Cartier Paris Diamond Bombé Ring 3.50ct in 18ct Yellow Gold

A statement 18ct yellow gold and diamond bombé ring by the House of Cartier, from the Retro period. A beautiful, securely rub over set, certified internally flawless 3.50ct old cut diamond forms the focal point of this stunning ring. It has been surrounded by individual, richly polished yellow gold circles, which have each been topped with white gold bezel set round cut diamonds. The name of Cartier instantly brings to mind the sparkle of diamonds, and the allure of the rich and famous. Since it was founded in Paris in 1847, the House has gone from strength to strength, being famously credited as “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers” by King Edward the VII. The house was as its zenith when it was owned and run by the founding family, from 1847 to 1964. The name 'bombé' comes from the French and means 'bomb-shaped'. This style of ring is seen from the Edwardian period onwards. However, it was in the 1950s, 60s and 70s that this style became incredibly popular. Originating from the 1950-1960s, this ring would have almost certainly been made as a special order for a wealthy Cartier client. The centre old cut diamond is likely to have been taken out of an existing family jewel and supplied to the jeweller for them to remount into a more modern and contemporary setting. Inherited family jewels were often redesigned to enable them to be worn and enjoyed after their styles had gone out of fashion. Diamonds and gemstones were removed from these settings, with the original mounts being kept by the family as sentimental reminders. This signed jewel is a collectible piece that displays the instantly recognisable classic Cartier style. Similarities to this design can be seen in the modern Les Galaxies de Cartier and Cactus de Cartier collections.