Engagement rings of the 1940s were designed in a less elaborate fashion than the Art Deco and early 1900 styles that came before – perhaps because the era saw the onset of World War II.

Solitaire round brilliant cut diamonds, sometimes flanked by baguettes or other small cut diamonds, were prevalent during the 1940s. These pieces were often set in platinum or white gold.

From the 1940s into the 1950s was the era of Retro, and jewelry of this time was inspired by Hollywood starlets. Jewels were big and bold and a variety of gold alloys in various colors were utilized, due to the dearth of platinum. Semi-precious stones, such as aquamarine and garnet, were also used. Although this Retro Ruby Star Set Band was most likely not an engagement ring, it’s a beautiful piece that would look good on a just-engaged hand today.

Ruby Set Engraved Star Band

The majority of Doyle & Doyle’s vintage engagement ring collection comes from before the 1950s, but rings from then until now have the benefit of having a history of style behind them. When it comes to modern engagement rings, anything goes, but we recommend looking to the past for you inspiration.

Round Brilliant Cut and Baguette Diamond Ring

Diamond Cluster Ring

Retro Diamond Ring

Tags: antique engagement rings, Retro, round brilliant cut diamonds.

There’s always tons of excitement in July – the long weekend of the 4th, music festivals, outdoor activities, beach excursions and long summer nights.

So, in the jewelry world, it’s only fitting that the stone of the month is the fiery ruby.

Among natural gems, only diamond is harder, one reason for the ruby’s popularity in a variety of jewelry styles.

In Victorian jewelry, rubies were set in the heads of snake rings; in Art Nouveau pieces, which are often nature-inspired, they were set to resemble the petals of flowers; and you’ll see rubies often in Retro jewelry, boldly set in yellow or rose gold

Below, a look back in time to where  (and how!) the ruby was worn:

Victorian Era

It’s widely circulated that Queen Victoria’s wedding band was a snake biting its own tail. Whether or not this factoid is true, we  may never know, but what I do know for sure is that there are tons of snake rings to be found (in a variety of styles) from the Victorian era.

They are often set with precious stones in their eyes or on top of their heads, and this particular one is set with a ruby, as well as a diamond and a sapphire.

Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire Snake Ring

There was a period of time during the Victorian era when jewelers were fixated on the design techniques of the Etruscans (ancient Romans). This 18k yellow gold necklace showcases both this design inspiration and beautiful old cut bezel set rubies.

Etruscan Revival Emerald & Ruby Necklace

Art Nouveau Era

Art Nouveau jewels are rife with organic shapes and motifs. A bright ruby (the color of flowers, fruits and other natural delicacies), only enhances this naturalistic beauty,  as seen with these two curvaceous Art Nouveau pieces.

Art Nouveau Enameled Lady Festoon Ruby & Diamond Necklace

Ruby & Diamond Art Nouveau Necklace

Retro Era

Due to the dearth of platinum and other jewelry materials during the Retro era (which spans World War II, from 1940 to 1950), jewelers used alternative metals  such as yellow and rose gold, and alternative stones such as citrines,  amethysts and, of course, rubies.

Their lack was our gain, because ruby jewelry from this era is always some of the boldest.

Retro Ruby Wire Frame Earrings

Diamond and Ruby Retro Flower Ring

Contemporary

With the Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle line, we take inspiration from the motifs and designs of some of our most favorite antique pieces and fashion them anew. A great example are these serpent earrings, accented with ruby drops.

Ruby Drop Serpent Earrings

With all these great examples, it should be easy (or very, very hard if you are indecisive like me!) to add a ruby jewel to your collection.

Tags: Art Nouveau, Earrings, Heirloom, Necklaces, Retro, Rings, Ruby, Snake, victorian.