In our last blog, we explored beautiful diamond engagement rings from several historical eras.

Now, let’s take a look at their equally-gorgeous gemstone counterparts.

Antique gemstone rings are a wonderful way to take your engagement ring to the next level, by leveraging bold color with exceptional eye-catching design.

 

Isadoras’ heirloom collection has grown considerably; we have recently added many fantastic vintage and antique pieces that articulate both incredible beauty and rich history. And we are especially excited about all the extraordinary gemstone rings sparkling with the possibility to represent true love.

 

Below, we have highlighted an inspiring gemstone engagement ring selection that illustrates the characteristics of several eras, reflecting the design change of engagement rings over time.

 

Which gemstone engagement ring calls to you?

 

The Victorian Engagement Ring

From the emerald-studded snake ring Prince Albert gave to Victoria, to the exquisite sapphire halo ring that Charles gave to Diana (and William gave to Kate), British history is famous for its royals proffering glorious gemstone engagement rings. And no rules applied – any gem was fair game. Rubies, emeralds, and sapphires – all accented with diamonds, were some of the favorites.

 

The Edwardian Engagement Ring

King Edward was known for an excessive lifestyle that hinged on his love of luxury. Almost overnight, the dark, heavy jewelry characterized by a Queen Victoria in mourning, was replaced with delicate and airy jewelry influenced by Asian motifs, the extravagance of Versailles, and the eighteenth century architecture of Paris.

 

In 1910, colored gemstones came into fashion influenced by the Paris performance of Scheherazade by the Ballets Russes.

 

The Art Deco Engagement Ring

Rings of the Art Deco Era often featured a central cabochon-cut gemstone ornamented with diamonds and other stones.

 

The strong desire to present the antithesis of Art Nouveau’s flowing, organic designs was a response to the influence of modern art coupled with industry. Now jewelry featured geometric lines and shapes that were oftentimes described as “Cubist.”

 

In the ring below, note the angled planes of the faceted sapphires accenting the central cabochon. 

 

The Retro Era Engagement Ring

During the Retro Era, jewelry was often the chief decorative motif in women’s fashion.

 

Influenced by Hollywood glamour, Retro Era jewelers created massive, bold, three-dimensional designs featuring angles and geometry that reflected a glorification of the machine.

 

Designed using uncommon shapes and two-tone metals, the resulting Retro Era rings were wildly unusual, beautiful, and magnificent. 

 

The Midcentury Engagement Ring

 After World War II, the middle class was rising, and with their economic prosperity came the desire to brandish their wealth with the adulation of gemstones.

 

Jewelry motifs from the 1940s still played a strong role, but the style had changed. The heavy-handed industrialist design language of the Retro Era had disappeared. Now, jewelry was lighter, more delicate, and flush with yellow gold.

 

The Classic Engagement Ring

Post midcentury, the solitaire became popular a popular engagement ring because it showcased the central stone’s brilliance to its best advantage.

 

Replace the diamond with a striking gemstone and you have a fantastic salute to color and charisma!

 

Which Era Are You?

 

Each era brings a unique perspective to engagement ring design, which is always affected by history, art, and fashion. 

 

Which era gemstone engagement ring resonates with you?

 

The charm of the Victorian sapphire and diamond ring?

 

The romantic femininity of the Edwardian ruby halo ring?

 

Do you find yourself drawn to the geometric, modernist quality of the deep blue cabochon-cut sapphire Art Deco ring?  

 

Maybe the deliberate boldness of the Retro ring, accented with diamonds and rubies?

 

Or the midcentury citrine - lovely, yet scintillating?

 

Or do you see yourself as someone who truly adores a classic, and would love to show off a large emerald-cut stone? (We would!!)

 

Isadoras carries an expansive collection of antique and vintage engagement rings that represent over 100 years of jewelry design and artisanship.

 

Visit us in-store, or view online to experience our full gemstone engagement ring collection and fall in love with the ring that resonates with you.

 

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