Name: Diamond Spinel 18k Tank Ring 17289-9145
Brand: Rings
SKU: 04003C336EBB435BAE355B928818F7AC
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Step into the bold elegance of the Retro era (1935–1950) with this striking tank ring, crafted in 18k yellow and white gold. A mesmerizing 1.50ct light blue spinel takes center stage, its brilliance enhanced by a sculptural bezel setting. Flanked by vintage rose-cut diamonds, this ring’s architectural design reflects the machine-age aesthetics of the time. A rare statement piece that beautifully blends strength and sophistication. 💙

Details: ±1.50ct Spinel, Rose-cut diamonds, 18k Ring.
Design Era: Retro (1935-1950).
Size: 20.25 NL / 63.5 FR / 10½ US / U½ UK, sizeable (Within reason. Contact seller for information).
Weight in grams: 9.4.
Condition: Very good condition – slightly used with small signs of wear.

This is a beautiful Retro (1935-1950) tank ring, showcasing the bold and dynamic design elements of the period. The piece is meticulously crafted in 18k yellow and white gold, with a striking contrast between the metals that enhances its unique character.

Key Features:

Gemstones:

Spinel: The centerpiece is a square-shaped spinel, approximately 1.50 carats, in a captivating light blue hue. Its faceted cut highlights its brilliance and clarity, serving as the focal point of the design.
Rose-cut diamonds: Surrounding the spinel, on either side, are rose-cut diamonds, adding a vintage sparkle with their subtle shimmer. These diamonds provide a delicate contrast to the boldness of the spinel and the ring’s overall structure.

Design and Style:

The tank-inspired design is characterized by its bold geometric forms and architectural influence, a hallmark of Retro jewelry.
The center spinel is set within a dual-tone bezel of white and yellow gold, emphasizing its vibrant color and creating depth in the design.
The curved gold details and structured, linear motifs give the ring a mechanical yet elegant aesthetic, reflective of the era’s fascination with modernity and machinery.

Metals:

The 18k yellow gold contributes a warm and rich tone, dominating the ring’s structure.

White gold accents are used for the diamond settings and certain framing elements, providing a contrasting brightness that enhances the overall design.

This Retro tank ring is an excellent representation of mid-20th-century jewelry design, combining bold shapes, innovative use of gemstones, and contrasting materials. Its blend of a substantial spinel centerpiece with delicate diamond details makes it both eye-catching and refined, perfect for collectors or those who appreciate vintage elegance.

Shipping and Pickup: This charming piece ships from our store located in the center of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. We offer both registered shipping and local pickup at our store. In the case of local pickup, any applicable shipping costs will be refunded.

About Us: Add some sparkle to your style with Binenbaum.com. We offer a stunning selection of antique and vintage jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else. From timeless rings and dazzling necklaces to unique brooches, we have something for every taste and occasion. Visit our website today and treat yourself to a piece of history.

Design Era

Retro

Design & Historical Context

The jewelry industry was significantly impacted by the onset of World War II in the 1940s. Precious metals, particularly platinum, became scarce and in some cases were even banned from being sold. Palladium was used as a substitute for platinum in the war effort. In order to make the most of the limited supply of gold, a low karat gold alloy with a higher percentage of copper was used. This resulted in gold with a subtle, reddish hue, but through the use of different alloys, gold was able to appear in a range of colors within a single piece. Gold was also manipulated in various ways, such as being woven, braided, and coiled. Techniques like resilla, cannetille, and lacy filigree patterns reappeared in jewelry. Different textures were also used within a single design, with matte finishes being placed next to bright finishes to accentuate the design. Gold became the primary metal used in jewelry during the 1940s and 1950s.

Key Materials

Diamond, Spinel

Materials & Craftsmanship

Spinel: The Gem of Vibrant Color and Resilient Beauty

Spinel is a captivating gemstone known for its remarkable range of colors and exceptional brilliance. Often mistaken for other more famous gemstones, such as ruby and sapphire, spinel has long been prized for its vibrant hues, which can range from deep reds and pinks to blues, purples, and even black. This versatile gem is cherished not only for its beauty but also for its durability, making it a favorite among gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Historically, spinel has been used in royal jewelry for centuries, often mistaken for rubies and other precious stones due to its striking resemblance. One of the most famous examples is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a large red spinel that sits in the British Imperial State Crown. It wasn't until modern gemology that spinel was recognized as a distinct mineral, separate from the corundum family (which includes ruby and sapphire).

In modern jewelry, spinel is highly valued for its vibrant colors and excellent clarity. Spinel's brilliance and range of colors make it an attractive option for those looking for a unique and colorful alternative to more traditional gemstones. With a Mohs hardness of 8, spinel is durable enough for everyday wear, making it suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Spinel's rich colors are the result of trace elements present during its formation. For example, red spinel gets its color from chromium, while blue spinel can owe its hue to iron. This variety allows spinel to be used in a wide range of jewelry designs, from classic to contemporary. It is often set in both white and yellow metals, with each setting enhancing different aspects of the stone's color and brilliance.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, spinel is also associated with various metaphysical properties. It is believed to be a stone of revitalization, bringing energy and renewed enthusiasm to the wearer. Spinel is also thought to encourage passion and devotion, making it a meaningful choice for romantic jewelry.

Spinel is more than just a gemstone; it is a symbol of strength, vitality, and enduring beauty. Its vibrant colors and resilient nature make it a perfect choice for those who appreciate both the allure of color and the practicality of a durable gemstone. Whether chosen for its historical significance or its dazzling appearance, spinel adds a touch of vibrant elegance to any jewelry collection.

Rose-cut diamond: The Vintage Gem of Romance and Light

Rose-cut diamonds are a beautiful and romantic choice in the world of jewelry, known for their distinctive dome-shaped appearance and soft, glowing sparkle. This antique diamond cut, dating back to the 16th century, features a flat bottom and a domed top covered in triangular facets that resemble the petals of a rosebud—hence the name.

Historically, rose-cut diamonds were highly prized during the Georgian and Victorian eras, often used in jewelry pieces meant to be worn in candlelight, where their gentle sparkle added a warm, intimate glow. Unlike modern brilliant cuts, which are designed for maximum fire and brilliance, rose-cut diamonds offer a more subdued, yet enchanting, reflection of light.

In modern jewelry, rose-cut diamonds are cherished for their vintage appeal and unique charm. Their flat base and shallow profile make them perfect for creating low-profile, elegant designs that sit close to the skin, such as in rings, pendants, and earrings. Rose-cut diamonds are often used in vintage-inspired and bespoke pieces, where their historical elegance adds a touch of timeless romance.

Rose-cut diamonds are more than just a gemstone choice; they are a symbol of understated beauty and classic romance. Their soft, luminous sparkle and antique allure make them an ideal choice for jewelry that tells a story and captures the essence of a bygone era.

18k: The Perfect Balance of Luxury and Durability

18k gold is a luxurious and highly sought-after material in the world of fine jewelry, known for its rich color, durability, and value. The "18k" refers to the purity of the gold, indicating that it is composed of 75% pure gold and 25% alloyed metals, such as copper, silver, or palladium. This combination provides the perfect balance between the softness of pure gold and the strength needed for creating durable jewelry.

Historically, gold has been prized for its beauty and rarity, symbolizing wealth, power, and status across various cultures and civilizations. 18k gold has been a preferred choice in fine jewelry for centuries due to its ideal blend of purity and strength, offering a radiant gold color that is more vibrant than lower karat golds while still being hard enough for everyday wear.

In modern jewelry, 18k gold is favored for its versatility and its ability to enhance the appearance of gemstones. It is available in several colors, including yellow, white, and rose gold, depending on the metals used in the alloy. Each color has its unique appeal:

Yellow Gold: The classic choice, offering a warm, rich hue that pairs beautifully with a wide range of gemstones and complements all skin tones.

White Gold: A sleek, modern option that resembles platinum or silver but with the strength and luxury of gold. It is often rhodium-plated to enhance its reflective surface.

Rose Gold: A romantic, pinkish hue that has gained popularity for its vintage charm and contemporary appeal, achieved by alloying gold with copper.

18k gold is commonly used in engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, where its balance of durability and beauty makes it ideal for both intricate designs and simple, elegant pieces. The alloy's added strength ensures that jewelry can withstand daily wear while maintaining its luster and shape.

18k gold is more than just a material; it is a symbol of refined taste and enduring value. Its perfect blend of luxury and practicality makes 18k gold a timeless choice for those who seek the beauty of high-purity gold without sacrificing durability. Whether in classic or modern designs, 18k gold jewelry offers a radiant and lasting expression of elegance and sophistication.

Size

20.25 NL / 63.5 FR / 10½ US / U½ UK

Gender

unisex

Weight (in grams)

9.4

Condition

Very good condition – slightly used with small signs of wear