The Historical Eras of Vintage Engagement Ring
Vintage
designs are statement makers in their own right. Couples looking for a
unique engagement ring with charming details fit to match the brides’
beauty and shared romance should consider a vintage or vintage-style engagement ring.
Learn more about the vintage eras to help you choose the right ring.
Tropical Vintage Platinum Round Halo Engagement Ring: ER10052PT3JJ
Georgian (1714-1830)
Engagement
rings from this particular time period are extremely rare. Majority of
Georgian antique rings are handmade, typically from 18k gold and
silver. One distinguishing factor of the Georgian Period is the use of
many different stone shapes and sizes in one single piece.
Because
gemologists lacked the technology we have today, rose cuts and table
cuts were commonly used on diamonds, sapphires, garnets, precious topaz,
and amethysts. Many Georgian rings also include intricate floral, bow,
or scrolling motifs.
Victorian-styled engagement ring with intricate detailing. Castleton – ER9041W44JJ
Inspired
and named after the beloved Queen Victoria, the Victorian Period
consists of jewelry trends that resembled the stylish fashion and
jewelry tastes of the Queen. Married in 1840, Queen Victoria wore a
snake motif ring set with her green emerald birthstone as her engagement
ring.
In
the Victorian era, it was very common for birthstones to be used
instead of diamonds for engagement rings. Victoria went into a period of
mourning when her dear husband died in 1861, inspiring the use of gold
lockets and darkened, rustic-like pieces. With the discovery of diamonds
in South Africa and the rise of an industrial revolution, diamond
solitaire engagement rings were created and jewelry reflected the
birth of a new modern age.
A hand etched band and exquisite detailing. Montgomery – ER12581R4PT4JJ
Once
Queen Victoria passed away in 1901, her son Edward took over the
throne, introducing the Edwardian era. During this era, there were huge
advances in metal fabrication (cutting, burning, welding, machining,
forming, and assembly to create the final product) allowing jewelers to
finally work with platinum to produce intricate yet durable pieces.
Jewelry from this period was light, detailed and delicate with diamonds as the gemstone of choice and ‘milgraining’ as THE metal
decoration of this time. With these advancements, it is much easier to
date jewelry that was manufactured in the early 20th century or later.
A vintage-inspired diamond halo with intricate floral designs. Nolan: ER910101W44JJ
As
an artistic resistance movement against technological advances, the Art
Noveau was born which overlaps the Victorian and Edwardian
eras. However, jewelry from this period was praised for
hand-craftsmanship, creativity and designs using Japanese themes (birds,
dragons, nature) as inspiration.
Diamonds
were used scarcely, and gemstones like opals, agate, and moonstones
became the highlight of a piece. The most notable design technique of
this time was enameling which adds a stained glass effect of rich colors
to artistically complement the nature themes.
Inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Art Deco era. Ramona – ER13966R6W83JJ
Art Deco (1915-1935)
Men were off at war while women were taking up roles as the breadwinner, earning their own money and learning valuable skills which later led to the independence of women. Such a bright new perspective on life brought about bold characteristics in jewelry such as a heavy emphasis on geometric designs. Lines were straight and linear, and the gemstone shapes matched.
Men were off at war while women were taking up roles as the breadwinner, earning their own money and learning valuable skills which later led to the independence of women. Such a bright new perspective on life brought about bold characteristics in jewelry such as a heavy emphasis on geometric designs. Lines were straight and linear, and the gemstone shapes matched.
Sapphires,
rubies, and emeralds were precisely cut and used to add splashes of
color. Often times, black onyx and red coral were used as accent colors,
white gold was the metal of choice and long strands of pearls worn
complementing the “Roaring 20’s” flapper-style.
Pave diamonds nestled between the edges of a luxurious yellow gold band. Carol – ER14089R6M44JJ
All
the jewelry of this era was influenced by Hollywood and all its
glamour, making it easily identifiable. With the use of bright, highly
polished gold (yellow, rose, and green gold), jewelry was big, bold and
three-dimensional. Large semi-precious gemstones like amethyst,
aquamarine, and citrine were the often accented by small diamonds
and/or calibre cut rubies and sapphires.
Common
design themes from this era include big flowing ribbons and bows, as
well as the use of flowers and even animals. Wide gold bracelets,
oversized dress clips and earrings that were worn high up on the ear
were all popular styles.
Two
strands of crisscrossing pave diamonds form the extraordinary band of
this modern three stone engagement ring. CARA – ER13677R6W84JJ
The
economy grew which lead to the rise of the upper middle class after the
war. Jewelry from this era reflected this growth by featuring an
abundance of gemstones set in flashy, dramatic designs, with an ultimate
focus around diamonds once again.
Though
1950’s jewelry was similar to those of the 1940’s, its execution of
designs was different. Opposed to the bulky, high polished look of retro
jewelry, modern designs were now more light and textural with engraved
finishes and braided rope accents.
Find a vintage-inspired engagement ring that can be cherished today, and later become an heirloom for generations to come. Shop our diverse collection of vintage-inspired engagement rings.
To learn more about vintage design details, click here.
Click here to view Top 10 Vintage-style Engagement rings from Gabriel & Co..