ANTIQUE ART DECO Lucien Gaillard Platinum 0.50ct Emerald & Diamonds Ladies Ring

Presented for acquisition is an exceptionally rare, museum-quality antique ring crafted by the illustrious French master jeweler, Lucien Gaillard (1861–1942). Born into a distinguished Parisian jewelry dynasty founded by his grandfather Amédée in 1840, Gaillard apprenticed under his father before assuming control of the family atelier in 1892.

A prominent contemporary of René Lalique, Gaillard was a transformative figure in both the Art Nouveau and early Art Deco movements. His unparalleled craftsmanship earned him a prize at the prestigious 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris, and he later served as a judge at the 1893 Universal Exposition in Chicago. In 1902, his monumental contributions to the decorative arts were recognized when he was knighted into the Legion of Honour. Today, Gaillard’s masterpieces are permanently housed in the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the Musée d’Orsay, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum.

This specific piece captures the transitional elegance of the early Art Deco era, combining a rigid geometric step-cut central emerald with the delicate, sweeping filigree work characteristic of his renowned Parisian workshop. The interior shank bears Gaillard’s personal hand-engraved signature, elevating this from a piece of fine jewelry to an important historical artifact.

Technical Specifications

• Maker: Lucien Gaillard (Hand-signed)

• Era: Art Deco (Early 20th Century)

• Metal: Solid Platinum (Fully tested)

• Total Weight: 4.00 grams

• Ring Size: US 6.5

• Principal Gemstone: One (1) natural, step-cut (emerald cut) green Emerald weighing approximately 0.50 carats.

• Accent Gemstones: Accented by natural side diamonds set into geometric shoulders.

Detailed Condition & Macro-Photographic Report

This historical masterpiece has been meticulously preserved. Please refer to the detailed macro photography provided for a precise visual inspection:

• Central Emerald : High-magnification top-down views reveal the vivid, saturated green hue of the 0.50ct natural emerald. The stone exhibits the expected, natural “jardin” (inclusions) characteristic of genuine, earth-mined antique emeralds. It is held securely by four substantial prongs.

• Diamond Shoulders  This close-up highlights the transition from the central gallery to the band, featuring geometric, kite-shaped settings housing the accent diamonds, showcasing early Deco architectural influence.

• Undercarriage & Filigree : The side profile exposes breathtaking, hand-wrought scrollwork and open-work filigree within the platinum gallery. This delicate detailing allows maximum light to enter the pavilion of the emerald while demonstrating Gaillard’s mastery of metalwork.

• Scale & Proportions : Presented on a mannequin hand to accurately demonstrate the ring’s elegant proportions and presence when worn at a size 6.5.

• Master Signature : The most critical aspect for provenance—the interior of the platinum shank features the faint but distinct, hand-engraved signature of “L. Gaillard”, authenticating its origin from the master’s Parisian atelier.

Condition Summary: Excellent antique condition. The structural integrity of the solid platinum carriage remains robust. The emerald and diamonds are secure within their original settings. Surface wear to the platinum is incredibly minimal, entirely commensurate with careful, prestigious ownership over the last century.

Please review all high-resolution images carefully as they serve as a definitive extension of this technical description. All stated weights and grades are approximate due to the limitations of evaluating mounted stones. It comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $5000