Why Buy a Vintage Engagement Ring?
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS--
A vintage ring is a timeless piece of jewelry and an eco-friendly choice, but is it the right type of ring for you? Recognizing what a vintage ring is, and understanding the importance of each historical era that every one originates from, can help you decide if its the best ring to represent your happily ever after.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
Choose Your Era:
• Art Deco
Art Deco engagement rings showcase bold promises and long-lasting commitments in their stark, geometric patterns and dramatic details. The Art Deco period began in 1925 at the World’s Fair in Paris, France, and lasted through 1935. Its influence, however, lasted well into the 1960s, and even has an influence in retro and vintage jewelry today.
• Victorian
Victorian engagement rings are delicate, romantic designs influenced by the reign of Queen Victoria of Great Britain. Floral motifs, delicate filigrees, heart shapes, birds, bows, and other feminine designs are characteristic of Victorian engagement rings.
• Edwardian
The Edwardian period dates from 1901 when Queen Victoria’s death ended the Victorian era and her son, Edward, became king. This era is renowned for feminine, delicate jewelry designs, which often include detailed and elaborate filigree work and elegant lace-like patterns. Platinum was the preferred metal for Edwardian engagement rings because of its rich luster and sheen.
• Retro
The 1940's brought us the cool, funky, oversized Retro rings with sapphires, rubies, and emeralds with diamonds. Retro engagement rings have a unique vibe all their own, with distinctive designs that defy classification and are a personal statement of fashion and flair.
• Mid-Century
The mid-twentieth century, roughly from the late 1940s and early 1950s through 1970, was an era of changing jewelry designs, and mid-century engagement rings reflect those changes. Top jewelry designers all contributed to the mid-century era, and vintage designs from Bulgari, Tiffany, and Harry Winston remain popular as vintage pieces even today. A mid-century engagement ring brings classic elegance to your relationship with quality, workmanship, and distinction that is sure to make an impression well into this century and beyond.
• Making Sure it's Vintage
Any older cut, including an old European or mine cut, can verify that a piece is truly vintage, whereas a modern round cut diamond with extra pavilion facets will only be found on non-vintage pieces. Another sure fire way to determine if your ring is vintage is to examine the diamonds surrounding the center stone. If they are rose cut, single cut, old European or mine cut then you will know its vintage. Another tip is to look at the filigree or milgrain engravings, if it’s delicate and precise this should confirm the piece is old. Jewelers today can not replicate these types of engravings. Also, be sure to be on the lookout for any type of jewelry markings from the maker.
• Conflict Free
Conflict diamonds, and blood diamonds, are a serious issue in the world today. In actuality, there isn't any way to confirm that a new engagement ring (produced today) is guaranteed to be conflict free. Vintage rings that were produced decades ago use only antique and vintage diamonds that predate these serious issues. That is really the only way to guarantee that a diamond is conflict free. Antique and vintage diamonds should be original to their rings, and will therefore not have been associated with modern conflicts.
• Eco Friendly and Eco-Conscious
Vintage jewelry is eco-friendly, as it does not require new mining, or metalwork, to produce each piece. New mining can devastate land and may take many years to restore the ecosystem, but vintage jewelry is low impact and environmentally responsible. Choosing vintage jewelry is the ultimate in recycling. No additional resources are required for vintage rings to be enjoyed again. Even if the stones are remounted into new pieces, it is still recycling and reusing.
• Sustainable
Sustainable is a new word that keeps popping up today, but what exactly does it mean? As we've mentioned in our past blogs, sustainability is the ability to maintain a practice or activity without depleting resources. In essence, a sustainable practice is one that can be done indefinitely without needing replenishment. The only way to guarantee sustainability is to purchase vintage jewelry that was produced before the 1970's and 1980's which is exactly what we do!
• Hollywood Loves Vintage
How can we not mention diamonds and vintage jewelry without mentioning Hollywood?! I still remember the late great Richard Burton purchasing a pear shape diamond for Liz Taylor in the 1960's. Vintage jewelry has never been the same since Barbra Streisand started wearing it in the 1960's. Hollywood starlets today, including Scarlett Johansson, Pippa Middleton, Penelope Cruz and Mary-Kate Olsen among others, have continued this tradition with beautiful vintage rings.
Showcase Your Flair and Vintage Style
Showcase your flair and vintage style so that everyone can see a true reflection of you and your relationship. Research different eras, styles, and diamond shapes to see what feels right for you. Look at a variety of websites to delve further into the different possibilities. This is the first leg of your journey, your history, your romance and it will reflect who you are today and in the future! If you want to give a gift to someone they they can cherish all their life, give the ultimate gift of vintage a timeless piece that simply cannot be replicated. Enjoy your journey!
Antique Rings For Everyone:
No matter which era 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:
Antique 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 vintage engagement rings today!
Suzanne Sachs
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