What do Art Deco Engagement Rings Look Like?

What Exactly is an Art Deco Engagement Ring?

Art Deco engagement rings have become quite popular again. This usually happens when a major celebrity decides on this period for their own special ring. The good news is that the amazing jewelry from this special era between the two world wars lasts longer than most celebrity marriages.

You can view samples of art deco engagement rings on the right hand scroll bar. If you click on a ring, you’ll go to the store, where you can look at even more styles.

The Art deco period occurred roughly from the end of the First World War through to the early 1930s before the great depression really took hold. People were fed up of the deprivations of war and the wide scale killing and wanted to have some fun. Technology was emerging and the art of the era reflects the new shapes with geometric shapes and contrast being used in many designs.

If you have read the book The Great Gatsby it describes this period to a T. This was the Jazz period in the USA. It was the heady days of prohibition when alcohol was supposedly banned but most people drank. Talking movies had arrived as had the flappers with their short dresses and shorter hairstyles. People were encouraged to flaunt their excess wealth. It was almost insisted upon rather than frowned on.

Picasso and Matisse were popular in Paris which was enjoying a wave of freedom and entertainment having been at the centre of a war less than a decade previously. White Russians fleeing persecution arrived in Paris in their droves many bringing their jewels and wealth with them.

The opening of King Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922 inspired a wave of new designs as did resurgence in interest in Native American history in the USA. Abstract patterns combined with diverse combinations of color make any collection of art deco jewelry eclectic. Pieces were not mass produced so you are unlikely to find someone with similar art deco engagement rings.

Art deco rings came in many different shapes and sizes. One very popular model was a square setting featuring a round diamond surround by six smaller diamonds cut in various geometric shapes. It wasn’t unusual to use rubies, sapphires, onyx or emeralds to surround the diamond and then another layer of diamonds surrounded these semi precious stones. The metal used was usually platinum to heighten the contrast between the metal and the colored stones.

A lot of the diamonds were cut using the old mine cut which is an early version of the brilliant cut diamond. It is also known as the cushion cut due to its rounded shape. An alternative cut was the European cut developed in the 1800s. Some investors buy these old pieces for the diamonds which they have reset into more modern arrangements. You could do this but you may find that you appreciate the beauty of the original more.

You need to exercise caution when buying art deco engagement rings or other jewelry from this period as often the green “emeralds” are in fact green glass. This is particularly true for emerald but other gemstones would be synthetic rather than the natural semi precious stone. Always have the piece you are looking to buy independently valued.