Many buyers confuse the mounting of a ring from the setting of the ring. The mounting of the ring is the centerpiece or focal point, where the main stone is set apart to be shown in the best way possible. The setting of the ring includes all of the other details of the ring, including accent stones.
Different Eras, Different Mountings
Antique engagement ring mountings have changed through the years according to the era, the technology available, and the styles of the day. In the Victorian era, antique engagement ring mountings were normally with a single stone, set apart in beauty and simplicity. The mounting was in gold, since the technology to use platinum mountings was not yet available. The stones were not necessarily chosen for their clarity, they were chosen for their size and uniqueness, so colored stones were treasured as one of a kind. They also would choose pearls and opals during this era as the center mounting.
In the Edwardian era, things changed considerably in antique engagement ring mountings. New technology allowed for platinum to be used in mountings, which is stronger and allows for more intricate patterns. Edwardian mountings were very intricate, since the fashion of the time declared that the more luxurious and intricate the ring, the more wealth the person had.
There were also more options for cutting the diamonds during this era, such as cushion or emerald cut were used, although round stones were the most common. In this era prongs were still predominantly used in antique engagement ring mountings, although bezel settings can also be found. Diamonds were the predominant stone of this era, although other stones, like sapphires and rubies, were sometimes used. Like the Victorian era, diamonds were not always chosen for their clarity, they were chosen for their uniqueness, which meant colored stones were popular.
The Art Deco era encompassed a entirely new range of antique engagement ring mountings. During this era, the mounting would include the main stone, but would also include the main accent stones, so that the entire piece became one work of art. Technology had advanced some more so that platinum was the most common metal used, allowing for holes to be made in the metal, producing even more fabulous mounting designs. In addition, diamonds were not necessarily the stone of choice for the main mounting. Antique ruby engagement rings can also be found, changing up the traditional look and fitting artsy flair of the Art Deco period.