Vintage Jewelry Guide
Certain
items like wine, denim, leather and cheese become finer with time. And
the same goes for vintage rings, but along with time comes wear &
tear. Maintaining a lovely vintage engagement ring could possibly be
expensive which is one of the reasons why people prefer vintage-inspired
engagement rings.
When
you’re looking for a vintage engagement ring, it’s a common mistake to
confuse the terms “vintage” and “vintage-inspired.”
Once
you learn the difference between the terms, the next step is to learn
about the design details that make-up a vintage engagement ring. Below
is a short style guide to help you during your hunt for the ideal vintage-style engagement ring.
Vintage
When
referring to a ring as “vintage,” it has been previously owned and is
at least 20-30 years old, but normally less than 100 years old. The
majority of engagement rings that are authentically vintage are usually
from 1915 in the late 1960s.
The
same definition can be applied to “antique” ring: it has been
previously owned, but was made over 100 years ago and estimated to have
been produced between the mid-1800s to about 1915. Lines are blurred
between the two, but both styles are wonderful pieces of history that
will stand the test of time.
Vintage-Inspired
Any
ring that is newly made, has not been previously owned, and was made to
look like a vintage or antique ring is considered “vintage-inspired.”
These types of rings often use antique or vintage cut diamonds such as
the Old Mine Cut or Old European Cut, but have newly made settings.
Greatly
inspired by classic vintage rings, some distinguishable detailing of
vintage rings is used such as milgrain detailing, a diamond halo, floral
engraving and pavé diamond settings. That said, styles within vintage
vary.
Below is a short vintage ring style guide to help you choose the small details when making this big decision.
Round-cut diamond center stone enclosed in a diamond-filled halo. Style: FLORENCE #ER7293W44JJ
Halo Effect
The halo style is one of the biggest trends in engagement rings since its debut in the 1920s during an era known as Art Deco.
A
halo ring is a setting of delicate diamonds that encircles a center
gemstone in a collection of round pavé or micro-pavé diamonds to create a
heavenly halo effect. This setting increases the illusion of a larger
center gemstone, bringing out its beauty and sparkle.
Floral-inspired filigree gracefully adorn the ring’s gallery. Style: ANNADALE – ER12579R4W44JJ
Filigree
Filigree
is a type of decorative metalwork technique used in making jewelry.
Creating light and airy features that are often associated with vintage
jewelry.
The
filigree technique adds a flowery feminine feel that was popular in the
Edwardian and Art Deco eras. As time evolved, so did the technology and
technique of filigree. The design has advanced to mimic delicate lace,
adding grace and femininity to any ring.
Detailed floral designs are outlined with fine milgrain accents. Style: HALSEY – ER11865R3W44JJ
Milgrain
The
milgrain feature consists of beaded accents that add delicate detail
for a more ornate, antique look. Small metal beads are applied over and
over in small rows to complement filigree and to add vintage-looking
texture in the piece. When used together, milgrain and filigree create a
uniquely enchanting effect.
Features a meticulously engraved pattern and refined milgrain edges. Maura – ER6636W4JJJ
Hand Engraved
Intricate patterns, letters and/or motifs are hand-cut and etched into the metal an ornate vintage feel.
Knowing
what “vintage” actually means and how to distinguish between the
classic styles will help you purchase a ring — whether you’re looking
for an engagement ring already filled with a rich history or one that
will become your most treasured family heirloom for many years to come.