Antique Engagement and Wedding Rings

Marriage is a commitment of love, engagement and wedding rings are symbolic of this life long union so what better way to signify the ultimate sacrifice to another then with a truly beautiful unique antique engagement ring and wedding band; the circle of the ring representing eternal love, with no beginning and no end.

An engagement and wedding ring serve as an outward declaration to others of one another’s love for each other. Antique engagement and wedding rings are highly collectable and it takes time to find the perfect ring; something she will ultimately treasure for the rest of her lifetime.

History of Engagement and Wedding Rings

There is a certain level of dispute as to where the tradition of giving your loved one an engagement ring came from, some credit the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks, whereas others believe the past-time to have originated in Ancient Rome. In Roman times it was thought a ring indicated ownership, and they were called ‘betrothal rings.’ It was in 860 that Christians began using rings in wedding ceremonies.

An engagement ring and wedding band is traditionally worn on the left hand, on the fourth finger, previously it was thought the vein that led to the heart was inside this finger- ‘Vena Amoris’ or ‘Vein of Love’.

Nowadays a diamond ring is by far the most popular choice, the first ever documented diamond ring that was given in an engagement, was that of Austria’s Archduke Maximilian during his proposal to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.

Styles of Engagement Ring and Wedding Rings

There is an abundance of antique engagement and wedding rings to sift through before settling on the perfect choice in terms of one’s individual taste. Be it an elegant, delicate, feminine Edwardian engagement ring or a large statement diamond Art Deco ring, there are various designs, metals, sizes and shape rings to choose from.

Victorian Engagement and Wedding Rings

Rings from this period tended to be made from yellow or rose gold, they may be engraved and symbolism was often intertwined in the designs of the time, a theme of nature was also prominent. Engagement rings from this period often contained birthstones. A Victorian three-row diamond ring is very valuable.  There was no stamp required on gold until after 1854, so it is unlikely you would be able to find a hallmark from rings made before this period. Diamond rings were highly coveted at the time but black onyx, garnets, amethysts and peridots were also very desirable.

Victorian wedding bands are usually plain, made typically made from rose gold or silver, eternity bands from this period are a popular choice. Many Victorian wedding rings will be engraved with the date of the previous marriage and the couple’s initials; a story of love lost to the past.

Edwardian Engagement and Wedding Rings

During the Edwardian era of 1900-1920, platinum and diamond rings increased in popularity. Edwardian rings are typically feminine, delicate, elegant, with a lace detailing effect. A decorative effect called milgraining was also favoured during this period- this technique involved fashioning tiny beads along the edge of the jewellery around the stones.

Edwardian wedding bands were often made from platinum, with an Art Nouveau influence; they were ornate, elaborate and lavish, with the inclusion of diamonds and gemstones. An Edwardian wedding ring is a glamorous choice.

Art Deco Engagement and Wedding Bands

Rings from this period are often geometric, angular, with square cut diamonds or gemstones, triangular shaped diamonds also increased in popularity. Famous jewellers from this period include Tiffany and Co and Harry Winston. During this period better manufacturing techniques were employed and platinum became the preferred metal of choice. The combination and contrast of gemstones such as rubies, emeralds or sapphires against diamonds is indicative of the Art Deco designs penchant for bold colourful rings. Wedding bands from this period were often three dimensional, with white gold a favourable option.

Other antique and vintage engagement and wedding rings of choice include those from the Retro period and mid 21st C, these rings often hold sentimental value, as they are likely to have been passed on from grandmothers or great-grandmothers. During World War II what metals were used to make rings was impacted, the most common wedding ring from the Retro period is the solitaire diamond ring. The most common wedding band is from what is known as the ‘estate era’, these encompass rings post 1960’s.

An antique or vintage engagement or wedding ring is reminiscent of the romance of relationships past and they only seek to highlight how special such a declaration of commitment is, with their unique beauty.