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Antique Engagement Rings

People do seem to have a passion for antique engagement rings.

Whether you have had a cherished heirloom passed down from mother to daughter for generations in your family.

Or you have to go out search for one, these are most certainly cherished items.

So what actually constitutes an antique ring?

Obviously the age of the ring will determine whether the ring falls in to ‘antique’ category or not.

Depending on whose advice you take an antique engagement ring can be anything that is over 50 or 100 years old.

Antique covers a variety of period, from the Georgian period which lasted over a century until 1837, to the Art Deco period which lasted during the 1920s thru to the mid-30s.

art deco antique engagement rings

One era worth considering is the Edwardian period which covered the opening two decades of the 20th century.

That twenty year span saw changes in women’s fashion and this was reflected in the style of engagement rings at that time.

Women’s fashion became less restrictive, and engagement rings, as well as other jewellery popular at the time adopted more delicate designs.

Platinum became increasingly more used in the construction of the rings as it made the settings less obvious.

With diamonds set in the ring it produced a ‘white on white’ look which the Edwardians saw as a true statement of luxury.

Platinum is also a very hard metal and designers delighted in adding to the look of the ring with engraved perforations and delicate designs.

These elegant rings looked beautiful on the hands of women a century ago, and they most certainly look just as exquisite today.

Other metals used in Edwardian period engagement rings were white gold and silver, replacing the traditional yellow and white gold of an earlier era.

It is the gemstone which ultimately makes an engagement ring beautiful and the settings in Edwardian antique rings are just as appealing today.

Rings from this period typically had Old European Cut and Old Mine Cut Diamonds surrounded by delicate filigree work. Accent stones, accompanied by engraved ribbons, bows and ribbons, made these items of jewellery timeless masterpieces.

As far as gemstones are concerned, it would be wrong to think that the diamond dominated all Edwardian engagement rings. The amethyst became fashionable after it was discovered that it was a favourite of Queen Alexandra.

With their luxurious and timeless air of beauty, Edwardian engagement rings are still sought after in the 21st century.

However, they are difficult to find so are expensive. But for the man with the cash to spend they would make a wonderful ring for the woman he intends to marry.