When it comes to selecting vintage style engagement rings, there are more options than ever before. The term vintage is not a specific time frame or time period, but it tends to include rings that are Art Deco, Victorian, and Edwardian in style.
Understanding the difference in the different styles can help you in narrowing down your choices in vintage style engagement rings. They are unique and once you know the difference it will be easy to spot the specific design and setting style you prefer.
Victorian Engagement Rings
The Victorian age spanned from the late part of the 1830s to the early part of the 1900s. This was an area of ornate design and intricate patterns and with a true turn to a style rather than a simple and less elaborate type of design of eras prior to this point in time.
The most common features of the Victorian era of vintage style engagement rings are the use of small diamond chips around a larger central diamond. These diamond chips often featured diamonds set in rows in the design that encircled the central stone and the front of the ring. The central diamond is often a round, oval or emerald shape and cut.
Traditionally these rings were in yellow gold, but the new designs of today may be in any metal and may also feature colored diamonds or semi-precious or precious accent diamonds in the design.
Edwardian Style Rings
The early part of the Edwardian era, which is roughly the first part of the 1900s to the 1920s, jewelers built on the ornate and elaborate designs of the Victorian era. However, the main change was the transition from yellow gold to platinum and at the end of the era to white gold.
Additionally, the use of filigree or ornate repeating shapes in the rings became more apparent. The central diamonds tended to be smaller with more detail around the edges to create the look of significant sparkle and dazzle. Flowers, bows and a lacier look to the design are often evident.
Art Deco
A short time period but with lasting impact, the Art Deco styles of vintage style engagement rings are beautiful, ornate yet also designed with more geometry and clear designs with fewer frills and bows.
The central diamond again became the focus, with combinations of metals, and the use of various gemstones as an accent to the diamond. Emerald cut, marquis cut and trillion shapes were very popular, as were pear shaped diamonds that sat well above the band.
If you are looking for vintage style engagement rings, spend some time browsing the collections. You will find just the ring you want with that vintage look that never goes out of style.
