Princess, European and round cut diamonds all have one thing in common, a circular band. The wedding ring is taken as a token of love as the traditional vow goes. The tradion of the untradition V-ring in Liberia began back in the glorious days of William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman, Liberia’s 19th Preisent.
In 1945 after the second world war, Mr. Henry Benedict Duncan, a Liberian Civil Engineer, was Secretary of Public Works and Utilities. While viiting the United States he secured an audience with President Harry Truman. Mr. Duncan decided to honor President Truman in appreciation of America’s victory in the war, he also decided the same honor for Secretary of State Dean Hutchinson and Chief Justice Warren.
Mr. Joseph William Bailey, Sr. was aLiberian artisan of several years experience. Long before jewelry shops became common in Monrovia, a few people, mainly of the Vai ethnic group, dedicated their lives and time to the art of gold, silver and diamond works. They braved the heat from kilns, used in the smelting of the gold and silver, to extract the pure products before shaping them into wearable ornaments. Mr. Bailey Sr. had a little workshop located on Gurley Street and United Nations Drive in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, which accommodated two customers at a time. There he prepared engagement rings and wedding rings and ornament for other occasions.
Knowing the capability and ability of Mr. Bailey’s gold and silversmith, Mr. Duncan dispatched his wife Julian with a special message to his friend, asking him to prepare three gold rings in the form of the letter V, symbolizing victory. In anticipation Mr. Duncan obtained the measurements of the three gentlemen, and immediately Mrs. Duncan flew to Liberia. Upon arrival she proceeded to Mr. Bailey’s jewelry shop where she unfolded the message from her husband. Mr. Bailey was at first confused by the request. He wrote the letter Vand then the letter W, then reached for a piece of copper wire. He interposed them and dissected the letters, and finally he arrived at the perfect V, which has now become the famous V-ring. Mr. Duncan presented the gifts to President Truman and thus started the fame of the V-shaped jewelry.
Mr. Bailey appealed to the National Legislation of Liberia to grant him and his design protection through the pattern right or trademark regulations so that he could benefit from those who would copy his design. Unfortunately his request remains unattended, and credit has never been accorded.
V-shaped jewelry of all sorts is popular among Liberian women especially. The classic artistry of its beginnings should always remain a proud memory of all Liberians.
About the Author:
J. Michael Kunmeh was a Liberian photojournalist who practiced his profession for over 50 years. He worked with numerous local newspapers and international magazines. Kunmeh studied at the University of Lagos, Nigeria and received his certificate in photojournalism.
By J. Michael Kunmeh