Antique and vintage engagement rings are made for those who want to stand out. With many vintage and antique styles having been design decades (if not centuries!) ago, you’re not only getting a slice of history, but there’s a good chance you’re getting something that’s totally unique and one-of-a-kind.
Let’s be honest, how cool is it to know that you’re the only person wearing your specific style of antique or vintage engagement ring? When it comes to finding the perfect ring, there are plenty of eras to choose from, including the Georgian (1714 – 1830), Victorian (1837 – 1901), Edwardian (1901 – 1914), Art Nouveau (1890 – 1914), and Art Deco (1920 – 1935) time periods.
Not only will we share our favorite vintage (and vintage-inspired!) engagement rings in this guide, but we’ll also answer some of the most important questions you should be asking yourself if you’re considering one of these beauties.
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Antique vs Vintage Engagement Rings – What’s the Difference?
The rule of thumb is this: antique engagement rings are typically rings that are at least 100 years old. When it comes to vintage, the definition will vary, depending on who you talk to. Some retailers define vintage engagement rings as ones that are over 20 years old, whereas others define it as 40 years or older.
All of this to say, there is a difference between vintage vs antique, with antique rings being older in age. When narrowing down your engagement ring of choice, we always recommend looking for design era information (or even a specific design date) from the retailer. When buying an antique engagement ring, you’ll want to ensure it’s authentic.
The Sustainability of Buying Antique + Vintage Engagement Rings
It’s easy to forget, but authentic antique and vintage engagement rings are secondhand rings. Which means they’re an extraordinarily sustainable option for the eco-conscious buyer.
No new ring has to be manufactured and no new stones have to be mined. And on top of that, you get to wear a little piece of history. It really doesn’t get any better.
Maintenance and Care of Antique and Vintage Engagement Rings
It’s important to note that if you’re buying an authentic antique or vintage engagement ring, you’re buying an older piece of jewelry that will likely require gentler care and more maintenance. You should be aware of the condition of the piece before purchasing. And it’s equally important to make sure you check in with the jeweler on the best ways to clean and maintain your ring going forward.
The older your antique or vintage engagement ring, the more delicate it likely will be. It’s to be expected, but it’s certainly one thing to consider before purchasing.
If you love the antique or vintage look, but perhaps don’t want to deal with the higher maintenance, we highly recommend vintage-inspired rings. These are new rings that incorporate many of the vintage design elements, like flourishes (Art Nouveau era), floral details (Edwardian era), and sharp geometric shapes (Art Deco era). And don’t worry, we’ve included plenty of those vintage-inspired designs in this guide, too!
Do Antique and Vintage Engagement Rings Cost More Than Their Modern Counterparts?
There is more that goes into the price of an engagement ring than simply its age. Factors like the 4 C’s for diamonds, along with choice of metals for the bands, will all have an impact on price. For example, all things being equal, an 18K yellow gold ring will be pricier than a 14K yellow gold ring.
And a stone with minimal inclusions will be more expensive than one with extensive inclusions. Furthermore, there are some gemstones, like sapphires and emeralds, that are known for keeping their value better than other stones.
That said, the older your antique or vintage engagement ring, the more likely it is that someone won’t be able to find the same ring elsewhere. It’s a simply a matter of basic economics. Smaller supply drives up the price. So all things constant, a one-of-a-kind antique or vintage band will command a higher price point (and they will continue to do so the older they get).
However, you also need to take into consideration the condition of the antique or vintage engagement ring you’re buying. A vintage ring in very poor condition isn’t necessarily going to command a higher price than a comparable new ring in excellent condition.
Vintage Art Deco Engagement Rings
The Art Deco era is probably the most popular when it comes to vintage engagement rings. You’ll find plenty of modern-day ring designers creating Art Deco-inspired bands that mimic the iconic styles of this era. Expect to see sharp angles and geometric shapes in this style. It’s bold, punchy, and a total statement.
Antique Engagement Rings
Remember, when shopping for antique engagement rings, you’re looking at rings that are at least 100 years old. That covers all of the design eras we’ve talked about, with Art Deco still being on the cusp. Antique engagement rings are very much keepsakes.
Vintage Rose Gold Engagement Rings
Rose gold is known as a very romantic metal, which makes it especially intriguing for vintage engagement rings. There’s nothing quite like the combo of romantic colors and historic, romantic styles.
Vintage Edwardian Engagement Rings
Edwardian rings are known for their feminine aesthetic. You’ll also commonly find floral and ornate milgrain detailing in these rings. They have a sort of movement to them that’s utterly whimsical and ethereal.
Vintage Victorian Engagement Rings
Victorian engagement rings are known for their imitation of the natural world. You’ll notice organic curvatures and nature-inspired designs here. In that respect, there are certainly some overlaps between vintage Edwardian engagement rings and those of the Victorian era.
Diamond Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond engagement rings can be traced back all the way to the late 1400s, so it’s no wonder that there are plenty of gorgeous diamond vintage engagement rings. It’s a classic stone with a classic aesthetic.
Bohemian Vintage Engagement Rings
We love the way vintage-inspired engagement rings are embracing classic vintage themes and features, along with today’s popular bohemian style. This meshing of styles is truly gorgeous.
Vintage Oval Engagement Rings
Oval cut stones have a romantic and timeless look that makes them the perfect companion for a vintage inspired ring setting. The oval shape has a way of elongating the ring finger in a gorgeous and flattering way.
Vintage Halo Engagement Rings
You’ve probably noticed that antique and vintage engagement rings tend to be very detail-oriented. Milgrain detail, flourishes, curves, and the like are in no shortage here! So it’s only natural that many vintage-inspired designs also incorporate some sort of halo surround.
Vintage Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
The emerald cut has a way of making your stone look even larger than it is. It has a bold and punchy effect, which is why it was a popular choice during the Art Deco era (and why it’s having such a moment right now!).
Ruby Vintage Engagement Rings
Like sapphire, rubies rank a 9 on the Mohs scale, which means they’re quite durable. That’s definitely a benefit, especially when you’re buying a vintage or antique engagement ring. You want something that has, and will continue, to stand the test of time. Plus, rubies are known to symbolize fiery romance, and who wouldn’t want that?!