Posts Tagged ‘engagement’
Vintage Diamond Engagement Rings Bring Historical Value and Distinctiveness
Vintage diamond engagement rings are often solitaire diamond rings still popular today only in setting designed and created in past eras. Vintage rings have uniqueness and have a historical value not available in today’s rings. The hand-crafted method used to create vintage rings provided a natural rarity in design as opposed to today’s mass produced designs. With just a few exceptions today’s rings are just one out of thousands of identical rings. As time passes these vintage diamond engagement rings will grow in uniqueness as some will ultimately be lost or melted down.
Each era had its own unique features providing a varied collection of vintage ring styles. Thankfully, a good number of these styles have made a come back in today’s styles. The more recent vintage eras include the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Retro.
Victorian Era 1837 to 1901 – Due the span of the Victorian Era it is divided into three time periods to provide a good variety of ring styles. Lasting for more than 60 years from 1837 until 1901 the era was named after Alexandria Victoria Queen Great Britain and was divided up into the Romantic Period, the Grand Period, and the Aesthetic Period. During the Romantic Period the scarcity of gold dictated the metal styles while the Queen dictated the proper etiquette for which gems were acceptable. Techniques such as filigree, piercing, and engraving were used to provide the look of additional mass with minimal gold. The Grand Period was kicked off as an product of the death of Victoria’s beloved husband. As a result darker stones and more serious designs were used in vintage rings of this period. The Aesthetic Period, the last in the Victorian Era, had designs that included stars, dragons, and the moon, giving rings a more relaxed look and feeling.
Edwardian Era 1901 to 1910 – Although a short era for vintage diamond engagement rings this era was the beginning of significant changes. Much of these changes were a result of flourishing wealth among the upper and middle class and women moving up in society. As the clothing styles become more flexible, light, and lacy so did the jewelry styles follow. The increased wealth allowed platinum to grow in popularity and platinum’s strength allowed for tiny prongs making setting nearly invisible. The improved prosperity allowed platinum to increase in popularity while platinum’s strength permitted smaller prongs giving setting an invisible look. Popular gems included pearls, diamonds, and amethyst.
Art Nouveau / Art Deco Eras 1895 to 1935 – Although two different eras, vintage diamond engagement rings from these two eras are often grouped together. They both started as a result of major society changing events. This was the Industrial Revolution for Art Nouveau and World War I for Art Deco. Basically styles of the two eras can be summed up with a few simple concepts. For Art Nouveau the vintage rings will include natural styles mimicking flowers and insects while the Art Deco style is based more on geometry and symmetry giving a more streamlined look.
Retro, Vintage 1930s-1980s – This is the era where you will find the largest number of vintage diamond engagement rings. Although diamonds were relatively unpopular during this era it is the most recent vintage era. As for many materials, World War I caused a shortage in precious metals. This caused jewelry to focus on the metal aspect of the ring as opposed to the gem. Yellow and pink, or rose, gold were the two most commonly used metals. When gems were used they were often large less precious bright gems or clusters.
Alan Brenner enjoys learning and writing about history. Owning a vintage era ring can bring that history to life. To learn more more about or to see a collection of Vintage Engagement Rings please visit OldEraRings.com.
Choosing Engagement Rings And Wedding Rings
The topic of engagement rings and wedding rings can be as varied as the number of people who are discussing and or purchasing them. With that already said a few facts remain… These touch on the quality, and traditional meaning.
Traditionally in western cultures, rings are symbols. The engagement ring is a token from a male to a female to honor a promise of marriage being accepted. These vary in value and quality drastically, and always have. The ring is representative the formal commitment of both parties having made a pledge of marriage to one another.
Choosing of the engagement ring has changed over time. In past times, the hopeful groom would make the choice in material as well as design, and purchase it prior to the request or proposal being made. In more recent decades this has been edging toward a more combined decision. The hopeful bride has far more input in the ring choices now than previously in our society. Engagement rings and wedding rings have become a joint decision more and more often.
The options of materials and styles of engagement rings and wedding rings have become more varied of late. Traditional materials of gold and silver are of course still very popular, but recently modern metal combinations such as stainless steel, titanium, and even tungsten carbide are being chosen. These choices have broadened price variances more than ever before.
Gemstones in engagement rings and wedding rings also have varied more and more with recent markets and possibilities becoming available. Though the usual stones like diamond remain as standard, the landscape of design allows for even the man made gems such as cubic zirconium to be used. Stones like rubies, sapphire, and emerald are also used.
In the early twentieth century the De Beers company, (as part of a marketing campaign) set the marker of three months salary as the standard point to purchase engagement rings and wedding rings. As the largest seller in the world, this raised sales in diamonds to the masses as well as changed the company’s income as well! This standard has remained to this day as the way to begin to set personal pricing parameters for engagement rings.
Engagement rings and wedding rings have definitely expanded themselves from traditional view. Wedding rings once relegated to simple plain bands have taken on as many different faces as engagement rings have. Combinations of metals, stones set into them, engraving, and even gimmal or puzzle rings all have become common place items. These rings have become as individual as the relationships they represent.
The sky is the limit in your selection of engagement rings and wedding rings. Go ahead and let your imagination take you where it will, and allow the emotion of the relationship to show through in this very personal and inspired display of commitment to one another. The wide expanse of choices is a great release of creativity you can share with an important someone in your life.
If you are looking for professional recommendations for Calgary engagement rings, look no further! As well there is a great variety of Toronto engagement rings, allowing you choose the best for your other half. Remember to check out Kentville, Vancouver, Tisdale engagement rings too!
Second Marriage Engagement Ring Etiquette
Weddings are a special time for a couple that is in love and ready to begin life together as one. Second marriages have become as common as first marriages. There are a number of differences in wedding etiquette between the first and second marriage. One such difference is the engagement ring. When one is planning a second marriage, it is important to consider the etiquette regarding the second marriage engagement ring.
Second wedding engagement rings do not have to be an awkward occasion. Second marriages are often the result of the couple living together so each partner knows the other quite well, such as their likes and dislikes. Because a second wedding is normally between more mature couples they more likely able to discuss the type of engagement rings that they prefer. The bride will often discuss what type of ring she likes, even matching rings.
It is important that the couple does not choose engagement rings that are similar to the first marriage engagement rings. As well, since the couples are more mature, they understand the need to be sensitive and understanding about buying an engagement ring that they can afford. If a woman wants to be surprised, even if it is her second marriage, talk to friends and family about the type of engagement ring she would prefer.
One way to make sure the engagement ring is not similar to a previous engagement ring is to pick a diamond that is more brilliant than her first engagement ring. Brilliance and glitter and are what establishes the beauty of a diamond. The diamond should be of high quality and well cut. One can also get a different shape ring than the previous ring, as well as a different setting. One can get a gold or platinum band, or a personally designed band. The band should be made of the same precious metal as the engagement ring, so they complement each other. If the bride had a previous diamond engagement ring, one can add a different stone in the ring such as a diamond in the middle of a sapphire. Any diamond should have been graded and independently certified for authenticity. A brand name diamond means the company meets high quality standards.
Planning your wedding for the second time around can be just as romantic and exciting as the first wedding. Second-time brides will appreciate a more refined and elegant style of engagement ring. However, they often prefer larger and more brilliant diamond rings. They are more likely to get an engagement ring that is bigger and better than the first marriage engagement ring.
If one is young and just starting out in life when they get married the first time, budgets are normally tight preventing that extravagant dream wedding. When one gets married the second time, it is still a new start in life; however, there is more money this time allowing for more flexibility. On your special wedding day, you will be sharing your joy and love with family and friends. Wearing your dream engagement ring can make the occasion even more memorable.
If you are looking for professional recommendations for Toronto engagement rings, look no further! As well there is a great variety of Vancouver engagement rings, allowing you choose the best for your other half.
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Designer Engagement Rings – Couples’ Choice for Unique and Individualized Engagement Rings
Designer engagement rings are made by respected and popular jewellers. These are sophisticated, distinctive and elegant. Designer engagement rings are usually priced higher, for their quality, than non-designer rings.
An engagement is the lengthy and trivial time period between proposal and marriage. A couple is affianced, bethorted, engaged to be married, or simply engaged during this period. An engagement begins when a man proposes to a woman with an engagement ring and she accepts it. It is completed when the couple exchanges wedding rings.
Most countries vary from one another in terms of engagement culture, history and tradition. For instance, in some European countries, both the man and woman wear engagement rings, while it’s only the women who are bestowed with engagement rings in other countries. Customs differ with place, time and culture. An engagement ring signifies a promise to marriage.
Women mostly are bestowed with diamond engagement rings. But there are different types of engagement rings, such as diamond cut engagement rings, tension engagement rings, Celtic engagement rings, antique or vintage engagement rings, two-tone or multi-tone engagement rings, etc. They are made of gemstones and precious metals like gold, platinum, diamond, emerald and ruby.
However, some seek for a designer engagement ring because they prefer more unique engagement rings. These are one-of-a-kind engagement rings not mass produced for all. They are more expensive than most engagement rings because they come with special services and are of higher quality. Designer engagement rings are sophisticated, elegant and distinctive types.
Designer engagement rings are more costly because they are made by known and respected jewellers. Some designers create limited editions only. They also create for specific stores, which mean that only the particular store sells it.
Here are some of the characteristics that designer engagement rings possess.
1. Compared to the common engagement rings, designer engagement rings have higher quality as the standard quality for these rings is higher. The diamonds used in these rings are certified diamonds.
2. Designer engagement rings have unusual setting and gem arrangements that are exclusive. These appeals to couples who prefer unique and individualized rings.
3. Because designer engagement rings are expensive, they are excellent investments. They also come with warranties and guarantees.
The following factors dictate the price of designer engagement rings.
Designer
Designer engagement rings done by well-known, high-end designers are, of course, more expensive than those made by less famous designers.
Setting
The type of setting used in the designer engagement ring is also a factor as some settings are harder to create than others. The more difficult the setting, the higher the cost.
Design
Some designs can be very intricate that they can take a lot of time and work to finish. The more the stones are set, the more time is consumed. The more time-consuming the design, the higher the cost.
However, not all designer engagement rings are extraordinary and expensive. Many local jewellers make designer rings from stock templates and designs. They also personalize these rings. These pieces are also produced in bulk for a fraction of the cost of genuine designer engagement rings.
Because designer engagement rings are unique and are of high quality most couples prefer them. Many people, especially celebrities, choose designer engagement rings because these pieces attract the public eyes.
http://www.designer-engagement-rings.com carries a wide variety of designer engagement rings. We offer affordable designer engagement rings of excellent quality. We also offer huge discounts on eBay and Amazon. Designer engagement rings are a great way to express your love and devotion.
Author Fred Gagnon is an expert on providing tips and information on jewelries. He owns a wide collection of beautiful, glamorous and fashionable jewelries. To learn more about jewelries, accessories, precious metals and gemstones, visit Engagement Rings and Aquamarine Earrings.