The Art Deco period began in the early 1920s - a time when creativity exploded onto the scene, with rich color and bold, geometric shapes that influenced all aspects of society. If you have a family heirloom in the form of an Art Deco engagement ring and you would like to make some alterations, this article outlines the process of having a piece of jewelry altered by a custom jeweler.
Source An Established Custom Jeweller
If you are in possession of one of the stunning 1920s Art Deco engagement rings and you wish to make some adjustments, you should make an appointment with an established antique dealer and bring the ring with you. In the event you have yet to find the ideal Art Deco engagement ring, your local antique dealer has access to the antique jewelry markets and can source specific styles. You might find a diamond engagement ring that would be perfect if only the central stone was larger, this is something that a specialist jeweler can handle. In some cases, the antique dealer might not recommend changes, as this would seriously impact the piece’s value.
Sourcing Loose, Uncut Diamonds
If you have one of the most exquisite engagement rings Art Deco period has produced and are looking to replace the central diamond, the custom jeweler is the person to contact. He can help you source the right uncut stone, then he can have it cut and polished, ready to insert into the Art Deco ring. You might have your heart set on an emerald engagement ring, and you have found a diamond ring that is perfect aside from the central stone; a skilled person can remove the diamond and replace it with an emerald that has been cut to your specifications.
Gemstone Setting
When replacing a central diamond, the original gemstone first needs to be removed and the chances are, the setting will also need to be removed and replaced with one that is tailored to the new stone. This is intricate work that can only be carried out by a skilled professional, and it should be noted that making changes to a genuine antique might have an impact on its value. You should discuss this with the antique dealer prior to making any decisions about alterations. It is common practice to remove the gemstones and the setting, leaving just the band; the new setting is hand-crafted onto the band, ready to accommodate the new central diamond.
Changing The Cut Of A Central Diamond
Let’s say that you have found an Art Deco-style diamond engagement ring and you would like to have the diamond recut; in most cases, this is possible, especially if the gemstone was cut by hand. A skilled technician can examine a cut diamond and know what other cuts can be used on the stone; following his advice, you can incorporate a second cut diamond into the engagement ring, and no one would ever know that the ring has been reworked. Today, we have complex gemstone cutting machines that cut with amazing precision, which can transform a piece of jewelry.
When you wish to have some alterations made to an Art Deco diamond engagement ring, take the said ring to an antique dealer who can tell you whether your proposed changes are possible. A specialist jeweler can advise you regarding making amendments and should you wish to go ahead, he is more than capable of making these changes to create the engagement ring of your dreams.
