Vintage Mid-Century Ruby and 1.25ct Diamond Ballerina Ring, 1.5ct Ruby, 14K Two-Tone Gold

A pinkish-red ruby sits at the center, faceted rather than cabochon-cut, so it throws real fire alongside its color instead of the softer glow a cabochon gives. Radiating out from it, forty-two diamonds, a mix of round brilliants and tapered baguettes; build a stepped, sunburst-like frame, the baguettes angled outward like spokes so the whole top of the ring reads as motion rather than a static halo. This "ballerina" construction, named for the way the tapered stones fan out like a dancer's skirt, was a signature mid-century setting style, prized for making a moderate center stone look considerably larger. Two-tone 14K gold: yellow for the shank, white for the diamond mount keeps the diamonds bright against the warmth of the band. The center ruby weighs approximately 1.5 carats, while the accent diamonds total approximately 1.25 carats.

Excellent vintage condition; light surface marks on the yellow gold shank consistent with age; stones are secure with no visible chips or damage. Size 5. Weighs 9.0 grams total.