Antique nature of art deco engagement rings

Friday, 18 March 2011


Most of the couples are revolving to art deco engagement rings for its sophisticated designs, different colors and pointed angles. They have become the noticeable option for courageous couples who are looking for amazing exclusive. The art deco engagement rings are small works of art that illustrates the uniqueness of the couples at the similar time symbolizing their loyalty to a life together.

The origin of art deco jewelry can be traced back to the world fair organized at Paris where the commercial applications of art deco designs were first exhibited. The style gained more popularity during the extravagance of 1920s. However the trend had a slow pace during the great depression and World War II.

The specialty of art deco rings is that they are composed of many metals including both white and yellow gold. Platinum was the most popular metal due to its novelty and also its bright white luster complimented the multi colored rings. This quality of platinum was appreciated as it did not overshadow the elaborate designs on the ring. Since art deco jewelry was considered ultra modern, the obvious metal choice was platinum as it was light weight, strong, modern metal that perfectly suited the period.

The vital element in art deco engagement rings is contrasting stones and colors. Usually the solitaire patterns would be absent and generally a central gem would be surrounded by other stones to create an extravagant overall design. In addition to diamonds, other popular stone choices include coral, rubies, emeralds, turquoise and jade. It can be even said that true art deco engagement rings were fashioned even before the emergence of modern day fancy cut diamonds like princess, heart and marquise shapes. During the early period of art deco rings, emerald, asscher and baguette cut stones were popular. Usually the stones were surrounded by elaborate settings and uniquely fashioned stones in flower, leaf and even intricate figural shapes.

It is a fact that the art deco rings were never diamond solitaires; instead a central stone, either a diamond or other colored gem would be surrounded by contrasting stones set in geometric angles and intricate designs. The size of the rings was comparatively larger than today’s engagement rings and hence it can be compared to modern bridal sets. During the days of great depression, the ring’s overall design was given prime importance rather than the large center stone. This was due to the convenience in designing an elaborate ring with many small less expensive gems than using large less affordable stones.

These days the art deco engagement rings are mostly found as customized rings as jewelers reproduce the ring to meet the individual taste of couples. The specialty of the ring is that they can incorporate more modern diamond shapes and also fancy cuts. In addition it would also have other intimate details like engraving and scrollwork. Furthermore the modern day ring has wide stone choices like tanzanite and aquamarine which were either unavailable or exceedingly rare during early times. 

Even though the antique art deco pieces are quite expensive and rare to find, the modern day versions can easily been seen at famous jewelers and retailers.

1 comments:

Antique Jewellery said...

I certainly agree with you. art deco engagement rings are unique and this is only for the one who want to have something special. I enjoyed in reading your blog.

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