Brief History of Vintage Styles
There are different eras when it comes to vintage jewelry. Each era bears a unique style that is iconic to each period. The following is the general breakdown of each era from Victorian to present day Modern: The Victorian Era (1835-1900), The Edwardian Era (1900-1915), The Art Deco Era (1915-1935),The Retro Era (1935-1950), The Classic Era (1940-present), and The Modern Era (1950-Present). What qualifies a piece of jewelry as vintage or antique is that it is handcrafted from the period of Retro and prior. From the different styles of engraving to halo designs, these designs have stood the test of time.
What Qualities Make A Ring Look Vintage?
There are a few different qualities of a ring that make it look vintage. Certain characteristics such as the halo design or gemstone offer the overall vintage appeal. Here are the few qualities that dream up the vintage look!
Colored Gemstones
When it comes to vintage jewelry, you may see a lot of pieces containing a colored gem as the center stone. Colored stones have been prized for years so it’s no wonder why these would be in the vintage category. Typically, vintage style rings have gemstones that are rustic in color. For both a unique and vintage feel, our Mae ring covers all the bases! The halo design gives off art deco vibes with its eye-catching shape while the sunstone gives that rustic flair!
Timeless Stones
We’ve all seen Audrey Hepburn's iconic pearl necklace look. There’s truly something classy and sophisticated about gems such as moonstones, opals, and pearls. One of the styles is our Mio ring and it features a pearl center stone. This ring has dainty and vintage written all over it!
Unique Halo
Non-traditional halo styles scream vintage! They give off an art deco vibe that many adore. When it comes to unique halos, boy do we have some noteworthy options! Our Winona ring features an octagon shape halo that stands out from the rest. It comes in two different styles for whatever your vintage ring taste may be!
Cluster
While some rings may have a unique feature, others may showcase something a little out of the ordinary from your typical ring - no center stone or some would call it a cluster ring. Our Juniper ring for example features a shaped basket showcasing a cluster of stones, unlike the normal center stone with a halo. Many vintage style rings will cross genres such as this Juniper that features a main stone but with a cluster on each side for a more rustic look.
Milgrain Detailing
Milgrain is a unique feature that can be added to a ring to take its appearance from modern to a vintage. These tiny details can be added to a halo, band, or around the stones like you see here on our Petite Bubbles band to create a unique look. To see the ring without milgrain detailing, check it out here.
Which vintage ring style strikes your eye? As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on our socials, and check out our website for all the latest here at Love & Promise. Catch you next time Rosettes!