Description
Mid-century romance meets San Francisco history in this exquisite diamond ring, attributed to storied jeweler Shreve and Company (Shreve & Co.) of San Francisco, California.
Founded by George Shreve (1828–1893), who arrived in California in 1852 during the Gold Rush, Shreve and Company grew into one of the West Coast’s finest jewelry houses. By the early twentieth century, the firm was renowned for exceptional craftsmanship in both jewelry and decorative silver. In 1906, Shreve and Company moved into its famed earthquake-resistant building at the corner of Post and Grant Streets in San Francisco, securing its place as one of the city’s premier luxury retailers.
Members of the Shreve family were historically associated with the esteemed Boston firm Shreve, Crump & Low; however, this ring is attributed specifically to Shreve and Company of San Francisco, in keeping with the original owner’s account and the period of purchase. This ensures that the ring is correctly associated with the historic San Francisco house, rather than the Boston retailer.
According to the original owner, the ring was purchased in 1966 from Shreve and Company in San Francisco. At that time, Shreve and Company was widely regarded as one of the city’s leading jewelers, celebrated for fine diamonds, refined design, and superb craftsmanship. Today, their mid-century pieces are increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate both quality and history.
The center diamond is a natural round brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.88 carat of bright appearance, with an estimated clarity of VS1–VS2 and color J. It is flanked by two tapered baguette-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.20 carat, with an estimated clarity of VS1–VS2 and color H–I. The iridium–platinum ring is inscribed on the interior “iri-plat 64402,” weighs approximately 2.1 dwt, and is a size 6.
What makes this ring especially enchanting is its provenance. In 1966, it was given to a young woman studying at a women’s college in San Francisco. Each year, the college hosted a formal dance at which invited young men would present a bouquet—and, for some, an engagement ring—to the young woman they hoped to marry. While it was typical for seniors to receive proposals, in this case, the bride-to-be was only a sophomore. She cherished this ring throughout her lifetime, and it was her wish that another young woman would one day experience the same sweetness, excitement, and anticipation she felt when it was first slipped onto her finger.
This ring now awaits a collector or bride who loves jewelry with a soul as much as a sense of style. It offers a rare combination: a pristine mid-century diamond ring attributed to one of San Francisco’s most historic jewelers, carrying a graceful story of first love and enduring care—an heirloom-worthy piece for the next chapter of its history.
