Vintage "4-12-44" Art Moderne 1940s 18K Belais wedding band

A slim, crisply detailed gentleman's wedding band engraved for a wedding on April 12, 1944. This may look like a simple band but it is actually a great example of two bits of jewelry history!

First, this band is a great example of how jewelry from earlier design eras can survive into later time periods. In this case, although this band was engraved in 1944 it was likely made in the 1930s. We know that platinum and gold (including white gold) were prohibited or rationed for non-military use during WWII, making it unlikely that this band would have been produced during wartime. Any white metal rings made in 1944 would probably have been palladium. This was, therefore, likely part of a jeweler's "old" stock, or possibly even a family ring passed down to a young couple, hence the Art Deco blossom and leaf pattern AND the use of 18K white gold.

Secondly, this band is a lovely example of men's wedding band fashion in the Art Deco Era. While we may think of mens' wedding bands as wide, plain (no pattern), and more "masculine" than their female counterparts, this has not always been the case! Gentlemen's wedding bands in the 1920s-1930s were often simply larger versions of women's wedding bands. It was not uncommon for a couple to have bands that matched each other in pattern and width, differing only in size. 

This ring was given to "Vesper" from his wife just about two months before D-Day. The blossom and bridal leaf pattern looks new and the milgrain trim is crisp. 

Measurements: Size 12 1/4 US, 3.5mm wide, 3.8 grams
Era: 1940s (1944)
Markings: Belais 18K "Vesper from Wife" and wedding date, "4-12-44"