1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Bombe’ Dress Ring 4.20ct in 18ct Yellow Gold

A superb 18ct yellow gold and old cut diamond set bombe’ dress ring mounted by the House of Van Cleef & Arpels from the 1960s. A central old cut cushion diamond (4.20ct) takes centre stage secured by ten delicate slim claws. This impressive diamond radiates with the unique charm of diamonds that were cut by candlelight (pre-industrialisation). A sea of smaller old cut diamonds have been expertly grain set into the surround and shoulders bringing the impressive centre stone to life. This remarkable selection of old cut diamonds have a rich history, having almost certainly been originally set into a statement family jewel. This could have been a glorious 19th-century tiara, stomacher or brooch that would have been regarded as old fashioned in the 1960s. As such, the family would have taken this jewel to one of the most famous and well known jewellers of the time to break it up, and remount the stones into the ring we see here. Signed MONTURE VCA this piece dates from the 1960s, when it was becoming fashionable to wear bold gold diamond set jewels to intimate cocktail parties. During this time, the reputation of the House was at a particular high point, having created the coronation jewels for the Emperor and Empress of Iran in 1967. With a global network of luxury boutiques augmented by the flagship showrooms in Paris and New York, the House was the only destination for the most famous and wealthy personages in the world. The very best designs are truly timeless with the tactile sculptural style of this piece making it highly collectible and coveted today.