During the past decade antique style engagement
rings
have gained their popularity among the most stylish and noble
clientele. As elite jewelry, antique style engagement rings are
considered the most luxurious and refined valuable pieces.
The evolution of antique style engagement rings have known three
significant periods, three eras of beauty and elegance: Art Nouveau
(1895-1910), Edwardian (1890-1920) and Art Deco (1920-1935).
Antique style engagement rings of Art Nouveau are characterized by
using of gold
and silver, as well as the combination of ivory and clarified horn with
enamel and glass. The design featured the incorporation of moonstones
and opals serving to accent faceted diamonds or rare colored gemstones.
The most common antique style engagement rings motifs included the
representation of birds, insects, flowers, leaves, serpents,
picturesque vines and women faces and figures. Among the most famous
Art Nouveau designers were Henri Vever, Paulding Farnham, Georges
Fouquet, Rene Lalique, Griscom & Osborn and Alling & Co.
Edwardian antique style engagement rings represented the so-called
“garland style” referring to the aesthetic of
French Louis
XVI furniture decoration. This style implied the depicting of stars,
ribbons, garlands, bows, wreaths, crescents and urns. Edwardian antique
style engagement rings were mostly made of platinum
worldly recognized for its durance and exquisite look. This style was
popularized by such prestige labels as Marcus & Co. and Tiffany
& Co.
As to Art Deco, this style featured the combination of different
motifs, like animals (most often panthers and gazelles), flowers in
vases and baskets, fountains, various geometric shapes and ziggurats
(pyramid shapes). Art Deco antique style engagement rings had platinum
or white
gold
settings mounted with colored gemstones, such as emeralds, rubies, onyx
and sapphires. Influenced by Oriental culture, Art Deco style often
included rock crystals, corals and pearls. Art Deco antique style
engagement rings were manufactured by Boucheron, Cartier, Mauboussin,
Tiffany & Co., Raymond Templier, Starr & Frost, Oscar
Heyman
& Bros. and many other designers.
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