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What are Art Deco engagement rings?
Art Deco engagement rings have geometric patterns and often feature colored gems like sapphire, ruby, or emerald in addition to diamonds. Shapes are BIG in Art Deco. So, you’ll often see large rectangular center stones, circular or square halos, or uniquely-shaped side stones. Descriptions often used for Art Deco jewelry include bold, stately, elegant, and even architectural. Most Art Deco jewelry is done in white gold or platinum.
Why is Art Deco popular?
Art Deco engagement rings are popular because they make a big impression, both in personality as well as size! This is because the style’s lines and shapes are instant classics. Everyone loves a large Emerald cut, sapphire paired with diamond, and cool shining platinum. Because these looks never go out of style, they lend a sense of timeless elegance to any outfit or occasion.
When was Art Deco jewelry popular?
Art Deco jewelry first gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s. This was during the jazz and flapper period! Think old school glam, like The Great Gatsby and Chicago. And, as you can see, the jewelry of the age has endured. Some of the most popular engagement ring designs of today are actually Art Deco!
Are Art Deco engagement rings still popular today?
Yes! Art Deco engagement rings are wildly popular today thanks to a resurgence of interest in diamond halos and gemstone engagement rings. Do Amore offers several different halo designs, as well as a great selection of emerald and asscher cut diamonds, as well as some beautiful sapphire! So, if you are looking for a Deco engagement ring, you are in luck.
What are the main characteristics of Art Deco engagement rings?
1. Circles, Rectangles, Triangles, oh my!
One of the biggest design elements of an Art Deco Engagement ring is its shape. Whether it is a large center stone, or an architecturally-inspired setting, Deco style rings feature bold shapes. Some rings feature different shapes in contrast, like a round center in a cushion halo. Other rings highlight large Emerald cut center stones stones mirrored with vertical and horizontal lines. One design element unique to Deco rings is using small square gemstones set into halos instead of tiny rounds! Another common theme is to add triangular or trapezoidal side stones to a round or square center, adding interest and flair to the piece.
2. Consider a Pop of Color
Going with the big and bold theme, Art Deco Engagement rings often feature colored gemstones in addition to diamond. Sometimes these gems are the center stone, sometimes they are placed in a bold colored halo, and other times they act as accent side stones. Popular colored center stones in Deco rings include Sapphire, Aquamarine, and Emerald. Colored bezels are typically made from Sapphire or Ruby. On the other hand, you’ll often find Emerald or Blue Sapphire accent pops.
3. Go Big or Go Home
One enduring design factor in Deco is SIZE. Ladies in the 20s were celebrating their independence and wanted to show off their style and worth. So, the Deco period was flashy! As a result, many Art Deco engagement rings are centered around huge stones. Luckily, you can do this with any budget! Aquamarine or Lab-Created Sapphire or Ruby are very affordable, even in large sizes. Don’t want a big rock, but still want to rock the look? Another way to accomplish a flashy Deco look is to choose a big geometric setting for a smaller stone, like a halo in round, cushion, or even square.
Did you know? A large portion of authentic from-the-20s Deco rings are man-made Sapphire. It’s true! Lab-created gemstones have been around for centuries
4. Make it Platinum, baby
Art Deco happened in the 1920s and 30s, when platinum was all the rage. In fact, white gold was invented during this time as a less expensive platinum substitute for those who could not afford the rare metal. While a few Deco pieces are kicking around in yellow gold, the majority of Art Deco jewelry is platinum or white gold. This preference shift began around 1900, at the end of the Victorian period which loved yellow and rose. Wanting something fresh and new after a 70-year trend, Edwardian and Art Deco fashionistas embraced ice-cool platinum.
What is the difference between Art Deco and Art Nouveau jewelry?
Art Deco jewelry is very geometric and bold, whereas Art Nouveau features flowing, nature-inspired motifs. As in any shift in style, there are crossover pieces. But, in large part, Art Deco jewelry is meant to make a statement. Art Nouveau, on the other hand, is more sensual and flowery. Art Nouveau jewelry often includes floral patterns, flowing colored enamel, and delicate metalwork. Deco, as you know, is more brash and linear.
(Left) Art Deco vs Art Nouveau engagement rings (Right)
Is Great Gatsby Art Deco?
The Great Gatsby, and the fabulous jewels it constantly inspires, are classic examples of Art Deco Jewelry. Note the cushion halo around Daisy’s round diamond engagement ring, and all the straight lines and circular motifs in her headband? Tiffany’s collection, made specifically for Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 hit, also features intricate geometric colored stone rings and necklaces.
Credit: Tiffany & Co.
How much is an Art Deco engagement ring?
We can design great Art Deco engagement rings starting at $809! Here are a few other ideas:
- Sophie with a 6.5mm Round Diamond
- Katherine with a 10x8mm Emerald cut Lab Blue Sapphire or Aquamarine
- Double halo Elsa with an inner Ruby halo and a low-color Old European center
- Charu with an 9mm Asscher cut Moissanite
- Victoria with Emerald Accent pops and center and a low-color Old Miner center
Or, you can go completely custom. We’ve done everything from simple hexagonal bezels to intricate diamond snowflake halos!
Are old diamonds worth more?
No, the value of a diamond comes from its 4cs – color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Generally speaking, an old cut diamond such as an old European, old Miner, Rose, or “Transitional” cut will not be any more expensive than a modern Round brilliant. In fact, they are often less due to lower current demand. That said, old cut diamonds have a particular appeal to them (I love old cut diamonds). They can be both difficult to originally source and difficult to replace! But, we love them all and have made some gorgeous rings with old diamonds.
Bonus! Using an old diamond is super sustainable – no new mining needs to take place to build your ring when you choose an old diamond!
Old Miner (left); Old Euro (middle); Modern brilliant (right)
Old Diamonds Can Save You Money
Another reason to choose an old cut diamond is that many have warmer body colors (think J, K, L…even S, T, U)! This is because back when they were originally faceted, bright white LED lights just weren’t around. Instead, people gazed at their diamonds by warm candlelight. So, warmer toned diamonds were just as desirable! What’s great about that for you is these lower colored stones are much less expensive. And not only will choosing an old cut diamond get you a great deal, you’ll also get your pop of Art Deco color too!
How do I buy an Art Deco engagement ring?
We have Art Deco engagement rings already designed – or you can design your own Deco ring! Choosing a current design and modifying it to your liking is the quickest, most cost-effective method. To do this, choose a Cushion halo with your choice of Round center stone like our Sophie, or a vintage linear setting with a huge emerald cut, like our Katherine! You can choose an icy white diamond or moissanite, or pop in some color with a Sapphire, Aquamarine, or Emerald center stone. If custom design is more your thing, we’d be happy to make the Art Deco ring of your dreams! Simply email us photos, links, or a sketch to care@doamore.com for a prompt quote. You can also drop us a note here, too!
