{"product_id":"litwin-retro-diamond-bypass-ring-14k","title":"Vintage Litwin Retro Bypass Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold, Circa 1940s","description":"\u003cp\u003eFlowing ribbons of white gold sweep around two principal diamonds in this signed Litwin ring, creating the sculptural movement characteristic of Retro jewelry. Smaller diamonds, pierced openings, milgrain, and engraved details add complexity while keeping the design light and beautifully balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two principal diamonds add another layer of period character, with moderately high crowns and broad, chunky facets associated with transitional-era cutting. One retains a tiny visible culet while the other does not, giving each stone its own personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarked LIT for Cincinnati jeweler Litwin \u0026amp; Sons, the ring combines a documented American maker with an unusually fluid 1940s design. From across the room it has an elegant sweep across the finger; up close, the diamond cuts, engraving, milgrain, and openwork reveal the details that make the piece special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmerican Retro, circa 1940s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSigned Litwin \u0026amp; Sons, Cincinnati\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo principal transitional \/ early round brilliant-cut diamonds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately 0.60 ctw estimated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14K white gold with pierced openwork, milgrain, and engraving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e American Retro, circa 1940s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Litwin \u0026amp; Sons, Cincinnati\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker's Mark:\u003c\/strong\u003e LIT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMetal:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14K White Gold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRing Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.08 gram\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRear Shank:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.73 mm high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrincipal Diamonds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/theteracollection.com\/blogs\/journal\/transitional-cut-diamonds-guide\"\u003etransitional cut\u003c\/a\u003e \/ early round brilliant-cut diamonds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarger Diamond:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 4.34 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSecond Diamond:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 3.98 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccent Diamonds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately eight, measuring approximately 1.18 mm each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Total Diamond Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 0..58 to 0.65 carats total, estimated while mounted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eHead Dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e Approximately 16.18 high × 13.58 mm wide\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eHeight Off Finger:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e Approximately 6.23 mm\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Diamonds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two principal diamonds sit one above the other within the elongated composition. Their slightly different proportions and facet patterns give each stone an individual character while remaining beautifully balanced face-up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth display characteristics associated with the transitional period between the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/theteracollection.com\/blogs\/journal\/old-european-cut-diamonds-explained\"\u003eOld European Cut diamond\u003c\/a\u003e and the increasingly standardized modern round brilliant. Moderately high crowns and broad, chunky facets give the stones the larger flashes of light associated with earlier cutting styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne diamond retains a tiny \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/theteracollection.com\/blogs\/journal\/what-is-a-diamond-culet-antique-diamonds\"\u003evisible culet\u003c\/a\u003e, while the other shows no readily apparent culet. Approximately eight smaller diamonds follow the sweeping contours of the setting rather than forming a conventional halo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne principal diamond has a small nick along the girdle consistent with age and wear. It is most apparent under magnification and does not noticeably affect the stone's face-up appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Setting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBroad ribbons of polished white gold sweep around the principal diamonds, while pierced openings keep the substantial design visually light. Smaller diamond-set sections, milgrain, and engraving add finer detail between the larger sculptural forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are echoes of Art Deco in the white metal, openwork, and fine detailing, but the rigid geometry has given way to the curves and movement associated with Retro design. The open gallery continues beneath the diamonds, adding dimension without creating an excessively high profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngraving continues into the shoulders before transitioning into the simpler shank, carrying the design beyond the face of the ring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Litwin Maker's Mark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inside of the shank is marked 14K and LIT, the maker's mark associated with Cincinnati jeweler Litwin \u0026amp; Sons. The LIT trademark was in use by 1930 and appeared on rings and other jewelry produced by the firm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe signature gives the ring an additional connection to American jewelry history and provides another piece of evidence for placing it within the period in which its sculptural Retro design developed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStyling \u0026amp; Wear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elongated design spreads beautifully across the finger, creating considerably more presence than its diamond weight alone might suggest. Its open construction keeps the ring from feeling heavy, while the combination of diamonds and white gold makes it remarkably versatile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt could make an unusual vintage engagement ring, distinctive right-hand ring, or everyday piece for someone drawn to authentic period jewelry that doesn't resemble the familiar solitaire, halo, or cluster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with any gemstone ring, antique or new, sensible care is appropriate. Periodic inspection by a qualified jeweler is recommended for jewelry worn regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Word on Resizing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ring is currently a size 5.75.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe relatively simple lower shank provides room for resizing, although any significant adjustment should take the decorated shoulders and overall architecture into consideration. Learn more in our guide to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/theteracollection.com\/blogs\/journal\/anatomy-of-an-antique-ring\"\u003eanatomy of an antique ring\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease contact The TERA Collection if you would like to discuss sizing before purchase.\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":53027608592695,"sku":null,"price":1650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/8889\/3239\/files\/1940s-retro-diamond-bypass-ring-14k-white-gold.jpg?v=1790156271","url":"https:\/\/theteracollection.com\/products\/litwin-retro-diamond-bypass-ring-14k","provider":"TERA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}