A sapphire and diamond ring, Dreicer & Co., circa 1910
Of openwork design, set with round brilliant-cut diamonds and calibré-cut sapphires, size J?, stamped '14K', estimated total diamond weight approximately 0.50ct
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From the late 19th century until the mid-1920s, the firm Dreicer & Co. was considered one of America's leading jewellers. In 1866, Jacob and Gittel Dreicer emigrated to New York from Russia with an extensive knowledge of gemstones. Within a short period of time, the couple's home-grown gem business had gained a prominent position on Broadway before Jacob realised the potential of Fifth Avenue. From 1885, the firm operated from a succession of prime locations on Fifth Avenue in addition to running boutiques in Palm Beach and Chicago. Dreicer & Co. is credited as one of the first companies to introduce many of the latest diamond cuts from Paris and their designs came to epitomize America's Gilded Age. The firm handled a number of important diamonds and pearls, exhibiting these precious gems at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904) and the Grand Central Palace in Manhattan (1915). Their son, Michael (1868-1921) became one of the leading pearl experts in the world and Dreicer & Co. became highly regarded in this field. Following Michael's death, the business ceased trading in 1926.