Types of Antique Engagement Rings

 There are various styles of Antique Engagement Rings that people can choose from.  Making the proper selection will depend on the particular look that one is attracted to and, of course, establishing budget parameters.  Here are some examples of great styles of engagement rings that Gesner Estate Jewelry can offer.

Edwardian Engagement Rings

Edwardian Engagement Rings were some of the most popular rings of the early 1900s.  These rings offer a lace-like detail filigree that was cherished by ladies of the Edwardian era.  These classical rings offer a sense of diversity and special appeal that is unique to the era.  The Edwardian rings were usually delicate and very feminine.

Art Deco Engagement Rings

Art Deco Engagement Rings cover the time period between the 1920s and 1930s.  Emeralds, Sapphires, and Rubies became very popular and were often used with diamonds to create the “look” of the Art Deco era.  The Art Deco “look” often combines the influences of cubism, and geometric and angular design.  They are equally popular with the Edwardian look and certain to be cherished for years to come.   These rings are very hard to find and are still very much in high demand.

Victorian Jewelry (1837-1890)

Victorian Jewelry refers to the styles of jewelry that were fashionable during the reign of Queen Victoria of Great Britain. Queen Victoria loved to wear jewelry. She was also very influential with women of her time and whatever caught her fancy turned into fashion. Victorian jewelry is as complex in its symbolism, sentiment, and design as the fashion, architecture, and decor of the time. Worn as an ornament, a love token, or a remembrance, both the costume and fine jewelry of the era not only completed the well-dressed lady’s attire but also denoted her position in society, her marital status, and her sense of self.

Retro Era (1940-1960)

The Retro Era was more well-known for its jewelry crafted in rose, yellow or green gold. Rings, for instance, were oversized and gemstones that were popular during that time were diamond, aquamarine, topaz, citrine, sapphire, and often synthetic ruby

Platinum Engagement Rings

Antique Platinum Engagement Rings are what we specialize in and our collection features a very large inventory of breathtaking craftsmanship, style and design. 

Gesner Estate Jewelry offers the finest selection of quality vintage & antique engagement rings at great prices.  Take the time to view all the options that we offer on our site and please contact us if you have any questions.  Visit us at www.gesner.com for a true visual experience!  We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your needs. (813)282-1008 or (727)586-6000

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Art Deco Jewelry (1920-1939)

“Art Deco” as a term was coined in 1960 by art historian Bevis Hillier to describe the movement known as Style Moderne. The distinctive style of the 1920s and 30’s borrowed heavily from other Modernism movements of the time and was established as a distinct style by members of the French artist collective known as La Société des artistes décorateurs, following the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels held in Paris. Though birthed in France, Art Deco was almost entirely an American phenomenon, fueled by the decadence of “The Roaring Twenties.” The movement affected the decorative arts most profoundly, the commercial fields of architecture, graphic arts, industrial design, and jewelry design. The style is easily recognizable by the use of clean lines, trapezoidal shapes, stepped edges, and arched corners. Unlike the sinuous lines of Art Nouveau, Art Deco emphasized linearity and geometric form.

Art Deco .18ct. Diamond & 18K White Gold Antique Engagement – Fashion Ring

Artisans of Art Deco used symmetrical arrangements and repeated designs, often incorporating pyramids and stepped ziggurats. The movement was influenced by primitive motifs from ancient Aztec and Egyptian culture and tribal Africa. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922 sparked a new craze for Egyptian design, reinterpreting earlier Egyptian revival pieces from the late 19th century following the opening of the Suez Canal. Artifacts discovered in the tomb were reproduced in jewelry form, notably glazed ceramic pieces depicting scarabs, amulets, and the face mask of King Tut. Large jewelry firms, such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, imitated the Egyptian style with great success. Increased travel abroad and the visits of maharajahs to European cities fueled the interest in exotic motifs.

Jewelry of the period reflected the “architectural” and “industrial” influences. New Technology was referenced and employed in the making of jewelry. The movement sought to combine the relentless proliferation of mass production with the style and sensitivity of art and design. In 1927 Cartier introduced its “Mystery Clocks” which hid the mechanical movements of the gears and the hands of the clock appeared to float on top of the face. Gemstones were cut in geometric shapes and paired with contrasting colors to form a bold statement. Light-colored gemstones were set with dark materials such as black onyx and Bakelite, a type of early plastic. “White jewelry”, similar to the platinum and diamond designs of Edwardian jewelry, debuted at the 1929 Exhibition at the Palais Galliera in Paris and was hugely popular throughout the 1930s. Metals such as platinum, white gold, and silver were used for their white appearance and set with diamonds.

Art Deco .45ct. Diamond & Platinum Antique Engagement – Fashion Ring – J35243

Like the dramatic change in female clothing and hairstyles, jewelry pieces also changed in form and function. The elaborate matching sets and tiaras of  Victorian times were out of style. Women wore long pendants, bold cocktail rings, multiple bangle bracelets, elaborately decorated accessories such as cigarette cases, and the double-clip brooch which could be worn together or taken apart and worn on lapels or belts.

The crash of 1929 greatly affected the progress of Art Deco. Jewelers innovatively incorporated less expensive materials such as Bakelite and coral or turquoise to create affordable jewelry for the mass market. As the Depression worsened and World War II broke out, Art Deco came to an end. An attempt was made to revive the style following the end of the war, but it never succeeded in producing the excitement or innovation Art Deco had inspired in the earlier decades. The Art Deco style has experienced multiple revivals in the past few decades and high-quality pieces of jewelry from the original period remain highly prized as collectibles.

Early Art Deco diamond engagement rings and jewelry were decorative and fancy in style with filigree which was often accented with synthetic sapphires or natural emeralds.  Price was not a consideration when creating jewelry.  Cocktail rings were in vogue.  This was a time of high fashion and elegant style.  Cocktail parties were the rage and everyone was trying to gracefully out do the other.

At the end of World War I, the Art Deco Period came into full force.  Women had entered the workforce and were standing more and more on their own two feet becoming more self-reliant and passionate.  With this new social order of prosperous people who thrived during the war, the Art Deco Period also known as the Roaring Twenties was off to a hearty start.

Coco Channel was known for its faux pearls and other jewelry during that time and, in fact, materials like plastic and paste were very popular when producing such vintage jewelry.

Egyptian Revival jewelry such as necklaces, for example, became more common after the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1923. Jewelry of the style boasted examples of serpents, pharaohs, and sphinxes in simple flat designs.

The Japanese also had an influence on Art Deco Jewelry and fashion.  Carvings of jade and coral were carved in bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.  Oriental garden scenes were very popular.

By 1930, the ornamental vintage engagement rings and jewelry gave way to a more geometric shape and style. Jewelry and architecture became modernized and plain. Simple brooches depicting streamlined automobiles, cruise ships, and planes were in style and were created in gold and rare gemstones. Costume jewelry used these streamlined themes as well.

Designers such as Tiffany, Boucheron and Harry Winston were well known then just as they are today.

Art Deco .60ct. Diamond Antique Engagement – Fashion Ring Platinum

Art Deco engagement rings, brooches, pendants, and bracelet designs followed the history of the time, such as the depression and World War II.  There is such a variety of jewelry produced during this historical time that you should find something special to your liking.

This Article is originally posted here: https://www.gesner.com/blog/art-deco-jewelry-1920-1939/ & https://www.gesner.com/blog/art-deco-period-1920-1935/

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Estate Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/estate-jewelry/engagement-rings

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All About Buying the Perfect Vintage, Antique or Estate Jewelry

 Jewelry trends are ever-changing! What is popular today probably had been in fashion years and years ago. Vintage and antique jewelry pieces are such collections that have been gaining prominence over the past few years. They are more valuable and considered more than a piece or brand.

Antique Engagement Rings

There’s always been a craze for vintage and antique jewelry collections. They are rare, one-of-a-kind enchanting jewelry pieces that hold rich histories and stories. The vintage or antique jewelry pieces also express the personal style of wearers. For example, the intricately Design vintage Art Deco engagement rings and other eras will melt the heart of a person who has an affinity towards the past.

While antique jewelry pieces are found to be more than 100 years old, vintage jewelry can be from any specific period made between 40 and 100 years old.

While the desirable Retro and Mid-century jewelry pieces fall under the vintage collections, the popular Art Deco, Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Edwardian jewelry are all antique.

Estate Jewelry

There is also another type of jewelry that comes from the age of the piece called Estate Jewelry.

It differs from antique and vintage collections in the fact that the jewelry piece has been previously owned, regardless of age.

Since estate jewelry has been owned previously, the jewelry has had time to age, and the piece is rarely sold immediately for the estate after it is bought. However, jewelry of this kind has been around for at least a few years and is categorized as either antique or vintage.

Understanding the difference between these collections is significant to know how valuable a piece of jewelry is and get exactly what you need.

Vintage and antique jewelry pieces are becoming more and more popular due to their unique character, timeless value, quality, and unmatched craftsmanship. Wearers are drawn to these categories to find historic, stylish, and rare jewelry pieces that current jewelers don’t produce. The vintage, antique, or estate jewelry pieces have sentimental value that prompts buyers to add to their collections.

No matter what you like or buy, there are some essential things to be considered before these timeless jewelry purchases.

Important Things to Consider

Estate Jewelry

If you are not perusing the Gesner Estate Jewelry website, make sure that the seller is credible and the jewelry pieces listed are authentic. An authentic antique or vintage jewelry piece has the antique look and quality but is not necessarily worn down.

Ask and find out where the particular jewelry piece is found in the first place – from the local trade or an estate sale. There are times when a particular jewelry piece does not have a known provenance.

Reputed dealers will be open to answering your questions about certifications and tests to confirm the authenticity and quality.

You can look for high-quality photos, urge on transparency from the seller and make sure your jewelry purchase is insured and easy to return or ship if required.

Now that you know the primary elements to look for, here are some tips that may help you choose the best from a vast selection of vintage jewelry collections.

Tips for buying vintage or antique jewelry collections at a reputed brand online

While you search the website of Gesner Estate Jewelry or another website, make sure you are in the vintage, antique, or estate jewelry section. If you see jewelry shown as “Art Deco style” or the “style” word used with any era, it is an item that is not authentic and most likely will be a reproduction.

Use specific keywords to search online or at a particular site. For example, use the terms “Art Deco Engagement Rings,” “Vintage Art Deco Engagement Rings,” “Estate Jewelry,” or “Antique Engagement Ring” rather than just “engagement rings.”

Be sure to use the category filters on the page to limit your results.

Know your measurements, such as the ring size for engagement or other special occasions.

If you find an antique jewelry piece you like, add it to your favorites so you can find it again.

Contact sellers if the pictures or information are lacking. If they don’t respond, don’t purchase from them.

Look for brands with lots of positive reviews. Red flags would be sellers or brands that don’t respond on time or the item quality is below standards.

Check the seller’s shipping and policies on the “Shipping and Policies” tab before deciding.

Read reviews and buyers’ feedback on the site, only buy from brands with consistently satisfied customers.

If you buy a ring, check if the seller offers to resize.

This Article is originally posted here: https://www.gesner.com/blog/all-about-buying-the-perfect-vintage-antique-or-estate-jewelry/

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Historical Wedding Traditions

The antique wedding band has a long tradition dating as far as 860 A. D. Wedding traditions varied greatly between “cultures, ethnic groups, religions and countries”, according to Wikipedia – Wedding.

Roman wedding customs gave way to the engagement ring as a gift. Today, an antique engagement ring would be looked at in the same way. It was worn on the third finger of the left hand, as it is today. It was believed that a nerve ran from the finger directly to the heart.

In Scottish weddings, the custom was to marry just outside the church with a ceremony in the Scottish language. The wedding party and guest then went inside the church for a ceremony in Latin where wedding bands were exchanged believing that the rings symbolically had no beginning or end. Of course, the event was followed by a marriage kiss.

In Hawaii, very little is known about the old marriage tradition as there is no language of old Hawaii. However, we do know that they exchanged wedding bands symbolizing the sun, the earth, and the heavens.

Pope Nicholas, in 860 A. D, told all that the engagement ring was required to seal the marriage. The ring was considered a ring of gold. It wasn’t until 617 years later that adding a diamond to the ring of gold as an engagement ring became popular.

In old England, the tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, started. Although these customs are used today, few know anything of their relevance.

Something old is symbolic of continuity, usually a piece of lace or an old piece of jewelry. Today, an antique wedding band or vintage wedding band could be used for something old. Something new could even be an antique wedding band and would be considered that something new. It is a new gift to the bride-to-be. Something borrowed would be symbolic of future happiness and that was given to the bride by a friend. Something blue meant purity and a band of blue cloth was worn on the bottom of the bride and groom’s wedding attire.

During the time of the knights, the knight would go into a tournament wearing a single flower or a handkerchief from the bride. That has turned into the custom of the groom wearing a flower from the bride’s bouquet.

The white gown was not a symbol of purity but rather, of joy. In 1499, Ann of Brittany started the tradition of the white gown being fashionable wedding attire.

Today, some traditions have changed but many are the same. The diamond engagement ring, the wedding band symbolizing the never-ending love between the husband and wife, the white wedding dress, the something blue, and the single flower are still popular traditions today.

This Article is originally posted here: https://www.gesner.com/blog/historical-wedding-traditions/

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Antique Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/engagement-rings

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