, I haven't been back to update the whole fam thing (the more responses I read, the more emotional I got, the more I tried to articulate what I wanted to say in response, the harder it was to actually DO it without getting teary ... so now a couple of weeks have passed without my replying to all the kind advice I got), I just wanted to say that I really, really, really appreciated what you said. What everybody said, but your post just ... stuck in my head. So, thank you, twice and thrice over.

I love the 2 rings together!!! Drool!

Thank you, PC! They do seem to get along. Maybe they were friends in a previous incarnation ....

Oh my giddy aunt! She is absolutely gorgeous!

You have a beautiful collection - what I wouldn't give to play in your jewellery box!

Hee, I love that exclamation. Come to NYC one of these days and you can!

Okay, so, yesterday, I actually wanted to upload a whole boatload more pics, but my todder is a cruel taskmaster. Sooooo ....

The ring is so awesome that calling anything about it a drawback seems inaccurate, but the shallowness of the stone, though really good for my wallet, did leave the door open for some windowing (if you'll pardon a terribly mixed metaphor). Here it is at its worst:

 

[Circe]

It didn't do it a lot, but it did do it once in a while when the lighting conditions were right, and it bugged a little. So I started thinking of solutions ....

... at first, I thought I'd just take it to my custom guy and take a page out of the Georgian's book by having it cupped. But given past experiences ... I'm leery about messing with vintage pieces unless its absolutely necessary. Also, I'm impatient by nature, and given that he's got two other pieces of mine he's working on right now, I'm not going to be seeing him for a while. On the other hand, since I'm a silversmith ... I figured it couldn't hurt to experiment, right?

And that's how I built my window-guard! It works on the same principle as a cup, but it's detachable, sort of like a wrap: nothing too complicated, just a piece of metal cut to fit the contours of the rings frame, shaped, polished, and attached to a guard band. The toughest part was probably polishing it to a mirror shine so the diamond wouldn't just pick up and magnify any striations! It's really effective, and really oddly satisfying to have come up with a solution all on my own.

 

[Circe]

This one's just sterling, but I may have it cast in platinum (or, better yet, improved upon by my custom guy in platinum ... I bet this would look gorgeous with a band of french-cut sapphires! ). But in the meantime, Imma have fun experimenting. Wonder if I can get the effect of a fancy with yellow or rose gold, for example ....