Vintage Engagement Rings For Beauty And Style

August 23, 2009 | Filed Under Blogging

by George C.Baycan

Typically anything that is labeled vintage comes from the not too distant past. With regardless to jewelry this usually includes the last century, although some things that are vintage can also be antique. Some vintage is more retro, dating back even to as recent as the 1970s.

Most of the engagement rings from these time periods had very distinctive qualities that uniquely categorize the rings as being vintage. Typically the rings included both yellow and white gold combinations on the bands, however platinum was and is also used in creating some very unique settings and bands.

The bands in these slightly older styles of engagement rings tend to be different from modern band styles. The shank or back part of the band is often very small and round while the front is flatter, raised and wider. On many of the rings in vintage collection the band is often yellow gold and the settings or mounts in white gold. Not only does this add detail but it also collects light and focuses it in on the diamonds.

Rather than completely all small diamonds or one large diamond, vintage rings tend to use more medium to smaller sized diamonds to create the sparkle and shine. Other precious and semi-precious stones are common in settings for these types of engagement rings.

Although a more antique cut, cushion cut diamonds are still often found in vintage engagement rings. This cut is very soft in overall appearance and tends to be seen as a central diamond or as a medium to larger sized solitaire. Several cushion cut diamond rings also are interlocking or curved bands and present a beautiful and original looking ring set.

Originally known as candlelight diamonds, cushion cut diamonds were in highest demand at the turn of the century. The softer facets really reflected light from candles, hence the common name for the cut. Almost all cushion cut diamonds are an oval to soft rectangular shape but there is lots of variation.

The facets on vintage style or new versions of the cushion cut diamond tend to include longer, more open facets. This allows slightly more light loss from the diamond, resulting in the softer reflection without loosing all the light internally. Generally these diamonds are used as either solitaire or in pave type settings surrounded by smaller diamonds.

Vintage engagement rings featuring some of the detailed filigree and metal work from these earlier times are a great option for a classic yet unusual style. Browsing through estate jewelry sales for rings or purchasing a new creation of a modern classic are both great options for finding these styles of engagement rings.

About the Author:

George C. Baycan of San Francisco based Simayof Jewelersworks for Simayof Jewelers as a manager and marketing consultant. He specializes in Engagement Rings and Diamonds.

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