Fasten your seatbelts, fashion enthusiasts, love birds, and diamond diggers alike – we're time-traveling back to the Roaring Twenties! 

Don't get us wrong, we're not suggesting you drop everything and break into the Charleston, although we dare say that might be quite amusing! 

As we cruise through the eclectic vibes of engagement ring trends, one thing is crystal clear - the Art Deco trend is sweeping back into 2023 with all the charm and pizzazz of a Gatsby party!

Art Deco engagement rings, with their symmetrical designs and bold, geometric patterns, epitomize timeless elegance, much like a classic Hollywood starlet or a bottle of fine-aged whisky. 

Their enduring allure is similar to the magic of finding your soulmate - once you've experienced it, there's no going back!

So, grab your champagne or coffee (or tea, if you're inclined) while we explore why these beautiful relics of a bygone era are making a phenomenal comeback in our modern times. 

We'll be unpacking this style renaissance and revealing just how you can jump on the Art Deco engagement ring bandwagon. 

Let's roll, people!

Defining Art Deco

Imagine returning to the Roaring Twenties, an era filled with lively flappers, Jazz music's reign, and the prominence of cocktails.

Art Deco, with its design as polished as a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom and as daring as a performance by Josephine Baker, is known for its distinct geometric patterns, symmetrical designs, and deep affinity for vibrant colors.

The style embodies a captivating blend of luxury and modernity.

But what makes something genuinely Art Deco? 

When you delve into the essence of Art Deco, you find a design language rich in distinctive features.

Whether it's an engagement ring, a piece of architecture, or a piece of furniture, Art Deco artifacts often flaunt geometric shapes and symmetrical designs. 

Imagine a ring styled after a skyscraper decorated with zigzag patterns, stepped forms, and stylized floral motifs.

Incorporate the daring use of bold, contrasting colors and materials like chrome, glass, and exotic woods, and you've got a classic piece of Art Deco.

So when did Art Deco come into existence? 

Let's time travel back to the 1920s and '30s, the birth era of Art Deco.

This design trend first emerged in France and quickly gained popularity worldwide, peaking in the 1930s.

Although its influence waned after World War II, Art Deco's spirit persists today and is experiencing a notable resurgence in 2023.

Identifying genuine Art Deco 

If you're a fan of Art Deco, understanding how to distinguish an authentic piece is critical.

Begin by looking for characteristic geometric designs – bold, angular shapes, streamlined forms, and symmetry are key elements. 

Another crucial aspect is contrasting materials and colors, since Art Deco is known for melding different textures and hues.

Art Deco is often associated with nostalgic luxury and extravagance.

If a piece gives off an aura of vintage opulence, it's likely a genuine sample of the Art Deco era.

Art Deco and its Symbolism

Art Deco, the shimmering star of design styles, is a visual symphony of symbolism imbued with layers of meaning that transcend the physical aesthetics of the objects it touches. 

Let's unwrap these layers and understand their deeper connotations.

Romance

Ah, the allure of romance in Art Deco.

Think of it as an intoxicating dance between geometry and luxury, its every motif telling tales of passion and sophistication. 

Reflecting the glamorous vibe of the Roaring Twenties, Art Deco captured the romantic spirit of the era through its expressive designs. 

Shiny chrome, luscious silks, and bold patterns evoke feelings of desire and passion, reminiscent of candlelit soirées and lavish parties.

Whether it's an engagement ring's intricate detailing or a theater's lavish interior, Art Deco encapsulates the timeless appeal of romance.

Optimism

Art Deco emerged in a time of burgeoning optimism between two world wars when society indulged in unprecedented prosperity and technological advancement. 

The motifs of sun rays and speedy animals commonly seen in Art Deco symbolize a new dawn and progress, a sense of looking forward with hope. 

The vibrant colors and bold geometric forms reflect an era brimming with the promise of a brighter future, a celebration of the human spirit's resilience and a relentless march toward progress.

Idealism / Escapism

If Art Deco were a dream, it would be filled with gleaming skyscrapers, futuristic gadgets, and visions of utopia. 

Rooted in idealism, this design style offered an escape from the mundane and propelled people into a world where everything was streamlined, polished, and perfect. 

The lavish use of exotic materials like jade and ivory, and the emphasis on symmetry and balance, mirror a desire for an ideal world, a place of perfect harmony.

From luxurious ocean liners to the smallest household appliances and even the rings on fingers, Art Deco offered an irresistible taste of this dream, an escape from reality into a world of flawless elegance and style.

What are some popular Art Deco engagement ring trends?

The Art Deco era of the 1920s has a resurgent influence on 2023's engagement ring trends. 

One of the recurring themes this year is the blend of old and new, inspired by the bold geometric patterns and colored gemstones typical of Art Deco designs. 

Whether an authentic vintage piece or a modern reinterpretation, Art Deco rings lend a classic yet distinctive touch to the proposal moment. 

Engagement ring buyers are drawn to the harmonious mix of colored gemstones and different cuts that characterize this trend.

Geometric, symmetrical shapes

The intricate geometry and symmetry inherent in Art Deco designs are being embraced in 2023 engagement ring styles. 

This trend is visible in designs that feature angled lines around a larger gemstone, offering an edgy, modern look while preserving the vintage charm. 

Besides, the elegance of east-to-west settings, which provide significant coverage and unique style, is gaining popularity.

Constant color

Art Deco-inspired rings this year often incorporate vibrant colored gemstones. 

Many people want something different and eye-catching, so they jump from traditional diamonds to colored stones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. 

Colored stones, whether diamonds or other precious gems, perfectly encapsulate the individual's personality and make the engagement ring stand out.

Precious metals

The use of precious metals remains popular, especially with a nod to the vintage aesthetic of Art Deco. 

The luxury and durability of metals like 18K yellow gold provide the perfect backdrop for this style's intricate designs and precious gemstones. 

These metals not only exude a timeless appeal but also convey the wearer's individualistic spirit and strong character.

Pros of Art Deco engagement rings:

Classic look

The Art Deco era was characterized by a departure from traditional aesthetics to celebrate progress and modernity.

The unique charm of Art Deco engagement rings arises from this blend of vintage elegance with a forward-looking design aesthetic. 

These rings stand as a timeless representation of a transformative era, encapsulating a classic look that transcends fleeting fashion trends.

With their unique design elements and well-crafted detailing, Art Deco rings are undeniably appealing to brides seeking a touch of classic vintage allure.

Non-traditional design

Art Deco engagement rings broke away from the conventions of their time, drawing inspiration from the bold geometric shapes and rich colors of ancient civilizations. 

They said, "Who loves a little party?" to the overly romantic, flowery designs of the Art Nouveau period, marking a shift towards bolder, edgier, and more abstract forms. 

Using sharp angles, straight lines, symmetry, and a range of vibrant colored gemstones lent Art Deco rings a distinctive flair.

In an era where personal expression is valued, the non-traditional design of these rings holds a unique allure.

Very intricate

Art Deco engagement rings are renowned for their intricate detail, reflecting the skilled craftsmanship of the period.

The use of small metal beads, or milgrain, to create ornate borders and bezel settings, arranging stones into striking patterns, resulted in a high level of detailing. 

This intricate craftsmanship gives each Art Deco ring a truly unique, sophisticated appearance that remains highly prized today.

Cons of Art Deco engagement rings:

Can be very fragile

The intricate detailing and craftsmanship that make Art Deco engagement rings appealing can also make them delicate and fragile. 

The bezel settings, milgrain detailing, and other ornate design elements require careful handling to prevent damage or wear over time. 

Antique-cut diamonds and other precious gemstones may also present challenges in maintaining their luster and preventing chipping or breakage.

Availability is becoming limited

Because everybody wants an Art Deco engagement ring, they are becoming increasingly difficult to find. 

So if you spot one in the wild, you might want to grab it fast before it's gone! 

Authentic vintage Art Deco rings, in particular, are becoming super rare.

Even reproductions and modern interpretations may be limited in availability due to the intricate craftsmanship required. 

This scarcity can make finding the perfect Art Deco ring more challenging and potentially expensive.

Very prominent settings may distract from center stone

One distinctive feature of Art Deco engagement rings is the prominence of their settings.

These settings are designed to catch the eye with their bold geometric designs and ornate detailing. 

However, in some designs, this prominence may overshadow the center stone, which traditionally serves as the focal point of an engagement ring. 

This balance between setting and stone may not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking a more traditional design emphasis on the central gemstone.

Capturing History in Your Engagement Ring

The timeless charm of Art Deco engagement rings is certainly having its moment under the spotlight, rightfully earning its place among the top engagement ring trends in 2023.

With its clean lines, geometric shapes, and vivid colors, Art Deco signifies an era of cultural evolution, artistic rebellion, and an expression of love as authentic as the couples.

Choosing an Art Deco engagement ring or a vintage-inspired piece doesn't just reflect a fashion statement but also the unique narrative of your relationship. 

At Ben Garelick, we value these stories and the memories intertwined with each vintage and Art Deco ring. 

Ready to take the next step and explore the timeless elegance of an Art Deco or vintage engagement ring? 

Visit our showroom or speak with our engagement experts online.

At Ben Garelick, every ring is a love story, and we can't wait to be a part of yours.

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.