5 Vintage Engagement Ring Styles: Timeless Trends Here to Stay
Find the perfect ring with our collection of vintage-style engagement rings. Inspired by the elegance of the past, these rings offer timeless beauty and romantic charm for your special day.
Shop Antique & Vintage RingsWhen it comes to engagement rings, there's something undeniably romantic about the idea of a ring with a rich history and story behind it.
That's where vintage engagement rings come in - these rings have a timeless charm that transcends generations and fashions.
Whether you're a hopeless romantic or simply a lover of all things vintage, these rings will surely steal your heart.
But what exactly makes an engagement ring "vintage"?
In essence, a vintage ring has been around for at least 20-30 years.
To qualify as vintage, the ring must have been made in a specific era with its own unique style and design elements.
The good news is vintage engagement rings aren't just limited to the antique market - you can find vintage-inspired rings that are brand new but with the timeless appeal of vintage rings.
So, what's the difference between a vintage ring and a vintage-styled ring?
A vintage ring is the real deal - an original ring from a specific era.
On the other hand, a vintage-style ring is a brand-new one designed to look like a vintage ring.
This can be a great option if you love the look of vintage rings but want a ring that's in pristine condition and made to your specific taste.
Now, let's take a closer look at the most popular vintage engagement ring trends!
In this article...
5 Eras & Their Influence On Rings
Georgian Era Rings (1714-1830)
The Georgian era was a time of grandeur and opulence, which is reflected in the engagement rings of the time.
Georgian rings are often crafted from gold and feature delicate filigree work and intricate designs, with diamonds and other precious gems set into the rings as accents.
Our Gabriel Chrystie Diamond Blue Sapphire Halo Engagement Ring is fit for royalty and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not add a personalized engraving?
Victorian Era Rings (1837-1901)
Victorian-era rings are known for their romantic and sentimental designs, with many featuring symbolic motifs such as hearts and flowers.
These rings often feature intricate metalwork and a mix of different gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
This Gabriel Halsey Rose Gold Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring has scrollwork and miligrain detailing reminiscent of the Victorian era. You can customize your ring with diamonds or Moissanite, or add a colored gemstone to match your birth month!
Edwardian Era Rings (1901-1910)
Edwardian-era rings are characterized by their delicate and ethereal designs, with many featuring intricate lace-like metalwork and a focus on showcasing diamonds.
Featured Antique & Vintage Styled Engagement Rings
These rings often feature a mix of different diamond cuts, including rose cuts, old European cuts, and single cuts.
The stunning Whitehouse Brothers Romanesque Arcade Vintage Style Diamond Engagement Ring has all the vintage charm you could ask for with its hand-engraved scroll and wheat pattern designs.
Art Deco Rings (1920s-1930s)
Art Deco engagement rings are known for their bold and geometric designs, with many featuring sharp lines, angles, and geometric shapes. These rings often feature white gold or platinum, with diamonds and other precious gems used to create intricate and eye-catching designs.
Shine as bright as the stars with the Simon G. Round Cut Supernova Diamond Baguette Halo Engagement Ring. Featuring 0.38 Carats total round cut diamonds and 0.32 carats total weight tapered baguette diamonds, you’ll be sure to dazzle with this beauty!
Retro Era Rings (1940s-1960s)
Retro-era rings are known for their playful and whimsical designs, with many featuring colorful gemstones and intricate metalwork. In addition, these rings often feature bold and chunky designs, focusing on showcasing the beauty of the gems being used.
Live life like a princess with the Kirk Kara Pirouetta Princess Cut Two Tone Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. The mixture of white and rose coloring combined with filigree and side scroll work detail makes for the perfect reminder of the love you share with your prince!
Choosing the right era for your vintage engagement ring
No matter which vintage engagement ring trend you prefer, you can be sure to get a ring that's truly unique and steeped in rich history and tradition.
Whether you choose a vintage ring or a vintage-styled ring, you'll have a ring that's not only beautiful but also has a story to tell for generations to come.
Let’s take a look at the vintage trends that are currently taking the bridal world by storm!
Modern Vintage Engagement Ring Trends
If you love the look of vintage engagement rings but prefer a more modern take, you're in luck!
Many vintage-style trends are currently resurfacing and taking the bridal world by storm. Here are a few of the most popular vintage-style trends that you should keep an eye out for:
Halo/Cluster Rings
Halo and cluster rings have been a popular trend for several years, and for a good reason. These rings feature a central diamond or gemstone surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, creating a stunning and eye-catching design.
Halo rings have a vintage feel with a modern twist, making them an excellent choice for brides who want the best of both worlds.
Our Simon G. Large Round Center Halo Flower Blossom Diamond Engagement Ring offers all the wow you’ll ever need. Featuring pear cut blossoms on either side of the center diamond arranged in delicate floral motifs, this is a stunning choice for those who love nature!
Colored Gemstones
In recent years, colored gemstones have become increasingly popular in engagement rings, and it's not hard to see why.
Colored gemstones, such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, add a pop of color to an engagement ring and can be a great way to personalize your ring. They also call back to Victorian-era engagement rings!
Many vintage-style engagement rings feature colored gemstones as the center stone or as accents, creating a unique and stunning design.
Just take a look at this Kirk Kara Dahlia Marquise Cut Blue Sapphire Engagement Ringas an example. It’s unique design and exquisite combination of colors wouldn’t be out of place in Queen Victoria’s jewelry box!
Milgrain Motifs
Milgrain motifs are a vintage-style trend that's making a comeback. These delicate metalwork designs feature a row of tiny metal beads that add texture and interest to a ring. Milgrain motifs are often found in vintage-style engagement rings and can add a touch of vintage charm to even the most modern designs.
The Kirk Kara Stella Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring showcases the intricate details of signature engraving and milgrain designs to create a breathtaking engagement ring that is spectacular for everyday wear.
Unique/Highly Designed Shapes
If you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind engagement ring, you'll love the trend for unique and highly designed shapes.
From asymmetrical designs to intricately detailed shapes, countless vintage-style engagement ring designs stand out. Whether you choose a unique diamond shape or a highly designed band, a vintage-style engagement ring with a unique shape will make a statement.
The Gabriel Amavida Chelsea Trillion Cut Center Diamond Engagement Ring is a stunning rose gold custom-designed vintage-style that will leave anyone speechless.
This old-world beauty is normally shown with a round cut center diamond but we have custom designed the ring to hold a 0.60 trillion cut diamond (approximately 6 x 6 x 6mm) with milgrain frames on either shoulder of an engraved knife edge band.
Vintage engagement rings and vintage-style engagement rings are a timeless trend that's here to stay. So whether you choose an original vintage ring or a vintage-style ring, you'll have a ring that's steeped in the influence of rich history and tradition.
With so many vintage-style trends resurfacing, there's never been a better time to embrace the timeless charm of vintage engagement rings.
A Step Back In Time For Love
And there you have it, folks! Vintage and vintage-style engagement rings are a great way to add personality and uniqueness to your engagement ring.
Whether you prefer a halo ring with colored gemstones or an intricate milgrain design, vintage-style rings have you covered.
But, let's be honest, the real vintage gems are the ones you find in your grandmother's jewelry box that has been collecting dust for decades.
Sure, they may be a little outdated, but who says you can't rock a 70's retro ring like it's 2023? And if it's not your style, at least you can appreciate the nostalgia and history behind them.
So, embrace the vintage vibes, and who knows, maybe in 50 years, someone will be rocking the engagement ring style you choose today.
If you’re looking for a vintage-style engagement ring that may one day become a family heirloom, visit us at the Ben Garelick showroom, and we’ll help you choose a style that’ll shine forever.
Too far from our showroom? Browse online and speak with one of our diamond experts, who will give you all the background and history behind each design.
Keep sparkling and enjoy the unique beauty of vintage engagement rings!
Visit us at our Buffalo, NY store today. Not nearby? Not to worry - chat with our diamond experts online 24/7, call us at (716) 631-1584, or text (716) 574-0966. Let’s make your engagement a memory that will last a lifetime!