Art Deco engagement rings are extremely valuable and in high demand. Jewelry pieces created during this historical design era represent the times’ emerging optimism, the surge of expanded civil liberties, modern technological advances, and fresh, never-before-seen artistic movements.
Art Deco is a fashion epoch that lasted from 1915 to 1935, succeeding the French-inspired movement Art Nouveau. The word “Art Deco” is derived from the Exposition International des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, which took place in Paris in 1925. The occasion celebrated the marriage between art and industrial industry.
Inspiration may come from a variety of sources. Among these sources of inspiration are the works of Cubist painters. Picasso, for example, was a painter. Furthermore, style elements from Ancient Egypt and the Far East played an important role.
To learn more about these beautiful Art Deco engagement rings and to ensure you are buying an authentic ring from the Art Deco design era, consult the information provided below, which includes current fashion trends, common gemstones and metals, and additional shopping tips.
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Art Deco Jewellery Designs
The artistic Art Deco movement is often dated between 1920 and 1930, but its roots can be traced back to about 1915 and continued into the 1930s. Although the trends of the period were in full swing between the 1920s and 1930s, and erupted in the mid-1920s thanks to the “Exposition des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes” held in Paris in 1925, Art Deco engagement rings dating from 1915 to the mid-1930s can be found.
The artistic designs of the day were highly eclectic, if not daring, combining geometric patterns and lines with natural themes and shapes. This was the age of the “Flapper,” as well as travel, exploration, economic booms, and the discovery of new horizons.
In these post-World War I days, it appeared as if the whole world was celebrating rebirth and happiness – and this feeling of fresh beginnings is captured in Art Deco designs.
Many Art Deco styles incorporate Art Nouveau influences from the early 1900s, including geometric patterns mixed with ribbon, swirl, and flower forms.
Motifs were also strongly influenced by increased travel, an increasing interest in learning about other cultures, and the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb. Egyptian, African, Oriental, and American Indian symbols, designs, and patterns can be seen in many Art Deco designs.
A vibrant and bold look was achieved by combining eye-catching metal work with large diamonds and gemstones to produce an explosion of intriguing and often colourful geometric designs and exotic shapes and patterns.
Increased travel and exposure to different cultures have had an effect on the Art Deco design era. Striking Egyptian, African, Oriental, and American Indian symbols, colours, and patterns were used. Colors were vibrant and primary, with emeralds, rubies, and enamel finishes being common. The metal is kept to a minimum, with the delicate designs of the diamonds and accenting gemstones serving as the focal point.
Also Read:- Antique Diamond Rings: A Complete Guide
ART DECO ENGAGEMENT RING SETTINGS
1. Box Settings
Gives the diamond a square appearance. Four prongs form a square around the diamond and are shaped like triangles with points.
2. Invisible Settings
Gemstones are set in a secret metal framework, allowing them to sit side by side and form a gemstone course.
3. Halo Settings
A ring, or halo, of gemstones surrounds the central stone. This setting sparkles a lot and can make a central gemstone look larger.
4. Pave Setting
The pavé setting, pronounced “pa-vay,” is derived from the French word “to pave,” as in diamond-paved. A Pavé setting is made up of tiny prongs that bring small diamonds very tightly together, resulting in a continuous sparkle. This setting is still very popular today.
5. Channel Setting
Diamonds or gemstones are set in a metal groove without the use of prongs. The metal walls are then pounded to hold the stones in place. This setting is often used by wedding bands.
Also Read:-Black Diamond Engagement Rings
ART DECO ENGAGEMENT RING METALS
Yellow gold was out during the Art Deco period. Colorful gemstones and stunning diamonds were common, as were platinum, 18k and 14k white gold, and sterling silver. Art Deco engagement rings were often made with beautiful diamond solitaires framed by handcrafted geometric metalworks, and the Art Deco diamond ring quickly became popular.
In addition to diamonds, gemstones used in Art Deco engagement rings of the time included emeralds, sapphires, jade, black onyx, and rubies. Throughout the Art Deco era, crystal and mother-of-pearl were common in ring designs, and the channel setting was the most popular form of gemstone setting.
Art Deco engagement rings were often made with diamonds cut with large top table facets, and newer cuts – especially baguettes, triangle cuts, and emerald cuts – were frequently used, but Old World traditional diamond cuts designed to sparkle in candlelight can also be used in Art Deco engagement rings.
1. Platinum
Platinum was extremely common due to its strength and durability, which enabled it to be worked into intricate filigree designs. Platinum is a pure white metal that is highly strong and naturally hypoallergenic. Platinum is much more scarce and therefore more expensive than gold.
2. White Gold
White gold was used to imitate the appearance of platinum. To achieve its white colour, white gold is alloyed with nickel or silver. White gold rings are usually electroplated with a rhodium coating to enhance the white colour and add power. This rhodium plating will wear off over time and will need to be redone.
ART DECO DIAMOND CUTS
1. Old Mine Cut
The old mine cut predates the old European cut and the new round brilliant cut, but it is most often compared to today’s cushion cut diamond due to its rounded square shape. During the Edwardian period, old mine cut diamonds were common because they allowed diamond cutters to salvage as much weight as possible from the rough diamond. The old mine cut is a deep cut that has a high crown, a small table (top facet), and a big culet (facet at the point).
2. Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut is another type of step cut that is typically square. This cut has huge step facets and a high crown, resulting in a dazzling brilliance that is often referred to as an endless corridor of reflective mirrors.
3. Old European Cut
The old European cut, another forerunner of the current round brilliant, arose as a result of diamond cutters applying new technologies to their trade and cutting rounder diamonds.
The old European cut is rounder and deeper than the old mine cut, but it retains a small table and a big culet. It has the same number of facets as a modern round brilliant but does not have the proportions to optimise light return.
4. Emerald Cut
A sort of step cut with long and angular facets. The emerald cut is usually rectangular and, as the name implies, is most widely used on emeralds. This cut has a wide surface table and deep clarity. Emerald cuts give the appearance of a larger stone and make your finger appear slimmer.
How can you tell if a ring is Art Deco?
Grain, bezel, or rub settings with fine millegraine edges were hallmarks of Art Deco. Sometimes, the quality of the millegraine may provide useful information about the age of the piece. A ring with sharp, unworn claw or rub settings and millegraine edges is a good indication that it is fresh.
What is the difference between Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry?
Edwardian jewellery has curved lines and decorative elements such as floral leaves, scrolls, and loops. Dome or navette (elongated oval) shapes are common in Edwardian circles. Clear lines characterise Art Deco jewellery, which incorporates distinct geometric forms such as triangles, rectangles, octagons, hexagons, and chevrons.
How can I find out what my ring is worth?
If you want a definitive answer to the question “how much is my ring worth,” you should get it appraised. To assess the jewellery, a trained professional must have the necessary expertise and education. This way, if you decide to sell it, you’ll know exactly how much you can ask for it.
