Unique Engagement Rings | A La Vieille Russie

Edwardian 1901 - 1915
Edwardian, sometimes referred to as "Belle Epoque", jewelry is characterized by ethereal, lacy designs done in diamonds and platinum. Very intricate details such as milgraining and engraving is done by hand to enhace the delicacy of the designs from this period.

Right: Circular platinum and diamond ring. English, ca. 1910.
Left: Not Available
Art Deco 1925 - 1939
Named after the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes held in Paris in 1925, the Art Deco period is characterized by geometric designs and were often influenced by Asian, Persian/Islamic and Jugendstil motifs. Diamonds were used heavily with accents of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, onyx or rock crystals set in platinum.

A Cartier ring with Asscher-cut diamonds in a fold design. Round diamonds on shank. Diamonds total approx. 5.50 carats. Platinum. London, ca. 1935

Sapphires and Rubies
Sapphires and rubies are of one mineral family; corundum. A ruby is a red colored corundum and a sapphire is a blue colored corundum. Corundum has a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness ... one grade below diamonds ... which makes them quite hard and can live up to everyday wear. In fact, Princess Diana's engagement ring was an oval sapphire cluster ring weighing 18 carats surrounded by 14 diamonds.

Sapphire and diamond ring, set in platinum. Tiffany and Co. New York, ca. 1910.
[Not available.]

Ruby and diamond three-stone ring.
By Black, Starr and Frost, Ltd.
American, ca. 1920.
Fancy-Colored Diamonds
Diamonds come in virtually all colors under the sun ... from very rare reds and pinks to more common yellows ... they are all beautiful in their own right! Although most antique jewelry are set with white diamonds, there are some rare exceptions like this English Victorian three-stone diamond ring.

Ring featuring three colored diamonds, in diamond-set platinum mount. English, ca. 1910. Dias approx. 1.1 cts, 1.5 cts, 1 ct.

Emeralds
Not a traditional jewel for engagement, a beautiful emerald is a sight to behold indeed. Because of its softness, an owner must take special care when wearing, cleaning and storing this gem. There is, however, no other gem stone like it or even comes close to matching its magnificent color.

[bottom] An old-mine cut diamond and emerald ring in a geometric design.
Mounted in platinum.
English, ca. 1910 Size: 1/2 inch wide
[top]Unavailable
Diamonds
Diamond is the most popular gem stone used in engagement rings. Not only is it the most brilliant of all gems, it is also the hardest, which means it takes wear and tear much better than other gems. If you are not interested in a traditional solitaire, you still have many options in pairing diamonds with other accent gem stones such as this 1935 Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and sapphire ring.

Diamond (approx. 2.2 cts E SI2) and sapphire ring, mounted in platinum.
By Van Cleef and Arpels, ca. 1935.