Antique Engagement Rings
Diamonds are often depicted as a sign of love and unity. When it comes to wedding rings shopping, finding the right ring that suits your style and personality is a challenge. Buying a antique engagement ring can mean it having its own inherent uniqueness and allure, better intricate craftsmanship and are definitely an treasure to pass down the generations.
We have something for you if you are a bride who enjoys traveling, is fascinated by “road shows,” or wants a ring that reminds you of the one your grandmother or aunt wore.
Jewels from the nineteenth century have stood the test of time and have been worn in a variety of inventive and whimsical ways. These lovely creations now make a jeweled declaration of personal style.
Lets Begin by Studying Various Periods and Styles that are Popular
Understanding the various timelines, necessitates schooling and long-term learning. That the very first point to note about antique jewelry is the centuries and themes, particularly a picture or pattern. The following is a list of common timelines and styles.
- Georgian—1710s to 1830s
These are rare and truly a collector’s treasured find. Georgian jewelry is known for its incredibly ornate metalwork. All the jewelry from this time period was handcrafted using extremely labor-intensive methods. Wedding rings throughout the era epitomized natural themes and intricate shapes. Many Georgian antique wedding rings were designed in the Grecian style, with delicately crafted intricate metal works such as flowers, birds, and scrolls.
This is the kind of ideal engagement ring for a bride who wants to save memories, as this period was marked by a desire to save memories and times of day. The famous poesy ring, a band with short sayings, and locket rings, which have spaces to hold miniature pictures, were created around this period.
These rings symbolize remembrance of eternal love.
2. Victorian—1830s to 1900s
This is the era of a Queen. Named after the longest ruling British Monarch- Victoria.
The Victorian era in England was divided into three distinct periods:
- Romantic,
- Grand,
- Late Victorian,
though jewelry from the time period was revived in several ways across Europe. Victorian rings were usually made of yellow or rose gold, and diamonds were often used. The majority of the diamonds were cut from old mines or were old European cuts or the ethereal rose cuts.. This was the era when round brilliant cut had not been invented yet.
Bows, hearts, and snakes were common motifs in rings, and marquise or navette shapes were often used as the center stone or elsewhere in the ring. Diamonds and gems could only be worn by women “of a certain age,” while young, unmarried women could only wear the most basic of jewelry.
In a number of films, you might recall the blue and white diamonds combination. It was influenced by Victorian times.
Turquoise gained fame too.
Buttercup and belcher settings with prominent floral settings very exceedingly famous during this period.
They have an unmistakable personality and elegance that modern rings sorely lack.
3. Art Nouveau—1890s to 1914s
The essence of Art Nouveau is woman-centric. The style ushered in the “modern age” at the turn of the century. Jewelers found themselves as artists in this era of the artisans. Their graceful and fluid designs were stunning. It lasted for only a few years because of the onset of World War 1 .
However they are the depiction of the bold nature of life. They were statement pieces The pieces were big and bold, and many of them featured nude women, which was surprising at the time.
Since it was also costly, most of the pieces were worn by rich, artistic styles who believed in the power of style.
4.The Edwardian Period (1901-1914)
The era, which coincided with America’s “Gilded Age,” saw great social change and the rise of an extremely wealthy upper class. There was a mix of styles of Victorian era and Art Nouveau. Light and airy bits, made in delicate filigree of diamonds and platinum or white gold, resembling lace, are hallmarks of true Edwardian style.
Most commonly used motifs included delicate bows garlands and ribbons, the sky- the moon and the stars, leaves and flowers.
Monochromatic look was in trend with the usage of peals and platinum to give a gentle sculpting.
The jewelers and artisans imitated the use of lace on rings.
5. Art Deco—1920s to 1939s
Art Deco rings are currently the most common (and plentiful) antique engagement rings available.
One of the distinguishing features of the Art Deco era is the use of geometric forms in designs. Baguette diamonds were the protagonist of this era etched into rings or rather decorative arts. Clean lines, trapezoidal patterns, edges which were stepped, and arched corners are all key components of the style.
The Art Deco era was known for its bold colour contrasts. Designers combined diamonds with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds to produce stunning effects.
For brides who like to mix and match their outfits.
This era gave life to Timeless Modernity.
Final Thoughts:
If you want to wear an antique wedding ring, make sure it is authentic. Invest not just your cash but also your time. If you’ve done so, you’ll have a whole new world to choose from. When it comes to antique jewelry, there is a lot to cover. Today, older style cut diamonds are very common, and they are being cut and used again, sometimes as modified models, and sometimes to deceive. Gemologists and appraisers will assist you in finding a genuine product. Examine the details of each piece before making a purchase such as the age, size, condition etc. Having a solid return policy is a must for antique rings.
Alternative bridal rings have become the new trend. “Custom made”, “ limited edition” are the keywords brides are looking for while ring shopping.
For a woman who wants to stand out and make a statement rather than blend in, choosing an antique ring would definitely serve the purpose of individuality and self-appreciation.