The tradition of diamond engagement rings can be traced back to Roman times, when the wise man Pliny wrote, “A diamond baffles poison, keeps off insanity and dispels vain fears.” In the Middle Ages Italians said the diamond had the power to maintain harmony between husband and wife—and who can argue with that? Jewelers are reworking diamond engagement rings into unique pieces of art that still hold to tradition.
1. Fancy natural yellow diamond with a 1.50-carat diamond ring by Jean-Louis VanDenBosch. $21,900 at Julianna’s Fine Jewelry (Corte Madera). 415.924.9711, juliannasfinejewelry.com
2. White gold set with 4.50 carats of diamonds by De Beers. Price upon request at De Beers. 888.376.9230, debeers.com
3. A radiant cut diamond ring by Simayof. Starting at approximately $2,550 for one carat at Simayof (SF). 415.391.0152, simayof.com
4. The Avenue platinum ring with square-cut diamonds by Kathleen Dughi Jeweler. $10,500 at Kathleen Dughi (Mill Valley). 415.383.0462, kathleendughi.com
5. Unisex ring with diamonds by Stacey Lorinczi. $800 to $6,000 at Lorinczi Jewelry (SF). 415.566.7394, lorinczi.com
Many brides are taking their cues from the world of fashion, ditching traditional rings for enchanting colored diamonds, rubies, spinels, sapphires and tourmalines, arranged into
larger-than-life couture-like creations.
1. Pavé diamonds and amethyst ring by David Yurman. Price upon request at Shreve and Co. (SF). 415.421.2600, shreve.com
2. Fine green tourmaline with diamonds ring by Alix and Company. $21,000 at Alix and Company (Mill Valley). 415.380.0880, alixandcompany.com
3. Diamonds with sapphire rings by Judith Ripka. $5,900 at Judith Ripka (SF). 415.399.1995, judithripka.com.
4. French enamel with diamonds and green tourmaline or garnet rings by Faberge. $4,850 to $6,930 at Amir Mozaffarian (SF). 415.391.9995, mozzafarian.com
5. A 14.50-carat emerald-cut aquamarine with diamonds ring by Jean Schlumberger. Price upon request at Tiffany and Co. (SF). 415.781.7000, tiffany.com
