Vintage engagement rings 101

July 5, 2022 • 3 min read

When it comes to engagement rings, modern isn’t always the way to go. In fact, many traditionalists prefer a vintage engagement ring due to the iconic styles and older ‘antique’ influence.

Vintage designs are a popular choice and are often appreciated for their timeless beauty. Perfect for the ‘old soul’, a vintage engagement ring design is the ideal way to resonate your partner’s style into an engagement ring design they can cherish forever.

If you notice your partner prefers jewellery heirlooms or classic designs that have been around for generations, opt for a throwback by finding them a vintage engagement ring.

What makes a vintage engagement ring?

A vintage engagement ring is deemed by its historically influenced style and features. These designs are new yet take inspiration from older designs from over 20 years ago. It can also include new rings that incorporate older gemstones from previous rings.

Vintage engagement rings can be identified through their distinctive style of features that have been around for decades or even centuries. These are usually the designs that have history and take inspiration from the Victorian, Edwardian or Art Deco periods.

Many modern rings are minimalistic designs that utilise recent trends, whereas vintage rings boast a lot of character and charm resonated from their time-origin periods.

Vintage ring features

When it comes to features used in a vintage ring, you should be on the lookout for styles from retro decades dating back to the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Era. These periods all have their distinct trends that have been carried over and can be found today in vintage-inspired designs.

A lot of vintage designs have an eccentric and bold look that you can recognise quickly once you’re familiar with the distinct period inspirations. They can also incorporate a heavy sentimental and romantic influence into their design.

Common classic features in vintage designs include:

• Bold geometric shapes
• Pattern designs
• Floral shapes
• Milgrain detailing
• Filigree detailing
• Marquise and emerald shapes
• Yellow gold and rose gold
• Coloured gemstones such as rubies and sapphires
• Cluster diamonds
• Side stones
• Halo settings

For inspiration, look to celebrities. Some of the most notable figures proudly cherish vintage-inspired rings that are all memorable for their distinct designs. Recognised names with their own vintage engagement ring include Katy Perry, The Duchess of Cambridge, Ellie Goulding, Penélope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson.

If you notice your partner prefers jewellery heirlooms or classic designs that have been around for generations, opt for a throwback by finding them a vintage engagement ring.

What makes a vintage engagement ring?

A vintage engagement ring is deemed by its historically influenced style and features. These designs are new yet take inspiration from older designs from over 20 years ago. It can also include new rings that incorporate older gemstones from previous rings.

Vintage engagement rings can be identified through their distinctive style of features that have been around for decades or even centuries. These are usually the designs that have history and take inspiration from the Victorian, Edwardian or Art Deco periods.

Many modern rings are minimalistic designs that utilise recent trends, whereas vintage rings boast a lot of character and charm resonated from their time-origin periods.