Antique of the Week: Vintage Engagement Ring

As everyone in Kensington knows, Antique Row is one of the community's points of pride. Howard Avenue and its side streets are lined with shops specializing in antique furniture, rugs, vintage toys, used books and more. This large presence in the community sparked our feature, Antique of the Week, where we will showcase a different item or curiosity each week to bring attention to pieces from the past.

This week's feature is a vintage platinum and diamond engagement ring from the 1920's. The one carat round diamond is set in a filigree setting, surrounded by a triangular dark blue sapphire on each side and smaller diamonds that stretch out into the filigree design on the band.

"This is a old European cut diamond," said Jan Kriegsfeld, who specializes in antique and estate jewelry at Jantiques on Antiques Row. "They don't cut them this way anymore, but this cut reflects the light differently than the modern brilliant cut diamonds."

The demand for antique European cut diamonds has risen in recent years as couples have fallen in love with the "history and romance" of the stones, which modern stones lack due to their perfection, according to gemologist Roman Rabinovich who has written extensively on the topic.

"I sell a lot of engagement rings and it really makes me happy that younger couples are seeking out these rings," Kriegsfeld said. "It keeps the idea of antiques alive for the next generation.

Kriegsfeld provides insurance appraisals on the rings that she sells and refers clients to experienced jewelers she has been working with for many years for professional sizing and repair services.

The filigree platinum and diamond engagement ring is priced at $5,900.

Interested parties can stop by Jantiques located at 10429 Fawcett Street, phone the store at 301-942-0936 or visit the store's website for more information.