GIA Certified 6.38 Carat Bulgari Diamond Trombino Ring Art Deco Moderne, c. 1950

Art Moderne Platinum and Diamond “Trombino” Ring by Bulgari, Rome, circa 1938 A diamond ring centering a step-cut diamond sided by two lines of graduated baguette-cut diamonds in a field of round diamonds; mounted in platinum • 1 step-cut diamond, weighing 6.38 carats • Additional diamonds, total weighing approximately • Signed Bvlgari 950 • Measurements: 5/8 x 3/4 x 1 inch • Ring size: 6 Certification Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Natural Diamond Grading Report no. 2145481190, dated February 7, 2019, stating that the 6.38-carat cut-cornered rectangular step-cut is F color and VSI clarity. Significance In the 1930s, all-white jewelry came into style with the great houses exploring combinations of diamond stone cuts set in platinum. The jewelry was rooted in an exploration of layered geometry, celebrating texture and form over bold color. This trend was inspired by changes in society, first a celebration of the machine-age and streamlined modern design that focused on clean lines and strong shapes. It was also influenced by the restrained mood of the depression era. Popular fashions included modest tailored suits and jewelry that could be worn any time of day. Most movies were still black and white, the all-white jewels would show off strongly in the romantic chiaroscuro scenes of Film Noir. In 1932, Giorgio Bulgari made the very first Trombino or “little trumpet,” set entirely with diamonds, as an engagement ring for his future wife, Leonilde. From this romantic start, the firm came up with one of their most iconic and long-lasting designs. Trombino rings are set with a shank or round diamonds accented with a graduated row of baguette diamonds on the shoulders tapered down from the central gemstone. The early rings are all diamond, but over the years Bulgari has reserved these rings for exceptional stones. Elizabeth Taylor purchased a version with a sapphire in 1971. Bulgari was popular with Hollywood stars who recognized the oversized glittering jewels as capturing the spirit of La Dolce Vita “the sweet life.” Anna Magnani, the explosive Italian actress who won the 1955 academy award for Tenesee William’s Rose Tattoo, wore her diamond Trombino to several awards ceremony the following year, including when she gave the best actor Oscar to Yul Brynner. The Trombino is a bold, statement ring meant to draw attention to the hand as it rested on the stem of a fluted glass or was pressed against a fabulous silk dress; it is just as important and eye catching today. Biography Sotirios Bulgari established the jewelry house of Bulgari in Greece in the late nineteenth century, originally creating precious objects in silver. In 1881, he relocated to Rome and, three years later, opened his first store. By the first decade of the twentieth century, jewelry had been added to his stock. His drive and ambition were passed on to his sons and grandsons who continued to offer well designed and superbly made jewelry to their clientele. Today, Bulgari is an international luxury brand.