Your Guide to Art Deco Engagement Rings

Art deco engagement rings are becoming a popular choice for couples these days. They have a classic elegance, combined with very stylish and often modern appearance. The designs and bold colors make them a unique, unconventional, and classy choice for an engagement ring.

The Art Deco period begain in Paris in 1925. It takes its name from the Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, which opened in Paris and displayed the cutting edge work of fashion designers, interior designers, jewelry designers, and many more.

After the toned down and simple styles of WWI, art deco burst onto the scene with style and elegance. It took its influences from many places, including new excavations of art at Babylon, ancient Egypt, and ancient Greece. Interest in these cultures inspired many of art deco's styles. Its main characteristics were a focus on beauty, and design. It used bold colors; geometric patterns; sharp, straight lines; and elaborate, repeating motifs.

Art deco styles have influenced all areas of modern life, from furniture and architecture, to painting and jewelry. Examples of Art Deco architecture can be seen in as far reaching places as California, Shanghai, and New Zealand. And Art deco engagement rings are very popular today.

In Art deco diamond rings, the most common cuts were round brilliant cuts, as well as square or rectangular cuts such as the cushion cut. One diamond in a solitaire setting is not as common as multiple diamonds and other gemstones. Since bold and contrasting colors have been an important part of art deco style, the use of rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and other the colored gemstones is common. These other gemstones are often set in geometric patterns around the main diamond. In Art deco engagement ring settings, a circular pattern is one of the most popular motifs, although square and rectangular patterns are also often seen.

And because of art deco's focus on style, design, and beauty, it is also common to see intricate filigree work in art deco engagement rings. These filigree engagement rings were made by bending small threads of metal into complex patterns and shapes. While intricate and elegant filigree work was also popular during the Edwardian era, art deco filigree engagement rings focus more on geometric patterns and motifs, rather than the leaves, birds, or vines which were popular during the Edwardian period.

It's a bold and classic choice, and for a woman who wants an unconventional and stylish ring, art deco rings are perfect. But don't think that all art deco rings are flashy and bold. There are a lot of subtle choices out there that still emphasize the unique beauty and design characteristics of art deco rings.

Plus, art deco engagement rings can be very affordable. Vintage art deco engagement rings can be found in the $400 to $500 dollar range, for a simple solitaire setting. Even if you are looking for an antique art deco engagement rings, they start at around $500. Of course, these rings range up into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. A typical antique art deco engagement ring will cost a few thousand dollars, while a modern art deco replica can be anywhere from a few hundred to $20,000 or more!  (Here is some more info about antique engagement rings.)

Check out the video below, as well as the related videos for a good idea of art deco engagement rings design and style.

Art deco engagement rings are a great combination of beauty and design, and you can find a range from very simple and elegant to elaborate and flashy.