Some rings make the gemstone the story; others use the setting to transform the stone into something far more distinctive. This Art Deco Belais ring belongs firmly in the latter category. A pale, icy aquamarine sits within a sharply defined hexagonal frame, surrounded by intricate engraving and openwork that make the mounting every bit as compelling as the gemstone it holds.
The aquamarine has an unusually delicate color—a whisper of cool blue that can appear nearly colorless in some light and distinctly icy blue in others. Rather than overwhelming the design with color, it allows the architecture of the ring to take center stage. Broad faceting and visible windowing give the stone a character quite different from a contemporary precision-cut gem.
That architectural quality continues throughout the ring. The hexagonal face transitions into beautifully engraved shoulders, while the gallery beneath is filled with graceful geometric openwork. Fine textured borders and deeply cut engraving create detail across nearly every visible surface without disturbing the strong symmetry of the design.
Signed BELAIS and crafted in 18K white gold, this is an especially compelling example of early white-gold jewelry. Belais was an important name in the development and popularization of white gold in America, and this ring demonstrates why the metal became such an effective canvas for intricate period metalwork. It earned its place in The TERA Collection not simply because it is signed, but because the stone, geometry, engraving, and construction remain remarkably cohesive as a complete jewel.
Era: Art Deco, circa 1920s
Maker: Belais
Metal: 18K white gold
Hallmark: BELAIS 18K
Ring Size: 7
Total Weight: 3.02 grams
Center Stone: Aquamarine
Shape / Cut: Round faceted
Measurements: Approximately 7.11 mm diameter
Estimated Carat Weight: Approximately 1.30 carats, estimated while mounted
Color: Very pale icy blue, appearing nearly colorless under some lighting
Clarity: Eye-clean
Optical Characteristics: Visible windowing
Head Dimensions: Approximately 11.40 mm high × 10.74 mm wide
Rear Shank: Approximately 1.1 mm
The center aquamarine measures approximately 7.11 mm across and is estimated at approximately 1.30 carats while mounted. Its color is exceptionally delicate. In cooler lighting the icy blue becomes more apparent, while under brighter or more neutral illumination the stone can appear nearly colorless.
The faceting has broad, individual character rather than the highly standardized appearance of a contemporary precision cut. There is noticeable windowing through the center of the aquamarine, particularly when viewed directly face-up. We consider this part of the stone's existing cutting character and have chosen to preserve it rather than alter a gemstone that works so naturally within its period mounting.
The restrained color is particularly effective against the 18K white gold. Rather than creating strong contrast, stone and metal seem almost to merge, allowing subtle flashes of icy blue to emerge as the ring moves.
The setting is where this Belais ring becomes exceptional. The round aquamarine is enclosed within a crisp hexagonal frame, creating an immediate contrast between the softness of the circular stone and the strong geometry surrounding it. Fine textured borders articulate the perimeter while small setting elements secure the aquamarine without visually overpowering it.
From the face, the hexagonal geometry flows directly into broad shoulders covered with beautifully preserved engraving. Leaf-like and radiating patterns are cut into the white gold and framed by additional linear decoration that continues down the shoulders.
The side profile reveals an equally considered openwork gallery. Interlocking curves and geometric openings create a delicate architectural structure beneath the stone and give the ring interest from virtually every viewing angle.
Despite its age, much of the engraved detail remains remarkably crisp. The ring shows normal evidence of age and wear consistent with an antique jewel, all of which can be examined closely in our high-magnification photographs.
With an approximately 11.40 × 10.74 mm face, this ring has substantial visual presence without feeling oversized. The hexagonal outline gives the round aquamarine a stronger architectural footprint on the hand, while the narrowing shoulders create a graceful transition into the shank.
Its combination of cool white gold, pale aquamarine, and strong geometry makes it particularly versatile. It can be worn as a distinctive right-hand ring, an aquamarine birthstone ring, or an alternative antique engagement ring for someone drawn to quiet color and exceptional period metalwork rather than a conventional solitaire.
As with any antique gemstone ring, sensible care is recommended. The ring was made to be worn, but protecting it from hard impacts and having the setting periodically inspected will help preserve it for another generation.
The ring is currently a size 7. Because the engraved decoration extends along the shoulders but leaves a plain section at the back of the shank, some resizing may be possible without disturbing the principal decorative work. The appropriate amount of adjustment should be determined by a jeweler experienced with antique jewelry after considering the desired finished size and the condition of the original shank.
Our jewelry is photographed at high magnification to show craftsmanship, condition, and detail as clearly as possible. This can make normal signs of age, wear, tool marks, and variations in finish appear more prominent than they are to the unaided eye. Please refer to the measurements provided for an accurate sense of scale.
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We want you to fall in love with your piece. To provide you with total peace of mind, we offer a 21-day evaluation period. Take the time to ensure the fire, the history, and the feel are exactly what you dreamed of.
Return Policy Details
Our 21-Day Promise We want you to fall in love with your piece. To give you peace of mind, we offer a 21-day evaluation period. Take the time to ensure the fire, the history, and the feel are exactly what you dreamed of.
The Details:
Many pieces in the TERA Collection are a century old or more. They have been worn, cherished, gifted, celebrated, and carried through generations before arriving here. Gentle wear, subtle signs of age, and the occasional evidence of historic stewardship should be expected and are considered part of the character that makes antique jewelry impossible to replicate.
Our photography is intentionally detailed and often captured at extreme magnification. In many cases, the images reveal details, textures, and tiny imperfections that are difficult or impossible to see during normal wear. This approach reflects our commitment to documenting each piece as completely as possible, ensuring that its condition, craftsmanship, and character are faithfully represented.
The result is simple: when your piece arrives, there should be no surprises. What you see is an authentic record of a jewel's present condition, preserving both its beauty and the story written into it over time.
If a condition issue exceeds what would normally be expected from a piece of its age, it will always be specifically disclosed within the listing.
Because every collector values different details, we are always happy to provide additional photographs, videos, measurements, or condition documentation whenever possible. If there is a particular aspect of a piece you would like to examine more closely, please don't hesitate to ask.
Our hope is simple: that the piece you receive is exactly the piece you expected to receive. We would always rather answer one more question than leave a doubt unanswered.
