Characteristics Of Antique Oval Engagement Rings
Antique oval engagement rings will usually be named for their oval cut stone; sometimes a pear or marquise cut stone may be also considered oval. The oval cut for the main stone or focus stone of an antique ring is rare, as rounder cuts were often more popular at the time the rings were made.
For an antique oval engagement ring to truly be considered antique, it must be at least 50 years old. Many antique oval engagement rings will be Art Deco style or from around 1920 to 1930. Many Art Deco rings will have a bold center stone bordered by complimentary stones which are slightly less precious such as sapphires, rubies, or emeralds.
Art Deco styles are characteristically bold and distinctive; the entire display may cover the entire finger from the hand to the first knuckle of the finger. This is especially true with antique oval engagement rings; their elongated shape will often cover that entire distance as well.
Materials
The materials used to make an antique oval engagement ring will be similar to the materials used today; white gold and platinum were particularly popular from 1835 to 1930.
Additionally yellow, pink, and even brown diamonds were much more popular than the brilliant fiery white diamonds of today, as a result the diamonds found in many antique oval engagement rings may at face value seem to be flawed. These distinctive antique diamonds lend a quality to a ring that cannot be duplicated.
Filigree was also commonly used to make the intricate scrolling work and other motifs found on antique oval engagement rings, though Art Deco Rings are often distinguished by having bold simple looking designs as opposed to the more intricate filigree work of Victorian or Edwardian pieces.
Purchasing
Purchasing an antique ring can be troublesome. In the first instance it may seem appealing to have a replica of an antique oval engagement ring made. This seems appealing because the stones can be custom chosen to suit the bride-to-be's individual taste. However, a replica ring isn't likely to have the workmanship or unique feeling of a truly antique piece.
A reasonable starting price for an antique oval engagement ring, not a replica, is about four thousand dollars. When purchasing an antique engagement ring documentation is important. The ring should be accompanied by documents proving their authenticity and value. Any alterations to an antique piece should only be completed by a reputable jeweler with knowledge of custom design and/or antique rings.
