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

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

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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

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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Our Top Picks

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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 did engagement rings look like in the 1920s? ›

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.

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 is a statement engagement ring? ›

A statement engagement ring is characterized by its ability to draw attention and start conversations. Unlike traditional engagement rings that might be more subtle or subdued, these pieces feature bold designs, larger-than-life VRAI created diamonds, and unique settings that reflect individual personality and style.

How can you tell if a ring is vintage? ›

Patina and Wear: Look for signs of aging, patina, or wear on the jewelry. 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.

Are vintage rings worth anything? ›

Antique jewelry is over a century old. While its age may increase its value, due to scarcity and demand, the reality is that its condition may have deteriorated. Of course this is dependent on how the jewelry has been looked after. The better the condition of your antique jewelry, the higher resale price it will fetch.

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 did engagement rings look like in the early 1900s? ›

1900's. At the start of the 1900's, the majority of brides-to-be that received engagement rings were members of the upper class. The most popular style was a simple band of gold, set with a European cut diamond or similar precious stone.

What engagement rings were popular in the 1950s? ›

One of the most popular styles representative of the 50s were engagement rings featuring a large center diamond nestled among symmetrical smaller diamonds or baguettes, on either side of it. Popular cuts included round cuts, Asscher cuts, emerald Cuts and marquise Cuts.

What did engagement rings look like in the 1800s? ›

Diamond rings from the early and mid-1800s often have a closed foiled back, which allowed for maximum brilliance achievable at that time. Engagement rings from this period often feature “rose cut” or “table cut” diamonds, which are flat at the bottom, and rise like a dome.

What were the popular rings in the 1970s? ›

1970s engagement ring features include:
  • Yellow or rose gold metals.
  • Chunkier rings and stones.
  • Stone cuts like emerald, princess, and radiant.
  • Diamond clusters and halo styles.

What are the oldest engagement rings? ›

Ancient Roman Ring – From 3rd Century CE

Some online sources suggest that the tradition of engagement rings began in ancient Egypt. While this is possible, the history of engagement rings can only be reliably traced back to ancient Rome, where we have evidence by way of written accounts and archaeological finds.

Which finger for statement ring? ›

Middle Finger

This makes it a popular choice for anyone that owns a statement ring but doesn't want to wear it on their pinky finger.

What are statement rings called? ›

Also known as co*cktail rings, statement rings have a long and storied history in the jewelry world, dating back to the 1920s. While trends may have changed in the century since the bold style has never gone out of fashion.

How do I choose a statement ring? ›

The first thing to consider when buying a statement ring is the shape of your hand. You want to pick a form that complements your hand shape and doesn't overpower it. It's best to go with a more straightforward ring if you have smaller hands or are petite because a large ring can make your hands look smaller.

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 kind of engagement ring is timeless? ›

The Unmatched Round Brilliant: A true icon, the round brilliant cut reigns supreme, and is considered the most timeless of them all. Its meticulously proportioned facets maximize a diamond's brilliance, creating a dazzling play of light and fire.

How old is a vintage diamond ring? ›

WHAT IS A VINTAGE RING? Vintage rings usually are at least 20 to 50 years old not as old as antique rings. Antique jewelers consider these eras to include retro and late Art Deco era, and the mid centuries, the Fabulous 50s, the 1960s , 1970s and 1980s.

What is considered a vintage diamond? ›

The term antique is generally applied to items at least one hundred years old; stones cut in the 1930s and 40s still exhibit antique cutting styles even if they're not quite one hundred years old, so can be considered vintage.

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