Retro Budlong Docherty & Armstrong 10k Yellow Gold and Blue Glass Bezel Ring

A striking example of American jewelry from the early Retro period, this circa-1940 ring reflects the changing aesthetic of the years surrounding World War II. As the geometric restraint of the Art Deco era gave way to the softer, bolder forms of Retro jewelry, yellow gold became especially fashionable, prized for its warmth and richness.

Crafted in 10K yellow gold and bearing the Budlong Docherty & Armstrong maker's mark, the ring is centered by a single faceted blue glass stone. During this period, colored glass was often embraced as an expressive and accessible alternative to precious gemstones, allowing jewelers to create vivid flashes of color while emphasizing the sculptural character of the setting.

Made during a fascinating moment in American history, this ring carries the visual language of its time: bold gold, saturated color, and a sense of optimism and glamour emerging from a rapidly changing world. Nearly a century later, its beautifully preserved period character offers a tangible connection to the jewelry, craftsmanship, and design sensibilities of 1940s America.

• Circa 1940

• Stamped “10k” and tests 10k yellow gold

• Budlong Docherty & Armstrong maker’s mark

• 1 glass faceted stone

• Size 5 ½, resizable

• Estimated gross weight: 1.3 grams

• Good vintage condition, wear on facet junctions, wear in the form of minor scratches, and wear appropriate with age