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French Hallmarked 18K 0.70ctw Diamond Eternity Band

Antique
Sale price$2,200.00

The French eagle head stamp sits next to a maker's mark: M, an animal head (possibly equine), then another letter partially worn away. These figural workshop marks disappeared after WWII—standardization killed the romance of horses and hammers in favor of alphanumeric codes. Twenty-four diamonds circle the band in individual channels, each groove cut by hand with the slight variations that precision machinery would never permit. The 5.4 grams of 18K white gold represents pre-war abundance, before rationing taught jewelers to hollow everything out. The remarkable preservation suggests this ring might have lived much of its ninety years in a jewelry box rather than on a finger. Channel setting reached its technical peak in the 1930s, and this ring demonstrates why: total security without a single prong to catch on gloves or silk.

Ninety years of uninterrupted sparkle.

  • METAL: 18K white gold (750/1000 purity)
  • WEIGHT: 5.4 grams
  • HALLMARKS: French eagle head (Tête d'aigle) - state guarantee of 18K
  • MAKER'S MARK: M + animal head figure + partially obscured letter
  • SIZE: 60 EU / US 9
  • RESIZING: Cannot be resized due to continuous stone setting
  • CONSTRUCTION: Hand-finished with period-appropriate tool marks

Stone Science
  • TOTAL COUNT: 24 round diamonds
  • TOTAL WEIGHT: 0.70ctw (approximately 0.03ct each)
  • CUT: Early brilliant/transitional cut typical of era
  • SETTING: Individual channel compartments, hand-cut
  • CONDITION: All original stones present and secure
Era & History
  • ERA: 1920s-1940s (Pre-WWII)
  • ORIGIN: French workshop, maker pending identification
  • AUTHENTICATION: French government assay mark present
  • DATING INDICATORS: Figural maker's mark format, pre-war weight standards, hand-cut channels
  • SIGNIFICANCE: Pre-war French luxury craftsmanship
Condition Notes

Exceptional preservation for a piece approaching its centenary. The white gold surface remains bright and clean with only faint surface scratches visible under magnification. All twenty-four diamonds sit secure in their hand-cut channels. The interior band shows minimal wear, suggesting limited use despite being 85-100 years old. No repairs, resizing attempts, or stone replacements detected. The maker's mark remains clearly visible with only natural softening to the final character. The eagle head hallmark retains full depth and clarity. This level of preservation typically indicates a piece that was treasured but not often worn—perhaps saved for occasions that never came, or stored away through the war years and forgotten.

French Hallmarked 18K 0.70ctw Diamond Eternity Band
French Hallmarked 18K 0.70ctw Diamond Eternity Band Sale price$2,200.00