There are several shapes or cuts of stone that can be used in the design of a vintage solitaire ring. Jewelers all agree that a good cut is what determines how brilliant a diamond will be. Vintage cuts are sometimes referred to differently than modern cuts but are sometimes meant to describe the same shape. Here is a brief description of the most popular modern day cuts as well as terms used to describe cuts for a vintage solitaire ring.
When searching for a vintage ring, it will sometimes be helpful to understand how some of the most common types of vintage ring settings were designed.
If you are not interested in selling your vintage rings on Ebay or on your own in any way, another option is to sell to a dealer. While this method of selling is fine, keep in mind that you may not get as high a price from a dealer because they have to make a profit too. When you sell your pieces yourself, the profit is all yours. It does take a bit more time and patience, however to sell the pieces yourself. If you are considering selling to a dealer, here are a few helpful hints.
Part 1 of our series on vintage ring designers features the rings of jewelry designer Miriam Haskell.
Most antique vintage rings can be sized without difficulty. The very first thing to do if you are considering sizing your rings is find an experienced Master Jeweler to do the work. Most of these jewelers will have had plenty of experience working with the stones and metals of older pieces, and will work diligently to preserve the quality and workmanship of your rings.
The Roaring Twenties was the age of the Flapper and Jazz, of The Model “T” and the first Movies. It was often called the most outrageous of decades. One of the most sought after gemstones of the day was the ruby. If you find yourself the proud owner of an authentic ruby vintage ring, you will surely have yourself a little piece of history.
As well as being the birthstone for January, the Garnet is also the stone that celebrates the second year of marriage. A Garnet vintage ring is sure to be a gift to make any second anniversary really special.
A lot of costume jewelry was designed during the same time as authentic vintage jewelry. If you have discovered a vintage jewelry ring that you would like to buy, there are some things you can look for yourself to determine if it is genuine or not.
Here is a cute story about the curious case of a “missing” vintage engagement ring. Great Grandma has recently passed away. The family is greatly saddened by her passing for she was what everyone in the family called a “character” She was quite outspoken, did as she pleased and was a real prankster. You were never quite sure with Great Grandma, is she was pulling your leg or not.
Vintage wedding rings changed often between 1920 and 1950. Depending a lot on the fashions and financial health of the decade, they were either very simple or sophisticated and ornate.
Marcel and Sandra Boucher were another of the top jewelry designers of this era. They designed a very high quality line of vintage rings and other jewelry.
So you’ve decided you want to delve into the world of jewelry collecting. Now you need to know where to look for those vintage style rings you want to own. There are actually quite a few places to look for these treasures. As always, before you go shopping, you need to educate yourself on the subject so you’ll know a treasure form a trinket when you find it!
During the Edwardian period from 1905-1915, filigree design became very popular. If you love a lacy, intricate ring design, you may just want to search out a beautiful vintage filigree ring to add to your collection of vintage jewelry.
The vintage rings you buy are a valuable investment. It is important to care for your collection or even your one special purchase very carefully.
Although the Art Deco Age was actually a different time period that that of Art Deco vintage jewelry, the designs of the day took their cues from that era. A vintage emerald ring, with its bright bold color and large square or rectangular shape was a prized possession in the wild and wonderful 1920s.
Obviously if you are going to invest your hard earned dollars on a real vintage diamond ring, you want to be sure it is indeed real. There are stones such as cubic zirconias and quartz that so closely resemble diamonds, it would be easy to mistake one for the other.
The 1920s-1930s was a faced paced decade. Everything was constantly changing, and this included jewelry clothes and art. Looking back today it is easy to identify the connections between the items we refer to today as vintage rings art and fashion.
Many times the vintage ring you like will be featured on an internet auction site or in an online store. In either case, you will be reading a description of the ring, and looking at photographs to determine its value. To fully understand these descriptions it is helpful to know the different parts of a vintage ring.
When we think of engagement rings, we automatically think of sparkling, crystal clear diamonds. But there is a very special vintage engagement ring that sparkles in a whole different way.
A lot of times, the line between vintage and antique can get a little blurry. Often what we refer to as antique is really more vintage. Here is a timeline to help you out if you are on the hunt for authentic vintage rings. While many vintage rings were designed but not signed, it will not always be easy to identify genuine vintage pieces. If you have a general idea of styles of the period, it will help.
Almost everyone knows what a cameo is, but fewer people have ever heard of the word Intaglio, even though it is a similar style. A very unique vintage deco ring was created using this design in the early 1950s.
A Victorian style vintage engagement ring is one that was designed to look like jewelry from the Victorian Era. As with all vintage rings, the designs vary from very simple to very elegant. They are traditionally set in yellow gold. Many Victorian designs also include the use of pearls as they were very popular as well during this period. The very classic “Tiffany” style of six prong solitaire setting is an example of a Victorian style ring.
If you like vintage jewelry and an engagement ring is in your future, chances are you’ve spent some time looking at vintage diamond rings. Even if you haven’t considered it, maybe your fiancé has. Quite often a family heirloom is handed down for just this purpose. If such a ring is in your fiancé’s family, he may be secretly planning to surprise you with it.
If you have a favorite outfit that needs a bit of spicing up, why not try wearing it with a vintage art deco ring? Many of these pieces were designed during the Art Deco Movement which was taking place in the art world between 1920 and 1930. It had a strong influence on the jewelry making of that time period, and the results were some very luxurious pieces.
If you love all things vintage, and you think you would like to own vintage wedding rings, there is an alternative to EBay and antique stores. You can design your own set! Not only will this give you the look you love, but it will also mean that your “vintage” rings are brand new and sure to last you a lifetime. Before beginning the designing process, though, there are a few things to know. Here are a few tips to get you started.