Diamond Solitaire Engagement
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 2.5 CARAT DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS D VS GOLD  US $12,645.00
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 2 CT SOLITAIRE DIAMOND PENDANT VVS E 14K WHITE GOLD US $12,204.00
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 1.5 CT SOLITAIRE DIAMOND PENDANT VVS D 14K WHITE GOLD US $7,479.00
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Vintage diamond engagement rings are often handcrafted solitaire diamond rings with a touch of the past. New rings don't have the uniqueness and historical value captured by vintage rings. Most of today's jewelry is mass-produced by machines while vintage rings were commonly hand crafted dramatically reducing their commonality. There are hundreds if not thousands of identical twins of new rings hitching a ride on the hand of humans. As styles change some of these vintage diamond engagement rings will be destroyed for use in new jewelry adding to the uniqueness of those remaining rings.
The past eras were all different and provided a good collection of ring styles. Thankfully, many of today's designs are similar to the styles of these past eras. The more recent vintage eras include the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Retro.
Victorian Era 1837 to 1901
The Victorian Era provides a nice range of designs due to different periods within the long era. Lasting for more than 60 years from 1837 until 1901 the era was named after Queen Victoria of Great Britain and was divided up into the Early Victorian (Romantic), the Mid Victorian (Grand), and the Late Victorian (Aesthetic). The Romantic Period styles were a product of the Queen dictating the proper etiquette for which gems use and gold becoming scarce. Practices such as filigree and piercing were used to present the look of more mass with minimal gold. The Grand Period began as a result of Victoria's husband passing away. During this period vintage rings tended to have darker stones and a more serious design. The Aesthetic Period yielded designs with a fun style and included moons, stars, and dragons.
Edwardian Era 1901 to 1910
The Edwardian era was one of the shorter eras for vintage diamond engagement rings however; it was the start of some significant changes. Flourishing wealth in the upper and middle class along with women moving up in society were two of the primary reasons for these changes. Vintage rings styles followed clothing styles becoming more light, lacy, and flexible. Platinum grew in popularity and its strength permitted settings with tiny prongs creating a nearly invisible gem setting. Popular gems included diamonds, pearls, and amethyst.
Art Nouveau / Art Deco Eras 1895 to 1935
Although these are two distinct eras, vintage diamond engagement rings from these two time periods are often grouped together. Both eras were the result of major events. For Art Nouveau it was the Industrial Revolution while for Art Deco it was World War I. For the most part the two styles can be summarized with just a few concepts. With Art Nouveau the vintage rings will be designed with natural styles in mind, such as flowers and insects. With Art Deco the designs will be based on geometry and symmetry providing for a more streamlined look.
Retro, Vintage 1930s-1980s
This is the era with the largest selection of vintage diamond engagement rings, as it is the more recent era. Yet diamonds were loosing their appeal during this time. Many precious materials including gold and silver were having a shortage due to WWII. This meant that expensive jewelry had more metal and the gem had less importance. Yellow and rose gold gained in popularity. The gems that were used typically were less precious yet large and bright gems.
Alan Brenner enjoys the historical value of vintage and antique items. For more information on vintage engagement rings and other Victorian Era Rings please visit OldEraRings.com
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