Some couples, when getting engaged, become very interested in getting an antique engagement ring and wedding rings. The engagement ring is an ancient tradition that goes back to a couple of centuries BCE in Rome. However, the Romans believed they were following in the footsteps of a tradition that went all the way back to ancient Egypt. So, looking for an antique engagement ring can provide a sense of transcendental continuance or taking part in a timeless tradition.

Today, people who go “retro” often get interested in antique engagement rings or reproductions from the 1930s. In spite of all the problems of this decade–or, maybe as a reaction to them–1930s engagement rings were very often elegant productions. Yet, there could also be a simplicity to them, because of course there were heavy financial concerns for the usual person back then. So people found ways to strike a balance between economy and beauty. Today, in the era of “bling bling”, this sense of elegant simplicity is appealing to many younger couples who want to get engaged.

One of the predominant styles of the 1930s rings was Art Deco. This was actually a little flashier style for that time; this was a carry-over from the profitable, party-time era of the Roaring Twenties, the previous decade. Heavy use of geometric designs, big gemstones, and “louder” styles were common with Art Deco. In the 1930s, those who could afford these preferred them to remind them of the good times, while others bought mimic designs or had damaged 1920s rings restored.

There was a also a fondness in the 1930s for Victorian rings, rings that carried the designs of the 1800s, especially English designs and Northeastern U.S. designs of those times. These rings tended to emphasize feminine ideals of beauty (or ideals about what female beauty is). Flowers, lace and filigree patterns, small gemstones, and rings made purely of metal were the hallmarks of this design.

The Victorian age was immediately followed by the Edwardian, and in a cultural sense this was still the era of the 1930s. They are similar in many ways to Victorian rings but somewhat more “masculine”, with bolder patterns and heavier, bulkier designs in both metal and gemstone use. There was also a fondness for high-set diamonds that were very fiery under room lighting, another carryover from the Victorians.

And, then of course, there were the simple rings of the 1930s; these would have been made of thin metal and/or small gemstones.

Other predominant characteristics of 1930s rings included:

*Engravings in the metal, interior or exterior

*A fondness for diamonds if they could be afforded

*Scalloped or beveled edges

*Textured shanks

*The use of contrasting metals in one ring

If these types of features would appeal to you, you can save a lot of money by starting your search in pawn shops. You could also check out online auctions like eBay, listings for estate sales, and specialists who deal in antique/repro rings. You can also go to a jeweler and get a custom reproduction made but you’ll pay more for this. If you have grandparents who got engaged in the 1930s, maybe they would let you pass on their ring if they are still alive, or perhaps your parents have possession of it and would allow you to pass it on to your beloved.

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.