What’s that? You think I post too many 1920s engagement rings? (Just kidding. Who would say anything so ridiculous?)
The two I have for you today don’t have anything really in common, they just both struck me as exceptional so I decided to lump them together. Plus, they look like they get along well, don’t you think?
Let’s take a look at this beauty first. Oh my goodness, do I love an East-West marquise. (“East-West” means that the center stone is set with the long ends pointing to the sides, instead of straight up and down.) This one was made in 1925 by none other than Tiffany & Co., so it’s no wonder it’s a beauty.
Oh, yes. You’re no average 1920s engagement ring, are you, my pretty? Just look at the twisting, ribbon-like details on the sides of the center stone, the engraving along the shank! Glorious. Let’s get even closer.
When it’s this close in, you can really see how the center stone is floating in its millegrained elliptical halo.
I couldn’t resist taking a last, full look. This ring is a queen of refined simplicity; a collection of tiny details and one remarkable stone that form a glorious whole.
Ring #2 reminds me of a peacock. The other one got all that florid prose, this one just gets “looks like a peacock.”
My favorite thing about this early Art Deco stunner – which dates to 1920 and only narrowly makes my cut for “1920s engagement rings” – is that the sapphire side stones vary in color. If that turns out to be a trick of the light in which this piece was photographed, I will be very sad.
You see what I mean about the color of the sapphires? Of course, the rest of the ring is magnificent on its own: just look at that engraving! And I love the shape of it; it has such presence. No one’s going to fail to notice this beauty on your finger.
Sigh. My heart goes pitter-patter.
You know what I’m going to ask, because it’s my favorite question: which of these would you choose if you could only choose one?
Both of these wonderful 1920s engagement rings are currently available at Erstwhile Jewelry Co – please see descriptions above for links. All images and info in this post are thanks to Erstwhile Jewelry Co.
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They are both absolutely , gorgeous my pick would be the second one , it is so me ‘!! But I also like the first one a lot , can’t wait for the day I have to go pick one, I’m totally going with a antique you have me hooked now, hahah I wouldn’t of even looked at them before , thank you for sharing these , there is no way I’m going with a newer ring now ???
Yesss, that’s what I love to hear!! I think antique rings are so fun – the thrill of the hunt and the incredible sense of history and uniqueness of each piece can’t be matched. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
I know this is a very old post… but I am dying as I look at the first ring. It would be my ideal engagement ring. I have been looking recently and have struggled to find something similar.
I love love love that one too! It’s worth reaching out to Erstwhile to see if they have anything similar in stock now – and I believe they also offer a service in designing new rings that resemble old rings, if you’d be interested in having a custom piece made. Either way, it can’t hurt to check with them.
Best of luck with your search! You clearly have fabulous taste, if this is the ring that you’re dreaming of.
Loved these rings so much my fiance got the east to west marquise made for me as my engagement ring! The 2015 version is beautiful as well 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Hi Melissa,
That’s so exciting!! Congratulations!! I’m so glad that I helped you and your fiance find the perfect ring. All my best wishes to you both!
I’ve never seen an “east-west” marquise and it’s amazing!
Aren’t they?? I don’t know why they aren’t more common, but I suppose that’s part of their charm. They feel so fresh and interesting.
Also, I’m so glad you and Kevin are going to come to Hillwood with us! Wait until you see the Cartier exhibit. We have to visit it. We’ll leave the boys in the garden if they object.
I love the blue, but I’m pretty sure it’d be too much for my hand, and I’m quite certain the first one would look great on me.
As much as I Love sapphires, I *adore* that first ring! I really like when oblong stones are set ‘east-west’ across the finger. Just gorgeous!