Art Deco Engagement Rings: A Shopping and Styling Guide

Art Deco-inspired engagement rings take us back to the roaring 1920s. Named after the Art Deco era, Art Deco engagement rings embody the geometrical design principles that personified the 1920s and 1930s. This elegant and sophisticated aesthetic may be historic, but Art Deco engagement rings have remained popular today.

Read on to learn what Art Deco is, what to consider before buying an Art Deco engagement ring, and how to find the perfect design featuring VRAI created diamonds.

What Is Art Deco?

The term Art Deco stands for the French term “arts décoratifs.” Art Deco refers to a design style that originated in the 1910s and was popular during the 1920s and 1930s. Art Deco emphasizes geometric patterns, abstract design, linear symmetry, and an overall look of fine craftsmanship and luxury. Art Deco design is found in architecture, art, decor, jewelry, and fashion.

What Is Art Deco Jewelry?

Art Deco jewelry is jewelry that embodies the design principles of Art Deco. Art Deco jewelry is beloved for its elegance, geometric shapes, a focus on verticality, and timeless appeal. The jewelry worn during the “Roaring Twenties” or “The Great Gatsby” are popular examples of Art Deco style.

When jewelers offer Art Deco engagement rings it means the ring style is reminiscent of Art Deco design.

Art Deco Engagement Rings Meaning & History

The history of Art Deco dates back to France in the mid-1910s. By the 1920s, Art Deco style had made its way to mainstream popularity throughout the U.S. and Europe. Everything from furniture to skyscrapers (like the Empire State Building) was inspired by Art Deco’s sophistication and symmetry.

The Art Deco era was a period of great transformation and individualization, especially for women. Art Deco represented the larger technological progress and globalization taking place throughout the era. The bold and modern designs contrasted with the previous darkness of war.

Art Deco engagement rings became popular during the 1920s and meant that you were a modern, fashionable woman of the times. Art Deco engagement rings blend abstract designs, geometric step cut diamonds, sleek lines, and contrasting colors. These rings reflected the newfound luxurious opulence that became celebrated after World War I.

Art Deco rings were the result of expert craftsmanship and technological advances in diamond cutting and design. This is why newer step cut diamonds, such as Emeralds and Baguettes, are primarily featured in Art Deco rings. Diamond cutters could now streamline the cutting process and save more of the rough diamond.

While the grandeur of Art Deco jewelry offered escapism during the Great Depression, as the Depression continued, Art Deco gradually faded. By 1939, when World War II began, it fell out of style.

Art Deco engagement rings notably regained popularity in the 1960s and remain in style today. Shoppers are now seeking bespoke, vintage-inspired engagement rings with expert craftsmanship. This has furthered the demand for Art Deco engagement rings.

Many celebrities have chosen famous Art Deco-inspired engagement rings including Natalie Portman, Mary-Kate Olsen, Pippa Middleton, Meghan Markle, Katy Perry, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Kate Moss.

The Key Features of Art Deco Engagement Rings

Art Deco Rings are notable for geometric patterns and abstract designs. The most common geometric shapes are triangles, squares, rectangles, and circles. For this reason, you’ll see a lot of Emeralds, Asscher cuts, and Baguettes employed in Art Deco engagement rings.

A few additional key features of Art Deco engagement rings include:

Accent Diamonds and Gemstones

The usage of small diamonds as accent stones is characteristic of Art Deco style. The setting technique known as Pavé evolved during this period. Halo engagement ring settings are also particularly popular for Art Deco rings.

Eye-catching Color

Art Deco rings rely heavily on color. It is quite common to see the juxtaposition of diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires arranged in a geometric pattern.

Symmetry and Clean Lines

Symmetry is a key feature of Art Deco engagement rings, as are clean, vertical lines.

Intricate Details & Layers

Layering shapes, intricate line art, numerous expertly set gemstones, and ornate detailing are often found in Art Deco rings.

Combining Gold and Platinum

You’ll often see a combination of yellow gold and platinum in vintage Art Deco rings, as designers of this era loved contrasting colors.

Best Metal Color for Art Deco Rings

Platinum was the most popular metal for rings during the Art Deco era. Platinum’s resistance to tarnishing and its malleability allowed goldsmiths to create intricate, yet geometric shapes and outlines. Platinum engagement rings have a bright luster that enhances the modern geometry of Art Deco design.

In the Depression era, white and yellow gold Art Deco engagement rings became increasingly popular. Yellow gold will add a warm, classic color contrast to an Art Deco engagement ring.

The only color not immediately associated with Art Deco is rose gold. But rose gold has an eye-catching, vintage-inspired look that complements Art Deco designs. Any of these engagement ring metals will work beautifully for an Art Deco engagement ring today.

What Diamond Cut Is Art Deco?

Emerald cut diamonds, Baguette cut diamonds, and Asscher cut diamonds are the most popular diamond cuts for Art Deco engagement rings. Art Deco designs feature geometry and symmetry, so step cut diamonds, with trapezoidal facets and a hall-of-mirror effect, were popular for Art Deco rings.

Round Brilliant cut diamonds were also favored for Art Deco engagement rings, often featured in Halo rings or as the center diamond. Marquise cut diamonds, with a distinct elliptical shape, are further associated with Art Deco designs.

Today, there are numerous Art Deco-inspired diamond shapes to choose from that weren’t available during that period. Triangular shapes were often used in Art Deco, so the modern Trillion cut diamond engagement ring is an excellent choice for Art Deco.

VRAI’s Cut for You™ process allows you to choose from 31 diamond shapes including popular shapes and VRAI exclusive cuts. Step cut diamonds are prominently featured among the Cut for You™ options, including Hexagon, Kite, Lozenge, and Capri cut diamonds. The emphasis on the geometry of their facets uniquely suits Art Deco-style engagement rings.

Top Art Deco Engagement Ring Settings

Certain engagement ring settings embody the symmetry, sophistication, and brilliance found in Art Deco rings. For those who love geometry and elegance, VRAI’s Art Deco engagement ring settings offer a contemporary take on this enduring aesthetic.

Explore the best Art Deco engagement ring designs to inspire your ring selection.

Modern Art Deco Engagement Rings

Modern Art Deco engagement ring settings will emphasize the sleek, clean, linear look of this era. Opt for white gold or platinum to further highlight this.

The symmetrical Art Deco style is perfected in Three Stone engagement ring settings. Any combination of center and side stones would achieve an Art Deco look. For a modern style, opt for tapered Baguette Side stones and an Emerald, Trillion, Asscher, or Radiant center diamond.

The Five Stone Heirloom, with four Baguette side stones, gives any center diamond an Art Deco look, while The Mixed Shape distinctly contrasts two diamond shapes.

For shoppers who prefer a more understated Art Deco engagement ring, consider The Hover with a Step cut center diamond, or The Devotion with a subtle Baguette band.

Vintage Art Deco Engagement Rings

Not every Art Deco engagement ring follows the same pattern. Several historic settings were favored in the Art Deco era. These vintage designs have differing details and embellishments.

When choosing a vintage-inspired engagement ring, consider the Art Deco setting that aligns best with your style. Designs with undeniable diamond embellishments, intricate settings, and a gold band will enhance the vintage look.

The sleek and modern Bezel or the geometrical Signature V offers a minimalist vintage Art Deco setting. The domed elegance of The Curator and The Three Stone Halo embody the glittery opulence of 1920s Art Deco engagement rings.

Halo settings are quintessential vintage Art Deco styles. A traditional Halo setting with a linear diamond shape is wonderful for classic tastes, while The Aurora Halo with a fancy-shaped center diamond has a distinctly glamorous look.

Tips for Buying an Art Deco Engagement Ring

If you want to buy an Art Deco engagement ring, consider the following tips to ensure the best selection for you.

Verify Quality & Craftmanship

Art Deco engagement rings often feature intricate embellishments and diamond forward designs. Quality and expert craftsmanship ensure that your engagement ring will last for years to come. Research the retailer beforehand and verify the quality of materials as well as the security of the setting.

Only Buy Certified Diamonds

Always look for diamond certification before buying an engagement ring. The diamonds should be certified by a reputable organization with the diamond grade available.

Consider Lifestyle When Choosing Ring Style

There are numerous engagement ring styles to choose from when shopping for Art Deco rings. Consider your lifestyle, and preferences, when choosing the right Art Deco setting for you.

If you work with your hands or live an active lifestyle, a minimalist setting may be best. If you prefer diamond-forward designs and take excellent care of your jewelry, then bolder, more intricate Art Deco styles will work for you.

Keep up Maintenance

If your Art Deco ring features several diamonds, maintenance is important. Keep that in mind before buying, and learn how to properly clean your diamond ring.

Look for retailers that offer complimentary maintenance. All VRAI engagement rings come with a Full Lifetime Warranty which includes an annual professional cleaning and repairs.

Shop Art Deco Lab-Grown Diamond Rings

Art Deco is no longer vintage-inspired nor trendy - it’s simply timeless when it comes to jewelry and engagement rings. Explore our full inventory of Art Deco engagement rings featuring VRAI created diamonds grown in the world’s first zero-emission foundry. VRAI’s lab-grown diamond engagement rings are the only Carbon Neutral Certified engagement rings.

Art Deco design reflects the innovation and progress of the era. When you choose VRAI Art Deco engagement rings, you’re choosing an engagement ring that reflects the sustainable innovation of today.

Art Deco Engagement Rings FAQs

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Art Deco engagement rings and jewelry below.

What Is the Difference Between Art Deco and Art Nouveau Rings?

The difference between Art Deco and Art Nouveau rings is that these jewelry styles come from different eras and feature different designs. The Art Nouveau Era took place from 1890-1910, while the Art Deco Era came after and remained in fashion through the 1930s.

Art Nouveau rings feature rounder, asymmetrical nature-inspired lines and shapes. Art Deco rings have more symmetrical, geometric lines and edges.

How Can You Tell if a Ring Is Art Deco?

You can tell if a ring is Art Deco if it features the primary characteristics of Art Deco jewelry. Geometric shapes, clean, vertical lines, accent stones, and an overall sleek appearance often define Art Deco rings.

What Is the Significance of Art Deco?

Art Deco is significant because it represents the birth of modern innovation and extravagance post World War I. Art Deco personifies the way society was changing and breaking away from tradition, with individualism, creativity, and a celebration of wealth and growth.

What Is the Most Famous Art Deco Jewelry?

Certain jewelry styles were particularly famous during the Art Deco era. Brooches, tennis bracelets, colorful gemstone pieces, bangles, and sautoir necklaces are just a few famous Art Deco jewelry designs.

Are Art Deco Rings Timeless?

Art Deco rings are timeless and popular. Art Deco engagement rings are consistently sought-after, with numerous designs available today for shoppers to easily emulate the Art Deco style.

What Era Is Art Deco Rings?

The most famous era of Art Deco engagement rings is the 1920s, but Art Deco rings were prominently worn between 1910-1935.

Is Art Deco Gold or Silver?

Most Art Deco jewelry was gold or platinum. Many pieces combine platinum and yellow gold. The lustrous, sleek shine of platinum embodies the Art Deco era.

Are Art Deco Engagement Rings Popular Now?

Art Deco engagement rings are popular now. Some of the most popular engagement ring settings, such as Three Stone engagement rings, are considered Art Deco.