There are perhaps no engagement rings more iconic or impeccably designed than Art Deco engagement rings. The breathtaking rings featured in this collection showcase the unique beauty of the Roaring Twenties and exude the unmistakable elegance of the Jazz Age. Learn more about the Art Deco era, and find the perfect ring for your loved one in our extensive yet carefully curated collection.
About The Art Deco Era
In 1925, the World's Fair was held in the forward-thinking city of Paris, France. The fair was called the "Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes," and it was from this moniker that the shortened term “Art Deco” was born.
This period lasted until around 1935, but its influence can still be seen in modern jewelry designs today. In fact, this period's influence is apparent in everything from architecture to graphic design from the mid-1920s onward.
Art Deco Engagement Ring Designs
Geometric shapes, sharp lines, bold colors, and symmetrical ornamentation are notable hallmarks of Art Deco wedding ring design. This was a decisive change from earlier jewelry eras that featured more natural, flowing designs.
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Stunning Diamonds - Diamonds were often showcased in large, prominent settings. Refined diamond solitaire rings were also prominent during this time.
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Lustrous Platinum - Platinum was the most common metal used in the Art Deco era, symbolizing modernity and progress. The lustrous tone of this metal draws out the radiance and sparkle from diamonds.
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Colored Gemstones - Many designs from the Art Deco era feature bold colored gemstones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and black onyx, allowing for even more distinction and personalization in each ring.
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Bold Settings - Art Deco engagement rings often feature bold settings that were expertly crafted with filigree, carvings, and other details that give the metalwork just as much beauty and individuality as the ring's stones. For a bold personality and statement about the future, these rings are a time-honored and decisive choice.
Popping up in the mid-1920s, this decorative art is known for The Great Gatsby, jazz, and speakeasies. Art Deco rings are characterized by their geometric patterns, bold colors, and brilliant jewels. The settings are usually platinum or white gold with a backdrop of white diamonds, and then brightly colored gems as the focal point. Centerpieces may be cushion, emerald, Ascher, and old-European cut stones. Some styles also incorporate unique details like black onyx.
Modern jewelers have taken inspiration from the style to make current versions that are beautiful just the same. The Art deco era of design, prevalent during the 1920s and the 1930s, has proven to be a continued source of inspiration in all areas of Jewelry making. Art Deco pieces are loved for the use of shapes, geometric patterns, symmetry, colors and curves. Designs vary but one common theme is the use of patterns, color and motifs.
Celebrities have also jumped onboard with Art Deco style engagement rings. Some of Hollywood’s most beautiful women are wearing Art Deco inspired engagement rings. Some are authentic vintage pieces and others are stunning custom-made Art Deco inspired.
Art Deco Engagement Rings History
The history of Art Deco dates to France in the mid-1910s. By the 1920s, Art Deco style had made its way to mainstream popularity throughout the U.S. and Europe. Everything from furniture to buildings were inspired by Art Deco’s sophistication, smart lines, and symmetry.
The Art Deco era was a period of great transformation and individualization, especially for women. Art Deco represented the larger technological progress happening throughout the era. The bold and modern designs contrasted with the previous few decades.
Art Deco engagement rings became popular during the 1920s and meant that you were a modern, fashionable woman of the times. Art Deco engagement rings are known for step cut diamonds, sleek lines, and contrasting colors. These rings reflected the newfound luxurious opulence that became celebrated after the first World War.
Art Deco rings were the result of expert craftsmanship and technological advances in diamond cutting and design. This is why newer, step cut diamonds, such as Emeralds and Baguettes, are primarily featured in Art Deco rings. Diamond cutters were now able to streamline the cutting process and save more of the rough diamond.
Art Deco engagement rings notably regained popularity in the 1960s and have made a big comeback as of late. Women are now seeking unique, bespoke, vintage-inspired engagement rings. This has furthered the demand for Art Deco engagement rings online.
Many celebrities have chosen famous Art Deco-inspired engagement rings including Natalie Portman, Mary-Kate Olsen, Pippa Middleton, Meghan Markle, Katy Perry, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Kate Moss, to name just a few.
The Key Features of Art Deco Engagement Rings
Art Deco Rings are notable for geometric patterns and abstract designs. The most common geometric shapes are triangles, squares, rectangles, and circles. For this reason, you’ll see a lot of Emeralds, Asscher cuts, and Baguettes employed in Art Deco engagement rings.
Features of Art Deco engagement rings might include:
Accent Diamonds & Gemstones
The use of very small diamonds as accent stones is characteristic of the Art Deco style. The setting technique known as Pavé evolved during this period. Halo engagement ring settings are also particularly popular for Art Deco rings.
Eye-catching Color
Art Deco rings are known for their color. Often, you’ll see diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires all arranged in a geometric pattern.
Symmetry and Clean Lines of Art Deco Design
Symmetry is a key feature of Art Deco engagement rings, as are clean, vertical lines.
Intricate Details & Layers
Layering shapes, intricate line art, numerous expertly set gemstones, and ornate detailing are often found in Art Deco rings.
Marrying Gold with Platinum
Think combinations of yellow gold and platinum in vintage Art Deco rings, as designers of this era were known for using contrasting colors.
Platinum & Art Deco Engagement Rings
Platinum was the most popular metal for rings during the Art Deco era. Platinum’s resistance to tarnishing and its malleability allowed goldsmiths to create beautiful, geometric shapes. Platinum engagement rings have a bright luster that goes well with the modern geometry of Art Deco design.
During the Depression, white & yellow gold Art Deco engagement rings were all the rage. Yellow gold will add a warm, classic color contrast to an Art Deco engagement ring.
The only color not immediately associated with Art Deco is rose gold. But rose gold has an eye-catching, vintage-inspired look that complements Art Deco designs. Any of these engagement ring metals will work beautifully for an Art Deco engagement ring for modern women.
What Diamond Cut Is Art Deco?
Emerald cut diamonds, Baguette cut diamonds, and Asscher cut diamonds are the most popular diamond cuts for Art Deco engagement rings. Art Deco designs feature geometry and symmetry, so step cut diamonds, with trapezoidal facets and a hall-of-mirror effect, were popular for Art Deco rings.
Round Brilliant cut diamonds were also used for Art Deco engagement rings, sometimes featured in Halo rings or as the center piece. Marquise cut diamonds, with their distinct elliptical shape, are also associated with Art Deco designs.
Today, there are numerous Art Deco-inspired diamond shapes to choose from that weren’t available during that period. Triangular shapes were often used in Art Deco, so the modern Trillion cut diamond engagement ring is a brilliant piece.
Step cut diamonds are prominently featured among the Hexagon, Kite, Lozenge, and Capri cut diamonds. The emphasis on the geometry of their facets uniquely suits Art Deco-style engagement rings.
Modern Art Deco Engagement Rings
Modern Art Deco engagement ring settings will emphasize the sleek, clean, linear look of this era. The symmetrical Art Deco style is perfected in Three Stone engagement ring settings. Any combination of center and side stones would achieve an Art Deco look. For a modern style, look at Baguette Side stones and an Emerald, Trillion, or Asscher.
Find The Perfect Art Deco Wedding Ring
These precious pieces are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detail. 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.
