Here is a Little Vintage Ring 101...

Antiques are not just for your home! There is a lot of buzz regarding vintage or antique wedding rings and engagement rings. Detailed carvings in precious metals and vintage style diamond and gemstone cuts are becoming more popular, because in comparison to modern designs, they exude romance. Micro-pave work, bezel settings, milgrain edges, and engraved patterns are the vintage design elements seen in more and more modern day reproductions.

Micro-pave Work:

I LOVE this look! It is a great way to get incredible diamond sparkle without buying a huge rock. Taken from the word "pave," as in to cover, a pave or micro pave is where the jeweler will cover the wedding or engagement ring with many very tiny diamonds or gemstones, often using a microscope. It's almost as if the ring has been covered in glitter.

Bezel Setting:

This is such a feminine approach to setting a stone. A bezel setting is an elegant and streamlined engagement ring setting in which the metal completely surrounds the edges of the diamond or gemstone and will extend slightly above it. This is the earliest method used to secure gemstones to jewelry and because the edges of the stone are protected, bezels are great for brides with an active lifestyle.

Milgrain:

Milgrain work is a delicate raised or recessed beaded edge created with a special engraving tool and resembles the edge of a coin. Often done by hand, even in modern repros, this subtle and sparkling effect gives antique wedding rings a little extra elegant detail. It's super feminine and was very common during the 1920s and 1930s.

Engraved and Filigree Patterns:

What really sets vintage wedding and engagement rings apart from contemporary counterparts is there very intricate and detailed engraved or filigree patterns. Engraved designs could be carved into the surface of the gold or platinum wedding ring, or lace-like open and airy filigree designs could be created by twisting precious metal into beautiful forms. This makes your ring sooooo unique!

Check out this vintage inspired anniversary ring that would make a KILLER wedding band. It has the delicate openwork and milgrain surrounding tiny diamonds.