Diamond ring, circa 1920. The distinctive layout of the diamonds in this ring place it firmly within the realms of art deco, a style which was already developing in jewellery prior to the First World War, and reached its zenith in 1925, with the opening of the ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes’ in Paris. The movement (the name of which was later taken by contracting the name of this Parisian fair) was characterised by stark, stylish geometric motifs, free from the florid and elaborate forms that had preceded it, that perfectly accompanied the changing fashions of women, the birth of cubist art and the popularisation of jazz music. This ring beautifully arranges its approximately 1.30 carats of early 20^th century circular-cut and cushion-shape diamonds in a stylish millegrained setting that effortlessly embodies the sense of proportion and simplicity that makes jewels in this style an enduring favourite.