Antique & Vintage ring era's

The jewelry at The Antique Ring Shop is from era's long ago, that's what we are known for! Our collection spans several time periods, each distinct in style with history and romance as the driving factors. From the love story of Queen Victoria and her Philip to Parisian arts and big Hollywood dreams.

Georgian (1714 – 1837)

Georgian jewelry is very scarce in our collection, as it's very old and rare to come by. Back then, jewelry was almost exclusively worn by regal members of society. The name derives from the rein of George I through IV. Georgian jewelry was entirely handcrafted and known for it’s floral, organic and romantic motifs. It is usually constructed in 18 karat yellow gold and the gemstones from the period were faceted and usually a bit of a mismatch as jewelers used whatever materials they could get their hands on. Garnets, amethysts and topaz were readily available and thus often used. Diamonds set in that period were typically set in silver, foil backed in gold.

Victorian (1837 – 1901)

Queen Victoria who was an undeniable romantic and it shows in the jewerly of the period. Up to this point essentially all jewelry was being completely handmade with expensive 22k gold, 18k gold and silver. With rapid advances in technology, machines could now cut & stamp metal. The proliferation of factories meant metalworking in 14 karat, 10 karat, and even 9 karat gold could now be performed on a mass scale with affordable materials. Suddenly jewelry was accessible to almost everyone. Victorian jewelry mimicked the Queen’s style and collection: from snake rings and orange blossom motifs to mourning jewelry.

Edwardian (1901-1915)

Queen Victoria’s son, Edward VII, took the throne in 1901. It was during this time that advances in metal fabrication finally allowed for the use of platinum in jewelry. Although it was still common for jewelers to back platinum pieces with gold. Jewelry from the Edwardian period was light and delicate, and they were using as many diamonds as possible in a design. The overall style of the times was light, feminine, and airy. Women commonly wore a lot of white (symbolic of sophistication and class) and so bright diamonds were the gemstone of choice, but we also see sapphires, aquamarines.

Art Deco (1915-1939)

With the “Roaring 20’s” in full swing, the era of decadence and post war celebration was clearly apparent in the jewelry of the time. Women took the right to vote and the right to adorn themselves with luscious amounts of jewelry; especially diamonds and pearls. It reached its height in 1925 after the Decorative Arts Exhibition in Paris and captured the new world with streamlined forms. Art Deco pieces are often bold, linear and geometric in design, with a lot of 18-karat white gold and commonly featuring colored accent stones. The accent stones were frequently synthetic, a new innovation of the time period. Stacking bands, bracelets and necklaces was extremely stylish during this decadent period where the “more is more” concept was paramount. Hollywood, and it's stars, was a driving influence.

Mid Century (1950 – 1965)

Mid-Century jewelry is dated between 1950 and 1965. 5 Years after World War II the economy was booming and so was the love affair with large stones. Major jewelry houses were advertising and appealing to the masses. Designers such as Tiffany and Co, Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels created massive diamond collars, bracelets and clip earrings. Platinum was once again available after the war and became a very popular metal. All eyes were still on the decadence of Hollywood.