Knowing your Vintage Engagement Rings

Vintage engagement rings are regarded as perfect for those couples that favour something with a history that can be passed on to the grandchildren as an heirloom. However, there are many different types of vintage engagement rings and each has its own distinct style. Before choosing one you have to be careful that you are choosing the right one for both of you.

The Georgian Period

This period is named after the four successive Kings of England, George I through to George IV, and spans more than a century, from the beginning of the 18th century well into the 19th century. Buying an engagement ring from this period would guarantee you something truly unique and handcrafted, given that it will have been made before the introduction of any mass production techniques. In terms of style, the engagement rings of this period tended to be heavily influenced by nature and often crafted into the shapes of flowers, leaves and birds.

The Victorian Period

The Victorian period, which spanned a large part of the19th century, was quite a crucial time in the jewellery industry. Huge diamond mines were unearthed, platinum was discovered, and because of the vast reserves of gold in California, gold was cheaper and more readily available. However, in terms of style, it was during the reign of Queen Victoria of England that romanticism began to emerge in engagement rings, with flowers, hearts, bows and birds a popular feature of rings of this period. The gemstone opal, which the Queen reportedly greatly admired, was also a key element in many pieces of jewellery of this time.

The Art Nouveau Period

The Art Nouveau period, that encompasses the end of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, was defined by the turn of the twentieth century and the dawning of the modern age. It was during this period that materials and gemstones were disregarded in favour of design and craftsmanship. As a result, such engagement rings from this period have some truly unique designs, with many pieces celebrating the female form and free-flowing asymmetrical lines. This was associated with the suffragette movement.

The Edwardian Period

The Edwardian Period is considered very similar to the Art Nouveau period, as they overlapped in terms of time. It also placed high importance on the calibre of craftsmanship and design. However, this period did favour more elegant designs, with fine filigree work being popular, along with the prominent use of diamonds and platinum, which was in contrast to the wide variety of materials and gemstones used during the Art Nouveau Period.

The Art Deco Period

Considered by many to be the most popular style of vintage engagement rings because of their unique designs, the rings from the Art Deco period, which spanned from 1920 to 1935, favoured bright colours and sharp straight lines. Defined as the age of machinery, exploration and jazz, this was reflected in the period’s engagement rings. Many favoured emeralds, sapphires and rubies, rather than the paler stones of the previous periods.

As you can see there are a wide variety of styles, influences and gemstones to choose from when it comes to vintage engagement rings. By taking the time to discover which period is right for you and your partner, finding the perfect engagement ring will be made all the more easier.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From diamonds to vintage engagement rings, from a princess cut to a platinum band, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.