Art Deco Engagement Rings

Art deco is a term which evokes images from a F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, the Chrysler Building in New York, 1930’s automobiles and, of course, beautiful and distinguished jewelry such as art deco engagement rings. Art Deco was a movement that originated in France in the early 20th century, with a style normally consisting of the use of geometric forms and basic color composition. Here follows a look at some of the jewelry categorized under this illustrious style.

There must be a fantastic thrill had when either giving or receiving something of such simple beauty and extravagance as an art deco diamond ring, inset with diamonds. The London Victorian Ring Co features a fantastic catalogue of rings, available in platinum, 18ct white or yellow gold. Art deco diamond rings are similar but unique in precise detail.

Some art deco diamond rings feature stepped shoulders, with steps running off from the main diamond inset at the top, giving the ring a three dimensional look. Others feature ovals and diamond shapes that flank the head diamond, but all rings boast the same intricate attention to detail. The rings themselves range from thin to very thin, an example of the simplistic style that is an intrinsic part of the art deco style.

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Rubies, emeralds and sapphires were in great demand in the art deco era, and buyers desired both real and synthetic versions of these, which brought on the first use of plastics and aluminum in jewelry. The great depression brought on the need to simplify the barriers between the designer and craftsman, and so the simplistic and generally minimalist designs of Art Deco were born.

A good example of the style can be found in the Art Deco Diamonds catalogue. It contains some of the old European styles, such as a ring with a circle diamond set in a round-cornered square atop the ring, and there is another set in an oval shape, with a diamond shaped inner layer. Art deco, in all its simplicity, has survived the ages to be one of the most sought after styles today.

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Necklaces, brooches, bangles and watches; the abstract design and Geometric patterns of art deco jewelry can be applied to other forms of jewelry just as gracefully as they are applied to engagement rings. Laurel Limited has a catalogue full of art deco master-pieces.

One such piece is an art deco necklace with a gold string and jade balls in intermittent stages along it, and a large dropper made from the gemstone Jade, carved with intricate grooves. Another stunning piece of jewelry from this catalogue is an 18ct Diamond and Onyx cufflink, with an onyx centre set amidst a circle of diamonds, it represents the epitome of extravagance and would set an art deco sparkle on any outfit.

The simple design of art deco engagement rings may suggest understatement, but they somehow still manage to sparkle with the wonderful voluminous glamorousness of the early 20th century, and in many ways capture the trials and rewards that were passed through during the great depression. Art Deco is indeed a style to be remembered.