Antique Wedding Rings for Women

There are many decisions to make when planning a wedding: what kind of dress to buy, where to have the reception, what should the cake look like? But none are as central as the symbol that will represent your marriage long after the day is over. What kind of rings should you get? Some couples prefer a modern look, while others are attracted to the more elaborate style of antique and vintage rings. The artisans at Juno Jewelry can create custom designs to your specifications.

Antique or Estate Rings

A basic rule of thumb is that antique rings are more than 50 years old, and rings described as estate are less than 50 years old. The term vintage is less clear, but is often used to refer to rings from the 1960s or later.

Victorian Era 1835 - 1900

During the reign of England's Queen Victoria, the discovery of diamonds in South Africa and the increase in wealth from the Industrial Revolution gave rise to opulent designs in architecture, home furnishings and jewelry. Victorian wedding rings for women ranged from simple bands engraved with initials of the bride and groom and the wedding date to intricate designs in rose gold, yellow gold or silver. Diamonds became popular in wedding rings at this time, and many Victorian rings feature mine-cut diamonds, which have an extra facet on the bottom. One thing to be careful of with Victorian designs is the use of softer stones, such as pearls and opals, which are easily damaged and do not hold up well to daily wear.

Edwardian Era 1900-1920

The invention of the oxyacetyline torch in the late 1800s opened the world of platinum to Edwardian jewelers. This metal is much harder than gold or silver, and artisans were able to create the intricate cut-out designs and filigree that characterize the Art Nouveau style of wedding rings for women. Rose-cut diamonds and deep blue sapphires were popular stones in this era.

Art Deco Era 1920-1930

The 1920s and 30s saw the development of the Art Deco style. Like the Chrysler building in New York, jewelry designers favored clean, geometric lines over fancy curly cues. During the Roaring 20s, wedding rings for women were often crafted from white gold with colored gem stones instead of or in addition to white diamonds. Artisans drew inspiration from Egyptian, Asian and Native American designs.

Retro and Mid-Century 1930-1960

Although the Tiffany Solitaire diamond ring was introduced in 1886, this style truly came into its own during and after World War II. Wedding rings for women from this era are often simple, unadorned bands of yellow or white gold or platinum. The most popular style of engagement ring, however, was the illusion-set solitaire, a mounting that reflects light to enhance the stone.

Points to Consider

There are many places to purchase antique wedding rings for women: auctions, estate sales, antique stores, pawn shops, and online vendors. Be sure to get a complete, written description of your jewelry and, if possible, a certified gemologist's report. This proves that the piece is authentic rather than a copy. Also, choose a vendor that offers a written return policy.

Even when they can be authenticated, antique and estate rings are, in fact, used. They have seen long daily use and could have worn areas on the band or missing or cracked stones. Custom-made jewelry could be the answer. Designed especially for you and crafted from high-quality materials, a hand-made, one-of-a-kind wedding ring from Juno Jewelry is a sound choice. Visit www.JunoJewelry.com and ask about custom wedding rings today.