Antique engagement rings are a unique and timeless option for couples who want to stand out with a piece of jewelry that has a rich history and unique character. An antique engagement ring is not only a piece of jewelry, but it’s also a piece of history that tells a story of a bygone era. While antique engagement rings can be difficult to find, the hunt can be an exciting and rewarding experience. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about finding antique engagement rings.
What is an Antique Engagement Ring?
An antique engagement ring is a piece of jewelry that is over 100 years old. These rings are typically handcrafted and feature intricate designs that are not commonly found in modern jewelry. Antique engagement rings are often made from precious metals such as gold or platinum and feature gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
Antique engagement rings can be categorized by the era in which they were made, and each era has a distinct design style that is unique to that period. The four main eras of antique engagement rings are Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro.
Victorian Era Engagement Rings
The Victorian era spanned from 1837 to 1901, and during this period, engagement rings were typically made from gold and featured intricate designs such as scrollwork, filigree, and floral motifs. Victorian engagement rings often had multiple small diamonds or other gemstones in the design, and they were typically given as a token of love or as a symbol of a promise to marry.
Edwardian Era Engagement Rings
The Edwardian era spanned from 1901 to 1915, and during this period, engagement rings were often made from platinum, which was a new and popular metal at the time. Edwardian engagement rings featured delicate and intricate designs, often with lace-like filigree and openwork patterns. Diamonds were the most popular gemstone used in Edwardian engagement rings, and they were often cut in the Old European style, which featured a larger culet and smaller table than modern diamonds.
Art Deco Era Engagement Rings
The Art Deco era spanned from 1920 to 1935, and during this period, engagement rings featured bold geometric designs and clean lines. Art Deco engagement rings often had a central diamond or gemstone, and the stone was often set in a unique and eye-catching way. The metal of choice for Art Deco engagement rings was platinum, and diamonds were still the most popular gemstone used in the designs.
Retro Era Engagement Rings
The Retro era spanned from 1935 to 1950, and during this period, engagement rings were often made from yellow or rose gold, which was popular during World War II when platinum was scarce. Retro engagement rings featured bold designs with large center stones, often surrounded by smaller diamonds or gemstones. The designs of Retro engagement rings were often influenced by Hollywood glamour and were designed to make a statement.
Where to Find Antique Engagement Rings
There are several ways to find antique engagement rings, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Leave a Reply