Edwardian Engagement Rings Buying Guide

An important turning point in your relationship is when you give and receive an engagement ring. Both Modern and Edwardian engagement rings are exquisite objects that are full of detail, personality, and history. Engagement rings are no exception to the fact that, like fashion, engagement ring styles have changed considerably throughout time, from Edwardian art deco engagement rings to Victorian engagement rings. You can choose the ring that best captures your unique style and the enduring love of your partnership by being aware of designs from different eras.

Victorian, Art Deco, and Edwardian rings are the most sought after by collectors. From simple, modern designs that feature a single diamond to elaborate, multi-stone settings, these eras provide a wealth of possibilities. That is to say, everyone’s preferences will be accommodated.

If Edwardian jewelry style is your thing, put aside the 4Cs when searching for an antique Edwardian diamond ring; what matters most is finding the one you love, not the “perfect” stone. The diamond in an antique ring has been hand-cut, giving it personality and charm, and the ring itself has a romantic history. Furthermore, you may rest assured that you won’t run into anybody else wearing a similar ring.

Edwardian engagement rings

These lavish and ornate rings are an example of vintage-style engagement rings that were influenced by fashions from the first half of the nineteenth century. These pieces are elaborate because during the Edwardian era, jewelry complexity frequently served as a sign of one’s riches. So an Edwardian-style engagement ring would be a fantastic choice if you and your fiancé are a young pair seeking for a ring that is unusual, attractive, and one of a kind. It is the perfect engagement ring due to its display of conventional romanticism and traces of the art nouveau trend.

Here are a few characteristics of rings made in that time period:

Monochromatic
The use of platinum, diamonds, and pearls to produce the royal white appearance is one of the highlights. However, Edwardian-era antiques tend to have it more frequently. Designers today frequently utilize gold or platinum together with diamonds or colored gemstones in Edwardian-style engagement rings because they combine features of this era with modern design.

Scroll work
One Edwardian style element that is still widely used in contemporary designs is the fluttery scroll work on the band. Grace is infused into the design of the ring by its curving, delicate shapes and motifs that spiral back on themselves.

Floral Motif
Garlands, wreaths, and other clustered floral designs became widely used throughout the Edwardian era. These Art Nouveau-inspired designs make a beautiful engagement ring for a woman. For instance, the filigree on the shank of this lovely antique floral engagement ring resembles the leaves of a plant. Additionally, a round cut diamond is put in a 4-prong setting to resemble a rosebud.

Milgrain
This technique involves placing a series of tiny diamonds closely together to form a beautiful border, either around the central stone or along the metal band. They accentuate an engagement ring with just the right amount of glitter and detail. For example, a double halo ring has milgrain to add a sparkling border around the center stone.

Filigree
The Italian word “filigrana” (which meaning thread) is where the word “filigree” originates. Filigree is a metalworking technique used in the creation of elaborate jewelry. This is one example of a retro aesthetic that is popular with both designers and consumers today.

Marquise
This diamond shape, which has two pointed edges and resembles a boat, was particularly well-liked at the time. Many historians relate King Edward’s love of sailing to the marquise.

What is Edwardian Jewellery?

Edwardian jewelry, created between 1901 and 1909, was the final period of jewelry to bear the name of the UK’s current monarch. King Edward VII, who gave the Edwardian era its name, was the epitome of naughty-but-nice. The reign of King Edward VII, the eldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was brief but lovely. After his mother died in 1901, the infamous gambler and dapper playboy initially ascended to the throne. He died in 1910 at the age of 68.

King Edward, affectionately known as “Bertie” (which, in our opinion, better captures the charmer’s sparkling personality), served as the heir apparent under the formidable Victoria for nearly 60 years. Victoria, an adored monarch but a severe as they come, was keen to give Edward a royal education, which instilled in him a rebellious temperament as a young kid that would last a lifetime. When he finally gain the keys to the kingdom, what better way to defy your parents than to change the mentality of the entire nation?

The entire nation changed the moment he ascended to the throne, creating some of the most dazzling and stunning diamonds to date. The fashion philosophy of this opulent era was “more is more,” and Edwardian jewelry was absolutely stunning. Despite the fact that the period was called after Edward’s reign, Edwardian jewelry can also be found during Victoria’s final two decades of career and the years leading up to the First World War, particularly when she started to withdraw from public view.

Edwardian jewelry was more elegant, gorgeous, and vibrant than other jewelry for a few reasons:

Industrial Revolution

As a result of the innovations made possible by the Industrial Revolution, people of all social strata were able to affordably accessorize with jewelry. The elite of society looked down their noses at this trend toward greater accessibility and instead preferred the work of skilled artisans.

The End of the Century

The turn of the century, or fin de siecle, was an important time in the development of both clothing and jewelry. Art Nouveau, the Arts and Crafts movement, and La Belle Epoch (French for “the lovely era”) were all popular throughout the Edwardian period. All of these time periods celebrated and were motivated by the natural world’s splendor. As a result, this led to a flurry of magnificent, stunning, and altogether original works of art.

The Death of Queen Victoria

As was previously said, the black mourning gems of the Victorian era mirror the queen’s reputation as stiff, sullen, and ghastly in death. But after she passed away, Edward saw it as a chance to inject some risqué behavior into the royal court. He favored opulent embellishments like ruffles and bows, which led to lower bust lines and higher hemlines in favor of a more romantic silhouette. Not only was this a welcome change after the gloom of the previous 50 years, but it also provided jewelers with an opportunity to demonstrate their craft by creating pieces that play with light and texture to complement the sexy new fashion.

For us antique seekers, the contrast between the Edwardian and Victorian eras is like night and day.

Journey of Engagement Rings Through the Decades

Early 1900s Georgian & Victorian Era Rings

Rare and highly sought after by collectors, jewelry from these eras is at least 123 years old. A genuine Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Gold Cluster Ring from 1810 is the oldest engagement ring in our collection.

In order to achieve the highest possible degree of brilliance at the time, diamond rings from the early to mid 1800s typically feature a closed foiled back.

Rose cut” or “table cut” diamonds, which are flat at the bottom and rise like a dome, are common in engagement rings from this time period. Water will discolor the thin foil underneath the diamond, so if you ever come into possession of one of these antique treasures, be very careful not to get it wet.

Colorful enamel and “gypsy” settings (where the main gem is implanted in the metal to safeguard it from theft) are signatures of Victorian era (1837-1899) jewelry.

1901-1915 Edwardian Rings

The majority of early twentieth-century brides who got engagement jewelry were affluent. The most typical type was a thin gold band with a European cut diamond or other expensive stone.

The 1920s saw an emulation of Edwardian style in engagement rings. The Edwardian jewelry style is characterized by curving designs such as bows, florals, ribbons, garlands, loops, and other motifs with flowing, beautiful lines. The newer, larger bands featured delicate, lace-like filigree workmanship. Popular accents included perforated designs that converted platinum into beautiful lace and fine millegrain borders. Although colorful stones that complemented platinum were also popular in Edwardian engagement rings, round, oval, and marquis diamond were the most desired.

Larger, more extravagant rings from the Edwardian era are common, and stacking ring styles were popular. For added glimmer, the metal surfaces of the rings were frequently covered in diamonds. Each of these rings is a piece of art, evoking the grace, refinement, and royalty for which the Edwardian period is named.

During the Edwardian era, platinum was developed, which was the most significant development. Platinum was preferred for its hardness as well as its brilliant luster. Platinum’s greater melting temperature made it possible for jewelers to craft exquisite, intricate pieces that inspired by women, felinity, and natural motifs.

Some of the most influential styles of the time were Art Nouveau, Art & Crafts, and Belle Epoque. They embodied the elegance, lightness, and femininity of all things. A lot of the patterns had floral or fabric-like elements. Edwardian jewelry is highly regarded even today, due to its intricate designs and excellent craftsmanship. In this display, we have several recommendations of Edwardian engagement rings.

Edwardian Art deco engagement rings: Telling Art Deco and Edwardian Apart

It can be difficult to distinguish between Edwardian and Art Deco engagement rings because they are so similar in many aspects.

Particularly, there are numerous transitional-era elements shared by late Edwardian items and earlier Art Deco pieces.

Here’s how to help determine the ring styles:
While both ring designs typically use platinum, white gold rings are more likely to be from the Art Deco era. This is particularly true of rings from the later Art Deco era, specifically from the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Art Deco designs feature very clear and deliberate symmetry, but Edwardian rings are less likely to be geometrically symmetrical. This symmetry extends into the band as well as the side stones and repeats itself throughout the entire ring.

Edwardian rings with flowing lines that resemble ribbons or bows are more likely to have more graceful, flowing curves. Art Deco rings exhibit more contemporary architecture and design because of their sharper angles and abundance of straight lines.

While accent stones are a fantastic way to distinguish between Edwardian and Art Deco styles, diamond centers are popular in both periods. A ring that is covered in tiny diamonds is more likely to be Edwardian, while one that uses colorful jewels to draw attention to a pattern is more likely to be Art Deco.

There are transitional times between these jewelry ages that can make it exceedingly challenging to distinguish the styles because they can be so similar. Our specialists would be pleased to speak with you and present you with options if you are having trouble determining which style best matches you or which rings you like the most in order to help you locate the engagement ring of your dreams, regardless of the era it comes from.

Edwardian diamond ring: Favorite Diamond Cuts

The Edwardian era was absolutely devoted to diamonds, and a few cuts were especially coveted. In rings, marquise cut diamonds were frequently utilized. While some have said that the popularity of this boat-shaped cut was due to Edward’s love of sailing, this is more of a fun narrative. The marquise was a striking departure from the other popular cuts and is a lovely cut for many various setting types.

The Edwardian era saw no decline in demand for old European cut, old mine cut, and rose cut diamonds. The old European cut, which is comparable to the present round brilliant cut, was improved by cutters using modern diamond saws and jewelry lathes. The old mine cut, a forerunner of the modern cushion cut, and the rose cut diamond were also refined in order to create stones that would shine in the light from candles and gas lamps.

In the case of the marquise cut, traditional diamond shapes never go out of style—in fact, they only gain in popularity. With a beautiful marquise diamond held in place by prongs that resemble leaves, a peek-a-boo halo, and a molded band covered in diamonds and milgrain, this is a contemporary engagement ring with an Edwardian aesthetic. One of popular Edwardian diamond rings at Elleroses has a stunning cushion-cut diamond that is bezel-set with several diamond clusters and lavish milgrain for endless brightness.

Modern edwardian style rings

If you’re looking for an alternative to the standard gold and diamond engagement ring, an Edwardian style ring from the present day is an excellent choice. These are brand new rings made in an updated take on the Edwardian style, and they come with a wide selection of diamond shapes, carat weights, and colors.

For instance, modern lapidary tools allow for more refined and fashionable shapes like the Princess and Asscher. Such sophisticated cushion cut diamond ring is set with a diamond inside of filigree lines, which is more dazzling and contemporary than its vintage forebears.

Fine craftsmanship and attention to detail are shared by both modern and antique Edwardian engagement rings. Engagement rings from the Edwardian period are notable for their intricate scrollwork and filigrees.

It’s commonly held that contemporary rings aren’t as precisely crafted as their antique counterparts. But that’s only partially accurate! Today’s rings can achieve the same level of perfection with less effort and at a considerably lower cost because of laser sculpting and other technical advancements. As an example, consider this exquisite filigree engagement ring that was inspired by a vine.

You can have the best of both worlds with a modern style engagement ring that is inspired by Edwardian-era designs.

History of Edwardian wedding rings

The Edwardian Era of jewelry design is renowned for its elaborate and opulent designs and is also referred to as the “belle epoch,” or the lovely era, in France. This period of jewelry design is named after the reigning monarch at the time, King Edward VII, and is greatly influenced by his love of prestige.

The Edwardian Era (1902–1920) jewelry fashions were mostly influenced by the profusion of money and success in Britain. New ways for designing and producing products were introduced with the discovery of diamond mines in South Africa. At the time, bigger center stones and superb milgrain for Edwardian wedding rings also gained popularity.

In the same way, filigree was created as a result of the 1880 discovery of platinum resources in Russia’s Ural Mountains and improved instrumentation. Platinum was the preferred metal because it permitted intricate designs while yet being strong. It complements sparkling diamonds and white pearls superbly and, unlike silver, keeps its shine throughout time.

Vintage edwardian engagement rings: Pros and Cons

Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of vintage Edwardian engagement rings so you can make a well-informed choice.

Unique Artistry
The distinctive craftsmanship that emerged at the turn of the twentieth century is the primary factor that distinguishes these rings from other antique rings. The artists may shape the metal into delicate floral designs and milgrain patterns to give the rings a lustrous sheen without being over the top.

Feminine
Edwardian rings are trending upwards in favor because of their classic allure and refined details. The elaborate decorations on the ring’s shank are particularly noteworthy. The rings’ lace filigree and curving scrollwork are designed to emphasize the piece’s delicate delicacy.

During that time period, pave settings, in which a row of small accent diamonds runs along the shank, were widely used. It enhances a ring’s radiance and provides it with an unrivaled air of sophistication.

Maintenance
As with anything worthwhile, these engagement rings require regular upkeep in order to look their best. The intricate decorations of these rings make cleaning them at home a real challenge. Milgrain’s delicate design and small stones make it a mud magnet. As a result, they should be taken to the jeweler often to be cleaned and polished. But their beauty and grace make up for the trouble of keeping them clean.

Edwardian cluster ring: Cluster Diamond Rings And Other Gems

In the past, each culture would utilize stones important to their beliefs to design the rings, emphasizing costly and vivid stones like rubies or emeralds, while diamonds took a back seat and were more of an accent than the focal point.

In fact, the engagement ring as we know it today didn’t really take shape until De Beers launched its well-known advertising campaign in the late 1930s.

Most colorful stones appear stunning when combined with diamonds in a cluster design, which may be why Kate Middleton’s ring from Princess Diana quickly became popular. There is no limit to the influence a gorgeous ring can have on a beautiful woman.

But during the most of the cluster ring revival, the clusters themselves have primarily been made of diamonds. This is due to many practical considerations than merely the diamond cluster’s obvious brilliance.

The decision between diamond Edwardian cluster rings and solitaire rings will depend on your own preferences and style.

Finding the perfect Edwardian era rings

Let’s speak about where you can find an Edwardian era ring now that we’ve covered its what and why.

ANTIQUE STORES
Estate sales and vintage shops are the finest places to start looking for an authentic vintage engagement ring. Vintage diamonds are more precious and sought-after since they are inherently rarer. Due to the scarcity of such items, it may be difficult to obtain an ancient replica in the same design. However, if you’re interested, you may buy the Edwardian era setting (Semi-mount) separately from Elleroses and use your center stone.

PERSONALIZED DESIGN
A custom-made ring, on the other hand, is a great choice if you have a very specific design in mind or want something that better suits your style. With a custom ring, you have greater creative freedom and can forego the time-consuming search.

Most importantly, because it was created just for you, it will be special to you. You will have complete control over which design components to include or leave out because it will be fully based on your idea. As a result, you will be able to design a ring that both reflects your personal style and the love you share for one another.

The process is very simple:
Schedule a meeting with a designer.
Consider using platinum, white gold, or yellow gold, among other materials.
Choose the ring’s channel, pave, cluster, or three-stone setting, among other options.
Choose the gemstone that will be the center stone. It can be an emerald, blue sapphire, or diamond.
Choose the stone’s cut, like as marquise, round, or princes, for example.
Choose the stones’ sizes.
Finally, begin work on the design.

Best Edwardian Engagement Rings of 2023

1.25ct Edwardian Engagement Rings Round Shaped Cubic Zirconia Art Deco Engagement Ring in Sterling Silver

This sterling silver engagement ring with elegant vintage styling features a round cubic zirconia surrounded by a pavé-set halo of stones, which is accented by a pretty split shank with white stones.

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2.5 Carat Blue Sapphire Filigree Engagement Ring Vintage Edwardian Engagement Ring in Sterling Silver

A 2.5 carat lab produced blue sapphire is set in a low profile prong setting on this stunning piece. The feminine and authentically Art Deco filigree design is very lovely and delicate.This would be a great choice for an engagement ring!

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Edwardian Style Engagement Rings Garnet 3 Stone Engagement Ring in Sterling Silver

This gorgeous garnet cut with eight sides has ripples throughout that are highlighted in burgundy. 3 stones are the appropriate weight and size, radiating warmth. The pavé setting, which is made of sterling silver, has a small amount of openwork and cathedral motifs all around the gemstone.

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Antique Edwardian Engagement Rings Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

This halo engagement ring has a vintage-inspired style and is lined with milgrain and hand engraved all over. This distinctive, vintage-inspired ring has round diamonds totaling .3cttw are set in milgrain and filigree on the shank. In addition, a cushion-shaped halo created to match the round center diamond is present.

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Edwardian Era Engagement Ring Round Shape Diamond Pave Accented Wedding Ring Set in 10K Gold

Brilliant cut diamond are set in gleaming 10K gold band in this vintage-inspired wedding ring set. The 4-prong setting enhances the centerpiece stone’s brilliance as it catches the light, and the filigree accents evoke the elegance of the Edwardian era. Ideal for women seeking a stylish and reasonably priced vintage bridal ring set.

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The 1920S - Art Deco Geometric Shapes

1920 to 1935 marked the Art Deco era. One of the most cherished periods in jewelry history may be this one. With the discovery of platinum, jewelers were able to create pieces that were incredibly intricate, precise, and detailed. The geometric designs and symmetry of the Art Deco era are likewise well-liked. At same time, the emerald cut and asscher cut diamonds were also created.

1940 - 1950S - Retro Period

The lovely and adored Old European was transformed into the most well-known Round Brilliant Cut by the development of new technologies. A Belgian mathematician named Marcel Tolkowsky computed the exact ratios and angles to produce the most brilliant, eye-catching diamond cut imaginable. The perfect RBC has 58 eye-catching facets.

Simple and classic solitaire rings, where nothing detracts from the beauty of the diamond, were inspired by the new brilliant-cut.

1960 - 1970S - Fancy Shaped Diamonds

Stone began to take on a number of different shapes in the 1960s. Numerous pear-shaped, marquise, heart-shaped, and emerald cut diamonds were used, along with some ornate settings, on bands made primarily of yellow gold.

In the 1970s, yellow gold remained the preferred metal for engagement rings, but designers decided to add more sparkle, and quantity nearly always took precedence over quality. Both flower-shaped clusters and large brilliant cut diamonds encircled by an abundance of lesser jewels were quite popular.

1980S - Colorful Gems

We were exposed to a few iconic engagement ring designs during this decade. Yellow gold and daring styles, which carried over from the 1970s, were very popular among 1980s brides. Princess Diana and Prince Charles were wed in the wedding of the decade. Her renowned sapphire cluster engagement ring launched a flurry of knockoffs and a general craze for colored gemstone bands. An additional popular design this decade is a round diamond with straight or tapered baguettes.

1990 - 2000S - Princess & Radiant Cuts

They were brand-new, exotic, and seductive. Every bride wished for a solitaire ring with a huge center stone or a three-stone ring. More glitzy and stylish.

In the 1990s, radiant-cut diamonds saw a resurgence in favor. Many of these diamonds were coupled with triangular-shaped stones on either side of them to produce a somewhat geometrical and contemporary look. Bands made of platinum and white gold complemented the style.

Princess cut diamonds on a band of smaller stones in white gold or platinum, paying homage to the eternity ring style, became the sophisticated yet understated engagement ring that future grooms were looking for in the 2000s.

2010S - Today - Individuality in every detail

Today’s brides place a high value on their engagement ring’s ability to convey their personality. More frequently, we come across women who select their engagement ring independently of the prospective husband or who collaborate with him to do so. While some couples prefer to have a ring made specifically for them, others choose to respect history by selecting a priceless, ethically obtained estate jewel.

The Upcoming

Famous people and celebrities may serve as some of the engagement ring trends of the future, but there is one demand that eclipses them all: the need for individuality. Today’s couples are looking for engagement rings that uniquely express their love while also reflecting their sense of style and individuality. Over the upcoming years, we may anticipate seeing a wide range of contemporary, vintage, and blended engagement ring styles, whether it be a unique take on a classic design, an uncommon gemstone choice, or a specially made bespoke jewelry piece.

At Elleroses, we focus on unique and vintage jewelry as well as exceptional edwardian engagement ring. We would be honored to assist you in finding a ring that speaks to you or your future spouse!