20 Unique Vintage Engagement Rings for a Statement-Making Look (2024)

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These pieces are truly one-of-a-kind.

By

Jessica Booth

20 Unique Vintage Engagement Rings for a Statement-Making Look (1)

Jessica Booth

Jessica Booth is a journalist with over 10 years of experience and a freelance writer whose work has appeared on sites such as Bustle, Insider, and Refinery29.

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Published on 07/25/23 09:40AM

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20 Unique Vintage Engagement Rings for a Statement-Making Look (2)

While there's no shortage of modern engagement ring designs available right now, there's something to be said for wearing a unique, vintage engagement ring to commemorate your love. Specifically, brides who have an eye for past styles will appreciate an authentic and antique sparkler that has a one-of-a-kind backstory.

What's more, vintage engagement rings can also be a sustainable option, as you're choosing to reuse a piece that was once owned and loved by someone in the past. These styles can even end up being a cheaper choice, though the price will be dependent on the stone, metal, and details of the exact ring. Either way, they are always beautiful to look at and feature the kind of intricate details (think milgrain and filigree) that you don't usually see on the engagement rings made today.

With all that in mind, if you're looking for something interesting that will really stand out, a unique, vintage engagement ring may be the way to go. Read on to shop our favorite picks.

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Andria Barbone Steele

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This authentic vintage ring comes from the Mid-Century Era circa 1950. Made with a variety of different-shaped diamonds and yellow gold, this piece has an intricate design featuring enough sparkle to last a lifetime. If you're looking for something large and less delicate, this is a beautiful ring to consider.

Hailing from the 1940s, this beautiful ring is a nice mix of vintage and modern. The detailed filigree design along the band provides a more vintage look, while the round center stone keeps it from being too dated.

Estate Diamond Jewelry Highbridge Ring

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Made in the 1930s, this ring features an old European cut diamond and dome-shaped mounting, two design elements that aren't often seen in modern designs. Our favorite detail? The floral openwork on the under-gallery and milgrain carvings.

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Trumpet & Horn Coromandel Ring

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We're sure you've picked up on the fact that this stunner comes from the Art Deco period. Featuring diamonds and a touch of blue, thanks to the sapphires, this ring has a decidedly unique look to it. Equal parts feminine and pretty, this is a piece you'll want to stare at every day.

Doyle & Doyle Vintage Solitaire Ring

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Brides who prefer yellow gold over white gold or platinum will love this vintage option. A center-round cut diamond is surrounded by yellow gold with detailed metalwork, while the black enamel accents provide additional one-of-a-kind detailing.

Lang Late Art Deco Ring

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For something feminine and incredibly detailed, opt for this vintage ring which comes from the late Art Deco period. It features a European cut and round diamond, with a pretty, almost floral-like, design on the shank.

Erstwhile Midcentury Old European Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring

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It's hard to get more unique than this toi et moi ring that hails from the 1950s. Aside from two sparkling old European cut diamonds, set in a very different style, this piece features a smooth platinum band that flows nicely together.

Lang Mid-Century Diamond Wedding Set

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Since this is from the Mid-Century period, it has a distinctively vintage aesthetic with a touch of modernity. Sold as a two-piece set, this engagement ring features a round brilliant cut diamond, flanked by small baguette stones, with a band that features horizontally placed baguette diamonds for an eye-catching look.

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Leigh Jay & Co. Art Deco Emerald Cut Ring

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Originally from the 1930s, this is another unique piece for brides to consider. The large emerald-cut center stone is flanked by round and baguette diamonds in a geometric pattern. Set in platinum with a thin band, this is a wonderful and delicate option.

Sofia Kaman Regal Rose Cut Ring

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This Georgian ring is a vintage masterpiece. The rose-cut center stone is foil-backed and has a blackened silver mounting that's not typically seen on many other rings. It's also a more subtle and simple choice, compared to other sparklers that are a bit more sumptuous.

Lang Three-Stone Old-Mine Cut Diamond Ring

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This trio of old mine-cut diamonds weighs in at less than 1.5 carats, so it's not as big or bulky as it may seem. What's more, between the 18K gold and ruffled settings, you're bound to get tons of compliments while wearing this sparkler.

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EraGem Vintage 1940's Diamond Engagement Ring

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You're not likely to find rings designed like this anymore, making it the perfect option for a true vintage lover. With a pierced design and fine milgrain throughout, this piece is extremely interesting and worthy to be worn in modern-day times.

Andria Barbone Leilani Engagement Ring

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This Art Deco ring comes from the 1930s and is set in platinum. The center stone is flanked by vertical and horizontal baguette diamonds, which create a really beautiful shape from any angle. With tons of sparkle, this rock certainly won't get lost in the crowd.

Estate Diamond Jewelry Milton Engagement Ring

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This original Art Deco ring comes from the 1930s and is covered in diamonds. An old European cut stone sits in the center, which is surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds and even more on the shoulders.

Doyle & Doyle Vintage Filigree Ring

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This very unique ring features so many intricate details that it's hard to know where to start. We love how an old European cut diamond sits in the center flanked by two smaller stones. Additionally, the shank and the entire band feature pretty metalwork whether you're looking at it from above or from the side.

Erstwhile Vintage Cluster Ring

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Though cluster rings have recently become more trendy in the engagement ring world, this is what a real vintage cluster ring looks like. This Victorian sparkler features diamonds arranged in a design that resembles a flower, crafted with a mix of silver and gold to make it feel extra special.

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Leigh Jay & Co Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring

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The half-hitch shoulders on this vintage ring are not something you see anymore. They give off the impression that the ring is linked together, which, when you think about it, is a nice metaphor for the union of marriage.

Neil Lane Couture Art Deco Moval-Shaped Ring

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This moval-shaped, center-cut diamond makes for a truly stand-out piece. Surrounded by smaller stones and set on a delicate and thin band, this vintage ring toes the line between antique and modern.

Erstwhile Georgian Three Stone Ring

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These old mine-cut diamonds have a darker look to them, almost appearing gray rather than clear. Paired with yellow gold, it is certainly a unique mix that looks better than it sounds.

Lang Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring

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If you're looking for an engagement ring that features more than just diamonds, look no further than this one from Lang. It features a royal blue sapphire from Pailin, Cambodia, which means it's a rare and coveted stone.

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20 Unique Vintage Engagement Rings for a Statement-Making Look (2024)

FAQs

What is considered a vintage engagement ring? ›

"Vintage" refers to anything at least 20 years old, while "antique" refers to anything at least 100 years old. When it comes to engagement rings, "vintage" usually signifies the ring's style rather than its age.

What are the 5 C's of engagement rings? ›

These qualities are universally described as the 5 C's – Carat, Cut, Colour, Clarity and Confidence. Understanding the 5 C's can help simplify choosing a diamond allowing you to focus on its beauty and ensuring it is the perfect fit for you or your loved one. Carat (ct) refers to the weight of the diamond.

What makes a ring look vintage? ›

Older estate jewelry features diamonds and gemstones that are hand-cut with different techniques than modern gems. Cuts such as the mine cut, rose cut, and old European cut are key indications that a piece is truly vintage.

What did engagement rings look like in the 1920s? ›

Features of 1920s Engagement Rings

From the Edwardian era, 1920s rings maintained the use of platinum and diamonds for engagement rings, but they were more geometric. In its structure, these rings had straight lines and distinct geometric shapes instead of the curved, flowing lines of Edwardian rings.

Are vintage rings worth anything? ›

What is the value of an antique or vintage wedding ring? Depends on the ring, what it's made out of, who made it etc. There is no one price for all antique wedding rings. Many are only worth their Karat weight in the metal, (gold, silver platinum) that are made out of.

Do vintage engagement rings keep their value? ›

Antique engagement rings hold their value very well if kept in good condition. Rarity is an important factor in jewelry pricing since inevitably some pieces will be damaged or lost over the years.

Is $5000 alot for an engagement ring? ›

Whether $5000 is considered a lot for an engagement ring depends on individual perspectives and financial circ*mstances. In general, it's a reasonable budget that provides a variety of attractive options.

Is $5,000 reasonable for an engagement ring? ›

Absolutely! A $5,000 can get you a beautiful, high-quality diamond and setting. You can easily buy a 2-carat lab diamond or in some cases even a 2.5-carat lab-grown diamond ring with this budget. It all comes down to the quality of diamond that you choose.

What is the golden rule for engagement rings? ›

Traditional belief (especially in western countries) is that a groom-to-be must spend his 1-3 months' salary on engagement ring.

How do you make a ring look expensive? ›

A few of changes you can make are to:
  1. Add more diamonds to the center stone.
  2. Accentuate the center stone with diamonds on the band.
  3. Build a color combination via gemstone accents, such as sapphires.
  4. Change precious metals. ...
  5. Swap the center stone with something bigger, higher quality, or of a different cut.

Why are vintage rings so cheap? ›

VALUE. Older rings are, by their very nature, used, secondhand pieces. This can give couples some surprising bargains and lower prices to choose from when compared to new, modern rings, especially when comparing prices per carat of the ring's stones.

How do I choose vintage jewelry? ›

As Verderame succinctly says, “Learn the major designers. Pay attention to maker's marks.” Maker's marks, or hallmarks or stamps as they're often called, denote the company who designed and crafted the jewelry piece.

What did engagement rings look like in the 1960s? ›

Alongside diamonds, 1960s engagement rings often featured colourful gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. These stones were often cut in unique shapes like oval, marquise, and pear.

What did Audrey Hepburn's engagement ring look like? ›

Instead of an engagement ring, Audrey got to wear three bands. One yellow, one rose, and one white. The yellow and rose gold bands were beveled with a geometric pattern on the surface. The white gold band featured 1.5 carats of baguette diamonds in an eternity setting.

What are the oldest engagement rings? ›

Anthropologists believe this tradition originated from a Roman custom in which wives wore rings attached to small keys, indicating their husbands' ownership. In 1477, Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the very first diamond engagement ring on record for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy.

How can you tell if a diamond ring is vintage? ›

Vintage pieces may show slight signs of tarnish, scratches, or fading, which can add to their charm and authenticity. Style and Design Elements: Pay attention to the overall style and design elements of the jewelry. Look for specific motifs, patterns, and shapes that are indicative of certain eras or designers.

Why are vintage engagement rings so cheap? ›

Vintage engagement rings are more budget friendly

They are essentially secondhand, even if this is what gives them much of their charm.

How can you tell if jewelry is vintage or antique? ›

For a piece of jewelry to be considered antique, it must be at least 100 years old, whereas anything over 40 years old is considered vintage. Antique- and vintage-style reproductions merely take inspiration from the silhouettes, colors, and materials of jewelry pieces from bygone years.

What is the difference between vintage and antique ring? ›

What is the difference between vintage, estate and antique engagement rings? An antique engagement ring is over 50 years old - made before the 1970s. An estate engagement ring is simply pre-owned and could have been bought as recently as last year. A vintage engagement ring doesn't have a clearly defined meaning.

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