Owning antique diamond engagement rings is bliss. By antique we mean a century or two old rings, which the jewelers refer to as the vintage rings. Vintage is an alternative term for ‘old.’ Even today, in the market, you can find engagement rings and wedding rings dated from 1800’s through the 1950’s or 70’s.
Though not too expensive, antique diamond engagement rings are known for their design and craftsmanship. Based on the era, these rings have their own charm and beauty. We discuss with you the different diamond jewelry eras below:
Victorian Era (1837 – 1890)
Engagement or wedding rings from Victorian Era are said to be the most popular ones. However, it’s not easy for anyone and everyone to lay their hands on them. Because, they’re very hard to find. Only in the royal engagements and weddings, groom and bride exchanging them is seen as a common affair.
Mostly found in yellow or rose gold, these rings either have mine cut or European cut diamonds in them. Besides that, they are embedded with either one or many diamonds depending on the size of the ring.
Nouveau Era (1895 – 1915)
This era was neither as long as the Victorian Era, nor much popular either. It lasted for 22 years – alongside the Edwardian Era for few years, but ended early.
Diamond engagement rings in this era were mostly inspired by the human forms. Humans, animals, insects, birds, and flowers were the motivation behind the making of jewelry. And enameling was extensively used during this period.
Edwardian Era (1901 – 1915)
Known as the most popular and luxurious era of all, platinum was the metal mostly used for wedding and antique diamond engagement rings. People even say that, platinum was the only metal used in this era. Ring made with any other metal besides Platinum, then it is certainly not from Edwardian era. So, be careful if you’ve an opportunity to buy anything from this period.
Beautiful gemstones, natural pearls, platinum, followed by some extra-ordinary and eye-catching designs is what you can expect.
Deco Era (1915 – 1935)
While some people say this era lasted from 1920 to 1930, others say it was from 1915 to 1935. Anyway, Deco era was the era that gave rise to the use of white gold and also brought in quite a lot of changes in the engagement and wedding rings that are seen even today.
Diamonds cuts such as emerald, round, pear, and marquise etc. that are common these days rose to new heights in the Deco Era. Thus, it this period brought a significant change in the jewelry industry for brides and grooms.
Retro Era (1945 – 1960)
Elderly woman are seen wearing rings from this era. It was an era engagement rings or wedding rings with custom-made ring bands made with platinum, yellow gold or white gold. Adding to that, there were new emerging designs for women of all ages. Solitaire diamonds with different cuts become the flavor of the era.
Moreover, ring designs in Retro era are more in number compared to other eras that passed before it. For that reason, they can be easily found in the market and at affordable prices.
Present Era (1960 – Present)
Present or Estate Era as the diamond jewelers call it, does have a variety of diamond engagement rings too; but are mostly inspired by the eras that we discussed above. Now, you’ve carats for diamonds and also for gold. For gold 10k, 18k, 22k, and 24k is widely used.
And for the diamonds, it is measured along with the other factors such as cut, clarity, and color of the diamond. The 4Cs, the metal of the band, etc. has to be considered based on the 5th C i.e. Cost.
Conclusion
Antique diamond engagement rings from different eras can be found at diamond jewelry stores. If you don’t find them, you can always take the design as an example and have them custom-made in a way that looks exactly the same.
Eras of Antique Diamond Engagement Rings,
