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1920s Custom Made Diamond Gauge

$1,700

Sold!

This is a tool for estimating the carat weight of diamonds. I have one that I use regularly, but it's a clear piece of plastic with circles that you can compare the diamond's size with. There are many WTF questions associated with this piece: one, why would you use REAL DIAMONDS when you could just use literally anything else? two, why do they need to retract into the case? Was this made to hang decoratively from a watch chain? Three, what was the owner doing that he needed to constantly measure small diamonds? Final question: why would Mr. Tarling put his home address on the front? 7 Earldom Road in London has always been a residential building. Mysteries upon mysteries. But the Victorians knew how to take a utilitarian thing and make it really, really nice.

  • Materials

    sterling silver, .01ct, .02ct, .03ct, .06ct, .07ct transitional cut diamonds, new sterling silver chain

  • Age

    c. 1920

  • Condition

    Very good - surface wear commensurate with age and use

  • Size

    2" x 3/4", 18" chain

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Art Deco

Aboutthe

Art DecoEra

19151940

please note:Terms of Sale

Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.

RelatedHistory Lesson

The Dawn of Diamond Cutting
FROM ROUGH TO BRILLIANT:The Dawn of Diamond Cutting