18K Gold Ruby And Diamond Ring, Italy, Alessandria, 1940s

This highly decorative ring was crafted in Italy, in the Alessandria region — a renowned goldsmithing center. Made from high-purity 18K gold (Au 0.750), it exemplifies the craftsmanship characteristic of the post-war Italian jewelry school: expressive, sensual in form, and bold in combining various gemstone cuts and types.

At the heart of the composition is a faceted oval-cut ruby weighing over 2 carats. The stone captivates with its deep cherry-red hue and subtle fire that reveals itself in natural daylight. Set securely in six prongs, the ruby stands proudly as the centerpiece, “hosting” an array of accompanying diamonds.

What distinguishes this Italian design is not only the presence of diamonds but also the diversity of their cuts: brilliant round, marquise, and baguette.

The ring’s asymmetrical shape reflects the modernist influences of the mid-20th century — a period when jewelers eagerly experimented with lines, irregular forms, and dramatic composition. Despite its rich ornamentation, the piece maintains perfect visual balance — its weight distributed harmoniously through a graduated arrangement of stone sizes and cuts.

Jewelry from Alessandria produced between 1944 and 1968 is now highly sought after on the vintage and antique market — especially when it combines a rare gemstone (a ruby over 2 ct), a high standard of craftsmanship, and historically significant Italian workshop hallmarks.