The classic styles of years gone by are never really out of style in the fashion world. More than every classic, antique, vintage or retro styles of engagement rings are in fashion and actually in demand over the more contemporary styles.
It is impossible to define a retro ring as one specific design because of the different styles of the past eras and design periods. Understanding what type of ring is desired and what era you wish to include in the consideration will be important as the styles are very different and also very specific.
To help get started, here are some basic elements of engagement rings from days gone by. Remember, you can search for an authentic antique, or choose a retro design that is modern and includes elements not considered with the original ring design.
Victorian Style
Starting in the late part of the 1830s and running until about 1901, the Victorian period is known for a lot of detail and a lot of elements in the design. Most commonly the antique styles are a yellow gold with rows of diamond chips and a central focus diamond.
It is also very common for filigree, or fine interlocking designs, as well as engraving to be part of the design of the band or the setting for the diamond. Pearls, semi-precious and precious gemstones other than diamonds may be highlighted or used as accent pieces in these types of rings.
Edwardian Style
From the Victorian style, the Edwardian style lasted about 20 years, or until the early part of the 1920s. This style included platinum settings with diamonds and pearls, often very large and the focus of the ring. The other option was a very ornate band with filigree and elaborate designs with a pavé style of diamonds.
These rings tend to look very delicate and airy, with a lot of open space in the design in most, but not all, ring styles.
Art Deco
While only lasting about 15 years from 1920 to 1935, the Art Deco style is most often considered the retro or vintage trend in engagement rings. This is a complete departure from the past with geometric lines, more solid, cubist styles of gems, and lots of whimsical twists and turns.
Many of these types of rings included diamonds and other gemstones with white or yellow gold as well as platinum. The specific shapes of the diamonds also changed from the traditional round shapes to the more stylized marquise, oval, pear and even the beautiful emerald cut and Asscher cut diamonds.
