Heaven & Earth : Antique Australian Art Deco Diamond Star Cluster Ring in 18ct and Platinum circa 1920 by Budgen

A delicate combination of a guiding star motif with a diamond daisy cluster ring – it’s celestial and botanical all at once, heaven and earth rolled into one. If that’s not the best ever omen for an engagement ring then I don’t know what is. This ring sits stylistically right in that funny spot between Edwardian and Art Deco, and in all honesty it could fit into either camp quite happily. It’s exquisitely handmade, which is in keeping with other jewels by Budgen that I have seen in my travels. Budgen grew up near Adelaide and trained as a watchmaker. After working for several notable jewellers in Sydney and expanding his skills, he retuned to Adelaide and opened his own shop in the city in 1908. He was widely recognised for excellence, winning a God Medal for his display at the All-Australian Exhibition held in Adelaide in 1925. He traded until his death in 1939. A. B. Budgen was not a prolific maker, but what he did make was exquisite and often one of a kind. Manufacture  Handmade in 18ct gold with a platinum top, stamped 18ct. Plat to the inside of the band. Seven single cut diamonds are grain set into the platinum head of the ring. The diamond have been verified by an independent gemologist as natural earth mined diamonds, graded as G-I in colour and Vs-Si in clarity. The combined carat weight is 0.14ct. The shoulders are also topped with platinum and feature four diamond illusions made from faceted precious metal. The undercarriage has a saw pieced scrolling design and clever cut away sections to allow it to be worn with a band on either side. The face of the ring measures 7.3mm x 7.2mm Sits 4.36mm high on the finger. Weighs 2.82 grams. Size  (Aus/UK) N (USA) 6.75 (International) 53.5 somewhat resizable. Please get in touch for a quote on resizing to your requirements. Condition  Excellent vintage condition. No faults to note. Ready for another lifetime of devotion and sparkles.