Edwardian Rings vs. Art Deco Rings: What's the Difference?
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Both Edwardian and Art Deco engagement rings offer exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance, but their styles reflect very different design sensibilities. While Edwardian rings are known for their delicate filigree and romantic details, Art Deco rings showcase bold geometry and symmetry. Understanding the unique characteristics of each era can help you decide which aesthetic best captures your personal style and love story.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- Edwardian Era
- Symbolism
- Diamonds & Gemstones
- Art Deco Era
- Bold Symmetry
- Diamonds & Gemstones
- Which Era is Best For You?
Edwardian Era
The Edwardian Era, which spanned from 1901 to 1910 during the reign of King Edward VII, is known for its refined elegance and delicate craftsmanship. Jewelry from this time often featured intricate filigree, milgrain details, and airy platinum settings that gave each piece a light, lacy appearance. Designs often included bows, garlands, and floral patterns, capturing the refined and romantic mood of the Belle Époque. This era emphasized grace and sophistication, with pieces that felt both luxurious and timeless.
Symbolism
The Edwardian era embraced elegance and symbolism, with engagement rings that were delicate, romantic, and full of subtle meaning. Platinum was the metal of choice, creating a light, lace-like setting that showcased diamonds, pearls, and soft-colored gems like sapphires and aquamarines. Motifs such as bows, laurel wreaths, and garlands often appeared, each one a graceful nod to love, unity, and timeless elegance.
Diamonds & Gemstones
Edwardian rings often featured old European cut diamonds, set in platinum to highlight their sparkle without overwhelming the design. The metal’s strength allowed for detailed filigree and fine milgrain work, giving each ring a light, lacy feel that was elegant but never heavy-handed. while extra details such as filigree add even more dimension and delicate detail.
While diamonds were the most common choice, other gemstones added soft color and personal meaning. Sapphires and aquamarines were especially loved for their cool tones, and pearls remained a favorite for their natural glow. These stones were often arranged in subtle clusters or used to accent center diamonds, adding just the right touch of romance.
Art Deco Era
The Art Deco era emerged in the 1920s and carried through the 1930s, marking a dramatic shift in style following World War I. Inspired by modernism, architecture, and global influences like Egyptian and Asian design, jewelry from this period embraced clean lines, bold shapes, and a striking sense of symmetry. Art Deco rings often featured sharp angles, contrasting colors, and statement-making designs that reflected the confidence and energy of the time.
Bold Symmetry
The Art Deco era was known for its bold style, sharp geometry, and love of symmetry. Jewelry from this time embraced strong lines, contrasting colors, and eye-catching shapes that reflected the optimism and modernity of the 1920s and ’30s. Art Deco engagement rings often featured step-cut diamonds or colored gemstones in streamlined settings, creating designs that were both glamorous and forward-thinking.
Diamonds & Gemstones
Diamonds were the centerpiece of most Art Deco engagement rings, often paired with vibrant accent stones to create bold contrast and visual impact. While aquamarines and other colored gems appeared occasionally, richly hued stones were more commonly used as side stones rather than centerpieces. Settings from this era were designed to maximize brilliance—pavé, bezel, and channel settings were especially popular, creating a sleek, structured look. Prong settings were still used, but often blended into the ring’s geometric detailing, allowing the overall design to take center stage.
Which Era Is Best for You?
Edwardian and Art Deco engagement rings each offer something unique—one leans into soft, romantic detail, while the other embraces bold lines and modern flair. Trying on both styles can help you see how their different shapes and proportions complement your hand, and whether their design works well alongside a wedding band. It’s also worth considering how delicate the setting is, especially if you plan to wear your ring every day.
If you’re torn between Edwardian and Art Deco styles, you don’t necessarily have to choose just one. An Edwardian ring can make a timeless engagement ring, while an Art Deco piece might be perfect for an anniversary or statement ring later on. Each era has its own distinctive beauty and charm, and understanding what sets them apart can help you find a piece that feels meaningful, stylish, and truly right for you and your relationship.
Suzanne Sachs
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If you love vintage jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of antique engagement rings.
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