by So you are planning to propose, but you don’t want to get just any ordinary ring. You want something special that has an interesting history. You want to get a vintage ring. One advantage of a vintage ring is that it would be unique. There are such few of them, that it would be difficult to find one like your ring anywhere else.
The uncommon nature of vintage engagement rings is one of the reasons people go for it. For a ring to be classified as vintage, it would have to be 20 years or older. Pieces that are 100 years and older are called antiques. There are also pre-owned rings no more than 20 years old, these are called estates. It is important to buy engagement or vintage wedding rings from trusted sources. Below are descriptions of some you may come across.
1837 – 1901 Victorian rings
With a wide variety of price points and designs from this era, Victorian rings are usually bold and ornate. Almost always hand-chased or engraved by hand, these pieces are popular for having small stones set in yellow gold, with some enamel work. You would need extra care with the rings having enamel as they are prone to breaking.
1940s and 1950s Mid-Century rings
If you are a minimalist who loves art deco engagement rings, then a Mid-Century ring might be the right choice for you. These streamlined and clean rings can be considered as lifestyle rings because they blend in with current designs and can fit most lifestyles. Their style is usually all-white, with baguettes beside a center stone.
1920 – 1935 Art Deco Rings
Art Deco presents rings that are clean, modern and look current. From one of the most popular eras, they have robust designs that fit with most lifestyles. Their all-white and bold, geometric designs feature clean, straight lines, perfectly aligned small stones like rubies, onyx or sapphires, and baguettes.
1937 – 1950 Retro Modern rings
Modern rings are great for anyone in search of over the top and bold, vintage style engagement rings. Like Art Deco on another level, these rings feature near eccentric and creative designs. Rings from this era usually have large geometric pieces in gold, and are unsuitable for someone who wears gloves often or is into sports.
1890-1910 Art Nouveau rings
The unconventional bride would love to have this packed in her box for brides, be it as a wedding or old fashioned engagement ring. These fantastic rings lean more to the non-traditional side of style. In this era, design was chosen over stones and precious metals, and so antique diamond rings are rare. Instead they featured fragile glass enamel set in yellow gold, and lots of nature inspired designs of animals, flowers, or bugs.
1860 to 1920 Arts & Crafts rings
Creative but slightly crude designs, these heavy and robust rings are best worn by brides who love statement pieces. If you are looking for something unique, a ring from this era might just be it. Arts & Crafts rings usually feature handmade designs in silver, and sometimes gold, inclusive of colored stones. Just like the Art Nouveau, these artists favored design and artistry over precious metals.
1714 – 1837 Georgian
Another option when searching for wedding band for vintage engagement ring, are rings from the Georgian era. These rings are best used by brides with non-active lifestyle. They feature small diamonds set in a silver mounting with a closed back. Their bands are usually gold. These rings cannot get wet, as water could affect the mounting, deteriorating the foil behind the stone.
Considered alternative and edgy, keep in mind that the silver gets darker over the years, giving these rings a unique look.
An engagement with a vintage ring would be one made even more special by the unique quality of the chosen ring. If you decide on choosing antique engagement rings, it would not make the event any less special. The thought and the work put into getting this beauty counts, and would be much appreciated by the receiver.
Consider the above, a simple guide to finding vintage engagement rings and discovering the one that best suits you. Remember to purchase from a trustworthy source, and choose the type of ring that suites your bride’s taste and lifestyle. Having such a unique piece would put a smile on anyone’s face. Whether outgoing or a homebody, loud, modern or unconventional, there is a ring from a special era to fit every bride.
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