Four Popular Styles of Antique Engagement Rings

Antique engagement rings are more in demand and popular today than ever before. These wonderful rings have so much class and elegance that it is hard for many women to resist their charm. While antique engagement rings can be classified if they're at least 50-years, most people classically consider them antiques at 100 years old.

By contrast, modern rings usually have sleek lines while antique rings are known for their fine detail. These engagement rings are a good alternative to the usual newer engagement rings for many people. The fact that a lot of modern rings duplicate the original design of the antique setting and the stone is a testament of the popularity of antiques.

And from a monetary standpoint, antique rings are a good investment because of their unique craftsmanship and exquisite detailing. Antique engagement rings are usually passed down from generation to generation. They are particularly appreciated among those who cherish antiques and family heirlooms.

However, because they can be very worn, you may need to replace or repair the settings of the ring. One drawback of antiques is that many will have a weak band that may be too thin to wear, and by putting the old stone into new engagement rings, the antique style can be closely reproduced.

So, copying the old-style bands while using the existing stone produces a ring that an attractive antique-looking engagement ring in style, but with a band that is in much better condition than the older band. Sometimes, product clarity may appear not to be up to today's standards but this is because jewels were cut by hand in the old days.

Four of the most popular types of antique engagement rings are the Old European round style, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Platinum rings discussed below.

The stones in the Old European round style are carved with fastidious details like tiny diamonds and beaded edges. More sophisticated and mobile women are making vintage rings their choice and the market for diamond vintage rings have expanded rapidly to meet this demand. Stone is much harder to carve. You may notice that a good hard stone cameo is often under carved at the junction where the portrait meets the flat plaque.

Art Deco engagement rings are characterized by their geometric shapes and use of bold colors, especially black and white. The creation of Art Deco antique wedding bands began in the 1920 -1930s. This was a really exciting and special time in the history of United States where its excitement was portrayed in the jewelry and art of this time period. The rings of this era have many themes that range from Egyptian, Asian and Native American cultures.

Art Nouveau rings, although unusual, are also becoming popular. Artdecodiamonds.com is a respected site that shows you the actual picture of your selected diamond.

Platinum antique engagement rings are more durable as well as gold and only vary from yellow gold in the true color. This expensive precious metal features the same silvery white color as well as white gold, except with a little more shine. Platinum belongs to a family of six metals, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium. Platinum is often the most sought after choice for setting extremely valuable gemstones most securely, and its neutral color complements colored stones beautifully and heightens the brilliance and whiteness of diamonds.

The number one consideration in choosing antique jewelry is to make sure you really love it. There are usually no exchanges for vintage diamond engagement rings. So you may be well advised to shop close to home where you can touch and feel the rings and try them on for size and style. And for an added measure of security make sure that you have the ring certified and authenticated by a reputable jeweler.