Guide to 1920s Engagement Rings - Ken & Dana (2024)

Intricate Details, Filigree & Milgrain

To make all of this exquisite jewelry, attention to detail was incredibly important. Working with platinum allowed for all manner of intricate and detailed designs to be created without compromising on the security of any of the gemstones. One of the favorite decorative techniques of the era was filigree, and for good reason.

Incorporating filigree into engagement rings allowed for jewelers to make detailed designs that featured small intricate cutouts and geometric lines for a stunning display of symmetrical and balanced art. And in an era when people began marrying for love as opposed to fulfilling family expectations, this very romantic-looking technique gained even more meaning.

Young style setters clamored for filigree and the incredibly unique look it created. Our Gael showcases an intricate filigree pattern set with small sapphires to contrast with the round brilliant cut center stone and rhodium plating on the pavé set band. Our Brenna is a twist on rings from this era, set in rose gold with patterned filigree cutouts, milgrain details throughout, and smaller rubies and diamonds joining the marquise cut center diamond.

The engagement rings of the 1920s are some of the most enduring styles in jewelry design that has consistently inspired trends. With so many style options and a vibrant history behind the design aesthetic of these rings, it would be hard to choose one that wouldn’t be an engagement ring to love for a lifetime.

Guide to 1920s Engagement Rings - Ken & Dana (2024)

FAQs

What did engagement rings look like in the 1920s? ›

Bold Contrasting Colors

That meant that it was quite common to see diamonds paired with colored gemstones. Often a stunning colored gemstone would be the center, focal point of the ring while being surrounded by smaller diamonds. But, it was also common to have a center diamond stone accentuated by colored gemstones.

How do you date a vintage engagement ring? ›

First, check for hallmarks and a maker's mark on the inside of your band. These markings may provide information about the jeweller who originally created the piece, its country of origin, and sometimes even the date of manufacture.

What is the three salary rule for engagement rings? ›

It's known as the "three months' salary" rule, and it implies that a buyer should put three months of their salary toward a sparkler for their future spouse. For context, The Knot's 2023 Jewelry and Engagement study found that the average cost of an engagement ring in the US is $5,500.

How do I find out how much my engagement ring is worth? ›

Getting help from a diamond appraiser is the best option if you are planning to sell your engagement ring or to ensure its quality. The value of a diamond ring (engagement ring) is determined mainly by the type and quality of the diamond used in it.

What type of jewelry was popular in the 1920s? ›

During this time, the perfect accessory was anything that accentuated an exposed back, neck or bare arm. This included long pearl necklaces, large gemstone brooches, bracelets and bangles, as well as sparkling filigree rings -- all iconic staples of the Roaring Twenties.

Is $20,000 a lot for an engagement ring? ›

The answer to whether $20,000 is a lot for an engagement ring depends on your personal financial situation, preferences, and what you believe the ring represents. It's a significant amount of money for many people, but it's essential to find a balance that aligns with your values and budget.

Is $3000 a lot for an engagement ring? ›

Is $3,000 Enough for An Engagement Ring? Yes, $3,000 is definitely enough for an engagement ring. You can get a beautiful, high-quality diamond and a setting with this budget.

Is $2000 dollars good for an engagement ring? ›

However this does not mean that you cannot buy a good engagement ring for $2000, merely that you have to consider diamonds with different characteristics within that price range, the first thing that I would recommend is to consider diamonds in a lower carat weight, because the carat weight of a diamond will have a ...

Are diamonds worth more now than 40 years ago? ›

Diamond prices increases about 14% each year since 1960! Past performance does not guarantee the performance of the future.

Can a jewelry store tell you how much a ring is worth? ›

You should not pay for an appraisal; a local jeweler should able to answer your questions free of charge. Even if they only give you an approximate idea of the details of your ring, this information will help a ring buyer provide you with an initial price range.

What is a realistic price for an engagement ring? ›

While engagement rings are a pricy investment, the usual cost tends to be below $10,000, with a national average of $6,000, according to The Knot's 2022 Jewelry and Engagement Study.

What did the first engagement rings look like? ›

Historians believe that the first engagement rings originated from Ancient Roman around 200 B.C., where they symbolized obedience or a legal contract. Women in Ancient Rome wore engagement rings made of flint, bone, ivory, bronze or iron.

What did wedding rings look like in the early 1900s? ›

1900's. At the start of the 1900's, the majority of brides-to-be that received engagement rings were members of the upper class. The most popular style was a simple band of gold, set with a European cut diamond or similar precious stone.

What is considered a vintage engagement ring? ›

What Makes an Engagement Ring "Vintage"? "Vintage" refers to anything at least 20 years old, while "antique" refers to anything at least 100 years old.

What did engagement rings look like in the 1800s? ›

Diamond rings from the early and mid-1800s often have a closed foiled back, which allowed for maximum brilliance achievable at that time. Engagement rings from this period often feature “rose cut” or “table cut” diamonds, which are flat at the bottom, and rise like a dome.

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