my three vintage Art Deco engraved wedding rings

[LibbyLA]

Just got a third engraved wedding ring Friday and had everything cleaned a little while ago so I thought I'd share photos of the three rings together. From left to right in both photos:

3 mm platinum band, size 8.25 (resized by jeweler, who did a great job of engraving the added part; Ruby Lane; dated 10-9-1926, three days before my dad's birthday)

2.5 mm 18K white gold, size 8.5 (ebay, got it at a great price, latest purchase)

2 mm 18K white gold, size 8 (Ruby Lane)

The designs on the first two are very similar. The third one has beveled, engraved sides. The two WG ones are probably from the 1930s. All are in amazing condition, at least compared to most of the ones I've seen on ebay. I'm wearing them in various combinations as stackers with spacers between them in hopes of keeping the milgrain and side engraving intact.

I had gotten another WG one but the graduated "ribs" on one side had been worn off so the ring was asymmetrical. Just couldn't deal with that and found the 2.5 mm one for a much better price so I sent it back rather than have the ribs polished off to make both sides match.

 

[Enerchi]

They all turned out perfectly! Your jeweller did great work! Love them

 

[junebug17]

Libby, these are all so beautiful!! I really love engraved bands, and all of these are in such great shape and the engraving is very crisp! I agree with you, I've been looking at bands on ebay and the majority of them are usually kind of banged up or worn - these are really lovely, enjoy them!

 

[LibbyLA]

Enerchi: my jeweler just cleaned them, but that worked a miracle. I wish I had a before picture for comparison. All three must have had a lot of grime on them because they were dark, like tarnished silver. The RL vendor that I bought the platinum band from had the resizing and new engraving done. I would be leery of resizing these engraved bands, but the RL sales rep assured me the jeweler they used would be able to do it.

Junebug: Just goes to show that you can find bands that are in good shape although it may take awhile. It's just more challenging because you really need to find them in your size since resizing is not straightforward. FWIW, I paid $160 for the WG ebay ring, which I think is a steal. Starting bid was $148 and only two of us bid, both within the last hour or so. The other two weren't steals, but I'm comfortable with what I paid for them.

Here's a pretty one, very different design, but worn. Low starting price for platinum. http://www.ebay.com/itm/280892721542?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

liz

 

[armywife13]

They are gorgeous! I have been having a hard time finding any in my size(8.25-8.5), I may have to enlist your skills sometime. Congratulations on the beautiful vintage bands!

 

[LibbyLA]

armywife,

If I run across anything, I'll post. Are you looking for platinum or white gold? Preferred width, design/style?

I haven't been looking all that hard lately but have found the three white gold ones in the last month or six weeks. I just stumbled on the milgrain WG 8.5 after getting the one I sent back and not being thrilled with it.

The one I sent back is 8.25 and could be made symmetrical (but flat-sided) by polishing the edge off. I like it, but found the milgrain one so opted not to keep the asymmetrical. If you prefer flat-sided, that one might work for you. Here's the link for the original listing. They should get it back any day and I'm sure they'll relist it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170844117266?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

If you find one you like, you have to jump on it. There just aren't that many for us larger-fingered gals and they don't seem to be available for long.

Here's a pretty one, but it's way too big: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-OB-Engraved-Wedding-Band-18k-Solid-White-Gold-Ring-High-Carat-10-10-25-/310388400715?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_without_Stones&hash=item484497224b

You've probably seen this one. It's pretty but the price is just too high and they probably wouldn't accept what you'd consider a reasonable offer, but you might try. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Ladies-Wedding-Band-Ring-14K-SZ-8-5-UK-Q1-2-Engraved-Vintage-Estate-Deco-/170836263147?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_without_Stones&hash=item27c6a280eb

liz

liz

 

[artdecogirl]

Libby those are beautiful! I just love the older bands

 

[lucyruth]

Love them! I have a weakness for antique engraved bands! I can't seem to find what I want in my size though. Can these be stretched do you think?

 

[armywife13]

Thanks for the suggestions LibbyLA!

 

[LibbyLA]

lucyruth,

What size do you need and what specs do you have in mind (metal type, width, design, etc.)?

I wanted to have my 8 stretched a quarter size, but it wouldn't stretch without heating it. Whether they survive stretching depends on how they are made (at least that's what my jeweler says). I've also read that the design may not stretch proportionately and smoothly so it's not really recommended that you stretch an engraved band. If you don't have to go up too much and you have a good jeweler who can engrave, you can resize that way but I've decided that it's safer just to buy only in my sizes. I took a chance that the RL vendor knew what his bench could do but I wouldn't trust that to just any jeweler.

I keep looking at bands even though I don't need any more. I'll be happy to share any links I find to bands that might work for you if I know what you'd like to find.

liz

 

[LibbyLA]

armywife,

New linkie for the one I said you might make an offer on it. They've gone down a whopping $25. http://www.ebay.com/itm/170853822034?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

You may be able to use the link to the one I bought to get the price down some, although they're probably not going to come down to match that price. The one I bought is in better condition and weighs a little more.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/370616059131?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Have you seen this platinum one? It's not in as good a shape as some, but it isn't worn smooth, either. It's make an offer:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Vintage-Estate-Platinum-Wedding-Band-Ring-Engraved-Art-Deco-SZ-8-25-UK-Q-/190676676231?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c65372e87

Here's a cool one that's different, but it's not nearly the right size and it's a little pricey. Thought I'd post it, though, because it's interesting: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Wedding-Band-Ring-Platinum-6-5-UK-M1-2-3-9-Gram-Vintage-Estate-Art-Deco-/170845010093?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_without_Stones&hash=item27c727f8ad

Here's a pretty WG one, size 8.5, for $350: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/VintageWeddingBands/WB2413.html

YG, size 8.75 for $325: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/VintageWeddingBands/WB2239.html

YG, size 8.5, for $225: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/VintageWeddingBands/WB2227.html

size 8 platinum, they say they can resize slightly, definitely not a steal at $785: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/AntiqueWeddingBands/WB2618.html

size 8 platinum, can be resized slightly, $600: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/AntiqueWeddingBands/WB2670.html

size 8.25, YG, $275: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/AntiqueWeddingBands/WB2282.html

size 8.75 platinum $650: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/AntiqueWeddingBands/WB2667.html Looks like it might have been resized before, if the break in the side engraving is any indication.

liz

 

[lucyruth]

I can't seem to find anything on eBay... I'm looking for a platinum one, rounded and narrow, size 6ish (could go up or down a tiny bit). Maybe 5.75 to 6.25.

Or a chunky one, again platinum. I do have a plat vintage diamond ring that has a square band to it - would be nice to find that. I'm kind of like, if it doesn't match almost exactly, I want it to look different! If that makes any sense.

Oh! Or a narrow plat knife-ish edge antique band. I don't want much, do I?

I am also looking for a 3 stone or 5 stone ring, any metal okay, but at least 1.25 ctw or so if you see one... Hope to get 4 prong settings.

Thanks for keeping an eye out!

 

[armywife13]

armywife,

New linkie for the one I said you might make an offer on it. They've gone down a whopping $25. http://www.ebay.com/itm/170853822034?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

You may be able to use the link to the one I bought to get the price down some, although they're probably not going to come down to match that price. The one I bought is in better condition and weighs a little more.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/370616059131?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Have you seen this platinum one? It's not in as good a shape as some, but it isn't worn smooth, either. It's make an offer:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Vintage-Estate-Platinum-Wedding-Band-Ring-Engraved-Art-Deco-SZ-8-25-UK-Q-/190676676231?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c65372e87

Here's a cool one that's different, but it's not nearly the right size and it's a little pricey. Thought I'd post it, though, because it's interesting: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Wedding-Band-Ring-Platinum-6-5-UK-M1-2-3-9-Gram-Vintage-Estate-Art-Deco-/170845010093?pt=US_Wedding_Bands_without_Stones&hash=item27c727f8ad

Here's a pretty WG one, size 8.5, for $350: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/VintageWeddingBands/WB2413.html

YG, size 8.75 for $325: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/VintageWeddingBands/WB2239.html

YG, size 8.5, for $225: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/VintageWeddingBands/WB2227.html

size 8 platinum, they say they can resize slightly, definitely not a steal at $785: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/AntiqueWeddingBands/WB2618.html

size 8 platinum, can be resized slightly, $600: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/AntiqueWeddingBands/WB2670.html

size 8.25, YG, $275: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/AntiqueWeddingBands/WB2282.html

size 8.75 platinum $650: http://www.marleneharriscol.com/categories/AntiqueWeddingBands/WB2667.html Looks like it might have been resized before, if the break in the side engraving is any indication.

liz

Wow! I can't get over what a great deal you got on your band, nice job! You seem to know all the good places to find the antique/vintage bands!

I like the first two you posted from Marlene Harris, they are beautiful and have a great price. I really do love the first one you posted, unfortunately they don't seem too flexible on pricing and I've gotten a quote recently for a handmade engraved band that was only $100 more. I am torn, there's something about having an actual vintage band that tugs at my heart.

 

[LibbyLA]

armywife,

I don't remember which PSer sent me to Ruby Lane and Marlene Harris, but I didn't find them on my on. I posted a WTB on preloved and several ladies were very helpful at sending me to various sources.

I can relate to your dilemma over new for only a little more vs. vintage. You might try making an offer on the first one. All they can say is no. It's also possible that one at a good price like mine will eventually show up. I didn't win the bid on a nice WG one that I think sold for about $125. I think it was a size 8. There are bargains out there, it's just whether you have the patience to wait. I'm normally not a patient person, at least not like some PSers, but the WG bands weren't something I had to have right away.

I like the engraved bands for several reasons. First, you don't see them that often. Second, they don't show scratches like plain bands do. Third, they don't have stones so you don't have to worry about losing or damaging the stones.

liz

 

[lucyruth]

Fourth, they look fabulous with antique diamond rings!

 

[LibbyLA]

lucyruth,

That, too!

liz

 

[armywife13]

I agree with all of your reasons for liking the antique bands. I am purchasing a 3.62 ct OEC ring from jbeg, in the Julia bezel...I like the juxtaposition of an antique diamond, sleek bezel solitiare (with antique flair on the side view), and then an antique wedding band. I think it would be a really unique looking set.

I will have to talk to the hubby about that one band and see if he is ok with me putting an offer in on it. If it doesn't work out, then I will wait and see what pops up since I have a few months before I get my ring.

 

[Upgradable]

Just got a third engraved wedding ring Friday and had everything cleaned a little while ago so I thought I'd share photos of the three rings together. From left to right in both photos:

3 mm platinum band, size 8.25 (resized by jeweler, who did a great job of engraving the added part; Ruby Lane; dated 10-9-1926, three days before my dad's birthday)

2.5 mm 18K white gold, size 8.5 (ebay, got it at a great price, latest purchase)

2 mm 18K white gold, size 8 (Ruby Lane)

The designs on the first two are very similar. The third one has beveled, engraved sides. The two WG ones are probably from the 1930s. All are in amazing condition, at least compared to most of the ones I've seen on ebay. I'm wearing them in various combinations as stackers with spacers between them in hopes of keeping the milgrain and side engraving intact.

I had gotten another WG one but the graduated "ribs" on one side had been worn off so the ring was asymmetrical. Just couldn't deal with that and found the 2.5 mm one for a much better price so I sent it back rather than have the ribs polished off to make both sides match.

Do you know how to get a hold of me if you find you have tired or any of these beauties??

 

[LibbyLA]

Do you know how to get a hold of me if you find you have tired or any of these beauties??

Post a message on RT with the subject, "Yo, Uppy!!!!" ? Then trot over to DB, I'm betting.

Probably no chance that I'll get tired of them. I'm wearing both WG ones right now.

I've been really, really busy the last few days so haven't been surfing but if I run across something similar, I'll definitely let you know.

liz