Cycles of Life: Rings from the Benjamin Zucker Family Collection

For those who follow our blog & our passion for antique jewelry, consider this. If you find yourself in New York City from Oct 30 - Dec 6th, make room in your schedule for a visit to Les Eluminures. Titled, 'Cycles of Life: Rings from the Benjamin Zucker Family Collection' - this exhibition collects over 40 exceptional museum-quality rings selected from the private collection of one of the world's leading gem dealers, experts, and connoisseurs. These will be on  public view together for the first time - the collection spans from 3rd century A.D. through to the later part of the 19th century (*see examples below). Not to be missed! See you there.

 

 

From the Catalog : Since his first purchase in 1970, Benjamin Zucker has assembled one of the largest collections of marriage rings in private hands and a collection of diamond jewellery that is unrivalled, even by De Beers. With each ring selected for its exceptional quality of stones, rarity, and level of artistry, the collection features many fine examples of signet rings ranging from the 3rd to the 17th century; ancient Roman friendship and engagement rings; medieval posy rings; Renaissance and Baroque wedding rings; Jewish marriage rings, and memorial and death’s head memento mori rings from the 17th to the 19th century. They include a significant grouping of precious diamond-set rings. Many boast provenances dating back generations to Europe’s most prominent collecting families, including the de Clercqs and the Rothschilds. Ultimately, these exquisite jewels – many of which have been the subject of national and international museum exhibitions, loans, and publications – form a remarkable testament to a discerning eye.

Engagement Rings, Day 5

 

We bring our engagement rings posts to a close this week with one of our own designs. Probably our best selling ring - the dearly adored Hollin Wheat Band featuring an antique mine cut diamond with gorgeous clarity & color. This ring is an instant classic in that it updates it's vintage inspiration ever so slightly with it's streamlined appeal and offers something that's hard to find - a beauty that's both timeless and utterly wearable.

Engagement Rings, Day 3

Today we have a beautiful 18k White Gold early Deco Ring showcasing some incredible filigree work & a stunning 3/4 carat center diamond. The great thing about this is that it's quite substantial yet retains a delicacy & lightness due to the filigree blossom and thinness of the band towards the bottom. It is also notched as they used to do on some rings of this period so that when you wear it with a wedding band it will fit together perfectly. Gorgeous, and you won't see one of these on every finger.