Yahoo LifestyleSomething Old: 53 Vintage Engagement Rings To Shop Now
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Something Old: 53 Vintage Engagement Rings To Shop Now
Whether you like the idea of wearing a piece of history or you're after a one-of-a-kind ring that you won't see on anyone else, consider going vintage.
Before you say yes—to the ring and your impending proposal—find out which era of vintage jewelry speaks to you. Be it Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, Mid-Century or a re-set a family heirloom, each period offers something different in terms of design, stone quality, metalwork, motifs, and more. Here, 53 of the most beautiful period pieces to shop now.
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Georgian
Years: 1714-1837
The Georgian era took place during the reigns of the four King Georges of England and its jewelry is considered to be the most feminine. This was, after all, the time of Marie Antoinette and Jane Austen.
"A bride with a sense of romance would be drawn to a Georgian engagement ring," says Clive Kandel, Jewelry Consultant for 1stdibs.com. Natural, floral, and ancient Greco-Roman motifs were popular during this era, while settings were mostly made out of gold or silver. Foil was often placed underneath the stones to reflect candlelight; this was a time before electricity—but jewelry makers were no less obsessed with light and how it passes through a stone. As a result, these pieces are particularly delicate—so take special care when wearing and cleaning a Georgian ring.
Stephen Russell Antique Silver Gold & Diamond Ring, circa 1820, price upon request, 212-570-6900 SHOP
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Georgian
1st Dibs Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, circa the 1830s, $3,661.95, 1stdibs.com
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Georgian
1st Dibs Antique Georgian Era Blue Glass Diamond Unisex Ring, circa 1790, $9,800, 1stdibs.com
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Georgian
Erica Weiner Georgian Topaz and Seed Pearl Cluster Ring, circa 1800, $2,300, ericaweiner.com.
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Georgian
Croghan’s Jewel Box Estate Emerald-Cut Emerald & Diamond 18K Gold Ring, $19,550, croghansjewelbox.com
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Georgian Engagement Rings
Erica Weiner Georgian Pearl and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring, circa 1820, $1,800, ericaweiner.com
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Victorian
Years: 1837-1901
Defined by the reign of Queen Victoria, engagement rings from this era are typically ornate and have engraved gold settings with scroll designs. "They are very much the opposite of the more modern, classic, single-stone diamond rings of the last eighty years," says Kandel. Victorian rings often feature cluster settings and larger colored stones surrounded by smaller diamonds on each side.
McTeigue & McClelland Natural Emerald and Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold and Platinum Circa 1865, price upon request, mc2jewels.com
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Victorian
Doyle & Doyle Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring With Black Enamel Detail, circa 1870, $22,000, doyledoyle.com
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Victorian
McTeigue & McClelland Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14- Karat Red Gold circa 1845, price upon request, mc2jewels.com
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Victorian
Croghan’s Jewel Box Victorian Oval Turquoise & Diamond Halo 18-Karat Gold Ring, circa the 1900s, $3,165, croghansjewelbox.com
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Victorian
Fox & Bond 18k Victorian Old Mine Cut White and Brown Diamond Ring, circa the 1870s-1890s, $1,090, foxandbond.com
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Victorian
Croghan’s Jewel Box Victorian Aquamarine & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring, $6,560, circa the 1900s, croghansjewelbox.com
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Victorian
Fox & Bond 14k Austrian Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, circa the 1870s-1890s, $3,170, foxandbond.com
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Victorian
Fox & Bond 18-Karat Victorian 5-Stone Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring, circa the 1890s-1900, $12,390, foxandbond.com
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Edwardian
Years: 1901-1920
The Edwardian period began when Queen Victoria's son, Edward VII, took the throne at the beginning of the 20th century—around the same time that platinum became the metal of choice for fine jewelry. Because platinum is much harder than gold, jewelers were able to intricately engrave the bands and settings–giving the engagement rings of this period a lacy, detailed, and dainty look.
Fred Leighton Edwardian Marquise Diamond and Ruby Scalloped Navette Ring $17,000, circa the 1900s, fredleighton.com
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Edwardian
Ashley Zhang The Antoinette Ring Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa the 1900s, $10,300, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
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Edwardian
Briony Raymond Estate Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Ring, $14,500, brionraymond.com SHOP
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Edwardian
Kentshire Green Zircon Solitaire Ring with Edwardian Style Platinum Band, $8,150, circa the 1900s, kentshire.com
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Edwardian
Siegelson, New York Old European Prong and Bezel Set Blackened Silver Ring, price upon request, siegelson.com SHOP
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Edwardian
Fox & Bond Edwardian “Eye” Old European Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring, circa 1910-1915, $3,865, foxandbond.com
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Edwardian
Stephen Russell Platinum Cushion Cut Diamond & Sapphire Ring, circa 1910, price upon request, stephenrussell.com SHOP
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Edwardian
McTeigue & McClelland Old European Cut Diamond and Natural Emerald Engagement Ring Circa 1905, price upon request, mc2jewels.com
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Art Deco
Years: 1920-1938
The end of World War I ushered in the beginning of the Roaring '20s, and the beginning of the Art Deco period. Platinum remained the most popular metal to use in engagement rings, but the introduction of the emerald cut and diamond baguettes ushered in a new geometric look that was much more minimalist and linear than previous eras. An Art Deco engagement ring would be ideal for someone "who is attracted to symmetry, straight lines, and fine detailing often found in architecture," says Kandel.
Kentshire Art Deco "Toi et Moi"Two Stone European Cut Diamond and Onyx Ring, circa 1925, $32,500, kentshire.com
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Art Deco
Steven Fox Art Deco Round Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1920-1929, price upon request, 1stdibs.com
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Art Deco
Ashley Zhang Carre Cut Diamond Art Deco Ring, circa 1920, $48,500, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
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Art Deco
Fred Leighton Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Ring, circa the 1920s $27,000, fredleighton.com
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Art Deco
Oscar Heyman Baguette Emerald and Diamond Ring, price upon request, oscarheyman.com
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Art Deco
Stephen Russell Tiffany & Co. Asscher Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1925, price upon request, 1stdibs.com
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Art Deco
Oscar Heyman Platinum Emerald Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring, price upon request, oscarheyman.com
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Art Deco
Kentshire Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Pear Shaped Navette-Shaped Ring, circa 1925, $17,950, kentshire.com
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Art Deco
Tiina Smith Pyramidal Canary Yellow Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring, $25,500, tiinasmithjewelry.com
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Art Deco
Kentshire Art Deco Bombé Style Calibre Ruby and Old European-Cut Diamond Ring, $19,500, kentshire.com
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Retro Engagement Rings
Years: 1935-1948
Defined by Hollywood's golden age, the Retro era featured a bold and oversized look. "Strong, independent and intelligent women are oftentimes associated with Retro jewelry. Think: Katherine Hepburn or Lauren Bacall," says Kandel.
During this time, new cuts of diamonds, including the pear shape and marquise-cut, were introduced and remained popular after World War II and through the '70s.
Fox & Bond Platinum and Diamond Spray Ring, circa the 1940s-1950s, $2,490, foxandbond.com
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Retro
Fox & Bond Retro Diamond, 18-Karat Gold, and Platinum Bombe Cocktail Ring, circa the 1930s-1950s, $6,840, foxandbond.com
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Retro
Fred Leighton Old European Cut Diamond Bypass Ring by Raymond Yard, circa 1920, $50,000, fredleighton.com
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Retro
Paul Flato Retro Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1945, $39,000, kentshire.com
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Retro
Oscar Heyman Retro sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1945, $16,500, kentshire.com
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Retro
McTeigue & McClelland Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring in 18 Karat Mesh With Platinum Buckle, circa 1945-1950, price upon request, mc2jewels.com
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Retro
Oscar Heyman Bros Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa the 1970s, $68,950.45, 1stdibs.com
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Mid-Century
Years: 1945-1969
Mid-Century emerged post-World War II and is defined by modernism, sleek shapes, and a fashion-forward bend. Clean lines and pops of color were on the rise during this era with a futuristic twist in shape and functionality. Scandinavian influences were also a big part of this era and the pieces tend to be larger and more impactful.
Croghan’s Jewel Box Estate Coral & Diamond 18K White Gold Ring, circa the 1950s, $4,830, croghansjewelbox.com
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Mid-Century
Ashley Zhang Black Onyx and Old European Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1970, $1,550, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
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Mid-Century
Grace Lee Emerald Cabochon ring, circa the 1960s, price upon request, gracelee.com
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Mid-Century Engagement Rings
Kenshire Mid-century gold and diamond turban ring, circa 1955, $10,750, kentshire.com
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Mid-Century Engagement Rings
Tiina Smith Kieselstein-Cord Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring, $7,200, tiinasmithjewelry.com
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Vintage-Inspired
Vintage inspired engagement rings are another great option if you love that old-world charm, but are looking to re-set a family heirloom into something new. Or, perhaps you are simply after a new ring with more modern stones and a historic feel.
Alison Lou's newly-released bridal collection is designed to craft any of their featured rings with family stones provided by the buyer. Other jewelers use vintage stones in modern settings—and vice versa, setting new stones in older metal settings. Whichever you choose, vintage (or vintage-inspired) rings are as beautiful as they are timeless.
Alison Lou The Babs Ring, price upon request, alisonlou.com - 47/54
Vintage-Inspired
Arman Sarkisyan Silver Cupcake Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds, $16,940, armansarkisyan.com
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Vintage-Inspired
Single Stone Leyla Engagement Ring, $15,000, greenwichjewelers.com
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Vintage-Inspired
Cathy Waterman Unique Grey Moghul Diamond Lace Edge Platinum Ring, $10,800, ylang23.com
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Vintage-Inspired
Jacquie Aiche Black Rhodium 5 Graduated Diamond Sophia Ring, $5,750, jacquieaiche.com
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Vintage-Inspired
Marisa Perry by Douglas Elliott "Emerald-Cut Diamond Deco Dream Engagement Ring," price upon request, marisaperry.com
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Vintage-Inspired
Sylva & Cie 18-Karat Yellow Gold & Silver Champagne Diamond Ring, price upon request, shop.mitchellstores.com
The chicest way to wear something old.
