With so many styles, and types of engagement rings out there in the world, shopping for an engagement ring can be tricky business. Especially if you are in the market for something more unusual and unique. Antique engagement rings are becoming quite fashionable due to the timelessness and beauty of the designs, but what era is the right one for you?
The first thing you should know is that in order for a ring to be antique it has to be over 50 years old. That means if it was made after the year 1965 it is not an antique. There are several periods of style to consider when looking into antique rings: Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Retro. Knowing the traits, preferred metals and gemstones, and general styling of each period should make it easier to find that perfect engagement ring.
Georgian period-- Spanning across the reign of 4 different kings of England this period lasted from approximately 1714-1837. Materials such as gold, silver, and diamonds were scarce and expensive so it was not uncommon for pieces of jewelry to be taken apart and refitted for new pieces of jewelry. Oval, rectangles and navette, stones other than diamonds cut into marquise settings, formed many of your rings of the period. Many rings held royal blue glass or enamel, delicately topped with silver inlays. Often the inlays were embedded …show more content…
Rings were often made of platinum and characterized by geometric designs, diverse combinations of abstract patterns and colors. It became a common trend during this time for jewelry houses such as Cartier, Mauboussin, Lalique and Tiffany and Co. to sign their pieces which is a great aid for identifying pieces from that time. While diamonds were back as top choice, faux rubies, sapphires, and emerald were often used in linear patterns around the center
The first thing you should know is that in order for a ring to be antique it has to be over 50 years old. That means if it was made after the year 1965 it is not an antique. There are several periods of style to consider when looking into antique rings: Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Retro. Knowing the traits, preferred metals and gemstones, and general styling of each period should make it easier to find that perfect engagement ring.
Georgian period-- Spanning across the reign of 4 different kings of England this period lasted from approximately 1714-1837. Materials such as gold, silver, and diamonds were scarce and expensive so it was not uncommon for pieces of jewelry to be taken apart and refitted for new pieces of jewelry. Oval, rectangles and navette, stones other than diamonds cut into marquise settings, formed many of your rings of the period. Many rings held royal blue glass or enamel, delicately topped with silver inlays. Often the inlays were embedded …show more content…
Rings were often made of platinum and characterized by geometric designs, diverse combinations of abstract patterns and colors. It became a common trend during this time for jewelry houses such as Cartier, Mauboussin, Lalique and Tiffany and Co. to sign their pieces which is a great aid for identifying pieces from that time. While diamonds were back as top choice, faux rubies, sapphires, and emerald were often used in linear patterns around the center