Antique Cut
Antique Cut
An Antique Engagement Ring Provides an Instant Family Heirloom
Searching for the perfect engagement ring for your girlfriend? Is she “that” one-in-a-million, deserving something that is as unique as she is? Perhaps an antique engagement ring is just what you need for that special moment when you “pop the question”. The gift of an antique engagement ring will say, with quiet subtlety, that she is the one for you, unique above all others. It will say that she is the one that you have been waiting your lifetime to find. Antique engagement rings typically refer to a ring that is over 50 years old. They are typically less expensive and yet, the craftsmanship is often much better than rings made today. An added bonus, it becomes an instant family heirloom for generations to follow. When searching for a unique antique engagement ring or “vintage engagement ring” as they are often called, request to see rings made prior to 1950.
Most Popular Eras of the Antique Engagement Ring
There are three widely recognized eras in antique engagement rings, the Victorian, the Edwardian and the Art Deco. It is best to be an informed shopper when buying antique jewelry. The Victorian period is classified between the years of 1835-1900. These rings are made of yellow or rose gold and vary from simple to elaborate designs. It wasn’t until 1886 that the classic style called the “Tiffany” was introduced. The Edwardian era generally refers to the 1900-1920’s. During this era, platinum became a popular metal choice, often set with rose cut diamonds or sapphires. It was also during this time that the use of delicate scrollwork, milgraining and filigree details gained in popularity. Art Deco began in the 1920-1930’s, an exotic and exciting time in the history of the United States and this is reflected in the jewelry and art created during this time span. The rings of this era have a wide variety of themes ranging from the Egyptian, Asian and the Native American cultures. Many contain a variety of contrasting gemstones in one setting. At the conclusion of the era, a diamond encrusted platinum setting boasting a multitude of diamonds became extremely popular. The Art Deco antique engagement ring is currently the most popular choice for newly engaged couples.
Become an Educated Shopper
It is a true fashion statement when a young couple purchases an antique engagement ring. However, it is important that they not do so without observing caution, as there is a considerable amount of information one must know prior to making a final purchase. Be cautious when buying a ring that contains a soft stone such as a pearl, emerald or opal, which may have internal damage that is not visible to the naked eye. Also, these stones will not hold up as well as a diamond for the intense damage that may occur from day-to-day wear. In addition, it is important to look closely at the craftsmanship of the antique engagement ring to insure that it is genuine and not a poor replica. In addition, if you are purchasing your ring on a budget, consider looking specifically at each ring band as many are designed to make a smaller diamond appear larger in size. When purchasing, look carefully at the written description of the piece, making sure that the details including condition, color, clarity, cut, carat, age and size are clearly stated and if possible, ask for a gemologists report. It is important to make educated decisions when buying an antique engagement ring, as it will be a significant statement on your big day.
For more information from Brian Welsch about Antique Engagement Rings check www.ringsforengagement.com
About the Author
Brian Welsch, born in New York, USA, 1974. He is part time jeweler a regular writer for www.ringsforengagement.com site. Lives in NY with his wife and two children.
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In a Way, Antique Cabinet Lighting is Much Like Playing Cards
Only a few display lighting specialists will attempt to tackle lighting an antique cabinet of any kind. Antique cabinets represent a very fine form of furniture that constitutes a form of art in and of itself. They are both ornate in appearance, and exceptional in value. Any significant amount of cutting into the wood of an antique to install lighting is simply out of the question. Both the aesthetic and the value of the cabinet will be ruined if the wrong lights are installed, or if the wiring is not done skillfully and precisely in a manner sensitive to the unique design of the cabinet.
In a way, antique cabinet lighting is much like playing cards. Every free standing cabinet presents its own individual form to be considered, and typically showcases very unique elements not found in the rest of the home. Electricians have to study the furniture carefully to find opportunities for wiring that do not involve visible cuts in the piece or noticeable protrusion of the wires themselves into the visible interior of the display. It can be very delicate work, even in larger antique cabinets. Lighting designers and art lighting consultants often find the tedious nature of this work too much too perplexing to attempt as a cost-effective line item on an invoice. It is too time consuming for their team, and also requires special cabinet lighting fixtures that many contractors may not have access to.
In fact, many of our clients have already talked to several professionals who simply did not want to take on a job that could not be fit into a standard method of installation that they were comfortable with performing. These clients turned to ILD because of this, hoping to find a more flexible and custom approach to antique cabinet lighting.
ILD is one of the few companies with the experience, know-how, and technology necessary to light antique cabinets effectively and safely. Using a blend of proprietary knowledge, electrical systems, and a keen eye for display presentation, our team can effectively and attractively illuminate a display case of any kind.
What makes our display and art lighting so unique is our creative combination of traditional wiring methods with proprietary new technology that allow for equipment to be custom-fitted and hidden within the interior of the cabinet. Fishing wires through very tight spaces requires a patience and skill at delicate work that few electricianal technicians are willing to touch. Also, locating a light source that will work with such a customized wiring job can also be a challenge for the average electrical specialist. Most linear light strips are difficult to power without larger transformers and obtrusive visible wires. In the case of antiques, there are always cleats and saw cut brackets in the vertical sides that support the horizontal shelves. New home run wiring can be run through these small spaces, and small, custom linear light fixtures can be made for mounting on the undersides of the cabinet shelves. Other than contact pads and a few very small screws, there is no penetration of the wood surface.
This highly individualized approach to Houston Texas antique cabinet lighting offers additional advantages beyond preserving the integrity of the furniture. The customized fixtures we install are made specifically for the dimensions of each particular cabinet, and will not be seen by anyone looking into the display case. All that viewers will see is an ambient wash of light that bathes collectibles and statuary in a luminance that appears sourceless and multi-dimensional..
About the Author
Residential Lighting Design
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