Vintage is often a term that is used when describing fashions from the past that aren’t quiet at the level of being considered antiques but are still classics. Vintage engagement rings can be from any time period considered to be more modern than ancient, typically from the early 1900’s to the retro period of even into the 1970’s.
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.
In a great number of these engagement rings the band tends to be very narrow at the back of the ring, then widens and expands to present a moderately large front surface area. It is common for the band to be yellow gold and the mountings for the diamonds to be in white gold, providing additional light reflection around the diamonds.
Many vintage engagement rings feature groups of small, medium or average sized diamonds rather than one large solitaire. The different sizes and shapes of diamonds in the setting help with light reflection and really sparkle with the ring is turned with normal movement. In addition other gems may be included in the setting, dropping bits of bright color onto the central diamonds.
A popular cut in vintage engagement rings as well as in antique diamond rings is the cushion cut. Cushion cut engagement rings have a beautiful, soft internal sparkle and fire and are ideal to stand alone on a simple band. The cut also works well with interlocking and curved wedding band and engagement ring sets.
Historically the name for cushion cut diamonds was candlelight diamonds. This is because lighting was from candles and the beautiful cut of the diamond gives off a soft, firely glow in any type of direct or diffuse light. Typically shapes for the cushion cut diamonds include oval to rectangular with rounded or blunted corners.
Open, long facets on many of the diamonds on older engagement rings give a unique light reflection to the interior. The colors are still vibrant and there is fire, it is just less sharp. Many people see these types of cuts as very romantic looking and may be enhanced on the band with smaller diamonds.
Looking at all the detail and filigree work on some of the older vintage engagement rings will help you gain an appreciation of their beauty. If you are designing your own engagement rings or wedding set you may want to incorporate design ideas from some of the vintage sets you view.
