Art Deco Engagement Rings: Are They a Good Design For You?

Art Deco Engagement Rings: Are They a Good Design For You?

art deco engagement rings

Art deco engagement rings were first exhibited in Paris during the world’s fair. Art Deco designs became the rage throughout the 1920s with everything from wall ornaments to jewelry. Over recent years, this style has become extremely popular for engagement rings. Although authentic antique rings might be harder to run across, visiting vintage jewelry stores, visiting estate sales and auction might be your best bet. That said, there are many fine jewelers who offer art deco reproduction rings that are definitely worth your time checking out.

Taking a Closer Look at Art Deco Engagement Rings

Some fine art deco stores offer stunning styles of rings in white or yellow gold. Prices can range from $850 to $16,000 — the sky’s the limit.

Some jewelers offer a very large range for many different tastes. Rings with diamonds, rubies and/or sapphires are all in step with an authentic look to art deco. In a multitude of high quality gem stones, you can expect to discover a huge price range from $750 to $30,000.

Looking for the real deal and the cost will depend on the intricacy of metal work and quality of gems.

Authentic Features of Art Deco Engagement Rings

What’s In The Stone

In the era of art deco, an engagement ring was never a solitaire diamond ring. There would be a center stone, whether diamond or another gem and surrounded with stones of good contrast set in either geometric angles or other severe designs.

Art Deco Engagement Ring Carats

The diamond size was usually between .5 to 1.5 carats, though the overall weight of the ring would be much greater due to the accent stones.

It’s All In The Cut

During this period, the most popular cuts were Asscher, Emerald, and Baguette cut stones. These stones, in turn, were elaborately surrounded with intricate shapes and unique fashions. These were the days long before diamond cuts such as heart, marquise or princess shapes.

Metals To Fit The Design

Rings of this period were of many varying metals including white and yellow gold and platinum (which was considered the hottest newest metal on the market). Platinum’s popularity also rested on the metal’s brilliant luster that complemented the multi color of gems without overshadowing the ring’s elaborate design.

The Key to Art Deco Engagement Rings? The Contrast

Coral, emerald, onyx, ruby, lapis, jade, turquoise and diamonds were extremely popular gems used during this era. Contrast played a huge role in the entire look of the ring. Rarely, if ever, would you have a solitaire center of one gem. The central gem would be centered and other contrasting gems were then surrounding this gem.

Art Deco Designs

Due to the Great Depression, the overall design of the ring took center stage over the size of the gem. An elaborate setting would allow for smaller, less expensive gems offering a lower price tag.

Considering Art Deco Engagement Rings?

Before making a final decision on an art deco engagement ring, there are some factors you should look into:

The Cost:

If your heart is set on an authentic art deco ring, keep in mind this ring could be quite expensive and rare to come by. Although the craftsmanship may not be as high grade as modern designs, the uniqueness, age and hand workmanship do play highly in the overall value of the ring. Customized. modern reproductions will also be quite expensive because of the quality of stones and personalization. Already created designs would be far more affordable then the above.

Caring for Art Deco:

This can be a bit tricky when it comes to dealing with art deco rings. Smaller stones can easily come loose or get lost. As these rings include numerous types of gems, this will dictate different cleaning methods. These rings should also be stored away from other jewelry, as they can become quite easily scratched.

When bringing your art deco ring to a jeweler, always find out the jeweler’s experience with cleaning these pieces to ensure you receive the very best care.

Overall:

Although Art Deco is a unique and wonderful design, it’s not always the most practical. If you lead a very active life, this probably is not the ring for you and that should be stressed the same for those of you that must have your rings and fashions matching each other.

On the other hand, if you have that eclectic or diverse flair in your colors and styles, this might just be the perfect choice.

Those who prefer antique designs vs modern designs, an art deco engagement ring will probably match your unique personality and preferences. If on the other hand, you prefer the polished look of modern, this design will not work well for you.

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