The Collectibles Store Blog

Vintage is often a term that is used when describing fashions from the past that aren’t quiet at the level of being considered antiques but are still classics. Vintage engagement rings can be from any time period considered to be more modern than ancient, typically from the early 1900’s to the retro period of even into the 1970’s.

Most of the engagement rings from these time periods had very distinctive qualities that uniquely categorize the rings as being vintage. Typically the rings included both yellow and white gold combinations on the bands, however platinum was and is also used in creating some very unique settings and bands.

Narrow bands at the back widening to larger settings at the front of the engagement rings from this time period are very common. Generally if the band is two tone, the white gold will be located on the front of the ring to provide reflection for the diamonds and add to the overall design. Mountings and settings were commonly done in white gold during the early 1900s and continue to be very popular.

Many vintage engagement rings feature groups of small, medium or average sized diamonds rather than one large solitaire. The different sizes and shapes of diamonds in the setting help with light reflection and really sparkle with the ring is turned with normal movement. In addition other gems may be included in the setting, dropping bits of bright color onto the central diamonds.  

A popular cut in vintage engagement rings as well as in antique diamond rings is the cushion cut. Cushion cut engagement rings have a beautiful, soft internal sparkle and fire and are ideal to stand alone on a simple band. The cut also works well with interlocking and curved wedding band and engagement ring sets. 

Historically the name for cushion cut diamonds was candlelight diamonds. This is because lighting was from candles and the beautiful cut of the diamond gives off a soft, firely glow in any type of direct or diffuse light. Typically shapes for the cushion cut diamonds include oval to rectangular with rounded or blunted corners.

Open, long facets on many of the diamonds on older engagement rings give a unique light reflection to the interior. The colors are still vibrant and there is fire, it is just less sharp. Many people see these types of cuts as very romantic looking and may be enhanced on the band with smaller diamonds. 

Looking through estate sales or selecting jewelers that offer replicas of vintage engagement rings may provide you with some options you hadn’t previously considered. The detail in these rings really makes them unique and different from modern engagement rings.

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Often in the excitement of searching for types of engagement rings that will symbolize your love, diamond ring buyers completely forget about the practical aspects of the rings. Diamond engagement rings will typically be a daily wear part of a woman’s jewelry collection, so ensuring that the ring is well constructed and the diamond secure on the ring is just as important as the overall beauty of the ring .

Engagement ring settings come with several different types that are sometimes referred to as mountings. Some mountings or settings are very visible and are part of the ring design while others are almost impossible to detect. Either option is great, it is just important to understand the differences when selecting a ring.

Prong settings are typically more closely aligned with the barely noticeable types of engagement ring settings. The simple gold, white gold or platinum hooks are most typically used with solitaire stones, stones in groups or large sized diamonds.  These prongs are located at the edges of the diamond and actually hook over the surface, pulling the diamond into the setting and holding it secure. Engagement rings with prong settings are by far the most common.

Prong settings will vary in number on engagement rings based on the size and shape of the diamond. On square or rectangular shapes there will be at least one prong on each corner and sometimes one prong along each edge. This again will vary on the size of the diamond .

Evenly spaced prongs on engagement rings with round or oval stones secure the diamond in place. Typically there will be four to six prongs, but larger or smaller stones may have different numbers. Unique shapes such as marquis, heart or pear shapes will also typically have four to six prongs .

Prongs serve to both provide security to the diamond but also to lift or elevate it off the band itself. This focuses attention on the diamond plus it also allows more light to enter into the gem. Engagement rings with raised diamonds will really sparkle and shine with movement of the hand .

Square corners and square diamonds in engagement rings are secured using v-shaped prongs at the corners. This allows a smaller prong to secure the diamond in place without having to double the number of prongs. Raised diamonds will attract more light, but are also more likely to be bumped and hit, requiring additional support .

It is important to always have engagement rings checked on a yearly basis to ensure the prongs are all still secure. A jeweler can easily adjust the prongs in an engagement ring if needed, preventing the possibility of losing the diamond from the setting .

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When most people think of settings or mountings for engagement rings they have a mental image of the traditional prong style settings that secure the diamond to the band. While these types of settings are beautiful, simple and very discrete, there are other types of settings or mountings that can be used on engagement rings to highlight and enhance the appearance of the diamond.

Many engagement ring settings are designed specifically to maximize the amount of light that can enter the diamond both from the top as well as the sides. This light entering into the diamond causes the flashes in color that make diamonds such an appealing stone for engagement rings and other types of jewelry. Mountings also elevate the diamond above the band, providing more options for capturing light as the hand moves.

For a very unique type of setting that is not at all like the prong setting you may wish to consider engagement rings with a bezel setting. Often described as a collar, the bezel setting molds around the diamond in a solid or partial covering. Half bezels only provide a solid attachment on half of the sides of the diamond, allowing light into the center of the gem. Bezel setting is both traditional as well as modern and provide a sleek, streamlined look to the ring when viewed from the sides or the top

Inset diamonds into the band of engagement rings or wedding rings are set with the channel setting style. A uniform groove in the ring itself plus a side groove just under the lip of the channel holds each diamond in place. These rings are often made with smaller round diamonds, diamond chips or baguette type diamonds for maximum brilliance

Another option on the channel setting or engagement rings is the bar channel. In this style each diamond is separated from others with a thin bar of metal, usually white gold or platinum. The light from the diamonds reflects off the metal rather than through other diamonds.

Ornate types of settings are called bead settings on engagement rings. Smaller or larger drops or beads of metal are engraved and styled to both add to the appearance of the ring but also secure the diamonds and other gems in place

Invisible settings or mountings on engagement rings are also very popular since they are largely if not complete hidden by the stones themselves. Pave settings are largely invisible and are formed by drilling tiny holes into the band into which each individual diamond chip or stone is then placed. Small beading is then used to secure the diamonds.

Checking the settings on engagement rings, regardless of the setting style, is very important. Jewelry stores often offer free inspections of engagement rings and other diamond jewelry to determine if there is any need for repair

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When most people think of settings or mountings for engagement rings they have a mental image of the traditional prong style settings that secure the diamond to the band. While these types of settings are beautiful, simple and very discrete, there are other types of settings or mountings that can be used on engagement rings to highlight and enhance the appearance of the diamond.

Many engagement ring settings are designed specifically to maximize the amount of light that can enter the diamond both from the top as well as the sides. This light entering into the diamond causes the flashes in color that make diamonds such an appealing stone for engagement rings and other types of jewelry. Mountings also elevate the diamond above the band, providing more options for capturing light as the hand moves.

A more solid type of setting for engagement rings is called the bezel setting. This is like a collar of the same metal as the band that wraps around the diamond and lifts it off the ring’s surface. Bezel settings are ideal for modern styles of engagement rings plus they are exceptional for unusual shaped diamonds that may be hard to secure to the bend using prongs. With a bezel setting the collar may go completely around the diamond or it may only be over half, allowing light to enter the stone.

For a flat surface for engagement rings or wedding bands the channel setting is very popular. This type of setting has a groove that runs through the center of the band, plus an additional slight groove off to the sides. Round or baguette style diamonds are inserted into the channel for a dazzling appearance. The small grooves on the sides of the channel hold the stones in place but also allow light to filter between and through the diamonds in the channel setting.

Bar channel settings have literally metal bars between each of the diamonds in the groove. These types of engagement rings often are in white gold or platinum since the reflective surface of the metal enhances the light entering into the diamonds.

Bead settings are much less common but are absolutely stunning in appearance. Beads of metal that match the band are actually both part of the design of these types of engagement rings as well as the practical element that holds the diamonds in place.

For those that don’t want to see the settings at all, pave style settings will be the perfect match. Smaller diamonds are placed in tiny holes drilled in the band, resulting in crusting of diamonds over part or the entire band. To finish off these types of engagement rings small beads are placed to secure the diamonds without obstructing the light reflection

Engagement rings with these unique types of settings are both beautiful as well as practical. With any type of engagement rings featuring any type of setting, routine checking of the mountings is always recommend so any loose settings can be immediately repaired.

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Engagement rings need to be chosen with great care because they symbolize love and commitment and hold special place in the hearts and minds of most people. Choosing a unique cushion cut solitaire engagement ring is an option that also needs to be considered seriously, especially in terms of the clarity, color and shape of the cushion cut diamond. Making it a point to select a proper engagement ring is especially essential while choosing such a ring in order to present to a lady.

Special And Unique

There are various different kinds of engagement rings being sold on the market though the traditional cushion cut solitaire engagement ring is truly special and unique and in fact such an engagement ring is generally referred to as an antique estate engagement ring. Modern cushion cut solitaire engagement rings are different from the traditional cushion cut engagement rings because the modern variety is cut so as to look good under electric lighting conditions whereas the traditional ones were meant to look good under candlelight.

Therefore, a latest cushion cut solitaire engagement ring is sure to have a bigger surface with round corners that help to in sparkling the ring under modern lighting conditions. Still, it must be mentioned that a modern cushion cut solitaire engagement ring will not provide quite the same sparkle as other modern engagement rings though in spite of this the cushion cut solitaire engagement ring can still stand out from other engagement rings because of its magnificence as well as classic appearance.

A cushion cut solitaire engagement ring symbolizes timelessness and if you want to make a statement of eternal love then this is the best kind of engagement ring for your purpose. Many of these engagement rings are simplicity personified and they are also very elegant which adds to their appeal.

When shopping for a cushion cut solitaire engagement ring it pays to keep certain things in mind including knows the preferred diamond cut, and cost as well as be aware of latest fashions as well as look for magnificence of the diamond.

The pave cushion cut engagement ring gets its name from the pavement because of the fact that the diamonds that are set in such engagement ringsare clustered very closely so as to make the diamonds glitter and shimmer just like a cobblestone pavement. In addition, the term ‘pave’ (pronounced as pah-vay) is useful because you won’t sound stupid in having to ask for a ‘pavement’ engagement ring.

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