'Flesh and the Devil' (1926)
If you are looking for a unique and glamorous antique engagement ring the Art Deco period is an exciting era to choose from. But what kind of Art Deco ring is right for you? At Howell 1870 we’ve listed a guide below on the different types of Art Deco rings and why these can be terrific engagement rings. If you want some extra dazzle and glamor for your wedding day, the art deco period could be the perfect era to go for when picking a vintage and antique engagement ring!
What Makes an Art Deco Ring, Art Deco?
During the 1920s, after World War One, the Art Deco style dominated the aesthetic trends with bright colors, clean geometric designs, beautiful platinum settings and ornately patterned details. In polarity to the tragedies of war, the glamorous and playful Art Deco era gained popularity during a period of prosperity and innovation.
The Art Deco movement didn’t just only change the way jewllery looked, but it also influenced everything from architecture to home appliances. The Art Deco period is a special time in antique jewellery history where the ultimate goal was to showcase modernity and unique elements of minimalism and maximalism.
In a move away from the Edwardian era (1901-1910), the Art Deco period was a complete contrast in design. From highly detailed and soft intricate ring designs, the Art Deco rings stood out with their bold, geometric shapes, precise angles, and modern patterns. This is why many Deco pieces today are still seen as modern and stylish and highly sought after. If choosing an engagement ring from the Art Deco era you no doubt be wearing a little piece of extraordinary art on your hand.
What Makes an Art Deco Engagement Ring?
Geometric Halos
The Art Deco era was all about geometric symmetry. A Deco diamond halo engagement ring adds a slightly modern twist with its linear design. Deco halo rings are inspired by the architecture of the period and the angular lines give the rings a glamorous edge. Because the diamond halo gives your center stone the appearance of being larger, the halo engagement ring will never go out of style.
Baguette Cut
Baguette diamonds were very popular during the Art Deco era. The diamonds in the engagement rings have a step-cut diamond with square corners. Baguette diamonds are usually long and rectangular or tapered and feature 14 facets. A baguette Art Deco engagement ring makes for a great center diamond and can also shine as an engagement ring side stone. Be aware that these pieces can fetch very high prices, especially for top-quality diamonds.
Colourful Gem Stones
The Art Deco period is the era to go for if you’re a fan of colourful engagement rings. Many of these trendy engagement rings from the period combine diamonds with colourful gems such as sapphires, emeralds, onyx, and rubies. Giving engagement rings an element of drama, the Art Deco movement with its poppy colors and contrasting gemstones, is definitely unique and has gained more popularity recently.
Bezel Settings
A Bezel setting is a style of setting where the diamond is surrounded by a metal edge. Rather than being clutched by the four or six prongs these solitaire settings became very trendy during the Art Deco period. With their clean, sophisticated, and symmetrical design, it’s easy to see why the gorgeous bezel settings mark another modern trend from the Art Deco movement.
Asscher Cut
The Asscher Cut diamond is special in the way that approximately only 2% of all diamonds are made into Asscher cuts. Therefore, if you want a rare engagement ring, the Asscher Cut diamond Art Deco ring is for sure a sage bet. The diamond is shaped like a square with a flat table, large step facets, and a high crown, making the Asscher cut diamond a beautiful and special engagement ring choice with its glacier-like clarity and “hall of mirrors” geometric effect.
Millegrain
Millegrain (from the French meaning 'tiny dots') detailing is a very characteristic Deco engagement ring metalwork style that uses beaded dots in the metal. The technique adds tiny metal beads, typically to create an ornate border and it creates a look of glittering stitches. The popularity of millegrain peaked during the Art Deco era of the 1930s, but the style first took shape thousands of years ago in Asia where craftsmen created metal beads into the jewellery’s design by hand.
White Metals
Due to both its rarity and density platinum has historically remained far more expensive than gold. This meant those who could not afford a platinum setting had to settle for yellow gold jewellery. However, jewellers first developed the means to plate white gold in the 1920s during the Art Deco era. This innovation opened the door to shoppers who could finally afford a white metal alternative to yellow gold.
Cushion Cut
Just like old mine cut diamonds Cushion Cut diamonds are shaped like a square with cut corners (or a cushion). Cushion Cut diamonds are thought of as a vintage style as they evolved from a more ancient diamond shape to a more modern brilliant cut faceting. With a sparkly crushed ice appearance, it creates a romantic glow when the light catches it and it’s a gorgeous and timeless choice for an engagement ring.
Finding that Perfect Engagement Ring
With so much choice the art deco period has something to cover all tastes. We have a selection of fine engagement rings from all periods. If there is something you are looking for that isn’t on our website please don’t hesitate to contact us, we would be happy to assist you in your search for that perfect antique engagement ring!