{"product_id":"art-deco-belais-aquamarine-hexagonal-ring-18k-white-gold","title":"Art Deco Belais Aquamarine Ring in 18K White Gold, Circa 1920s","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/theteracollection.com\/blogs\/journal\/belais-jewelry-rings-value-authentication\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBELAIS\u003c\/strong\u003e and crafted in \u003cstrong\u003e18K white gold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArt Deco Belais ring, circa 1920s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately 1.30 carat pale icy-blue aquamarine, estimated while mounted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArchitectural hexagonal face with engraved shoulders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecorative openwork gallery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSigned BELAIS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18K white gold\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Art Deco, circa 1920s\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Belais\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetal:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18K white gold\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHallmark:\u003c\/strong\u003e BELAIS 18K\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRing Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.02 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCenter Stone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aquamarine\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape \/ Cut:\u003c\/strong\u003e Round faceted\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7.11 mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Carat Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.30 carats, estimated while mounted\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very pale icy blue, appearing nearly colorless under some lighting\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eye-clean\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Visible windowing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHead Dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 11.40 mm high × 10.74 mm wide\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRear Shank:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.1 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Stone\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Setting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe side profile reveals an equally considered \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/theteracollection.com\/blogs\/journal\/anatomy-of-an-antique-ring\"\u003eopenwork gallery\u003c\/a\u003e. Interlocking curves and geometric openings create a delicate architectural structure beneath the stone and give the ring interest from virtually every viewing angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStyling \u0026amp; Wear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Word on Resizing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ring is currently a \u003cstrong\u003esize 7\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNote on Photography\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TERA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53042631606583,"sku":null,"price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/8889\/3239\/files\/art-deco-belais-130ct-aquamarine-hexagonal-ring.jpg?v=1790251080","url":"https:\/\/theteracollection.com\/products\/art-deco-belais-aquamarine-hexagonal-ring-18k-white-gold","provider":"TERA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}