Edwardian Engagement Rings
Platinum vs. White Gold
Platinum is one of the rarest metals on earth. This precious metal comes out of the ground pure white. Some of the most delicately made vintage engagement rings and jewelry is made in platinum. Eighty percent of platinum production comes from Africa. During times of economic stability, platinum is twice as expensive as gold. Economic uncertainty brings the price of platinum down sometimes lower than gold. The biggest benefit of...
July 2019 Gemologist Jewelry Pick of the Month - .98ct. T.W. Antique Engagement Ring
"A beautifully pierced and uniquely shaped engagement or fashion ring" are the words used by our Graduate Gemologist, Graydon Gesner, to describe this one of a kind Edwardian ring with a design that is very indicative of that time period. Elegantly crafted in platinum, this Edwardian Diamond Antique Engagement or Fashion Ring features two Diamonds. The larger Circular Brilliant cut diamond is apx. .40ct. and has I1 clarity (100% eye...
The 4 C’s – Carat Weight, Color, Clarity and Cut
When considering your purchase of an antique engagement ring, there are four things to take into consideration-carat weight, color, clarity and cut. Carat is a measure of weight for a diamond. The European Cut diamond as compared to a Round Brilliant of the same millimeter size can weigh as much as 10-15% more because of cut. (See the Cut paragraph for more details.) Most diamonds are under one carat and...
The Edwardian Period (1901 – 1914)
New ways of cutting stones and the use of platinum in the making of diamond jewelry and especially diamond engagement rings was the fashion. In 1901 Queen Victoria died and Edward VII became king of England. His wife, Princess of Wales, Alexandria became the Queen and she had already demonstrated her fashion style and trend in jewelry. Grace and sophistication prevailed and the style of fashion was lace, silk and...