No snowmen here, but if you’re considering a vintage engagement ring, you’re in the right place. Vintage engagement rings are one of the most popular engagement ring styles and there are many eras to choose from. Each vintage period was inspired by history and cultural events that were used to craft vintage engagement rings. We’ll break down each era as well as the design details that were often used during these times to help you narrow down which vintage engagement ring might be best for you.
Different Vintage Engagement Ring Eras
There are different eras in jewelry history that marked periods in which certain engagement ring styles were popular. While many designs crossed over in various vintage jewelry eras, each period had their own historical context behind different engagement ring styles at that time.
For example, you will find that many vintage engagement rings used colored gemstones instead of diamonds. Up until the 1900s, cutting techniques for diamonds were limited. They did not glitter and sparkle the way they do today. Diamonds had few facets and simple cutting styles. Many people preferred the allure of bright colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
Georgian Vintage Engagement Ring
The Georgian period took place between the years of 1714-1837. Aptly named after four King Georges during this time, Georgian engagement rings were inspired by the Enlightenment and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
Georgian vintage engagement ring styles often consisted of intricate nature inspired designs. Jewelers were heavily inspired by nature and many pieces of jewelry had leaves, flowers, and bird designs.
Popular gemstones during the Georgian vintage jewelry era included rose cut diamonds, old mine cut diamonds, garnets, topaz, coral, and turquoise. Ring metals chosen during this time were gold, silver, and another metal alloy of copper and zinc called pinchbeck.
Victorian Vintage Engagement Ring
Unsurprisingly, the VIctorian jewelry period was inspired by Queen Victoria. Her life, styles, and other events during the years of 1837-1901 gave way to different engagement ring and jewelry styles. The Victorian period may be divided into three sections: The early Victorian, mid, and late Victorian eras.
Early Victorian jewelry is also known as the Romantic Victorian era and took place between 1837-1860. Popular motifs during this time included hearts and bows with intricate details. This was inspired by Queen Victoria’s marriage and love for Prince Albert.
During this time, silver and 18K gold were popular ring metals for early Victorian engagement rings. Popular gemstones included garnets, amethysts, diamonds, emeralds, and turquoise.
The mid-Victorian jewelry era was also known as the Grand Victorian period. This took place between the years of 1860-1885. During this time, vintage engagement rings and vintage jewelry took a darker turn, due to the death of Prince Albert. Mourning jewelry was worn by Queen Victoria and often featured dark stones like onys and jet. Amethyst, garnet, and diamonds were still popular, but this time focused heavily on darker, gothic themed jewelry crafted in gold and silver.
The Late Victorian period, also called the Victorian Aesthetic, took place between 1885-1901. Darker jewelry designs evolved into lighter designs. VIntage engagement rings and jewelry styles of this period returned to nature inspired motifs inspired by aesthetic movement influences from art and beauty. Gold and silver continued to be popular vintage engagement ring metals during this time. Popular gemstones included diamonds, peridot, spinel, and sapphires.
Art Nouveau Vintage Engagement Ring
The Art Nouveau period of vintage engagement rings and jewelry took place during the years of 1890-1910. Designs during this time was a rebellion against strict art standards and industrialization. Like many of the eras before it, Art Nouveau vintage engagement rings and jewelry consisted of naturalistic themes, such as flowers, insects, and feminine forms. Popular metals during this period included 18K gold, copper, and silver. It was during this era that unique gemstones such as opals and moonstone hit their stride. Enameling on vintage engagement rings was commonly applied.
Edwardian Vintage Engagement Ring
The Edwardian period of vintage jewelry and engagement rings took place during the years of 1901-1915. It was inspired by King Edward VII and reflected the elegance and sophistication of the upper class. A vintage engagement ring of this era often showcased intricate lace and curly designs. Petite, delicate, and feminine designs were highly popular during this time. Filigree work was also popular, which involved twisting thin, delicate metal wires into motifs like florals, scrolls, and geometric shapes. During this time, platinum and white gold were used alongside traditional yellow gold. Diamonds, pearls, sapphires, and emeralds were often used in Edwardian vintage jewelry.
Art Deco Vintage Engagement Ring
A vintage engagement ring from the Art Deco era tends to be the most popular among vintage engagement rings. This era took place between 1920-1935, after World War I. The Art Deco vintage engagement ring often featured a modern take of geometric shapes and streamlined designs. Platinum, white gold, and yellow gold were popular ring metals during this time. Step cuts diamonds such as emerald cuts and baguettes were revered for their distinctive hall of mirror look, which produces dramatic flashes of light rather than a modest sparkle. Rubies, sapphires, onyx, diamonds, and coral were popular in jewelry during the Art Deco period.
Retro VIntage Engagement Rings
A Retro vintage engagement ring featured big and bold designs. They were perceived as glamorous, particularly inspired by Hollywood. The Retro era took place between 1935-1950. During these years, the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war period took place. It was during this time that rose gold joined the ranks of platinum and yellow gold as popular engagement ring metals. Lab created gemstones also made their debut, offering less expensive options for vintage engagement rings. Additional gemstones used in Retro jewelry included aquamarines, sapphires, and citrine.
Vintage Diamond Cuts
There have been many vintage diamond cuts chosen when creating a vintage engagement ring. The team at AW Jewelry is able to cut traditional diamond shapes like other retailers, vintage cuts, and even more unique shapes that you can’t find at retailers. Here are some of the vintage diamond cuts available when creating a vintage engagement ring.
- Point cut– Simple octahedral shape, resembles a natural diamond crystal. Typically unpolished or minimally polished.
- Table Cut- Square or rectangular with a flat top (table) and a flat bottom. Simple cut with a large table facet and minimal facets.
- Rose Cut– Flat bottom with a domed crown covered in triangular facets. Typically has 3, 6, or 24 facets, designed to reflect light from the crown.
- Old Mine Cut– Cushion-shaped with a high crown, small table, and large, flat culet. Known for its deep proportions and chunky facets.
- Old European Cut– Round shape with a high crown, small table, and large culet. 58 facets, optimized for candlelight.
- Single Cut– Round with fewer facets, usually 18 facets. Simpler cut used in pavé and channel settings.
- Step Cut– Rectangular with step-like facets parallel to the girdle. Emerald cuts and Asscher cuts are step cut diamond shapes. They are known for their “hall of mirrors” effect and dramatic flashes.
Build A Vintage Engagement Ring at AW Jewelry
If you’re wanting to build a vintage engagement ring from any of these eras, AW Jewelry can do it for you. Our skilled jewelers are able to show you a variety of vintage engagement ring styles inspired by any of the jewelry eras above. If you’re still not quite sure on which might be best, we are happy to show you a variety of styles or create from inspiration you’ve brought. If you’re feeling extra bold, you might choose different elements from various eras to create your one-of-kind vintage engagement ring. Are you ready to take the plunge? Contact us today to create the vintage engagement ring of your dreams.
