Art Deco Engagement Rings - The Definitive Guide
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
Art Deco Engagement Rings - The Definitive Guide
THE BASICS ---
The Art Deco era has been one of the most amazing influences on art, architecture, fashion, and even jewelry. Art Deco engagement rings embody the distinctive character of the era and can be a beautiful option for any bride-to-be who is just as bold and unique. Filled with fashionable flair of all kinds, an Art Deco engagement ring can be a brilliant way to showcase the commitment a couple is ready to make to one another.
NEED TO KNOW --
When purchasing an Art Deco engagement ring, consider the design elements that define this style, such as geometric shapes, intricate filigree, and the use of bold, colorful gemstones or diamonds. Ensure the ring’s overall style matches your partner’s taste and preference. Additionally, choose a reputable jeweler to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the Art Deco ring, whether it is a genuine piece from the period or an expertly crafted replica.
Table of Contents
- About the Art Deco Era
- Art Deco Design Elements
- Diamond Shapes and Cuts
- Art Deco Metalwork
- Variety of Styles
- Factors to Consider When Choosing an Art Deco Engagement Ring
- Healing Properties and Symbolism
- Celebrity
- Finding an Art Deco Engagement Ring
- Caring for Your Art Deco Engagement Ring
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Choosing an Art Deco Engagement Ring
About the Art Deco Era
The Art Deco era began in Paris, France in the 1910s, expanding throughout Europe and into the United States through the 1920s and 1930s. Depending on how the era is precisely classified, some Art Deco influences can even be seen into the early 1940s.
The unique iconography of the era includes bold geometric lines, bright colors, and precise symmetry that showcases the emergence of the modern era and the progression of technology. The artistic influences of the era highlight luxury, glamor, and trendiness, and pull from cultural influences around the globe – from Asia and Persia to Europe and the Americas. Because of this, the Art Deco era is truly the first globally-influenced fashion era in history.
Art Deco Design Elements
- Bold Lines and Colors: The Art Deco era influenced jewelry with strong lines and pops of color, reflecting other fashion trends of the time.
- Colorful Gemstones: Popular choices included rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, aquamarines, along with unique materials like coral, jade, and onyx.
- Metals and Enamels: Chrome and enamels were fashionable, and many rings used white gold or platinum for a sleek, modern look.
Diamond Shapes and Cuts
- Geometric Designs: Diamonds remained popular in Art Deco rings, showcasing bold, innovative designs with geometric shapes like emerald cuts, baguettes, and Asscher shapes, as well as distinctive cuts like marquise, kite, and old European.
- Smaller Accent Stones: Smaller stones and accents were often added to create clusters, chevrons, or intricate designs, enhancing the ring’s bold appearance.
Art Deco Metalwork
- Modern Lines: Metalwork in the Art Deco era moved away from romantic, nature-inspired designs, focusing on more modern, geometric lines.
- Symmetrical Designs: Geometric patterns and symmetry were key, with filigree work and tiered styles mimicking Art Deco architecture, drawing attention to the center stone.
Variety of Styles
- From Elaborate to Understated: Art Deco rings offer both highly elaborate and more understated designs, allowing brides-to-be to find a style that suits them while staying true to the era.
Depending on one's jewelry preference, both very elaborate as well as more understated, petite engagement rings are available from the Art Deco era. This gives brides-to-be plenty of choice to find a ring style that suits them best while still remaining authentic to the era.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Art Deco Engagement Ring
This table outlines the key factors to consider when choosing an Art Deco engagement ring, from design elements and materials to authenticity and budget. It provides a quick reference to help you make an informed decision, ensuring the ring aligns with both the style of the era and your partner's preferences. Use these tips to find a timeless piece that reflects your unique love story.
| Factor | Description |
|---|
| Design Elements | Key Art Deco features like geometric shapes, intricate filigree, and bold accents. |
| Materials | High-quality materials like platinum, white gold, or mixed metals typical of the era. |
| Gemstones and Diamonds | Choose between diamonds or colorful gemstones like sapphires or emeralds. |
| Authenticity | Ensure it’s a genuine Art Deco piece or a high-quality replica. |
| Condition | Check for any wear, damage, or repairs, especially with vintage rings. |
| Personal Style | Match the ring to your partner's taste in design, colors, and settings. |
| Budget | Set a budget that reflects the unique style and craftsmanship of Art Deco rings. |
| Jeweler Reputation | Choose a trusted jeweler for authenticity, quality, and fair pricing. |
| Customization Options | Decide if you want a vintage piece or one with modern customizations, like resizing or engraving. |
| Certification | Look for certification or appraisal to confirm authenticity. |
| Comfort and Practicality | Ensure the ring is comfortable for everyday wear. |
| Maintenance Needs | Know the care requirements for antique pieces. |
Healing Properties and Symbolism
Art Deco engagement rings are known for their bold designs and use of vibrant gemstones, each carrying its own unique symbolism and potential healing properties:
- Emeralds: Thought to promote emotional balance, renewal, and harmony, enhancing creativity and fostering growth.
- Sapphires: Symbolize wisdom, truth, and serenity; believed to provide protection against negative energies and support spiritual growth.
- Onyx (Ebony): Represents strength and resilience; provides emotional grounding, clarity, and stability in decision-making.
- Rubies: Enhance passion, confidence, and courage; believed to bring good fortune, promote vitality, and symbolize fiery love and romance. Discover our Art Deco engagement rings featuring exquisite rubies.
- Aquamarines: Symbolize calmness, clarity, and courage; believed to soothe the mind, reduce stress, and inspire truth and trust.
These rings are not only a statement of style but are also believed to channel positive energies, bringing love, courage, and balance to their wearers.
Celebrity
For those who love the glamour of Hollywood and the movies, you can enjoy a ruby ring knowing it is a favorite of many celebrities and royalty. This style has adorned the fingers of top names including Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Finding an Art Deco Engagement Ring
Because true Art Deco engagement rings are 80-100 years old or more, it is essential to work with a reputable vintage jeweler to find the very best ring that can be properly authenticated. Furthermore, a jeweler experienced with this design era will be better able to judge the quality of a particular piece, ensuring it is a good price and a good value for its condition.
Couples should look at a wide variety of Art Deco rings to determine which style best suits their preferences and needs, bearing in mind that larger, more elaborate designs could look overwhelming on slender or delicate fingers. It is also important to note that an Art Deco engagement ring might look significantly different than modern engagement rings, and therefore could be confused for right hand rings or modern cocktail diamond rings. This might lead to uncomfortable questions if family members and friends don’t realize the ring is actually an engagement ring.
Art Deco engagement rings can also be a challenge to pair with wedding bands if a set is preferred. Because Art Deco styles are more elaborate, a simple wedding band may not be able to sit flush with the engagement ring. A good jeweler can help couples find coordinating rings or make adjustments to ensure a lovely set that will be fashionable for many happy anniversaries.
Caring For Your Art Deco Engagement Ring
Once you have found the Art Deco ring perfect to symbolize your commitment to marry, it is important to be sure the ring receives the very best care to look outstanding for many years.
- Regular Inspections: Check for any damage, loose stones, or potential problems before they become bigger issues. Make repairs immediately if necessary.
- Resizing by Experts: If the ring needs to be resized, only have it done by an experienced jeweler familiar with antique rings to maintain the design's integrity.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean the ring regularly, but remove it when working with strong chemicals or engaging in activities where it may get overly dirty, such as gardening, baking, or similar chores.
- Understand Warranty Terms: Be familiar with the terms of any sales warranty or guarantees, and comply with inspection and maintenance requirements to keep the warranty valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Defines an Art Deco Engagement Ring?
Art Deco engagement rings are characterized by bold geometric shapes, intricate filigree, colorful gemstones, and symmetry. These rings often feature materials like platinum, white gold, chrome, and enamels, reflecting the modern, luxurious style of the 1920s and 1930s.
What Gemstones Are Common in Art Deco Engagement Rings?
Art Deco rings frequently feature diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, jade, aquamarines, and unique materials like coral and onyx. Each gemstone carries its own symbolism and potential healing properties, adding to the ring's significance.
How Can I Tell if an Art Deco Engagement Ring is Authentic?
To verify the authenticity of an Art Deco engagement ring, look for design elements characteristic of the era, such as geometric patterns, intricate metalwork, and high-quality materials. Consulting a reputable jeweler or requesting a certification, bill of sale, or appraisal from a recognized authority can also help ensure its authenticity.
Our Top Art Deco Engagement Ring Pick
When selecting an Art Deco ring, consider various factors such as design, materials, and gemstone choice. Here's a look at our top pick:
• Antique Geometric Square Engagement Ring with Milgrain
This authentic Art Deco engagement ring, circa the 1930s, features a 0.35-carat old European cut diamond in a geometric square frame, flanked by four diamond accents. Crafted in platinum with open metalwork and milgrain engravings.
Choosing an Art Deco Engagement Ring
Art Deco engagement rings are known for their bold, geometric designs and timeless elegance. By exploring the influences of the Art Deco era, you can find a ring that perfectly reflects both its iconic style and the story of your relationship. Ready to discover the perfect Art Deco engagement ring that embodies the spirit of this unforgettable time? Check out our Art Deco collection to find your dream ring.
Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:
No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
Find The Perfect Engagement Ring:
Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Art Deco Engagement Rings today.
Suzanne Sachs
Press Love:
Contact Suzanne
If you love vintage or eco-friendly jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of eco-friendly vintage engagement rings.
Leave a comment