photo: www.langantiques.com
The term “Vintage “ has come to signify designs that were popular in the first part of the 20th Century. The term ‘antique’ generally defines an object being over 100 years old, the terms Antique or Vintage may refer to engagement rings that go as far back as the Georgian period (1714 – 1830) and includes Victorian Rings (1837-1901) Art Nouveau (1890–1905), Edwardian Rings (1901-1915) and Art Deco Rings (1920-1930s). These two terms loosely refer to jewels created before the Second World War.
photo: www.langantiques.com
photo: Kingston Bay Gallery
photo: craigevansmall.com
Each era came with its own design sensibility and meanings which not only influence jewelry but other decorative arts and architecture. Edwardian Diamond jewels were made to look as light and delicate as possible, reflecting the femininity of the Edwardian lady and complimenting the ethereal fashions of the time. Some essential identifying features of Edwardian Engagement Rings are delicate open pierced work and filigree work; designs incorporating gentle curves and scrolled patterns; fine milgraining, and tiny diamond accents (melee) set in platinum or platinum over gold. The overall effect being light, lacy and feminine.
photo: langantiques.com
photo: craigevansmall.com
photo: langantiques.com
photo: emeraldringsforsale.org
Whereas, in its heyday the Art Deco movement was seen as modern, reflective of the Machine Age, emphasized bold symmetrical geometric shapes , e.g. squares, circles, trapezoids and kites. Another bold aspect of the jewelry is its use of color. While blue sapphires were extremely popular, black opal, coral, emeralds, jade, mother-of-pearl, rubies, and quartz crystals were worthy contenders. Beautiful Asscher cuts, tiny diamonds and impeccably finished with hand tooled engraving and milgraining. No expense was spared in producing these masterpieces as the 1920’s were some of the most affluent times in our history.
photo: pricescope.com
photo: pricescope.com Credit: Dennis Stock/Magnum Photos
Vintage trends like art deco engagement rings were worn and made popular by celebrities like the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly wearing Cartier. Not to mention more recently Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce; all of these divas epitomize glamour with their vintage engagement rings.
Vintage inspired jewelry has been made popular with a resurgence of details that are also engraved with miligrain and pave’d diamonds and are reminiscent of the past. If it is a true “Vintage” you want, ask your jeweler when it was made.
What Is Vintage?
photo: www.langantiques.com
The term “Vintage “ has come to signify designs that were popular in the first part of the 20th Century. The term ‘antique’ generally defines an object being over 100 years old, the terms Antique or Vintage may refer to engagement rings that go as far back as the Georgian period (1714 – 1830) and includes Victorian Rings (1837-1901) Art Nouveau (1890–1905), Edwardian Rings (1901-1915) and Art Deco Rings (1920-1930s). These two terms loosely refer to jewels created before the Second World War.
photo: www.langantiques.com
photo: Kingston Bay Gallery
photo: craigevansmall.com
Each era came with its own design sensibility and meanings which not only influence jewelry but other decorative arts and architecture. Edwardian Diamond jewels were made to look as light and delicate as possible, reflecting the femininity of the Edwardian lady and complimenting the ethereal fashions of the time. Some essential identifying features of Edwardian Engagement Rings are delicate open pierced work and filigree work; designs incorporating gentle curves and scrolled patterns; fine milgraining, and tiny diamond accents (melee) set in platinum or platinum over gold. The overall effect being light, lacy and feminine.
photo: langantiques.com
photo: craigevansmall.com
photo: langantiques.com
photo: emeraldringsforsale.org
Whereas, in its heyday the Art Deco movement was seen as modern, reflective of the Machine Age, emphasized bold symmetrical geometric shapes , e.g. squares, circles, trapezoids and kites. Another bold aspect of the jewelry is its use of color. While blue sapphires were extremely popular, black opal, coral, emeralds, jade, mother-of-pearl, rubies, and quartz crystals were worthy contenders. Beautiful Asscher cuts, tiny diamonds and impeccably finished with hand tooled engraving and milgraining. No expense was spared in producing these masterpieces as the 1920’s were some of the most affluent times in our history.
photo: pricescope.com
photo: pricescope.com Credit: Dennis Stock/Magnum Photos
Vintage trends like art deco engagement rings were worn and made popular by celebrities like the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly wearing Cartier. Not to mention more recently Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce; all of these divas epitomize glamour with their vintage engagement rings.
Vintage inspired jewelry has been made popular with a resurgence of details that are also engraved with miligrain and pave’d diamonds and are reminiscent of the past. If it is a true “Vintage” you want, ask your jeweler when it was made.