"This elegant Asscher-cut diamond single-stone ring of 19.56 carats (I color, VVS2 clarity) sold for £858,850 against a pre-sale estimate of £315,000-440,000. The Asscher-cut, invented in 1902, combines simplicity in shape and line without compromising the brilliance of the stone and this example was quite simply a very beautiful stone which epitomized the glamor of the much sought after art deco period. Other successes in our recent December sale included an art deco ruby and diamond bracelet, by Van Cleef & Arpels dating from 1923. The graduated range of step-cut Burmese rubies juxtaposed with baguette-cut diamonds look surprisingly contemporary in design and it is this thirst for innovation which heralded Van Cleef & Arpels as the jeweler of choice to some of the world's most glamorous women from Grace Kelly to Elizabeth Taylor."