The Ultimate Guide to Buying Vintage Engagement Rings

Some of today’s trendiest engagement rings are antique, vintage or retro designs. Whether you’re opting for a genuine vintage ring or a modern style that’s inspired by vintage designs, it’s helpful to understand key features for these rings.

What are Vintage Engagement Rings?

Vintage engagement rings are rings which are at least 20 years old.

The history of engagement rings spans centuries, with people wearing this meaningful jewelry around the world. Each decade has seen its own styles and popular designs.

Today, the selections of vintage engagement rings often include Victorian, Art Deco, and more recent 20th century designs.

Vintage vs. Antique Engagement Rings

Technically, the term “vintage” only applies to items between 20 and 99 years old and the term “antique” applies to anything that’s at least 100 years old. But when it comes to vintage engagement rings, the term typically applies to everything from the Edwardian era to the more recent 1990s. People in search of antique engagement rings from older centuries may find their fit in vintage designs, but exact options vary.

Key Features of Antique, Retro and Vintage Engagement Rings

There are many vintage jewelry design periods that echoed the prevailing artistic or social movements of their days. These designs are also reflected in retro, vintage and antique engagement rings.

Antique Engagement Ring Designs

An antique engagement ring is one that is at least 100 years old. Since it’s not as easy to obtain an antique ring, popular antique engagement ring designs include modern pieces crafted with antique style elements. Doing this can ensure you get the benefits of present-day jewelry while still enjoying the beauty of old-world style.

Victorian

The Victorian period, spanning 1837-1901, is known for many design motifs and signature styles. Antique Victorian engagement rings are known for carved details, glowing diamonds and gold metals.

Art Deco 1920s

Vintage engagement rings in 1920s styles are known as Art Deco rings. Signature styles include platinum, diamonds and geometric details.

Retro Engagement Ring Designs

Retro rings encapsulate changing economies and social priorities, with old-school Hollywood glamour in many designs. Designs span from classic antique rings to more modern vintage engagement rings. Popular designs include yellow gold, cluster settings or colorful gemstones.

Midcentury Elegance

Midcentury engagement rings shifted back to gold over platinum, with rose gold as a leading metal choice. Popular diamond shapes for midcentury vintage style engagement rings include emerald-cut diamonds and round brilliant diamonds.

Vintage Engagement Ring Designs

Vintage rings are anywhere between 20 and 99 years old. The latest vintage engagement rings are from the end of the 20th century and early 2000s. This includes the resurgence of round diamonds and various shades of gold.

Golden Glow

Vintage engagement rings from the later years of the 20th century are all about yellow gold. These designs also feature shapes like marquise diamonds, which are often reset today in more trendy east–west engagement rings.

White Gold

The most recent vintage engagement ring years are the early 2000s, which saw white gold engagement rings as the prevailing style. Pavé settings are also popular for this era.

Caring for Vintage Engagement Rings

Vintage and antique engagement rings can be much more delicate than their modern counterparts. This is because vintage, antique and retro engagement rings (especially the older designs) were produced during times when our jewelry-making technology was different. That, combined with the genuine wear and tear of age, means that some rings will require extra care.

To avoid the extra upkeep of genuine vintage engagement rings, many people opt for new rings that are vintage inspired instead.

Leading Vintage Engagement Ring Designs

With so many decades, styles, details, and designs, a vintage engagement ring can match any taste. Today, it’s easy to find rings with styles inspired by popular vintage engagement rings and retro or antique designs.

When designing a new ring inspired by vintage engagement ring settings, keep these popular design elements in mind:

Classic diamond shapes like side baguettes that flank a center stone bring glamorous vintage design.
Meaningful ring engravings are popular for modern and vintage rings.
Colorful gemstones like emeralds are popular.
Delicate details like filigree, milgrain and gemstone sidetones add vintage charm to a ring.
Unique motifs like flowers, gold nugget texture and pavé accents are common in vintage and antique rings.

Benefits of Vintage Style Engagement Rings

Vintage-style engagement rings offer many benefits, including:

Easier upkeep than genuine vintage rings.
Modern options like lab-grown diamonds or responsibly sourced natural diamonds.
Flexible sizing for a variety of fits.
Larger selection of matching wedding rings.
Designs tailored to any gender.
Greater variety of precious metal options.
Flexibility to customize each aspect of the ring.
Easier resizing or repairs.
Ability to purchase a ring with diamond certification already included.
Easy returns and exchanges.

FAQs About Vintage Engagement Rings

Who sells vintage engagement rings?

If you’re curious about where to buy vintage engagement rings, consider looking for designs from trusted jewelers online or in person. Be sure to check the ring’s hallmarks, diamond certification and any other details.

For worry-free vintage engagement ring shopping, many people opt for new rings inspired by vintage designs. Explore modern custom rings that can include vintage, antique and retro designs. Our collection of vintage-inspired engagement rings features new pieces with the best of vintage style.

Are these rings popular?

Yes, vintage-style rings are especially popular for those in search of a unique engagement ring.

Where to find vintage engagement rings?

You can find a variety of antique, retro and vintage engagement rings for sale online.

Does Blue Nile sell vintage engagement rings?

At Blue Nile, we only carry new rings crafted especially for you. Though we do not sell estate, vintage, secondhand, or retro engagement rings, we do carry vintage-inspired pieces. We offer a wide selection of men’s engagement rings, women’s engagement rings and gender neutral engagement rings that can be customized with the most popular vintage ring styles.

Visit our local jewelry stores or schedule your virtual jewelry shopping appointment to learn more about our unique approach to antique, retro and vintage-style engagement rings.

Why choose vintage style engagement rings?

People often choose retro, vintage and antique-style engagement rings because they like the way these rings look. Many designs also carry sentimental value. Choose vintage styles that honor family, with a ring that looks just like Grandma’s or a classic diamond shape that’s a family favorite.

With our custom ring options, you can choose the exact vintage elements you’d like for a ring that combines classic styles with modern technology for true timelessness.

How do you find the right ring size?

You can use our free ring sizers to find the right fit.

What designs are available?

Classic vintage engagement rings feature elements such as sapphire sidestones, baguette diamonds, filigree details, milgrain, and etched band accents.

It’s easy to find vintage engagement rings for sale online, especially when you’re focusing on new styles that feature vintage designs. Choose rings in gold, platinum or other precious metals with diamonds and gemstones of all sizes, shapes and colors.

How can you tell if a ring is vintage?

Hallmarks maker’s marks and material stamps are quick ways to tell if a vintage ring is the real thing.

What are the 4Cs of diamonds?

The 4Cs of diamonds are color, cut, clarity, and carat.

Vintage, Retro and Antique Engagement Ring Buying Tips

When shopping for genuine vintage rings or modern vintage-style engagement rings, it’s helpful to understand the different design eras of these popular rings. It’s also important to research the original makers of the jewelry, along with the modern-day sellers, to ensure you’re purchasing a true vintage ring.

Finding Vintage-Style Engagement Rings

Many online retailers offer vintage-style engagement rings for every taste and budget. Take the guesswork out of vintage ring shopping by choosing jewelers who offer antique, vintage and retro styles in custom ring designs.