Vintage is often a term that is used when describing fashions from the past that aren’t quiet at the level of being considered antiques but are still classics. Vintage engagement rings can be from any time period considered to be more modern than ancient, typically from the early 1900′s to the retro period of even into the 1970′s.
One feature that is common to most vintage engagement rings is the use of both white gold and yellow gold in the settings and on the bands. Platinum is also used in these types of rings, often with very ornate bands and embellishments to the rings.
Narrow bands at the back widening to larger settings at the front of the engagement rings from this time period are very common. Generally if the band is two tone, the white gold will be located on the front of the ring to provide reflection for the diamonds and add to the overall design. Mountings and settings were commonly done in white gold during the early 1900s and continue to be very popular.
Rather than completely all small diamonds or one large diamond, vintage rings tend to use more medium to smaller sized diamonds to create the sparkle and shine. Other precious and semi-precious stones are common in settings for these types of engagement rings.
For those vintage rings with a single, larger diamond a cushion cut diamond is very popular. Engagement rings with this type of diamond cut tend to be simple yet elegant and true classics. Cushion cut diamonds can be oval to rectangular in shape and provide a softer overall appearance to the ring than round or princess cuts.
Historically the name for cushion cut diamonds was candlelight diamonds. This is because lighting was from candles and the beautiful cut of the diamond gives off a soft, firely glow in any type of direct or diffuse light. Typically shapes for the cushion cut diamonds include oval to rectangular with rounded or blunted corners.
Cushion cut diamonds and the reproductions of the vintage style of engagement rings tend to use the same open facet styles. This means that the diamonds stay true to their historic cut, softly and romantically reflecting gentle light. To add more focus on these types of diamonds small pave diamonds are often set close to the larger central diamond.
Vintage engagement rings featuring some of the detailed filigree and metal work from these earlier times are a great option for a classic yet unusual style. Browsing through estate jewelry sales for rings or purchasing a new creation of a modern classic are both great options for finding these styles of engagement rings.
You must log in to post a comment.