Vintage Antique Engagement Rings

In the space between timeless traditions and relatively newer fashions lies the range of the vintage engagement rings. While not yet antiques they are never the less unique in their own features, making these engagement rings from the early 1900s to the late 1970 and 80’s vintage and classic.

Determining if engagement rings are vintage or not depends on the year that the ring was made as well as the elements of the ring design. Most rings considered to be vintage will have a combination of yellow and white gold in the band and setting. There are some vintage rings that are made of platinum or some with one metal only.

Narrow bands at the back widening to larger settings at the front of the engagement rings from this time period are very common. Generally if the band is two tone, the white gold will be located on the front of the ring to provide reflection for the diamonds and add to the overall design. Mountings and settings were commonly done in white gold during the early 1900s and continue to be very popular.

The stones in vintage engagement rings tend to be somewhat smaller than are seen in many of the new diamond engagement rings however they are also more of the moderately large stones. Often other gems are also combined with diamonds in beautiful settings that highlight both the diamond as well as the surrounding gems.

Although a more antique cut, cushion cut diamonds are still often found in vintage engagement rings. This cut is very soft in overall appearance and tends to be seen as a central diamond or as a medium to larger sized solitaire. Several cushion cut diamond rings also are interlocking or curved bands and present a beautiful and original looking ring set.

Cushion cut diamonds are also sometimes known as candlelight diamonds since they reflect even the subtle light from candles used historically in homes. They tend to be more oval to rounded rectangular in shape and have a very soft and almost understated appearance on engagement rings.

Open, long facets on many of the diamonds on older engagement rings give a unique light reflection to the interior. The colors are still vibrant and there is fire, it is just less sharp. Many people see these types of cuts as very romantic looking and may be enhanced on the band with smaller diamonds.

Looking through estate sales or selecting jewelers that offer replicas of vintage engagement rings may provide you with some options you hadn’t previously considered. The detail in these rings really makes them unique and different from modern engagement rings.