Antique French Belle Époque Diamond Ruby 18k Gold Ring

Meaning "beautiful time" the era in France known as Belle Époque characterizes a time of prosperity and relative peace. Jewelry was delicate and romantic, made with high quality materials, carrying on the French tradition of luxurious and outstanding craftsmanship. 

This lovely ring dates from the middle of the Belle Époque, circa 1900, and features a bright cushion cut, pinkish red ruby weighing approximately 0.50 carat; it's paired with an old mine cut diamond of approximately 0.45 carat, graded  J color, SI2 clarity. Each main stone is flanked by two old cut diamonds, three of which are old mine cuts, and one rose cut (which may have replaced an original old mine), the total approximate weight of all side stones is 0.25 carat. The piece is fabricated in 18 karat gold, with the diamonds set in platinum. There are French import marks on the outside of the shank indicating the ring was made outside of France for import into the country, and was a common style in France for the period. 

US ring size 5.5