Antique and vintage engagement rings are made for those who want to stand out. With many vintage and antique styles having been design decades (if not centuries!) ago, you’re not only getting a slice of history, but there’s a good chance you’re getting something that’s totally unique and one-of-a-kind.
Let’s be honest, how cool is it to know that you’re the only person wearing your specific style of antique or vintage engagement ring? When it comes to finding the perfect ring, there are plenty of eras to choose from, including the Georgian (1714 – 1830), Victorian (1837 – 1901), Edwardian (1901 – 1914), Art Nouveau (1890 – 1914), and Art Deco (1920 – 1935) time periods.
Not only will we share our favorite vintage (and vintage-inspired!) engagement rings in this guide, but we’ll also answer some of the most important questions you should be asking yourself if you’re considering one of these beauties.
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Antique vs Vintage Engagement Rings – What’s the Difference?
The rule of thumb is this: antique engagement rings are typically rings that are at least 100 years old. When it comes to vintage, the definition will vary, depending on who you talk to. Some retailers define vintage engagement rings as ones that are over 20 years old, whereas others define it as 40 years or older.
All of this to say, there is a difference between vintage vs antique, with antique rings being older in age. When narrowing down your engagement ring of choice, we always recommend looking for design era information (or even a specific design date) from the retailer. When buying an antique engagement ring, you’ll want to ensure it’s authentic.
The Sustainability of Buying Antique + Vintage Engagement Rings
It’s easy to forget, but authentic antique and vintage engagement rings are secondhand rings. Which means they’re an extraordinarily sustainable option for the eco-conscious buyer.
No new ring has to be manufactured and no new stones have to be mined. And on top of that, you get to wear a little piece of history. It really doesn’t get any better.
Maintenance and Care of Antique and Vintage Engagement Rings
It’s important to note that if you’re buying an authentic antique or vintage engagement ring, you’re buying an older piece of jewelry that will likely require gentler care and more maintenance. You should be aware of the condition of the piece before purchasing. And it’s equally important to make sure you check in with the jeweler on the best ways to clean and maintain your ring going forward.
The older your antique or vintage engagement ring, the more delicate it likely will be. It’s to be expected, but it’s certainly one thing to consider before purchasing.
If you love the antique or vintage look, but perhaps don’t want to deal with the higher maintenance, we highly recommend vintage-inspired rings. These are new rings that incorporate many of the vintage design elements, like flourishes (Art Nouveau era), floral details (Edwardian era), and sharp geometric shapes (Art Deco era). And don’t worry, we’ve included plenty of those vintage-inspired designs in this guide, too!
Do Antique and Vintage Engagement Rings Cost More Than Their Modern Counterparts?
There is more that goes into the price of an engagement ring than simply its age. Factors like the 4 C’s for diamonds, along with choice of metals for the bands, will all have an impact on price. For example, all things being equal, an 18K yellow gold ring will be pricier than a 14K yellow gold ring. And a stone with minimal inclusions will be more expensive than one with extensive inclusions. Furthermore, there are some gemstones, like sapphires and emeralds, that are known for keeping their value better than other stones.
That said, the older your antique or vintage engagement ring, the more likely it is that someone won’t be able to find the same ring elsewhere. It’s a simply a matter of basic economics. Smaller supply drives up the price. So all things constant, a one-of-a-kind antique or vintage band will command a higher price point (and they will continue to do so the older they get).
However, you also need to take into consideration the condition of the antique or vintage engagement ring you’re buying. A vintage ring in very poor condition isn’t necessarily going to command a higher price than a comparable new ring in excellent condition.
Vintage Art Deco Engagement Rings
The Art Deco era is probably the most popular when it comes to vintage engagement rings. You’ll find plenty of modern-day ring designers creating Art Deco-inspired bands that mimic the iconic styles of this era. Expect to see sharp angles and geometric shapes in this style. It’s bold, punchy, and a total statement.
1: Authentic Art Deco Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Art Deco engagement rings know how to make a statement. This gorgeous platinum band features bold, geometric shapes and a stunning cluster of diamonds that is sure to catch the eye. And the attention to detail with the organic curves on the edges and the milgrain detail are a classic vintage detail we love.
2: Elongated Geometric Art Deco Vintage Inspired Band
This Art Deco inspired engagement ring is covered in glitz and glam. It incorporates the iconic tall, elongated style that was so popular in this era, and features the prettiest collection of round cut diamonds that would basically shine from a mile away.
3: Authentic 1930’s Art Deco Bezel Set Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring
The old European round cut diamond center stone on this Art Deco engagement ring is a true thing of beauty. And the milgrain bezel set makes it even more striking. Pair it with the gorgeous engraving details on the band, and you have yourself one of the prettiest round cut platinum rings we’ve ever seen
Antique Engagement Rings
Remember, when shopping for antique engagement rings, you’re looking at rings that are at least 100 years old. That covers all of the design eras we’ve talked about, with Art Deco still being on the cusp. Antique engagement rings are very much keepsakes.
4: Authentic Early 1900’s Art Nouveau Antique Engagement Ring
Have you ever seen an engagement band shape as unique as this one?! The Art Nouveau era is known for its curves and flourishes, so naturally this antique engagement ring has fully embraced that design style. This ring dates back to the 1910’s, yet it has a timeless quality that looks gorgeous today too.
5: Authentic 1800’s Victorian Antique Engagement Ring
One of the older bands on this list, this gorgeous Victorian antique engagement ring dates back to 1870. Yes, you heard that right. This vintage beauty is over 150 years old. It embraces a crowned heart shape, with the prettiest silvery diamonds.
Vintage Rose Gold Engagement Rings
Rose gold is known as a very romantic metal, which makes it especially intriguing for vintage engagement rings. There’s nothing quite like the combo of romantic colors and historic, romantic styles.
6: Regal Rose Gold Halo Vintage-Inspired Diamond Engagement Ring
This beauty is a perfect example of embracing the vintage style, but with a completely new engagement ring. It incorporates an ultra-detailed halo, with a regal floral crown-like appearance. Talk about a total conversation piece.
7: Rose Gold Victorian Era Ring
The ornate filigree detailing on this ring is serious GOALS. We love the way this diamond engagement ring embraces the classic Victorian style elements and aesthetic. Organic, nature-inspired details are everywhere, and we couldn’t love it more.
8: Morganite Art Deco Vintage Inspired Engagement Ring
This lovely vintage inspired engagement ring can double as a wedding band, too. It embraces the glamor of the Art Deco era, with a plethora of morganite and diamond stones. And the rose gold band is utterly romantic.
Vintage Edwardian Engagement Rings
Edwardian rings are known for their feminine aesthetic. You’ll also commonly find floral and ornate milgrain detailing in these rings. They have a sort of movement to them that’s utterly whimsical and ethereal.
9: White Gold Solitaire Antique Diamond Edwardian Engagement Ring
The solitaire round cut old European diamond on this stunning Edwardian engagement ring is mesmerizing, to say the least. And the feminine engravings framing either side of it make for the ideal canvas. This ring dates back to 1915, so you’re getting an authentic antique keepsake.
10: Aquamarine + Diamond Ornate Antique Edwardian Engagement Ring
The cutouts on this lovely antique Edwardian engagement ring are truly breathtaking. The design gives this vintage engagement ring a floral vibe that beautifully frames the aquamarine center stone.
11: Dreamy Opal + Diamond Vintage Edwardian Engagement Ring
It goes without saying that opals are some of the dreamiest stones for engagement rings. And this Edwardian vintage cluster band incorporates three of them, along with a collection of gorgeous round cut diamonds. And that milgrain setting detail?! So good.
Vintage Victorian Engagement Rings
Victorian engagement rings are known for their imitation of the natural world. You’ll notice organic curvatures and nature-inspired designs here. In that respect, there are certainly some overlaps between vintage Edwardian engagement rings and those of the Victorian era.
12: Authentic Amethyst + Diamond Vintage Victorian Engagement Ring
Speaking of imitating the natural world, this vintage Victorian engagement ring totally embraces that, with a floral design style made of a gorgeous amethyst center stone and a lovely diamond halo. And this beauty dates back to 1860, making it an authentic antique engagement ring.
13: Authentic 1860’s Garnet Antique Victorian Engagement Ring
Scrolls and detailed engravings make this ornate 1866 antique Victorian engagement ring a total stunner. They just don’t make them like this anymore. The band incorporates three lovely garnet stones in the center, along with little emerald dots on either side, making for a super colorful and eclectic ring.
14: Authentic Swirling Three Stone Vintage Victorian Engagement Ring
Three stone rings are a total classic, but we love this swirling asymmetrical take on the design. Leave it up to an authentic antique Victorian design to pull that off.
Diamond Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond engagement rings can be traced back all the way to the late 1400s, so it’s no wonder that there are plenty of gorgeous diamond vintage engagement rings. It’s a classic stone with a classic aesthetic.
15: Two Tone Cushion Cut Victorian Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring
One of the things we love about antique and vintage engagement rings is how many of them incorporate a two-tone band design. This specific Victorian ring incorporates both platinum and yellow gold, with the most gorgeous diamonds in the center. And naturally, being designed in the 1890’s, it incorporates that classic Victorian design, with ornate, nature-inspired elements.
16: 1910’s Cocktail Style Edwardian Diamond Vintage Band
If you love a dramatic, statement look, cocktail style diamond vintage engagement rings are for you. The cocktail style is known for being large, chunky, and bold. And this lovely diamond and sapphire beaut is no exception. We love the framing details of this Edwardian stunner and the mixture of gold in the band with the cooler tone stones.
17: Edwardian Onyx + Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring
Need a little mood and edge on your vintage engagement ring? This ornate antique Edwardian band is going to blow you away. It features a lovely oval plate-like symmetrical design, covered in diamonds and black onyx. It’s equal parts elegant and moody. We approve.
Bohemian Vintage Engagement Rings
We love the way vintage-inspired engagement rings are embracing classic vintage themes and features, along with today’s popular bohemian style. This meshing of styles is truly gorgeous.
18: Sunshine Bohemian Vintage Inspired Engagement Ring Set
We love that this bohemian vintage inspired engagement ring actually has a matching band to go with it. We love the subtle Art Deco influences on the band, with an almost sunburst-esque design.
19: Bohemian Vintage Inspired Emerald Band
This lovely oval vintage inspired engagement band is giving us all the regal vibes. It incorporates a plate-like geometric halo that’s a nod to the Art Deco era. The milgrain detailing and diamond side stones feel ultra boho. And then the oval shaped center stone exudes romance. It’s the perfect combination.
Let’s be honest, emeralds are beyond dreamy. So we’ve rounded up our fave rings incorporating emerald stones.
Vintage Oval Engagement Rings
Oval cut stones have a romantic and timeless look that makes them the perfect companion for a vintage inspired ring setting. The oval shape has a way of elongating the ring finger in a gorgeous and flattering way.
20: Floral Vintage Inspired Oval Band
You’ve probably already noticed that many antique and vintage engagement rings incorporate aspects of the natural world into their designs. Particularly those that come from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. And this east-west oval vintage inspired band is a nod to that classic antique aesthetic. Its delicate leaf design band is absolutely breathtaking.
21: French Mirror-Inspired Oval Vintage Style Band
We’re pretty confident that with a gorgeous vintage inspired oval diamond engagement ring like this one, you’ll want to spend all your days staring into it. Which totally makes sense, given its design is intended to mirror the design and aesthetic of a French style mirror.
22: Vintage 1920’s Art Deco Oval Green Goddess Band
Get ready to be swept off your feet. Because we’re pretty certain this green goddess 1920’s Art Deco vintage engagement ring is going to completely mesmerize you. The yellow gold band absolutely pops against the diamond halo and green center stone. We’re fairly certain we’ll be dreaming about this beauty tonight.
Vintage Halo Engagement Rings
You’ve probably noticed that antique and vintage engagement rings tend to be very detail-oriented. Milgrain detail, flourishes, curves, and the like are in no shortage here! So it’s only natural that many vintage-inspired designs also incorporate some sort of halo surround.
23: Lab Created Alexandrite Vintage Inspired Halo Engagement Ring
This gorgeous vintage-inspired alexandrite engagement ring features the prettiest gold floral halo that’s reminiscent of a Victorian style band. And the alexandrite is actually lab grown, which means it doesn’t have the mining impact of a traditional stone. Now that’s something we can get behind!
Curious about lab grown stones? We’ve done a deep-dive on everything you need to know about lab grown diamonds.
24: Elaborate White Gold + Diamond Halo Vintage Inspired Band
Another gorgeous vintage-inspired diamond engagement ring! This lovely oval band features a super intricate geometric floral halo surround that feels like a blend between Art Deco and Victorian styles.
25: Solitaire Oval Milgrain Halo Vintage Inspired Engagement Ring
Who said a halo has to have stones on it?! This gorgeous diamond vintage inspired engagement ring embraces a simple solitaire design. But the milgrain halo detail feels reminiscent of times past.
Vintage Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
The emerald cut has a way of making your stone look even larger than it is. It has a bold and punchy effect, which is why it was a popular choice during the Art Deco era (and why it’s having such a moment right now!).
26: Staggered Diamond Art Deco Vintage Band
In classic Art Deco fashion, this gorgeous vintage engagement ring embraces all the shine and sparkle. The staggered seven diamond design is complete and utter magic. And the sharp angles of the emerald cut only serve to enhance that.
27: Victorian Era Inspired Moissanite Band
The cut on this moissanite band is gorgeously enhanced by the Victorian era nature-inspired halo surround. It exudes a delicate and whimsical vibe that feels ultra romantic.
Curious about moissanite and its role as a diamond alternative? We’re covering everything you need to know.
Ruby Vintage Engagement Rings
Like sapphire, rubies rank a 9 on the Mohs scale, which means they’re quite durable. That’s definitely a benefit, especially when you’re buying a vintage or antique engagement ring. You want something that has, and will continue, to stand the test of time. Plus, rubies are known to symbolize fiery romance, and who wouldn’t want that?!
28: Antique Victorian Floral Ruby Engagement Ring
It’s the engraved band details on this authentic late 1800’s antique Victorian band that’s tugging at our heartstrings. They add a regal aesthetic to the floral ruby center stone design on this vintage engagement ring.
29: Antique Victorian Diamond + Ruby Twist Ring
The vintage three stone diamond and ruby twisted design on this ring is absolutely lovely. This authentic antique Victorian engagement band reminds us of an eye shape, which couldn’t possibly be more stunning or cool.
Craving More Ring Inspiration?
Writing about the best engagement rings is our fave. We have guides on basically every type of stone and ring style you can imagine. Want a ring that’s truly different and otherworldly? We’ve written all about the most unique rings.
Think you want to go the birthstone route for your engagement band? We’ve rounded up our favorite birthstone rings for every month of the year.
Can’t get enough emeralds or sapphires (or really any non-diamond ring)? SAME. We’re obsessed. Or maybe you love the romance of a rose gold engagement ring. We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of the best.
Contemplating moissanite instead of diamond, but not sure if you should make the plunge? We did the side-by-side comparison for you, with all the pros and cons you need to know about.