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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. 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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