Guide to Vintage-Style Engagement Rings
On the heels of Taylor Swift's engagement announcement, vintage-style engagement rings have been stealing the show when it comes to jewelry trends. It's easy to see how these heirloom-quality pieces have attracted an entire generation of couples with their delicate, romantic detailing, one-of-a-kind charm, and impeccable craftsmanship. Moreover, vintage-inspired engagement rings cater to a diverse range of styles, spanning from the ornate and Edwardian to the elegant and avant-garde.
At Lux Bond & Green, we're proud to curate a stunning collection of vintage-style rings designed to blend old-world history with contemporary fashion.
Defining the vintage-inspired
Before diving into the world of vintage-inspired designs, let's take a look at the differences between vintage rings and vintage-style (or vintage-inspired) rings.
For a ring to be considered vintage, it must be at least 20-30 years old, capturing the artistry of its era in the form of an heirloom piece. By comparison, vintage-inspired engagement rings are newly crafted pieces, and their designs are influenced by vintage relics, adapting features such as filigree metalwork, milgrain edges, floral motifs, and hand-engraved settings. Because these pieces are made in the modern age, they’re also easier to acquire and more durable—benefits worth considering as you look for your perfect ring.
Setting the stage for vintage style
Although vintage-style rings can vary in terms of their exact aesthetics, some hallmark features are easy to identify.
Here are a few highlights:
Engraved bands
Engraved bands contribute to the versatile, ornate craftsmanship that characterizes vintage-style designs. These hand-etched carvings tell your love story through icon, texture, and light.
Milgrain detailing
These delicate, bead-like edges lend an engagement ring an antique finish.
Halo and cluster settings
Dating back to the early 20th century, these designs still draw the eye thanks to their multidimensional brilliance.
Colored gemstones
Not every rock has to be a diamond. Many brides-to-be are bejeweled with gems like sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and morganite—adding both color and symbolism to their ring's design.
Filigree patterns
Filigree patterns articulate elements of the Victorian with their lace-like detailing.
If you're all about the personalized and are yearning for a ring unique to your love, a vintage-inspired ring may just be the match for you.
Exploring vintage styles
Because vintage jewelry can come from countless bygone eras, there's not a single vintage aesthetic, making this trend customizable to your personality and tastes.
A few favorite vintage-inspired ring styles include:
Victorian (1837–1901)
Feminine and romantic, Victorian designs are all about the little details. Think intricate filigree and floral engravings.
Edwardian (1901–1915)
Elegant and lightweight, Edwardian rings balance opulence with elegance. These pieces are often characterized by their lace-like patterns and engravings.
Art Deco (1920s–1930s)
Bridging symmetry and bold geometry is a key characteristic of Art Deco-inspired rings; they create a unique blend of modern trendiness and timeless glamour.
Mid-Century (1940s–1960s)
Often considered statement pieces, these dramatic and eye-catching designs feature large center stones and sleek settings, marrying Old Hollywood sparkle with modern aesthetic simplicity.
Are old mine cut diamond rings considered vintage style engagement rings?
Old mine-cut rings are a vintage style representing decades of history. Cut by hand during the 18th and 19th centuries, these rings were crafted by candlelight, lending them a warm and understated brilliance that most modern cuts can't replicate. However, today's jewelers channel the same charm into vintage-inspired pieces using old mine- or old European-cut stones. This option captures the allure of the antique while providing the precision and dependability of a modern design.
Choosing your vintage-inspired ring
Ready to begin your forever and always with a vintage-inspired engagement ring?
Capture the sentiment and consider the following:
Choose a ring that reflects your partner’s personality and lifestyle. Do they prefer bold fashions or jewelry with a more subtle aesthetic? Do they live an active lifestyle? These factors are key when selecting the perfect piece for your betrothed.
Determine the metal that matches their style, whether it's platinum, rose gold, or yellow gold.
Consider customizing the ring with personalized engravings to create a piece that captures your love story.
Timeless designs for timeless love
From the uncanny glow of the old mine-cut to the ornate opulence of the Victorian style, vintage-inspired engagement rings have an enduring charm. These pieces offer an unparalleled glimpse at history while celebrating the next chapter to come.
At Lux Bond & Green, we've curated fine jewelry for over a century, providing customers with the best of both worlds: vintage styles and contemporary designs. With non-commissioned expert staff and customization services available, we're here to provide the personalized guidance you deserve. Explore our collections online or visit us in Connecticut or Massachusetts today.