Being surrounded by so much beautiful jewelry in my daily life, I feel fortunate to treasure each and every experience of “the magical butterflies,” the sensation that comes from trying on a truly special jewel. The kind of jewel that will forever leave an impression on the mind and a longing in the heart. One that took part in a historical romance, crafted of the purest of materials, and possessing the radiant beauty to rival any piece of its era and beyond.
This exquisite ring holds this venerable designation. Handcrafted in platinum, featuring a breath-taking 4.04ct vintage Asscher cut, H color/VS1 clarity GIA certified diamond center. An intricately carved basket design transitions gracefully to graduated “Swiss cut” diamonds enlivening the shoulders of the band. Engraved on the interior of the shank a faint J.O to L.Y. can still be made out. Kept in the same family for 95 years, this special piece is finally ready to meet its new caretaker. A restored platinum bezel will give this ring an extended life, in which to carry on radiating its beauty for generations to come.
Provenance:
This consummate 1920’s Edwardian piece was the original engagement ring given to Louise Potter Yarrington of Richmond, Virginia from her fiancé, James Oliver II, the grandson of James Oliver, inventor and industrialist, and son of Joseph D. Oliver, an influential business guru, whose legacy includes a mansion in South Bend, Indiana, called Copshaholm.
J.D. and Anna Oliver’s eldest son, James II, born November 3, 1885, was active and adventurous as a boy and retained those characteristics as an adult. He attended Michigan Military Academy and Preparatory School at Notre Dame, graduating from Phillips Academy in Massachusetts in 1908. He was elected a director of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works in 1908 at the age of 22 and held various other positions with the firm. On August 16, 1920, he married Louise Potter Yarrington of Richmond, Virginia, the daughter of an industrialist whom he had known for eight years. James and Louise had no children and remained free for lengthy trips to Europe, where he indulged “in his passion for spending money and purchasing paintings,” according to one report from that era.
The ring was passed to family members and is making its first presentation to the public in 95 years.
Source of James Oliver II history:
The History Museum, South Bend, IN
Details:
Center stone: 4.04 ct Asscher cut diamond, measuring 9.70 x 8.96 x 5.96mm
H color, VS1 clarity, no fluorescence, Very Good polish and symmetry- GIA
Side diamonds: 10 square and rectangular Swiss cut diamonds, total weight approx. 0.24cts, G-H, VS qualities
Please call for inquiries or to schedule a private viewing.
