When shopping for an antique engagement ring, there are certain things of which a buyer needs to be aware in order to get an authentically antique ring. In order to be considered ‘antique,’ a ring needs to be over fifty years old. Anything under fifty years is considered ‘vintage’ and can vary in age from forty-nine years old to only one!
The best places to look for authentic antique engagement rings are jewelers and specialists in the field, even though you can also find great pieces online, as well as at pawn shops and estate sales. The difficulty for a new buyer is the time and knowledge required in order to recognize an authentically antique ring. Again, vintage rings are often great imitations of a period piece, but if an authentic antique engagement ring is what is desired, then jewelry shops that specialize in antiques are the best option.
When choosing an engagement ring, it is important to think about the type of jewelry the bride-to-be normally wears, since this piece of jewelry will be one that she wears every day with every outfit she owns. If you both have already decided to go with an antique engagement ring design, then it is important to gauge what time period would be best to look in, depending on the bride-to-be’s tastes.
Simply Elegant
If the bride-to-be is a woman of more simple tastes, where she enjoys some flair, but does not like things to be too complicated, then choosing a ring from the Victorian era is probably the best choice. Rings of this era tended towards the solitaire, where there is one focal point to the ring, a single stone.
Just because the ring is less intricate doesn’t mean it is without personality. Antique engagement ring designs of this era give plenty of choices.
Antique engagement ring sets are harder to find than antique engagement rings in isolation. An engagement ring set is one that you buy that includes both the engagement ring as well as the wedding ring. Also, some sets may be soldered together which eliminates their viability for use since it is difficult to separate the pieces again without damage to one piece of the set.
Pros to Buying a Set
When buying an antique engagement ring it is a purchase of a unique product, of which you will not see another like it. One of the more difficult issues for couples who are interested in buying an antique engagement ring is to match the wedding band to the engagement ring so that it makes a complete set. It is difficult to match an antique wedding band to the antique engagement ring.
The easiest solution to this problem is to buy an antique engagement ring set.
Antique art deco engagements rings take after the architectural design of the period, art deco. Known for its use of geometric shapes and colors, the architecture of the period stood out for its unique flair. In the same way, antique art deco engagement rings show an eclectic style. They emerged from Paris, first introduced at the world’s fair, increasing in popularity through the 1920’s.
Colorful Pieces of Art
Antique art deco engagement rings look like pieces of art. There is rarely a single stone, or solitaire, ring. Normally, there is a central stone that is accented with the surrounding, colored gems, so that the entire piece fits together in one pattern. Part of art deco design is the geometric patterns used, and these are incorporated into the rings. The designers wanted the rings sleek and modern (for the period of time) and produced settings and bands that were intricate and complimented the gems selected for each piece.
Antique style engagement rings allow buyers to produce a flawless ring with the technology available today, yet maintain the craftsmanship and elegance of the rings of the antique eras. They also allow buyers to side-step the tedious process of finding the perfect ring from the specific antique era they desire, hoping that turns up at the jewelry shop the buyer happens to frequent. When the ‘luck’ needed to find the perfect antique ring seems to much to bear, having an antique style engagement ring created is the next best option.
Three Main Eras, Many Options
The most recent era is from 1920-1930, which is called the Art Deco era. Re-creating rings from this era is a lot of fun, since it is full of geometric shapes, with sleek lines and a lot of ‘glam.’ Antique style engagement ring artists can also have a lot of fun with the Egyptian, Native American and Asian themes that are also common during this era.
Many buyers confuse the mounting of a ring from the setting of the ring. The mounting of the ring is the centerpiece or focal point, where the main stone is set apart to be shown in the best way possible. The setting of the ring includes all of the other details of the ring, including accent stones.
Different Eras, Different Mountings
Antique engagement ring mountings have changed through the years according to the era, the technology available, and the styles of the day. In the Victorian era, antique engagement ring mountings were normally with a single stone, set apart in beauty and simplicity. The mounting was in gold, since the technology to use platinum mountings was not yet available. The stones were not necessarily chosen for their clarity, they were chosen for their size and uniqueness, so colored stones were treasured as one of a kind. They also would choose pearls and opals during this era as the center mounting.
For buyers in the market for a rare and precious engagement ring, antique ruby engagement rings are a wonderful option. Often found in Art Deco era rings, they are also found in the Victorian and Edwardian eras as well, as a unique twist on a traditional engagement ring.
Why Rubies?
Rubies have been known as the stone of preference for kings. Finding large, clear, deeply colored rubies are difficult to find, so they tend to be quite expensive. A ruby of choice has a deep red color, rather than the pinkish hues you more often see in lesser pieces. Therefore, antique ruby engagement rings are a rare pick, and a perfect choice for a once in a lifetime occasion.
Victorian and Edwardian Eras
The Victorian and Edwardian eras were known for their luxurious stones set in stylistic mountings.