Travel in style: the history of duplicated vintage rings

Discover an extraordinary pair of rings: an exquisite Estate ring in platinum from the 1950s, set with Colombian emeralds and diamonds, and a replica in silver adorned with rhinestones. In the past, elites used to have replicas made for travel, but their reasons were often forgotten. This rarity, with its original rings and replicas, bears witness to this tradition. The ring in platinum, adorned with emeralds and diamonds, evokes a Greek sanctuary, while the replica offers great versatility. Both await you in Leysen's case, offering timeless elegance and a touch of history.

At first, we thought we were seeing double, but we immediately realized how exceptional this pair of rings was. One of the jewels is a valuable Estate ring in platinum, dating from the 1950s, adorned with high-quality Colombian emeralds and diamonds. The other appears to be the same ring, crafted with perfect resemblance, but in silver with green and colorless rhinestones.

Until the 1950s, it was not uncommon for a few privileged people to have their most precious jewels reproduced in less expensive materials. These reproductions, called "dummies," were specially designed to be worn during long trips and cruises. Unfortunately, this custom was so well kept that most people forgot the benefit of owning a double. Nowadays, these pairs are rare, making this precious ring and its pseudo-twin a truly unique collection.

Within this particular pair, the spectacular original ring in platinum features three central decreasing emeralds, set with five brilliant-cut diamonds on the upper and lower edges. This gem-set platform extends into a scroll inlaid with diamonds on the left and right. At the center of the two circles of this stylized column, a brilliant-cut diamond enhances the look of a Greek sanctuary. Like a Greek goddess, you could bathe in this sea of sparkling diamonds, created by the light swirling through the azure settings.

The authentic ring and its replica, identical in appearance, are just waiting to be discovered in the original Leysen treasure chest, certified jeweler to the Belgian Royal Court. By wearing this powerful model in all second-hand, imagine surrendering yourself fully to the present moment without giving up your own splendor.

Antique jewelry group: Ring in the most precious materials and a double – also called "fake" – of the ring.

Condition: excellent condition
- (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Although it bears no readable control mark, we believe it to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Although most people refer to this style as Art Deco, it is more considered a product of the 1950s. Strongly influenced by Art Deco, but also by the retro style, it is difficult to call it Art Deco, as the retro and 1950s styles are successors of Art Deco. To learn more about the styles

Stylistic features: This type of jewelry is very specific to the 1950s of the 20th century. The period Art Deco, which took place only twenty years earlier, continued to serve as a source of inspiration. It is sometimes difficult, even for a trained eye, to distinguish the Art Deco from the fifties.

Period: around 1950
- (events and facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Material: Pi original piece in platinum and imitation piece in silver.
- (more info on precious metals)

Additional information: The custom of wearing a replica, or "imitation," instead of the authentic jewel comes from the desire of the elite to take their precious jewelry with them on long journeys. Thanks to imitations, they could leave the originals safely in their safe. Thus, without anyone noticing the clever alternation between the real jewel and the reproduction, they could simply enjoy their favorite and personal items wherever they were.

Imagine the luck of strolling gracefully on a chic promenade, letting yourself be carried by the sea breeze on the deck of a cruise ship, fully engaging in an evening conversation, having your eyes fixed on a breathtaking foreign panorama, and how easy it is to lose a jewel, fake or not, during such events. So, after all this time, still being able to offer the authentic ring along with the one that was lost, that can only be a miracle.

Although the terms "imitation" and "copy" are not flattering words for a meticulously designed jewel, do not be mistaken: it is only the counterpart of the original ring that embodies the most precious adventures of its owner.

Description of the stones in the platinum ring:
36 old European cut diamonds, with an estimated weight of ± 1.50 ct (color and clarity: F/G, vs/si). And three emeralds (probably Colombian) with a total weight of about 1.10 ct (1 ± 0.70 and 2 ± 0.20 each).
- the weights of the emeralds and diamonds, the color grades and clarity are approximate because the stones have not been removed from their settings to preserve the integrity of the mounting.

Description of the stones in the imitation ring:
Three green rhinestones and 36 colorless rhinestones (also called paste) imitating diamond and emerald.

Birthstones: The diamond is the birthstone (or monthly stone) for April and the emerald for May.
- (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: No trace.
- (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: Height about 11.60 mm (0.47 inch) x 12.40 mm (0.49 inch)

Weight: Both rings 15.50 grams (9.97 dwt) - Ring in platinum 8.70 grams (5.59 dwt), imitation ring 6.80 grams (4.37 dwt)

Ring size:
Ring in platinum Continental size 54 and 17¼, US size 6¾, UK size: N
Ring in silver Continental size: 55 and 17½, US size 7¼, UK size: O

Resizing: free resizing (only for an extreme resizing do we have to charge).
- (more information about ring sizes)