A Promise : Art Deco Ruby Solitaire in 18ct Gold and Palladium by Wendts of Adelaide circa 1940

In the early 1940s the military needs of WWII placed severe restrictions on the availability of precious metal and gemstones, this sweet little ruby solitaire is a product of those heart-wrenching dark days. Promise rings took on new meaning at this point in time when young men and women faced uncertain futures, courtships were brief and often long distance. The luxury of time was not afforded to these young folk, so letting your crush know that you thought there was a good shot they were “the one” was something to leap into with enthusiasm. A “promise ring” was/is given as a show of intent – maybe you or your partner are not ready to be engaged, but you’d be a fool not to put some kind of a ring on it. The shape and design of this ring, made by Australian family jewellers Wendts of Adelaide, is classically Art Deco, but in place of the usual diamond we find a natural pink ruby peaking out of the platinum/palladium bezel. An unusual and very wearable (not to mention stackable) slice of jewellery history. Manufacture  Modelled in two tone 18ct yellow gold with a palladium face and shoulders. Stamped 18c Wendts to the inside of the band, along with an illegible stamp I continue to puzzle over – PALL for palladium seems most likely. The ruby has been verified as natural by an independent gemologist. It is old round cut and measures approximately 3.4mm in diameter. The ruby is grain set into an 18ct bezel with a palladium top. The decorative shoulders feature a series of arrow shapes leading the eye to the small but powerful stone. The shoulders are also in palladium topped 18ct gold, at the centre of each arrow is a raised and faceted area of palladium giving the illusion of diamonds. The face of the ring measures 16mm wide x 4.5mm deep. Sits 4.3mm high on the finger. Weighs 1.46 grams. *please note the vintage box is not included in the sale Size  (Aus/UK) P (US) 7.45 (International) 56 resizable, please get in touch for a quote on resizing or to ascertain it it can be resized to your requirements. Condition Good. Signs of wear commensurate with age and use. Clearly this ring was cherished and worn, but it remains in good wearable condition for at least another lifetime.