Deco or Vintage: Selecting the Perfect Engagement Ring Style

When you start shopping for engagement rings, you'll see plenty of terms thrown around. Two styles that you might not be familiar with are art deco and vintage. Understanding these designs can help you feel more comfortable as you shop for rings, and you might discover that you've found your perfect style!

Introduction to Art Deco and Vintage Styles

Let's get into how these two engagement ring categories compare. Art Deco engagement rings are inspired by the Art Deco design movement from the 1920s and 1930s. They generally feature geometric shapes, bold colors, and intricate designs. Rings also feature details like filigree work, milgrain detailing, and colorful gemstones. Art Deco rings are characterized by their bold and distinctive style reminiscent of the glamor and luxury of that time.

Now, let's chat about vintage engagement rings. They're rings that are between 20 and 30 years old, but not necessarily from a specific time period like Art Deco rings. Vintage rings often have a classic, timeless appeal with details that have a vintage vibe. Rings can vary widely in style, from simple and elegant to ornate and detailed, depending on when they're from. You'll also see vintage replica rings with characteristics that give them a vintage vibe.

Design Elements

Let's get into some of the specific design elements. For Art Deco rings, they typically feature geometric shapes, bold lines, and symmetrical patterns. The Art Deco period was influenced by machinery and industrialization, and that's reflected in the diamond jewelry. For example, an emerald cut diamonds with trillion side stones.

In terms of vintage rings, you'll see details like floral motifs, filigree detailing, and ornate settings. Because vintage rings are from varying time periods, you'll see Victorian, Edwardian, and retro influences. The vintage characteristics aren't as distinct as Art Deco features. Floral motifs are reminiscent of the Victorian period. Intricate filigree work comes from the Edwardian time period.

Materials and Gemstones

Art Deco rings are typically white metals, such as platinum and white gold. You'll also see diamonds and vibrant gemstones, like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Vintage rings are typically more yellow gold. You'll also see diamonds, pearls, and colored gemstones, like rubies, depending on the style of the ring and the era.

Popularity and Trends

Styles from the past have made a resurgence lately, so Art Deco and vintage styles are definitely sought after. Couples want an engagement that stands out from the rest. Vintage and Art Deco details make rings more unique and unusual.

Symbolism and Meaning

Art Deco and vintage engagement rings symbolize different things as well. Art Deco represents modernity, luxury, and sophistication. Art Deco was a period of art and culture, so the rings also stand for that meaning. Vintage styles symbolize nostalgia, romance, and timeless elegance because they represent rings from years past.

Customization and Personalization

A benefit of getting a modern Art Deco or vintage-inspired ring is that your engagement ring can look like that style, but you can customize and personalize it. You can choose the metal that you prefer and add personal touches to make your ring more unique. Some styles let you pick the side stones, such as if you want colored gemstones or more total carat weight. You can also select the size or shape of the center stone based on your preferences and budget.

Cost and Accessibility

We mentioned budget, but you might wonder what aspects of an engagement ring impact its price. Metals like platinum are rare and, as a result, more costly than gold, so it'll be more expensive. The total carat weight of the setting impacts the price tag as well - so the more ornate the setting, the higher the price. Higher quality craftsmanship also costs more, but it ensures that your ring will last. The quality of the center stone is one of the most influential aspects of the budget. Larger, higher-quality diamonds are more rare and will cost more.

If you're seeking an authentic Art Deco or vintage ring, then you'll need to be open-minded about the available rings. Authentic rings are one of a kind, so you won't be able to customize each ring. They're unique and special! You'll also need to look for vintage rings at specialty stores or antique dealers.

Maintenance and Care

Once you purchase an Art Deco or vintage ring, you'll want to have it professionally inspected to make sure the stones are safe, and the prongs aren't worn down. Vintage rings are more worn than new ones, so you'll need to be proactive about potential repairs and take extra care. They might be more fragile, but you can always get a ring repaired and extend its life.

Conclusion

Authentic Art Deco and vintage rings are one of a kind. They have unique elements, such as geometric shapes, filigree, and unique details. Look at ring examples and see which styles you’re drawn to. You can also look for replica rings, which are new rings made to look like Art Deco or vintage rings. Check out the With Clarity website or pop in their SOHO showroom and check out some Art Deco and vintage-inspired rings and styles.