BEST PLACE TO BUY ANTIQUE/VINTAGE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

 

You have found your soul mate and it is time to pop the big question. So the next big question is, “Where do I begin?”

There are many things to consider, from style to budget, and your own personal taste. The perfect engagement ring is the one that best suits your personality which is what makes antique and vintage rings a great option.

 

Each ring has an unrepeatable design and comes with a story of love. People feel drawn to heirloom jewelry for its characteristic craftsmanship that machine-produced jewelry can never achieve. Additionally, vintage and antique engagement rings are typically a more affordable option.

 

Why Are Antique or Vintage Engagement Rings Special?

 

1. It Has a Story to Tell: Purchasing antique or vintage jewelry is like owning a piece of someone’s past. Perhaps the piece is passed down from generation to generation carrying stories of each of its owners. Antiques are pieces of history that survived the test of time and maintained integrity while the world around them changed. The nostalgia evoked by possessing an antique piece of jewelry is an incomparable sentiment for many.

 

2. Great Quality, Design & Nostalgia: Wearing a ring hand-made by skilled artisans using traditional techniques rarely seen in modern jewelry is meaningful and special. Each antique piece reflects the attention to detail and subtle sparkle achieved only by artisans passionate about their chosen profession of creating distinct jewelry one piece at a time. Who wouldn’t like to adorn the special day with an engagement ring that is authentic and the only one of its kind?

 

How to Choose an Antique or Vintage Engagement Ring?

Investing in antique or vintage jewelry is a massive decision. Don’t shy away from asking questions to ensure what you are purchasing is an authentic heirloom piece well-preserved for decades or centuries and not a reproduced design.

1. Check for the background of the piece. Ask questions to know the era it belongs to. Knowing the history of the ring can be exciting and assuring.

2. Ensure that the supplier is a reliable source and not someone trying to pass you a slightly worn-out piece for antique or vintage. To determine the credibility of the antique jewelry store, you can check the entire collection the shop is offering. A proven way is to check the supplier’s reputation by going through customer reviews and testimonials – it speaks volumes about the service and quality of the products offered by the store. If the majority of the reviews are positive, then it is safe to say that the supplier is reliable.

3. One of the most important things to note while buying antique or vintage jewelry is to check its authenticity. You can closely inspect the jewelry’s condition to know if it has gone through any repair or alterations. If you plan to buy online, you can ask for high-resolution photos of the jewelry. Better still, you can call the supplier and ask for certifications or hallmarks to confirm the authenticity and quality of the piece.

4. A crucial factor to consider when buying an antique or vintage ring is its cost. Antique or vintage jewelry is generally slightly less expensive than its modern counterpart. If you come across a price too good to be true, you should probably check twice before committing. Some stores offer excellent layaway plans to make your purchase easy. You can check with the supplier for the terms and conditions related to such plans and also check for return policies so you can make the purchase while knowing all the ins and outs.

The Different Types of Antique or Vintage Jewelry –

 

The owner of an heirloom ring should be aware of the history associated with the piece to know the full worth of the jewelry.

While both vintage and antique mean belonging to earlier times or dating from the past, the difference lies in their period of origin. Something is classified as antique only when it is more than 75 years old, while an item is vintage when it is at least more than 40 years old.

Additionally, there is Estate Jewelry which in the formal sense is a piece of jewelry previously owned, regardless of the time period.

The Age and Style of the Jewelry are defined by the Era it belonged to –

Mid and Late Victorian Period: 1850 – 1900 – During the reign of Queen Victoria, the discovery of large and plentiful mines paved the way for precious metals and gemstones to create heavy, fashionable jewelry.

Edwardian Period: 1900 – 1915 – This period marked the return of elegantly styled jewelry when engagement rings were often adorned with diamonds. Pearl and platinum were also increasingly used to create pieces that are strong and durable yet demonstrated delicate designs.

Art Nouveau: 1890 – 1915 – This period witnessed defining art movements that celebrated designs in striking contrast to the Edwardian style. Gemstones like opals and moonstones found prominence in jewelry, and durable design gave way to new and dainty styles.

Art Deco: 1920 – 1935 – One of the most prominent styles of this period was characterized by sharp angles and geometrical shapes. Art Deco engagement rings have always been a favorite among admirers of Antique and Vintage jewelry for their bold color, angular looks, and shiny, enameled pieces.

 

Retro Period: 1935 – 1949 – This period marked bold and powerful designs, with gold taking center stage. It brought notable changes in jewelry designs like large, semi-precious gems in oversized pieces which became a common style. Jewelry of this era was often seen to have a Hollywood influence.

 

Best Place to Buy Engagement Rings

The best Antique and Vintage Engagement Ring store is the one that offers you jewelry with rich history and exceptional quality like Gesner Estate Jewelry. One of the leaders in Antique and Estate jewelry, Gesner has an impressive collection of more than a thousand unique items.

 

Home to the most exquisite Engagement Rings, this family-owned business specializes in jewelry from the turn of the 20th century to the late 1940’s. In addition, Gesner Estate Jewelry offers Appraisal and Restoration Services to the owners of generation-old precious jewelry.

 

Why Choose Gesner Estate Jewelry?

 

If you are looking for the best online jewelry store, Gesner Estate Jewelry is the most trustworthy name you can find. Buying expensive jewelry online can be a little scary so if you are asking yourself why you should choose Gesner, there is only one answer – you will not get better customer service elsewhere! Gesner’s staff provides unparalleled service, from answering all your questions and sending pictures for inspection to shipping your items to your doorstep in a flash. Furthermore, every item is accompanied by a complete Gem Analysis and Appraisal prepared by a G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist.

 

Gesner is the name standing for TRUST and COMMITMENT. While the business has a beautiful brick-and-mortar store in Tampa, FL the entire inventory is made available on the official website of www.gesner.com which enables you to make an informed choice and acquire the best and most beautiful Engagement Ring for your special day!

 

Source: https://gesner.com/blog/best-place-to-buy-antique-vintage-engagement-rings/

Website: https://gesner.com/

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

Antique Wedding Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/wedding-bands

All About Buying The Perfect Vintage Antique or Estate Jewelry:

https://gesner.com/blog/all-about-buying-the-perfect-vintage-antique-or-estate-jewelry/

Edwardian Engagement Rings: https://gesner.com/blog/edwardian-engagement-rings/

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

Source: https://www.gesner.com/blog/types-of-antique-engagement-rings/

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

Estate Jewelry for Sale: https://gesner.com

Antique Wedding Rings: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/wedding-bands

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/

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

Antique Wedding Bands: https://gesner.com/antique-vintage-jewelry/wedding-bands

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

Gesner Estate Jewelry: https://gesner.com/

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/

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

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

Gesner Estate Jewelry: https://gesner.com/