Why go with the old? Many of the vintage diamond engagement rings are the classic solitaire diamond ring still fashionable today except they are placed in beautiful settings designed and produced in past decades. These rings hold historical value and uniqueness that new rings just don't have. Most of today's jewelry is mass-produced by machines while vintage rings were commonly hand crafted dramatically reducing their commonality. There are hundreds if not thousands of identical twins of new rings hitching a ride on the hand of humans. As styles change some of these vintage diamond engagement rings will be destroyed for use in new jewelry adding to the uniqueness of those remaining rings.
Each era had its own unique features providing a varied collection of vintage ring styles. Thankfully, a good number of these styles have made a come back in today's styles. The more recent vintage eras include the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Retro.
Victorian Era 1837 to 1901 - Due the span of the Victorian Era it is divided into three time periods to provide a good variety of ring styles. Lasting for more than 60 years from 1837 until 1901 the era was named after Alexandria Victoria Queen Great Britain and was divided up into the Romantic Period, the Grand Period, and the Aesthetic Period. During the Romantic Period the scarcity of gold dictated the metal styles while the Queen dictated the proper etiquette for which gems were acceptable. Techniques such as filigree, piercing, and engraving were used to provide the look of additional mass with minimal gold. The Grand Period was kicked off as an product of the death of Victoria's beloved husband. As a result darker stones and more serious designs were used in vintage rings of this period. The Aesthetic Period, the last in the Victorian Era, had designs that included stars, dragons, and the moon, giving rings a more relaxed look and feeling.
Edwardian Era 1901 to 1910 - Although a short era for vintage diamond engagement rings this era was the beginning of significant changes. Much of these changes were a result of flourishing wealth among the upper and middle class and women moving up in society. As the clothing styles become more flexible, light, and lacy so did the jewelry styles follow. The increased wealth allowed platinum to grow in popularity and platinum's strength allowed for tiny prongs making setting nearly invisible. The improved prosperity allowed platinum to increase in popularity while platinum's strength permitted smaller prongs giving setting an invisible look. Popular gems included pearls, diamonds, and amethyst.
Art Nouveau / Art Deco Eras 1895 to 1935 - Vintage diamond engagement rings from these two eras are often grouped together. They both were the result of major society changing events. For Art Nouveau it was the Industrial Revolution and for Art Deco it was World War I. Basically these two styles can be summed up, and differentiated, by a few simple concepts. The vintage rings of Art Nouveau will include natural styles mimicking flowers and insects while geometry and symmetry are more reminiscent of the Art Deco style.
Retro, Vintage 1930s-1980s - This era has the largest number of vintage diamond engagement rings. Although diamonds were somewhat "out" during this era it is the most recent vintage era. World War II had caused a shortage in precious metals. As a result jewelry to focus on the metal aspect of the ring as opposed to the gem. Yellow and rose gold were the two most commonly used metals. When gems were used they were often large less precious bright gems or clusters.
Alan Brenner enjoys learning and writing about history. Vintage rings help bring history to life. To learn more more about or to see a collection of Diamond Vintage Engagement Rings please visit OldEraRings.com.
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