All you need to know about antique ring types

Are you perhaps looking for an antique ring that matches the style of your beloved? Or simply because you know it's what she always wanted, or are you a collector? Whatever the case, we are here to assist you in your purchase.

Also, if you are the owner of an antique ring, we offer free appraisals for this type of jewelry and can provide purchase offers. That being said, let's move on to the most important part. Discover everything about the different types of antique rings.

Appraise an antique ring

The different types of antique rings:

There are several types of antique rings.

- Georgian (1714-1830):

Rings from this particular period are extremely rare. Most Georgian antique rings are handmade, usually in 18-carat gold and silver. One of the distinctive factors of the Georgian period is the use of many different stone shapes and sizes in a single piece.

Since gemologists did not have the technology we have today, rose cut and table cut were commonly used on diamonds, sapphires, garnets, precious topazes, and amethysts. Many Georgian rings also feature intricate floral motifs, bows, or scrolls.

- Victorian (1835-1900)

Inspired by and named after the beloved Queen Victoria, the Victorian period consisted of accessory trends that mirrored the queen's tastes in fashion and jewelry. Married in 1840, Queen Victoria wore a serpent-motif ring set with her green emerald birthstone as an engagement ring.

In the Victorian era, it was very common to use birthstones instead of diamonds for engagement rings. Queen Victoria entered a period of mourning when her dear husband died in 1861, which inspired the use of gold lockets and dark rustic pieces. With the discovery of diamonds in South Africa and the rise of an industrial revolution, diamond solitaire engagement rings were created, and jewelry reflected the birth of a new modern era.

- Edwardian (1900-1915)

After Queen Victoria's death in 1901, her son Edward took the throne, thus introducing the Edwardian era. During this time, huge advances were made in metalworking (cutting, burning, welding, machining, forming, and assembly to create the final product), allowing jewelers to finally work with platinum to produce intricate yet durable pieces.

Jewelry from this era was lightweight, detailed, and delicate, with the diamond as the gemstone of choice and milgrain as THE metal decoration of the time. Thanks to these advances, it is much easier to date jewelry that was made in the early 20th century or later.

- Art Nouveau (1895-1915)

As an artistic resistance movement against technological advances, Art Nouveau emerged, overlapping the Victorian and Edwardian eras. However, jewelry from this period was praised for its craftsmanship, creativity, and designs using Japanese themes (birds, dragons, nature) as inspiration.

Diamonds were rarely used, and gemstones like opals, agates, and moonstones became the highlight of a piece. The most remarkable design technique of this era was enameling, which added a stained-glass effect with rich colors to artistically complement nature themes.

Jewelry from this era was lightweight, detailed, and delicate, with the diamond as the gemstone of choice and milgrain as THE metal decoration of the time. Thanks to these advances, it is much easier to date jewelry that was made in the early 20th century or later.

- Art Deco (1915-1935)

Men had gone to war while women took on the role of supporting the family, earning their own money, and acquiring valuable skills that later led to women's independence. This new perspective on life gave rise to bold features in jewelry and engagement rings, such as an emphasis on geometric patterns. Lines were straight and linear, and gemstone shapes were matched.

Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were precisely cut and used to add touches of color. Often, black onyx and red coral were used as accent colors, white gold was the metal of choice, and long strings of pearls were worn to complement the "Roaring Twenties" style.

- Retro (1935-1950)

All jewelry from this era was influenced by Hollywood and all its glamour, making it easily identifiable. Thanks to the use of bright, highly polished gold (yellow, rose, and green gold), the pieces were large, bold, and three-dimensional. Large semi-precious stones like amethyst, aquamarine, and citrine were often accented with small diamonds and/or calibrated rubies and sapphires.

Common design themes of this era include large flowing ribbons and bows, as well as the use of flowers and even animals. Wide gold bracelets, oversized dress clips, and earrings worn high on the ear were all popular styles.

Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were precisely cut and used to add touches of color. Often, black onyx and red coral were used as accent colors, white gold was the metal of choice, and long strings of pearls were worn to complement the "Roaring Twenties" style.

Why buy an antique ring?

Some people love the idea that antique rings have a history behind them and that they often have more character than a new ring. The small imperfections they have acquired over the last 50 years of use add to the ring's story and charm.

Antique rings are also more likely to be unique. They were handmade by a craftsman over 50 years ago, rather than cut by a robot with a laser beam like modern rings. Often, it is extremely difficult and costly to replicate the level of quality of period rings today, so the level of quality you can get may be out of reach for a new ring.

Finally, they are classic and timeless, meaning they will never go out of style. While modern engagement rings follow well-defined trends, round brilliant solitaire diamond rings account for a huge percentage of new engagement rings sold today. That is why an antique ring will always be in fashion. There are therefore many reasons why an antique ring is the best choice.

Common design themes of this era include large flowing ribbons and bows, as well as the use of flowers and even animals. Wide gold bracelets, oversized dress clips, and earrings worn high on the ear were all popular styles.

Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were precisely cut and used to add touches of color. Often, black onyx and red coral were used as accent colors, white gold was the metal of choice, and long strings of pearls were worn to complement the "Roaring Twenties" style.

Our Rings for Sale

Emerald cut diamond ring 2.16cts EVVS1 GIA

Our exceptional ring features an emerald-cut diamond of 2.16 carats. The emerald cut is a rectangular fancy cut.

View this ring.

Diamond ring 1.56cts KVS2 GIA certificate

This ring features a beautiful round brilliant diamond of 1.56 carats. The round brilliant cut is the most classic but also the most accomplished diamond shape.

View this ring.

Pear cut diamond ring 3.03cts ESI2 GIA certificate

This ring features a pear-cut diamond of 3.03 carats with exceptional whiteness.

View this ring.

At Diamantaires Paris OG, we are proud of our expertise in the appraisal and sale of antique rings, a specialty that requires in-depth knowledge and an appreciation of jewelry history. Our experience allows us to offer accurate and reliable appraisals for your antique rings, whether from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, or Retro eras. If you own an antique ring and wish to sell it, we offer professional expertise to determine its fair market value.

For those who own family jewelry and seek advice on the best way to manage it, our page on what to do with inherited jewelry offers valuable information. Additionally, our expertise in jewelry from Place Vendôme is detailed on our page dedicated to our expertise in jewelry from Place Vendôme, where we share our unique know-how in the evaluation and sale of refined jewelry.

For those looking to sell high jewelry pieces, we offer specialized services for prestigious brands such as Van Cleef & Arpels. Our pages dedicated to the Couture collection, Lotus, Olympia, and Perlée offer a glimpse into our ability to value these exceptional creations.

Furthermore, for those seeking alternatives to traditional auction houses to sell their jewelry, we offer advantageous options. Our page Our alternative to Sothebys for selling jewelry illustrates how we can provide a more personalized and efficient selling experience.

At Diamantaires Paris OG, each client is unique, and each piece of jewelry tells a story. Our mission is to accompany you in the valorization of these precious narratives, ensuring a fair and profitable sale. Visit our boutique in the heart of Paris to discover the scope of our services and the excellence of our expertise.

What services does Diamantaire Paris offer for antique rings?

Diamantaire Paris offers free and confidential appraisals for antique rings. They also provide purchase services for these pieces. If you own an antique ring, you can have it appraised for free and receive a purchase offer.

What are the different types of antique rings available at Diamantaire Paris?

Diamantaire Paris has a varied collection of antique rings, including Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Retro styles. Each period offers unique characteristics in terms of design and materials used.

Can one go directly to Diamantaire Paris to sell or buy antique rings?

Yes, it is possible to visit without an appointment at 43 rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris, to sell or buy antique rings. They are also accessible via the Réaumur – Sébastopol metro station. However, it is advisable to schedule an appointment for a better experience.

Does Diamantaire Paris offer the best market prices for antique rings?

Diamantaire Paris is committed to offering the best buyback offers on the market. If you have a better offer elsewhere, they undertake to offer an even better price.

How to contact Diamantaire Paris for a pre-appraisal by email?

For a pre-appraisal of your antique ring, you can send an email to [email protected]. Although an in-person appraisal is recommended, this option is available for an initial evaluation.