Antique Diamond Rings

Diamonds represent beauty and strength, wealth and austerity, status and stature. They are a versatile jewel that goes with any style from casual to sophisticated to glamorous. No other jewel can match their purity or sparkle, whether you choose a round brilliant cut, princess, emerald, oval or cushion cut a diamond ring upon one’s hand is sure to look striking. Only a diamond ring can evoke connotations of romance, power, love, marriage, glamour and lifestyle.

History of the Diamond Ring

Initially the diamond trade began in Brazil and India, this is before diamonds were discovered in South Africa. Prior to the middle of the 1800’s, diamonds really were an extreme rarity and scarcely featured on anyone’s but a monarch’s hand. In the later half of the 19th C due to their discovery in South Africa, the market was flooded with diamonds and their value diminished due to the effect this had on supply and demand.

In 1880 DeBeers mining company was created and by 1888 DeBeers had the monopoly of the South African diamond trade, by 1902 DeBeers managed nearly 90% of the global raw-diamond distribution and production. Thus followed the 1930’s ‘A diamond is forever’ campaign lead by Oppenheimer, the then chair of DeBeers board. This marketing campaign was based on the premise that a diamond equated to ever-lasting love.

The advertising campaign sought to convince men the bigger the diamond ring he purchased the more he loved her, by 1947 the diamond ring was thoroughly embedded in our consciousness as the ultimate ring of choice. This campaign is thought to have increased the demand for diamond rings dramatically.

Styles of Antique and Vintage Diamond Rings

Before three quarters of a century ago diamonds were largely considered a luxury only attainable by the super-wealthy, prior to World War II merely 10% of engagement rings were diamonds, which is demonstrative of their significant rise in affordability and accessibility.

Diamond rings are measured on a GIA scale, this measures the clarity of the diamond, the higher the clarity the less blemishes, the highest clarity being FL (flawless), a higher clarity also means the diamond is rarer, so will therefore be of more value.

Victorian diamond rings were made between 1835-1900 and are extremely sought after, they are often very elegant with a unique style and were mainly made using rose gold. They are timeless and romantic and may have more than one diamond, and may also be set alongside other precious stones or pearls. Diamonds from this period are usually slightly off colour. 

Edwardian diamond rings were largely influenced by the Art Nouveau movement, with intricate details, they are generally delicate and feminine, sometimes with a lace effect and curved lines in their designs. An Edwardian diamond ring tends to have larger diamonds set in the ring, so is more expensive.

Art Deco diamond rings were made between 1915 and 1935, a unique ring that will stand out from the crowd, these rings tend to take on a geometric design, with rectangular and square cut diamonds. They may be engraved or have filigree bands.

A cluster diamond ring is a popular option, the diamonds creating a circle or a shape such as a flower, an antique or vintage cluster diamond ring is a very popular option. Cluster rings may be set with pave diamonds or small diamonds, often surrounding one central larger diamond.

An antique diamond solitaire ring is also a popular option; a solitaire ring may have a distinctive band with embellishment and decoration. An antique diamond eternity band, with diamonds set all the way around makes a lovely anniversary gift.  For a more ornate diamond ring a cocktail ring is a flamboyant choice, with a diamond in the centre surrounded by other precious stones, or a large precious stone surrounded by diamonds, these rings have a striking look.  A Georgian diamond ring, from the period 1714-1830 is a rarity, as diamonds were limited, so is therefore very sought after.

An antique or vintage diamond ring signifies the ultimate love, it is the perfect gift for that someone special, to be treasured for the years that follow.