Lately, vintage-inspired fashion has ruled magazine covers and runways. This is due to two separate but interrelated facts. First, fashion comes and goes in waves from trendy and modern to vintage and back again. The second reason is that people like classic looks that never grow old. Would you rather buy something that you can wear for the next 3 weeks or 3 decades?
What is a vintage engagement ring? It’s a ring that looks like it is straight out of another time. For instance, the popular engagement ring from the Twilight series is from the early 1900s. The style does not have to be that old though. One friend of mine wanted a vintage ring from the 1950s, and even had a 1950s-themed wedding to match.
Why choose a vintage engagement ring? Perhaps you are enamored with a particular era. You may also just prefer one style over another. Personally, I like the clean cut and creative look of Art Deco jewelry from the 1920s.
There are three eras of vintage jewelry—the Victorian Era, the Edwardian Era, and Art Deco. Below, I will provide you with information on each era, and an example of an engagement ring from that era.
Victorian Era (1830s – 1900s): Victorian engagement rings, named for Queen Victoria (their main influence), were usually yellow or rose gold. The classic Tiffany solitaire was introduced during this time as were very intricate designs with particularly special meaning for the recipient (i.e., interwoven hearts, intertwined serpents).
http://www.gemvara.com/Round-Diamond-Platinum-Ring-by-Randy-Dixon/jewelry/v/214000/#v=727719&ringSize=0&ots=&cert=15842498
This rose gold engagement ring is a good example of an engagement ring from the Victorian Era. In Victorian Era jewelry, the center stone is not what is on display; instead, the ring in its entirety is what catches the eye. During the Victorian Era, three-stone engagement rings debuted with low, intricate settings and designs carved into the gold.
Randy Dixon’s Lavish Ring for Gemvara captures the mood of the time-period. Moreover, as with many Gemvara products, this item is fully customizable, meaning you can choose the stones and metal. If you want a Victorian engagement ring, this is the way to go.
Edwardian Era (1900s – 1920s): Edwardian engagement rings are based on the style of Queen Victoria’s son, King Edward. Edwardian rings tend to be gentler than bold Victorian rings with open filigrees and delicate designs. Platinum was the popular metal for engagement rings during the Edwardian Era.
The Winter Palace Ring by Jessica Behzad for Gemvara provides a stunning example of an Edwardian Era engagement ring. As with the Victorian Era, an Edwardian engagement ring is not about the center stone, but instead about the ring as a whole. Here, the detail of the filigree is breathtaking.
Since Gemvara offers this ring, you can choose a vintage ring with flair. You have your choice of 9 different metals and 21 different center stones, so that you can recreate the past your own way.
Art Deco (1920s – 1930s): The clean Art Deco designs are my personal favorite. Inspired by the changing world, Art Deco streamlined designs offer a glimpse into the architecture of the time, such as the Chrysler Building. Art Deco engagement rings typically featured channel set diamonds in platinum.
This Art Deco style engagement ring was a popular one for the time-period, and is by far by favorite. The channel set sapphires and diamonds set off the center stone, yet give the ring a neat, crisp look. The beauty and clean design are not something you find in other styles of jewelry.
This particular ring offers almost 2 carats of sapphires and almost 1 carat of diamonds. Although the center stone is small (.19 carats), the smaller stone is directly in line with the Art Deco style.
If you want to relive the past or want a timeless engagement ring, read the descriptions above and decide which era fits your style best. With companies like Gemvara, your options are endless once you choose your style.
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