Antique Engagement Rings
For an unusual look, give your fiancee an antique engagement ring. It will not only ensure that your sweetheart receives a ring as unique as herself, an antique ring will appreciate in value. However, don't expect to go to your nearest antique store and get a high quality ring without knowing a few things first! Check below for some suggestions:
There is a difference between "antique" and "estate." Antique engagement rings are items over 50 years of age. Conversely, estate jewelry, or "previously owned jewelry" is anything less then 50 years old.
Through the turn of the century and up until the 1940's, the ring styles are varied, for instance the Edwardian style is typically in white gold or platinum and often contained delicate filigree work, which was a technique of piercing the metal to create a lacy and often complex design, such as scrollwork or roses.
Jewelry from the Victorian Era (1835-1900) held its own soft charm, and was more often seen in yellow or rose gold. These rings vary from single and elegant to the more intricate designs, with rows of antique diamonds or one single old-world European-cut diamond.
In the Art Nouveau period, from 1890-1915, graceful designs and feminine, nature motifs were all the rage in a time when design was celebrated over material. Delicate swirls and waves paved with small diamonds were popular for rings at the time, as were scallop motifs and bezel-set diamonds. Round cut diamonds offset by enamel or darker jewels such as Sapphires or Rubies predominated.
In the Edwardian period, from 1900 to 1920, we saw a return to traditional jewelry generally made from pearls, diamonds, platinum, and gold skillfully crafted into lacy and delicate shapes was called "Edwardian," named after Edward VII who succeeded Queen Victoria on her death in 1901. Edwardian jewelry often has similar color combinations in neutral tones, in contrast to the avant garde Art Nouveau styles. Edwardian engagement rings often had pierced or milgrained work with rose-cut diamonds and baguette-cut sapphires.
Art Deco (1920-1935) engagement rings are truly distinguishable from the rest, in that the focus is more upon fluid shapes and sleek design, such as a square setting for the diamond, flush with separate squares on the band. Another example, is a delicate band offset by a large circular setting for the diamond, which emphasizes the circular cut of the diamond itself.
If you do not want to take your chances with buying an antique, exact replicas of antique engagement rings can usually be crafted for you, in the style and color that best suits you.
|
