The Historical Eras of Vintage Engagement Rings

Vintage designs are statement-makers in their own right. Couples looking for a unique engagement ring with charming details fit to match the bride's beauty and shared romance should consider a vintage or vintage engagement ring.

Learn more about the vintage eras to help you choose the right ring.

Vintage Inspired Platinum Round Halo Engagement Ring; KELTIE - ER14764R3PT4JJ

Engagement rings from this particular time period are extremely rare. The majority of Georgian antique rings are handmade, typically from 18k gold and silver. One distinguishing factor of the Georgian Period is the use of many different stone shapes and sizes in one single piece.

Because gemologists lacked the technology we have today, rose cuts and table cuts were commonly used on diamonds, sapphires, garnets, precious topaz, and amethysts. Many Georgian rings also include intricate floral, bow, or scrolling motifs.

Victorian-styled engagement ring with intricate detailing; SHERYL - ER9047W44JJ

Inspired and named after the beloved Queen Victoria, the Victorian Period consisted of jewelry trends that resembled the stylish fashion and jewelry tastes of the Queen. Married in 1840, Queen Victoria wore a snake motif ring set with her green emerald birthstone as her engagement ring.

In the Victorian era, it was very common for birthstones to be used instead of diamonds for engagement rings. Victoria went into a period of mourning when her dear husband died in 1861, inspiring the use of gold lockets and darkened, rustic-like pieces. With the discovery of diamonds in South Africa and the rise of the Industrial Revolution, diamond solitaire engagement rings were created, and jewelry reflected the birth of a new modern age.

A hand-etched band and exquisite detailing; MONTGOMERY - ER12581R4PT4JJ

Once Queen Victoria passed away in 1901, her son Edward took over the throne, introducing the Edwardian era. During this era, there were huge advances in metal fabrication (cutting, burning, welding, machining, forming, and assembly to create the final product), allowing jewelers to finally work with platinum to produce intricate yet durable pieces.

Jewelry from this period was light, detailed, and delicate, with diamonds as the gemstone of choice and 'milgraining' as THE metal decoration of this time. With these advancements, it is much easier to date jewelry that was manufactured in the early 20th century or later.

A vintage-inspired diamond halo with intricate floral designs; EMERYE - ER16193R6W44JJ

As an artistic resistance movement against technological advances, the Art Noveau was born, which overlapped the Victorian and Edwardian eras. However, jewelry from this period was praised for hand-craftsmanship, creativity, and designs using Japanese themes (birds, dragons, nature) as inspiration.

Diamonds were scarcely used, and gemstones like opals, agate, and moonstones became the highlight of the piece. The most notable design technique of this time was enameling, which added a stained glass effect of rich colors to complement the nature themes artistically.

Inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Art Deco era; JULIUS - ER13965R6W83JJ

Men were off at war while women took up roles as the breadwinners, earning their own money and learning valuable skills that later led to women's independence. Such a bright new perspective on life brought about bold characteristics in jewelry, such as a heavy emphasis on geometric designs. The lines were straight and linear, and the gemstone shapes matched.

Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds were precisely cut and used to add splashes of color. Oftentimes, black onyx and red coral were used as accent colors, white gold was the metal of choice, and long strands of pearls were worn, complementing the "Roaring 20's" flapper style.

Pavé diamonds nestled between the edges of a luxurious yellow gold band; MARINA - ER14049R4M44JJ

Hollywood and all its glamour influenced all the jewelry of this era, making it easily identifiable. With the use of bright, highly polished gold (yellow, rose, and green gold), the jewelry was big, bold, and three-dimensional. Small diamonds and/or caliber often accented large semi-precious gemstones like amethyst, aquamarine, and citrine cut rubies and sapphires.

Common design themes from this era include big flowing ribbons and bows, as well as the use of flowers and even animals. Wide gold bracelets, oversized dress clips, and earrings that were worn high up on the ear were all popular styles.

Two strands of crisscrossing pave diamonds form the extraordinary band of this modern three-stone engagement ring; BRUNA - ER13667R6W44JJ

The economy grew, which led to the rise of the upper middle class after the war. Jewelry from this era reflected this growth by featuring an abundance of gemstones set in flashy, dramatic designs, with an ultimate focus on diamonds once again.

Though 1950's jewelry was similar to those of the 1940's, its execution of designs was different. Opposed to the bulky, highly polished look of retro jewelry, modern designs were now more light and textural with engraved finishes and braided rope accents.

Find a vintage-inspired engagement ring that can be cherished today and later become an heirloom for generations to come. Shop our diverse collection of vintage inspired engagement rings.