J.D. Institute of fashion technology, one of the most premium and oldest institutes for art or creativity, is here with another blog with in-depth analysis as to the reason behind the attraction to vintage engagement rings. “About 10 to 15 years ago, we saw a real spike of women looking at Edwardian and Art Deco engagement rings,” says Michael Khordipour, owner of M. Khordipour and Estate Diamond Jewelry, which sells engagement rings from different ages and the day had arrived. These early-twentieth-century trends became so diverse that they started to cater to women who wished to stand out rather than fit in and who sought one-of-a-kind products. Since then, they’ve broadened their tastes and now favor everything from Victorian to Retro 1940s styles.” “It’s already a growing genre, and we need to keep finding rings to keep up with demand,” he says.

The rarity, story, personality, and character are inherent in the craft and specifics of antique and vintage rings, the immediate sustainability that comes with selecting a ring that has been around for 50-100 years, and the variety of styles all mesh with what today’s bride is searching for when accepting a proposal. A ring with history and provenance and a stunning antique cut stone has investment and appreciation value for when it is handed on to the next century.

Antique-through-early twentieth-century rings provide a wealth of diamond cuts, polished gemstones, details, and designs, whether it’s your first engagement, second wedding, or a surprising discovery that your personal style has completely changed over the past 20 years. They also stand for originality and one-of-a-kind features and characteristics.

“Platinum-set or authentic diamond Art Deco engagement rings have been around for a long time, and they continue to be the most common type of period rings among women. But, according to Elizabeth Doyle of Doyle & Doyle, a New York-based antique-vintage jewelry retailer and online shop, “women of all demographics have been lusting after antique yellow gold engagement rings because the gold’s warmth flatters a multitude of skin tones.” “Yellow gold is often used in older designs, which feature symbolic motifs, colored gemstones, and symbolise a couple’s undying love for each other, much as it was in the time period when they were first given.”

Victorian

“The Victorian age (1837–1901) was divided into three periods: Romantic, Grand, and Aesthetic, due to its duration and cultural and social shifts. Rings varied from romantic motifs such as two hearts bound together to entwined snakes, such as the one Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria when they were engaged. There is a variety of exquisite mine-cut and rose-cut rings in circular, oval, and cushion forms of both diamonds and polished gemstones thanks to the Industrial Revolution and increasingly modern stone-cutting techniques. “A very common design is the solitaire, which emphasises on the center stone while including only enough detail on the mounting to make it genuinely special and unique,” Doyle says.

Edwardian

“In France, the Edwardian era, which lasted roughly from 1905 to 1915, was known as Belle Époque. The discovery and use of platinum as a jewellery metal and a shift in fashion made for lighter, airier, and more open designs. Platinum diamonds bonded to 18K gold, and finally, pure platinum is surrounded by intricate filigree and pierced work.” Khordipour explains. With its leaves and floral motifs, the garland theme was often used to create mine-cut designs for pillows and European-cut diamonds. “Engagement rings come in a variety of styles, from large to tapered bands with filigree and drilling work surrounding centre tapered bands with pretty, lacey designs on the shank to round European diamonds. Colorful side stones of emerald, ruby, and sapphires, as well as insets in the band, are available.” Khordipour continues.

Retro 40’s

Platinum was used for war purposes during World War II, and jewellers discovered new ways to be creative for gold and semi-precious or fake gemstones at the time. After the battle, objects took on a more flexible approach to the Art Deco movement’s clean lines, with curves and details that resembled silk pleats. “The centre stones appeared to be smaller and more integrated into the ring’s overall architecture. The patterns of the sketches were accompanied by gems in baguettes and princess cuts. We saw a lot of three stone circles, including an emerald-cut center stone with two baguettes on the sides or a marquise centre stone. 

And, thanks to the brilliance of an advertisement firm, the diamond engagement ring grew in popularity in 1947. For diamond dealers DeBeers, publicity executive Frances Gerety of N.Y. Ayers devised the single line, “A diamond is forever.” The slogan reaffirmed the diamond’s status as an engagement ring jewel and instilled in people the illusion that diamonds were the secret to a couple’s everlasting love. It was a watershed point in history, but it did nothing to improve the personality, human appearance, and craftsmanship of previous engagement rings until the late twentieth century and the new millennium with their creative new talents.

Fast forward to the twenty-first century, and the variety of options, uniqueness, and durability of antique and vintage rings has captivated an increasing number of women. “Rather than keeping up with whose rock is larger and matching the diamonds in their Tiffany solitaires with six prongs, they are interested in something that is more fitting about who they are,” Khordipour says.

If you want to take up jewellery designing as your career, education should be first on your list. J.D. Institute Of Fashion Technology is just the right place for you. It reflects a legacy of over 32 years providing jewellery design courses with nominal jewelry design course fees and other industry-based courses. J.D. Institute shares a vision of providing the best resources, infrastructure, etc., so that no external factor becomes a barrier for the students. Due to this approach, J.D. Institute reflects many tokens of recognition such as the times’ power icon award, etc., and record-breaking placement of 99%. Enroll now!