All posts in Vintage Engagement Rings

Determining the “Vintage” of Your Engagement Ring

Vintage Engagement Photo Source: Copyright 2008, Andrea Carlyle Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Vintage Engagement
Photo Source: Copyright 2008, Andrea Carlyle Photography. All Rights Reserved.

by Angela Magnotti Andrews
It has become popular for today’s bride to sport a vintage, antique, and/or estate engagement ring, but most brides-to-be aren’t sure exactly how to determine into which category their rings fit. One key in determining the vintage of your engagement ring is that the terms are not either/or classifications.

In fact, most rings older than 50 years will fit into at least two of the categories, sometimes three. There is no hardline rule as to what the terms vintage and antique mean, but here follow a few guidelines that should help you determine the “vintage” of your ring.

The term estate engagement ring applies to any ring that has been previously owned. The terms vintage and antique are a little more difficult to pin down, as several factors play a role in a ring’s classification. It is generally accepted that antique engagements rings are rings that are at least 100 years old.

However, the term also applies to the Art Deco era of jewelry, which spanned the 1920s and ‘30s, clearly not 100 years ago. The term vintage is even trickier. Typically, it applies to rings that are at least 50 years old, but it also includes rings from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian eras.

You can see how these categorizations can be confusing if you’re looking for one exclusive classification for your ring. So long as you view the classifications as inclusive, your Art Deco engagement ring can be classified as an estate, antique, and vintage ring. This leaves you plenty of room to choose whether you will tell all your friends that your favorite man bought you a vintage ring, and antique ring, or an estate ring.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Country Consultant Blog. “What Makes Jewelry Vintage.” Posted March 29, 2011. Accessed May 22, 2012. http://www.countryconsultant.com/blogspot/?p=1470.
2. “Estate Jewelry.” Wikipedia. Last modified May 17, 2012. Accessed May 22, 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vintage_jewelry.

Did Nene Leakes receive an antique engagement ring from her ex?

Did Nene Leakes receive an antique engagement ring from her ex?While some might assume that antique engagement rings and diamond-studded wedding bands are only suited for big name celebrities, the fact of the matter is that more reality stars are getting in on the action as well.

Recently, reports have been swirling that Nene Leakes from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" is planning to tie the knot once again with her ex-husband, Gregg Leakes. These rumors come about one year after the divorce was initially finalized, according to the Christian Post. Now, a slew of tweets on Leakes' Twitter page are leading people to believe that a reconciliation is in the near future.

"When we broke up, Gregg moved out for a year," Nene told S2S Publisher Jamie Foster Brown, according to the news source. "We divorced while Gregg was out. Then, once we divorced, we found ourselves being friends. And there was nothing left to fight about. I'm very loyal and [I was very committed to Gregg]. I always wanted to stay married."

Will Nene sport a new engagement ring or wedding band if the two walk down the aisle once again? One would have to assume that Leakes would want to woo his woman back in style!

Actor Rider Strong will soon be wearing a wedding band

Actor Rider Strong will soon be wearing a wedding bandIf you're a television buff and watched sitcoms in the 90s, you know that "Boy Meets World" was one of the most popular shows of its time, especially among young people. Now, the stars from the show are all grown up and tying the knot with wedding bands.

Recently, actress Danielle Fishel announced that she'll soon be walking down the aisle. Now, actor Rider Strong has confirmed that he has proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Alexandra Barreto. Strong played the character Shawn on "Boy Meets World."

"I asked on Dec. 23, while her parents were visiting for the holidays," Strong told E! News. "I took her for a walk under the redwoods on the property where I grew up in Northern California. It was pouring rain, but it didn't look like it was going to stop anytime soon, so I just decided to go for it."

Although the ring Strong used to propose wasn't a traditional antique engagement ring, it was just as beautiful with three diamonds surrounded by white gold. Strong carved and created the ring himself, keeping his plans a secret until the very last moment when he popped the question.

Will Janet Jackson soon step out with a vintage engagement ring?

Will Janet Jackson soon step out with a vintage engagement ring?When you think of antique engagement rings, celebrities interested in only the finest bauble on their finger when they walk down the aisle likely come to mind. One woman who just might find herself on this list of people is pop icon Janet Jackson.

Recently, rumors have been swirling that the sister of Michael Jackson has plans to walk down the aisle with longtime boyfriend and billionaire, Wissam Al Mana. Whether or not she's flaunting a vintage engagement ring or a custom made contemporary one has yet to be seen – Jackson herself hasn't confirmed the rumors.

Us Weekly is reporting that Jackson hasn't been wearing any type of bauble on her finger – specifically a pricey one from her beau – for fear of losing it. The world is still awaiting word from the pop star as to whether the engagement rumors are true.

If you intend to propose to your loved one in the near future, you might want to consider a ring with a vintage or antique style. These timeless designs are not only beautiful but perfect for any woman looking for a ring with a unique look

Kat Von D didn’t need a vintage engagement ring to say yes to Deadmau5

Kat Von D didn't need a vintage engagement ring to say yes to Deadmau5 If you thought that elegant antique engagement rings were only for celebrities and royalty, think again! There's no rule that says beautiful baubles can't go to women with gothic, edgy taste as well – Kat Von D is the latest example.

Recently, her boyfriend and musician DeadMau5 popped the question over Twitter, including a picture of the ring he chose for his potential wife-to-be. The ring was custom designed to include two skulls and a massive diamond in the center. Ecstatically, Kat Von D accepted his proposal over the internet for the world to see.

In the past, the tattoo artist and reality television star has been linked to several men including Jesse James, the ex-husband of actress Sandra Bullock. Maybe now Kat Von D has finally found the one – the world will have to wait and see.

These days, even vintage engagement rings can be flawlessly customized to cater to the design preferences of blushing brides. Consider adding your own personal touches before getting down on one knee and popping the question. In the end, your significant other will likely appreciate the uniqueness of the ring!

Is Taylor Swift ready to step out with an antique engagement ring on her finger?

Is Taylor Swift ready to step out with an antique engagement ring on her finger?It might seem like she's moving too fast, but rumors have it that singer Taylor Swift might be wearing a vintage engagement ring out in public very soon! The 23-year-old star was recently whisked away by her boyfriend, Harry Styles, to England for her birthday.

During the sweet trip, people began speculating that the two were getting extremely close despite only having been together for a short amount of time – so close that wedding bells might soon start ringing!

"Harry has told [Taylor] this is a big deal for him and that he has never felt like this way about a girl before," an anonymous source told Star, according to HollywoodLife.com. "He’s had loads of flings with other girls, but nobody has got to him like Taylor has. They really get each other."

Rumors also say that the two are currently hunting for a house that they can share together in London. Swift, who is renowned for her songs of sappy romances and breakups, hasn't said a peep about the engagement allegations. Perhaps she'll spill the truth with an antique engagement ring on her finger in the future!

Did Robert Pattinson forgive Kristen Stewart with an antique engagement ring?

Did Robert Pattinson forgive Kristen Stewart with an antique engagement ring?The moment Twi-hards have been waiting for may finally be here – rumors are swirling that Robert Pattinson has put a ring on his co-star and girlfriend Kristen Stewart's finger! Is an antique engagement ring? Is all really forgiven between the two of them?

Nothing has been confirmed, but OK! Magazine reports that the two have been looking for the perfect spot to host a wedding. This news may be surprising to some as the couple have just gotten back together after Stewart's fling with a much older man earlier this year.

"They're split between doing it in England or somewhere totally remote and tropical," an insider told the magazine. "Before the cheating scandal, the plan was always a wedding near Rob's home in the U.K. But now, some of his family and friends are not so keen on Kristen, so she's not really into that."

Whether Stewart will be stepping out in a vintage engagement ring more often or if the rumors are all hogwash has yet to be seen. "Twilight" lovers will likely have to wait a little longer to see if the couple has really made up for good.

Will Shenae Grimes flaunt a vintage engagement ring?

Will Shenae Grimes flaunt a vintage engagement ring?These days, it seems like everyone from Hollywood stars to everyday women are trying to get their hands on vintage engagement rings, and for good reason. These baubles have timeless designs that make them the perfect choice for men thinking about getting down on one knee.

One star who might be flaunting an eye-catching ring more often is actress Shenae Grimes. Recently, the "90210" star announced her engagement to musician Josh Breech. Despite the buzz surrounding the news, it might be tough to gain details on her wedding – she wants to keep it private, according to E! News.

"Thanks for all the congratulations everyone," Grimes wrote on her website, according to the source. "I'm a very happy lady indeed and all the warm wishes are well appreciated! We plan to keep our special day very private and we hope everyone can respect that."

Whether you're going to propose to the love of your life in the near future or you're still waiting for the right moment, you might want to consider an antique engagement ring. Jewelry with unique designs that date back to another time are ideal for wowing women with exquisite taste.

Will ESPN’s Samantha Steele begin flaunting an antique engagement ring?

Will ESPN's Samantha Steele begin flaunting an antique engagement ring?These days, you don't have to be an A-list actress to receive a beautiful bauble such as an antique engagement ring – even sportscasters can flaunt larger-than-life pieces on their ring fingers!

Recently, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder got down on one knee and asked ESPN correspondent Samantha Steele to be his lawfully wedded wife. He popped the question in an untraditional but charming way – he lit his house with Christmas lights spelling out "Will you marry me?" according to the Los Angeles Times.

Ever since the two have been a couple, they've been trying to downplay their relationship in fear of the media assuming it's interfering in their careers.

"There's been a thousand articles today about it," Ponder told USA Today Sports. "You can't really worry about it. You've got to try to keep it private, but that's just part of the industry, part of the job."

A vintage engagement ring might be just what the couple needs to prove to the world that there's more to their love than what the media assumes! In the end, Ponder and Steele might become the ideal couple of the sports world.

Erin Hasan’s bauble is no antique engagement ring, but just as beautiful

Erin Hasan's bauble is no antique engagement ring, but just as beautifulThere's nothing quite like the beauty of a vintage engagement ring, especially when it has a long, illustrious history. These pieces tend to have timeless designs that make them desirable among celebrities and everyday women alike.

One woman who will soon be sporting a gorgeous bauble on her ring finger more often is Erin Hasan, the girlfriend of actor Liam McIntyre. Recently, the star got down on one knee and popped the question to his significant other of two years as they vacationed at Disney World.

People magazine reports that the ring has about 150 diamonds in total, including eye-catching pink diamonds on each side of the bauble.

"Liam had one of the characters from Cinderella come to my door," Hasan told Australia's TV Week, according to People. "They took me to a room and I got a makeover. They had custom-made me a dress based on my three favorite Disney princesses."

While Hasan's ring may not be similar to an antique engagement ring, it's going to be one worth taking a second look at even years after the two say "I do."