Antique Rings
(until around 1930)
Make a statement with timeless antique rings
Antique rings stand out clearly from contemporary jewellery, because they embody a different era not only through their design. The settings and cuts are also strongly influenced by the respective era in which they were created.
So if you decide on an antique ring, you will be holding a piece of jewellery history in your hands that will win you over with its unique design and craftsmanship.
Most models can be individually adjusted to your ring width. We would be happy to advise you on this!
For special occasions such as an engagement, we also offer you a well-curated range of antique engagement rings: Simply select an era from our menu and browse through our range of antique jewellery pieces.
Antique rings through the ages
Each era has its own design criteria and style preferences, which not only shaped art and architecture but also fashion and jewellery. Forms, materials and workmanship therefore clearly differ from current trends and manufacturing methods. In our modern everyday lives, you can therefore make a real statement with an antique gold ring.
19th century
The 19th century was characterised by numerous trends which - apart from Biedermeier - were all stylistically inspired by the past. The term "historism" therefore refers to different styles that existed in parallel and - depending on the ideal - manifested themselves in neoclassical or neo-baroque designs, among other things.
This changed towards the turn of the century, as there were now calls for a departure from historism in favour of a new, fresh design language.
Belle Époque and Art Nouveau
Belle Époque and Art Nouveau heralded the beginning of the 20th century with softly curved shapes and diamond sparkle and defined contemporary tastes until the early 1920s.
While the "beautiful era" focused on floral garlands and bows made of bright metals and diamonds or pearls, Art Nouveau called for a turn towards nature and craftsmanship. The overall work of art was at the forefront and was first reflected in jewellery in colourful enamelled, flowery designs set with coloured stones and composed of soft symmetries and organic shapes.
Art Déco and 1st half of the 20th century
In the era of Art Déco, the fashion colour was clearly white – jewellery was preferably worn in a combination of diamonds, pearls, platinum and white gold. Contrasts were often created with classic gemstones such as emerald, ruby and sapphire, but coral, onyx and jade were also popular and were used in glamorous antique necklaces and other pieces of jewellery. The design was always strict, linear and geometric, which makes antique Art Déco rings appear timeless, attractive and modern, even to our modern eye.
At the end of the 1930s, jewellery became increasingly voluminous and warmer alloys such as yellow and red gold were given a chance again. Powerful designs such as vegetable and bridge rings gradually replaced Art Déco designs.
Antique rings made from high-quality materials
White gold/platinum
Rings made of white gold and platinum were often combined with diamonds to create precious pieces of jewellery. At Halsbandaffaire, you will find various models, for example from the first half of the 20th century and from the Art Déco period, which inspire with their timeless beauty.
Diamonds
Antique diamond rings provide a very special insight into the past, as the diamond cut usually makes it easy to determine when the piece of jewellery was made. The history of the diamond cut is just as fascinating as the mineral itself.
As the world's hardest mineral, the diamond also carries a certain symbolism: consistency, fidelity, purity and strength are qualities that are also desirable for a romantic relationship. This is why antique diamond rings are particularly suitable as engagement rings.
In addition, historical rings offer an excellent alternative in the age of synthetic diamonds, as naturalness and authenticity can be guaranteed with certainty.
Coloured stones
Coloured stones were also very popular in antique rings – in addition to the three classics ruby, sapphire and emerald, tourmaline, garnet, turquoise, opal, peridot and quartz in all kinds of shades of colour were also used. Like the diamond cut, the processing of coloured gemstones continued to develop, which meant that gemstones were often elaborately and artistically incorporated into ring settings and sometimes cut in a calibrated manner.
Pearls
The wonderful shimmer of pearls has always fascinated jewellery makers and wearers alike. Until the early 20th century, only natural pearls, so-called oriental pearls, were used in jewellery. It was not until the 1920s that pearl cultivation was perfected and the cultured pearl conquered the jewellery market.
Discover more antique favourites at Halsbandaffaire
In addition to our antique rings, Halsbandaffaire offers many other pieces of historical jewellery that have been carefully checked by our experts for their authenticity. For example, we offer antique earrings and antique brooches from three centuries as well as high-quality jewellery from modern production. Take advantage of our many years of expertise and let us advise you: We look forward to hearing from you!