55 Vintage and Antique Engagement Ring Ideas

Nowadays many of us are looking to the past when thinking of our futures and purchasing important items such as engagement rings online. Vintage rings offer a unique chance for people to purchase their loved ones not only an item that shows the depth of their feelings and intended commitment but a piece of history with its own unique story and timeless style. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the world of vintage and antique rings, learning what to look for when buying one, and giving you our top list of the best rings on the market.

Are Vintage Rings More Expensive?

Yes and no! It really depends on factors such as the weight and quality of the stone in question, the metal the ring is constructed from, as well as the style of the ring. If a ring is out of fashion; a recent example being some Victorian yellow gold rings, then they often are deemed by the market as having greater value as scrap than as a wearable piece. However, there’s been a drive from many online sites such as Etsy to save these beautiful pieces for their perfect new owner.

Many vintage styles are timeless, and styles usually repeat themselves every few decades, so purchasing a vintage or antique ring can often cost less than purchasing a new ring or commissioning a ring in a set style. Also, due to the age of many of these rings, you get to give your loved ones a one-of-a-kind piece that perfectly reflects their style and personality.

What to Look for When Buying a Vintage or Antique Ring

Spending a decent chunk of money on a vintage ring that you’ve not seen in person can be daunting which is why we’ve made a list of our top tips and tricks to get you started:

1. Pay Attention to the Wording of the Listing. The word ‘vintage’ can be very freely used on online listings and may even refer to an inauthentic, reproduction piece. Be wary of when the word ‘style’ is used, such as ‘Victorian-style’ as this can indicate a reproduction piece.
2. Be Aware of Different Stone Types. Some stones are not as strong as others, and may not be suited to the day-to-day wear an engagement ring typically undergoes. Some vintage emeralds and opals can be prone to damage, and over time some rings may suffer from loose settings which could cause the valuable stone to fall out.
3. Pay Attention to the Setting Type. The material that has been used to make the setting of the ring (the part that holds the stone) can indicate the quality of the piece. The most high-quality settings used in vintage rings are made of platinum.
4. Ask About the Quality and Condition. Don’t be afraid to send questions to the seller regarding the condition of the item. Ask important questions like whether it has been restored or repaired as this can affect the future value as well as the longevity of the ring.
5. Pay Attention to the Size. Just like with vintage clothing, people of yester-year tended to be smaller in size, so many antique rings aren’t sized for modern hands. Don’t immediately despair however if you have your heart set on a ring that’s the wrong size as many sellers will offer to resize for free or a minimal charge.
6. Maintain the Ring. Like with any antique item you should treat your ring with care. Polish it as needed and avoid submerging the stone in water for extended periods (such as during washing up or bathing).

Our Favourite Vintage and Antique Rings

Listed below are our top picks for the best Vintage and Antique rings currently on the market. While many of these rings come under the label of ‘engagement rings’ these rings would also make excellent promise rings, anniversary gifts, as well as special heirlooms.

I) Victorian Engagement Rings

1. ANTIQUE VICTORIAN 17k Gold Old cut CUSHION shaped Diamond Ring

This Victorian Engagement Ring is size 9, it has no Hallmarks but has been tested as 17k. It comes with its original box.

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2. Victorian BUTTERCUP 14k Gold Ring DIAMOND Antique Engagement

This ring dates from the Victorian Era and is a size 9 with a 2mm solitaire diamond.

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3. Victorian Engagement Ring, Victorian Ring, Alternative Engagement Ring, Minimalist Ring

This ring dates from the 1880s and has a large 1.4ct diamond in a 14k gold setting.

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4. Victorian Engagement Ring, Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring, Diamond Solitaire Ring

This engagement ring dates from the 1880s and has a 0.4ct diamond in an 18k gold setting with a daintily thin band.

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5. Antique 14k Victorian rose cut diamond solitaire ring

This rose-cut diamond ring has a surprisingly modern look despite being created during the Victorian era. The ring is US size 9.

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6. Antique Victorian Diamond Ring – Vintage Sweetheart Ring – Flower Ring

This pretty 18k gold ring features diamonds set in a flower pattern in a platinum setting. It is sized US 7.5.

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7. Antique Victorian Engagement Ring – Two Become One Ring – Ring Size P – Ring Size 7.5

This ring dates from the 1890s and features two diamonds swirling together in a wrap-and-twist-style setting.

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8. Circa 1900’s Victorian 14K Yellow Gold 1.3Ct Old European Cut Diamond Buttercup Design Solitaire Engagement Ring

This buttercup design diamond ring dates to the late Victorian era and is US ring size 6.

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II) Edwardian Engagement Rings

1. Edwardian Engagement Ring, Edwardian Ring, Pear Shape Diamond Ring, Alternative Engagement Ring, Antique Engagement, Minimalist Ring

This Edwardian engagement ring features a pear shape diamond weighing 7.5cts in a platinum setting on a 14k gold base.

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2. Delicate 1910’s Edwardian .61ctw Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold

This ring dates from the 1910s and is sized US 7.5. It comes in a presentation box that is sympathetic to the era.

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3. Art Deco .44ctw Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold

This is an early example of an Art Deco ring and has a 14k white gold setting and a total diamond weight of .44ct.

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4. Antique Edwardian 18ct Gold and Platinum Diamond engagement ring. Circa 1912.

This delicate ring is dated 1912 and is constructed of gold and platinum with a small diamond setting.

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5. Antique 14k Gold Filigree Ring / Pink Tourmaline / Solitaire / Edwardian Engagement Ring

This ornate gold filigree ring makes for a unique alternative to white diamond rings and features an attractive pink tourmaline stone.

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6. Antique Mine Cut Diamond Ring Edwardian Era

This Edwardian Engagement Ring features a quilted design on the band, a platinum mount, and a diamond stone.

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7. Edwardian Engagement Ring – diamond trilogy ring in 9ct rose gold

This ring looks surprisingly modern despite dating from the early 20th century. It features three heart-shaped mounts with diamonds in the center.

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8. Antique Opal and Ruby ring in 15ct gold

This ring dates to the early 20th century and is a great alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings.

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9. Antique Edwardian 18ct Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring | Art Noveau 18k Gold Diamond Ring | Unique Engagement Ring

This ring epitomizes the Art Nouveau era with its sunburst style setting and botanical accent work.

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III 1920s Engagement Rings

1. Art Deco Engagement Ring Antique Engagement Ring Alternative Engagement Ring Filigree Engagement Ring Platinum Ring Minimalist Ring For Her

This ring dates from the 1920s and features a 2ct diamond surrounded by 24 accent diamonds in an ornate platinum setting.

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2. Art Deco Engagement Ring Antique Engagement Ring Alternative Engagement Ring Art Deco Ring Filigree Ring Platinum Ring Minimalist Ring

This is a vintage 2ct diamond ring dating back to the 1920’s it has a large central diamond with 6 surrounding accent diamonds in a platinum setting.

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3. Art Deco Engagement Ring, Antique Engagement Ring, Alternative Engagement Ring, Art Deco Ring, Filigree Engagement, Minimalist Ring For Her

A vintage ring dating back to the 1920s with a diamond of .80ct surrounded by 10 smaller accent diamonds with a platinum setting.

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4. Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Pear Shape Diamond Emerald Halo Engagement Ring

A beautiful vintage ring dating back to the 1920s with a large pear-shaped 2ct diamond surrounded by emeralds and accent diamonds.

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5. Circa 1920s Art Deco Platinum GIA Certified .76ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring

A vintage .76ct diamond ring cut into the old European style which is ring size 6 and epitomizes the art deco era.

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6. Art Deco Engagement Ring – 1920s Original Engagement Ring – 18K White Gold – Diamond Engagement Ring – Four Prong Art Deco Ring

An art deco engagement ring dating back to the 1920s with an 18K White Gold ring with two colorless diamonds in the center plus diamonds surrounding the large central stone.

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7. Art Deco Ring – Antique 18k White Gold Filigree Genuine Old European Cut Diamonds & Created Sapphire – Vintage Size 6 Ribbon Fine Jewelry

A vintage 1920’s art deco ring using 18K White Gold with genuine European cut stones. It is graced with two brilliant-cut diamonds and one sapphire. In a good antique condition.

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IV 1930s Engagement Rings

1. Antique Art Deco 18k VS H Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

A vintage 1930’s size 7 colorless diamond ring in a White Gold setting in an Art Deco style.

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2. 1.22ct 1930’s Edwardian 18kt Sapphire Filigree Ring, white sapphire accent stones, 18kt white gold with Milgrain details, size 7.00

A Cushion Cut Cobalt Blue Sapphire center stone with four small white sapphires placed at each corner all sat in a White Gold setting.

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3. 18k Jabel Transition cut diamond single cut orange blossom band white gold engagement ring vintage 1930s Art Deco VS old cut diamond

A vintage 1930s Diamond Ring in the late Art Deco period style with a White Gold setting. The ring is of a size 5 (US) with the center approximately measuring 3.2mm.

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4. 14K Yellow Gold Green Stone Antique Ring / Estate Ring / Green Stone Ring / Unusual Vintage Ring / Lovely Antique Engagement Ring / 1930’s

A Synthetic Green Emerald ring dating back to the 1930s. Sized 4.75 and weighing 1.7 grams this delicate ring is a unique and affordable example from this era.

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5. Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring, Circa 1930s/1940s

A stunning vintage 1930’s ring, UK size K, with a Diamond laid in a White setting cradled by an 18k Gold ring base.

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6. Vintage Engagement Ring 14k White and Yellow Gold Diamond 1930s 1.94 g Size 4.25

Vintage 1930’s Diamond Ring with a White Gold (14K) setting in a lovely retro design that includes a bold square setting

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V) 1940s Engagement Rings

1. Vintage 1940s 1.87ctw. Diamond Carre Cut Three Stone Ring Platinum Palladium

A vintage Diamond Ring from the 1940s with a gorgeous retro style. The Shank measures 1.84mm wide by 0.99 mm thick at the bottom. The diamonds are approximately .75cts.

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2. 1940s Estate Vintage Antique 14k Gold Natural Diamond .35 Ctw Cluster Engagement Ring

Antique 14K Gold Diamond Cluster Ring which is two-toned and weighted at 2grams size 7.5 (US).

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3. Citrine Ring Solid 14k Gold Art Deco Citrine Engagement Ring Vintage Citrine Ring 1940s November Birthday Gift Dark Academia

A vintage 1940s Citrine Ring in the Art Deco style sat on a 14K Yellow Gold base. The ring weighs 2.7grams and is US size 6.

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4. Circa 1940s Art Deco Platinum .70 Transitional Round Diamond Engagement Ring-VEG#1453A

This vintage 1940s ring comes with a centered Diamond (.70) in a transitional round cut in color F. A Platinum ring weighed at 3 grams with stunning side diamonds (.12cttw).

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5. Vintage 1940s Retro Rose Gold Two-Tone Diamond Engagement Ring

A vintage 1940s ring with the use of 14K Rose Gold a .15ct Old European Cut Diamond at size 8.5 with possible resizing.

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6. 14K 1940’s Classic Diamond Wedding Band Ring Size 6 White Gold

This is a vintage 1940s ring with a Solid 14k Gold hallmarked band enriched with 5 stunning Diamond stones sized at ring size US 6.

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VI) 1950s Engagement Rings

1. Amethyst Ring 2.4 Carat Ring 14K Unique Engagement Ring Vintage Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst

A vintage ring from the 1950s sized 7½ (US). Holds an impressive Oval-Cut genuine Amethyst gemstone on a 14k gold band and setting.

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2. Vintage 1950s Marquise & Round Diamond Chevron Halo Cocktail Ring 14k White Gold

A gorgeous 14K White Gold cocktail-style ring with a diamond center. The ring’s head measures 11mm long and 6.5mm wide for a Chevron Design

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3. Vintage 1950s 18ct Gold & Platinum Diamond Heart Engagement Ring, Vintage 18K Statement Ring

An elegant vintage ring from the 1950s with an 18k yellow gold band with a central heart. The ring is finished with platinum and smaller diamonds are perched on the shoulders.

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4. Retro 1.15tw Platinum 3-Stone Diamond Ring from the 1950s

A Diamond centered ring with a platinum band from the 1950s. The three diamonds are in a square setting and weigh 0.95cts, the size of the ring can be altered to fit the buyer.

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5. 1950s 18ct Gold Diamond Solitaire Vintage Engagement Ring

With an illusion set diamond of approximately 0.04ct, this ring is Circa 1950s and created in size K. There is also a stunning rectangular detail on the shoulders.

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6. Stunning Asymmetrical 1950s Floral Diamond Ring, Unique Engagement Rings, 14k White Gold Size 5.25, Mid Century Cocktail Jewelry for Women

A vintage ring dating to the 1950s cast in White Gold (14K), the ring has diamond accents with two diamonds on the shoulders.

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7. Vintage 1950s 1.37ct brilliant-cut solitaire halo diamond engagement ring surrounded by 0.3ct of old and brilliant-cut diamonds in 18ct gold

A Diamond ring from the 1950s surrounded by 0.3ct diamonds set on an 18ct gold ring base.

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VII) Inexpensive Rings

1. Sterling Silver Edwardian Engagement Ring Setting Early 1900’s Hand Made Filigree Milgrain For 3.5 mm Diamond or Stone

This ring is perfect for someone who wishes to add their own stone while utilizing an existing antique setting dating to the early 1900s.

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2. Beautiful antique victorian 10k gold fill & sterling engagement ring with white paste / antique victorian gold engagement ring / JHGFSS

A ring with a nice sterling silver bezel set with a small clear paste gem to replicate a diamond, with some refurbishment the stone could be returned to its original luster.

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3. Antique 10k white gold diamond engagement ring, size 5.25

This vintage piece is size 5¼ (US) holding a Diamond sat upon a Silver band embraced by a White Gold ring setting.

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4. Vintage 14K Diamond Engagement Ring – X4452

A vintage 1940s ring at size 5½ (US), the ring base is a White Gold (14K) with a colorless mock Diamond Gem.

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5. RESERVED Vintage 1920s engagement ring | art deco diamond ring | antique 10k white gold wedding ring

A vintage 1920s engagement ring made with White Gold (10K) with an Art Deco design. The width at the top is 8mm with a stone diameter of 2mm.

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6. Stunning Antique Early 20th Century Circa 1930s Art Deco Trilogy Paste Silver Set 9ct Yellow Gold Ring – size J

This ring features three nicely cut colorless gems sat upon a 9k yellow gold shank that was popular in the Edwardian art deco era.

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7. Antiques 1950s Silver Peach Stone Solitaire Ring

An antique 1950s peach cubic Zirconia stone at upon a Silver Ring base in the Mid-Century style.

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8. Vintage 14K Ring White Gold Diamonds 1940s-1950s Engagement Promise Ring 2.36g Size 7.25

A Vintage 1940s-1950s ring at size 7¼ (US), the White Gold (14K) is pretty with six small diamonds embedded into the ring throughout.

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VIII) Antique Rings for Men

1. Antique Victorian Intaglio Bloodstone Wax Seal Initial R or B Ring 18K

A golden stylish ring for men using a Bloodstone with Yellow Gold (18K) ring base. The ring bezel is set with an “R” and “B” intaglio backward initial. The ring weighs 6.1grams and is a size 6.

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2. Signet ring Intaglio Ring Antique Carved Hematite Intaglio Ring Deco Ring Soldier Warrior Cameo Gold Dark Academia Aesthetic

A vintage 1930s ring with Art Deco design using a Hematite Gem and Yellow Gold (10K). When worn the ring is raised 3mm from the finger and the stone measures 15mm x 11mm.

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3. Antique 10K Gold Tri-Tone Cigar Band Bird Motif

A simple but elegant Yellow Gold (10K) ring with a weight of 3.3 grams. There are no hallmarks but the ring is from the 1910s era.

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4. Antique Snake Ring | Star Sapphire & Diamond Snake Ring | 14k Gold Ring | Unisex Ring

A vintage ring created between the years of 1925-1935, featuring Gold Snakes with Ruby Eyes (14k). The snakes coil the curves around the finger forming a solid but charming ring.

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5. Antique Victorian Bloodstone Signet 15K Gold Ring – Victorian Rare 15K Gold Antique Bloodstone Ring – Estate Bloodstone 15K Gold Estate Ring

This vintage 19th-century ring looks stunning with its Bloodstone inset sat upon Yellow Gold (15K) which makes for a striking design that epitomizes the Victorian era.

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Final Thoughts

The perfect ring looks a little different for everyone which is why shopping for antique and vintage rings online can make for a great and affordable option. On sites such as Etsy, you can find rings spanning the last century in so many styles and budgets that finding the perfect ring becomes a little more possible. We wish you the best of luck in your search!