The tradition of giving an engagement ring started in the 15th Century. Today, many couples prefer to buy antique engagement rings for their special occasion.
Rings which are less than 50 years old and purchased as used are known as 'estate' rings. Rings greater than 50 years old are considered to be antique engagement rings. Antique engagement rings are sold by some jewellers, by dealers at antiques markets or you can find them at jewellery or antiques auctions or online jewellery stores.
These rings give you the chance to buy a unique and beautiful piece of jewellery that will make the wearer feel very special. Fashion magazines are also extolling the virtues of these rings and have been saying that antique engagement rings are THE engagement rings to have.
When it comes to antique jewellery, there are three main periods: Art Nouveau, Edwardian and Art Deco. When it comes to modern rings, diamonds are the most popular, but this hasn't always been the case. Edwardian engagement rings used jade, pearls and opal in their ring settings.
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 1C Antique Diamond Engagement Ring Semi mount Y14k 4sz  US $1,549.00
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 2.4 CT ROUND CUT ANTIQUE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING 18K US $4,200.00
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 1.2 Diamond Antique Engagement Ring Semi mount Y14k 4sz US $1,939.00
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 2.01 CT ROUND CUT ANTIQUE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING 14K US $4,800.00
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Edwardian engagement rings were frequently made from platinum as the malleability of the platinum got better and the introduction of the oxy-acetylene torch made construction of the rings faster and easier. A feature of Edwardian engagement rings was that they showed a lot of detail and weren't massed produced, like most of today's engagement rings. This meant that the ring you wore was unique. While the price of these rings seems quite high, having a ring specially made by a craftsman these days would probably cost a lot more than buying an Edwardian antique engagement ring. The main reason for this is the amount of design work that goes into the setting.
There are considerable differences between antique engagement rings from the Art Nouveau, Edwardian and Art Deco periods. The engagement rings of the Art Nouveau period usually used silver and gold as well as ivory with glass and enamel in mounting the jewellery. In this period the most often-used motifs for the rings are flowers, serpents, insects, vines, leaves, birds, and womens faces.
In the Edwardian period, engagement rings had the look of Louis XVI furniture decorations. The Edwardian rings were usually made of platinum.
In the Art Deco period, the motifs for engagement rings were animals, flowers and geometric shapes.
Engagements are all about the anticipation and excitement of a new life together, and a lot of couples want a ring which can’t be found in just any jeweller’s shop. Whether from the Art Nouveau, Edwardian or Art Deco periods, an antique engagement ring can meet these requirements.
