Spotlight: Art Deco Engagement Rings

All clean lines, twinkling gemstones and distinctive, geometric patterns, an Art Deco engagement ring is a true style statement. Here's what to look out for to find the perfect ring for your girl.

From flappers and jazz music to technological advances and machinery, the Roaring Twenties brought prosperity, hedonism and innovation. A fresh, rebellious approach was blasted into all realms of design, and the Art Deco era was born.

Spanning the 1920s and 30s, the Art Deco era of design was a celebration of modernity. Identifiable by clean, simple geometric lines, patterns and symmetry employed across all Art Deco design, the eye-catching jewellery of this period is coveted by the most stylish fashionistas and collectors today. While reproductions are widely available, nothing beats the style cachet of sporting the real deal.

Here we look at some of the distinctive features of Art Deco design, showcased in a collection of our finest engagement rings of this era:

Art Deco rings — (l to r) 18ct White Gold, Emerald & Diamond Step Cut Ring, Platinum, Emerald, Onyx & Diamond Oval Ring, 14ct Gold & Platinum Ring

White Metals

Having enjoyed popularity at the turn of the century, platinum became fashionable again following the discovery of the world’s largest deposit in South Africa in 1924. White gold was created as a popular alternative to the expensive platinum. Yellow gold was very much out of style in the 20s and 30s.

An Art Deco Oval Diamond Cluster Ring With Diamond Shoulders

Geometric Patterns

Gone were the fluid lines of the Art Nouveau era. They were replaced by clean, simple lines and geometric patterns. This style is very distinctive across Art Deco design.

An Art Deco Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond Square Ring

Calibre Cuts

Advances in technology meant improved techniques for diamond cutting. As a result, diamonds could be cut specially for a design and set tightly against other stones or metal to create intricate patterns and designs.

An Art Deco Platinum & Three Stone Diamond Ring Within a Geometric Setting

Pavé Settings

This term refers to a technique that packs gemstones so closely together that they create the illusion of a ‘paved’ surface, hiding the setting entirely.

Antique Cut Diamonds

Rings from the Art Deco era contained antique cut stones, such as the old European cut, antique cushion cut, transitional cut and Asscher cut. An Art Deco-style ring with a modern, round cut diamond is a sure sign of a reproduction.

An Art Deco Platinum Target Ring Set With Diamonds & Sapphires

Filigree

Perfected in the late 1920s, filigree work – small, intricate cut outs – was introduced through the use of die-cast machines. The finest examples of filigree design are from the Art Deco era. Today’s ‘softer’ reproductions don’t share the stark, stamped edges of the 20s and 30s.