Our Favorite Vintage Engagement Rings

5 min read
updated 28 May 2024

Engagement rings represent the time you have spent with your significant other that will bond you together forever. Having a special bond with someone that could potentially lead to marriage is priceless and original. You need something that is not unique to your taste but something that will stand out and possibly stay in your family for years to come.

Engagement rings are not necessarily uniform, and there is no guideline in finding the perfect one. Luckily if you have already started your shopping process in finding the perfect engagement ring, you are well aware that there are many different vintage options to choose from that will sparkle and shine.

If you decide to go against the grain and get a vintage ring, you aren’t just shopping for something original. You are shopping for something that is one-of-a-kind that may have been worn before and refurbished in a way that makes it seem new.

Although getting a brand new ring is still something that shouldn’t be discounted, getting something that has been around for generations is unbeatable. When shopping for antiques, you need to make sure you are getting exactly what you pay for, which is why you need to consider going to a reputable jeweler. 

Your future spouse will enjoy showing off their ring to just about anyone who will appreciate it. 

Art Deco Emerald Rings

If you are looking for something that is classic and sparkles, you should consider the Art Deco Emerald ring. These rings typically have a deep blue-green stone right in the middle encased by small diamonds. It is no wonder why emeralds are one of the most sought after stones; they are deeply beautiful and rich in color.

Ultimately, the ring you end up with is based on your personal preferences. Still, jewelers recommend you not go with emeralds in your engagement rings simply because they are a much softer rock than a diamond, and they can get damaged quite frequently. If you want an engagement ring to last, you should go with a diamond. 

Russian Rings

Russia is unbeatable when it comes to fashion and design. You can tell when an item or a movement comes out of Russia and influences the rest of the world. Russian rings are no exception. The intricacies involved in designing a ring is something that is not only impressive but completely original. Needless to say, 19th-century Russian rings are a great engagement ring option. Kate Middleton herself wears a 19th-century Russian ring that is comprised of diamonds and sapphires.

Lady Gaga was even gifted a pink sapphire and diamond cluster ring during a brief engagement with Christian Carino. These rings might seem like they are more modern in style, but they have been around for generations. 

Aquamarine Rings

Over the years, Aquamarine rings have risen in popularity due to Princess Diana. When Prince Charles gifted Princess Diana an aquamarine ring, the princess didn’t know that she was starting a trend. After Diana’s untimely passing, the ring was placed in storage until Prince Harry gave it to his wife, Meghan Markle. Markle flashing her new ring on the way to her wedding reception began the trend all over again. Although this ring wasn’t her actual engagement ring, the fact that Markle wore it in the first place made people jump at the chance to get one of their own. 

1920’s French Rings

France has always been at the forefront of fashion and design. Paris especially looks beautiful in just about any season, and the citizens of the city are known to dress well. Also, Paris especially gets its reputation in fashion because models fly out there every year to be part of the Paris Fashion Week. It is a fashion mecca and that will never change, so it should come as no surprise that a ring trend is based out of the country.

1920’s French rings are a great choice in engagement rings due to their simplistic and classic design. These rings are for the person that appreciates jewelry and has an exquisite and minimalistic sense of style. This style of ring has been around for centuries but was not popularized until the 1920s. If you are trying to get something vintage instead of a mass-produced ring, you should look at your ring band. If it is vintage, you will notice little variations in the band. Also, the stone may be set in a way that doesn’t necessarily seem modern.

Ultimately, if you decide to go with this option, you may be paying more for the idea of something instead of getting something that stands out. If you demand that people notice your jewelry, you may want to go with something vintage and one-of-a-kind. 

Edwardian Cluster Rings

If you have been shopping for engagement rings for a while, you are probably aware that the price you are paying is typically the price of the stone. Sometimes certain engagement rings don’t necessarily have a big diamond right in the middle of a setting.

Instead, the diamond can be buried underneath a design of other diamonds, which is the case for Edwardian cluster rings. Choosing a cluster ring instead of a simplistic, solitaire ring could benefit you in the long run. You could be getting something that is a standout piece to all the jewelry you own. These rings are unique and look beautiful, and you would be surprised that they cost less than a solitaire diamond-focused engagement ring. 

In Summary

Getting engaged is one of the most memorable moments of a person’s life. Some dream about getting engaged all their lives, so getting the perfect ring could make that experience something special and memorable for years to come. While vintage rings are certainly a wonderful option for an engagement ring, ultimately, that choice is up to you.

There are many beautiful different rings out there and the perfect one sits at a jewelry store–you just have to have the patience it. 

Sources: 

https://www.brides.com/gallery/vintage-engagement-ring-trends

https://romanovrussia.com/tag/1920s-rings/

https://geology.com/gemstones/emerald/

Omid Semino

Omid Semino

CEO of Diamond Mansion

Omid Semino combines 15 years of jewelry expertise with a rich family heritage in the field as the CEO of Diamond Mansion, a leader in bespoke jewelry. Omid blends deep gemological knowledge with strategic business insights, driving the company’s commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and customer satisfaction. His direct customer interactions and extensive industry networking keep him attuned to the latest trends and innovations. As a respected figure, Omid shares his insights through writing and speaking, guiding individuals on making informed jewelry decisions. His leadership and passion for jewelry design have established Diamond Mansion as a trusted name for unique and finely crafted pieces.

Omid Semino combines 15 years of jewelry expertise with a rich family heritage in the field as the CEO of Diamond Mansion, a leader in bespoke jewelry. Omid blends deep gemological knowledge with strategic business insights, driving the company’s commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and customer satisfaction. His direct customer interactions and extensive industry networking keep him attuned to the latest trends and innovations. As a respected figure, Omid shares his insights through writing and speaking, guiding individuals on making informed jewelry decisions. His leadership and passion for jewelry design have established Diamond Mansion as a trusted name for unique and finely crafted pieces.

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