Designer Spotlight: Granat Bros. Engagement Ring

Granat Ruby & Diamond Engagement Ring. Photo © EraGem. This gorgeous designer platinum engagement ring features a stunning round natural ruby of strong purplish-red color. Two round white diamonds flank the ruby on either shoulder. The mounting for this gorgeous vintage/retro ring was designed by the highly acclaimed Granat brothers from San Francisco. It all started with a jewelry manufacture and repair shop, which opened its doors in Stockton in 1905 under the name Granat Bros.  Ten years later, Joseph and Leo Granat decided to expand in order to reach a broader market. They wisely relocated their wholesale operations to San Francisco, maintaining an emphasis on wedding and engagement rings. By the time another 10 years had passed, the brothers were well on their way to becoming legends in the wedding and engagement ring industry. With a keen eye toward rapidly changing fashion trends and a dedication to what mid-century publishers called "a local touch," Granat Bros. designs were sought after by retailers in many major US cities, including Salt Lake City, UT, and Springfield, MA. According to the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, by 1929, they had cornered the market in Detroit, MI, with eleven retailers supplying a majority of their customers with Granat diamond ring mountings. By the early '60s, the Granats had earned the distinguished Diamond International Award for Excellence in Creative Design for 8 years in a row. They continued to maintain a healthy presence across the United States, having opened nine retail showrooms by 1961. The brothers made a good run of it, and by this time it seems they were ready to take it easy. A New York Stock Exchange report confirms that Zale Jewelry Company acquired the retail operations of Granat Bros. in August of 1961. The brothers Granat walked away from the deal with 9,200 shares of Zale stock. A similar exchange was made with an as-yet unidentified company for the manufacturing side of the business. All in all, a comfortable retirement was in their future. Though Granat designs were manufactured by other houses well into the 1970s and 1980s, the bands no longer bore the Granat inscription. Since the ring featured above is inscribed with the Granat name on the inside of the band, this places its manufacture sometime between 1905 and 1961, likely in the 1940s. If you're a bride-to-be with a penchant for classic vintage style, unparalleled excellence, and a splash of beautiful color, then I do believe you've found your ring!