Whether you like the idea of wearing a piece of history or you're after a one-of-a-kind ring that you won't see on anyone else, consider going vintage.
Before you say yes—to the ring and your impending proposal—find out which era of vintage jewelry speaks to you. Be it Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, Mid-Century, or a re-set family heirloom, each period offers something different in terms of design, stone quality, metalwork, motifs, and more. Here, 53 of the most beautiful period pieces to shop now.
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1
Georgian
Years: 1714-1837
The Georgian era took place during the reigns of the four King Georges of England and its jewelry is considered to be the most feminine. This was, after all, the time of Marie Antoinette and Jane Austen.
"A bride with a sense of romance would be drawn to a Georgian engagement ring," says Clive Kandel, Jewelry Consultant for 1stdibs.com. Natural, floral, and ancient Greco-Roman motifs were popular during this era, while settings were mostly made out of gold or silver. Foil was often placed underneath the stones to reflect candlelight; this was a time before electricity—but jewelry makers were no less obsessed with light and how it passes through a stone. As a result, these pieces are particularly delicate—so take special care when wearing and cleaning a Georgian ring.
Stephen Russell Antique Silver Gold & Diamond Ring, circa 1820, price upon request, 212-570-6900 SHOP
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3
Georgian
1st Dibs Antique Georgian Era Blue Glass Diamond Unisex Ring, circa 1790, $9,800, 1stdibs.com
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4
Georgian
Erica Weiner Georgian Topaz and Seed Pearl Cluster Ring, circa 1800, $2,300, ericaweiner.com.
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5
Georgian
Croghan’s Jewel Box Estate Emerald-Cut Emerald & Diamond 18K Gold Ring, $19,550, croghansjewelbox.com
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6
Georgian Engagement Rings
Erica Weiner Georgian Pearl and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring, circa 1820, $1,800, ericaweiner.com
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7
Victorian
Years: 1837-1901
Defined by the reign of Queen Victoria, engagement rings from this era are typically ornate and have engraved gold settings with scroll designs. "They are very much the opposite of the more modern, classic, single-stone diamond rings of the last eighty years," says Kandel. Victorian rings often feature cluster settings and larger colored stones surrounded by smaller diamonds on each side.
McTeigue & McClelland Natural Emerald and Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold and Platinum Circa 1865, price upon request, mc2jewels.com
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8
Victorian
Doyle & Doyle Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring With Black Enamel Detail, circa 1870, $22,000, doyledoyle.com
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9
Victorian
McTeigue & McClelland Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14- Karat Red Gold circa 1845, price upon request, mc2jewels.com
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10
Victorian
Croghan’s Jewel Box Victorian Oval Turquoise & Diamond Halo 18-Karat Gold Ring, circa the 1900s, $3,165, croghansjewelbox.com
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11
Victorian
Fox & Bond 18k Victorian Old Mine Cut White and Brown Diamond Ring, circa the 1870s-1890s, $1,090, foxandbond.com
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12
Victorian
Croghan’s Jewel Box Victorian Aquamarine & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring, $6,560, circa the 1900s, croghansjewelbox.com
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13
Victorian
Fox & Bond 14k Austrian Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, circa the 1870s-1890s, $3,170, foxandbond.com
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14
Victorian
Fox & Bond 18-Karat Victorian 5-Stone Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring, circa the 1890s-1900, $12,390, foxandbond.com
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15
Edwardian
Years: 1901-1920
The Edwardian period began when Queen Victoria's son, Edward VII, took the throne at the beginning of the 20th century—around the same time that platinum became the metal of choice for fine jewelry. Because platinum is much harder than gold, jewelers were able to intricately engrave the bands and settings–giving the engagement rings of this period a lacy, detailed, and dainty look.
Fred Leighton Edwardian Marquise Diamond and Ruby Scalloped Navette Ring $17,000, circa the 1900s, fredleighton.com
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16
Edwardian
Ashley Zhang The Antoinette Ring Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa the 1900s, $10,300, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
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17
Edwardian
Briony Raymond Estate Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Ring, $14,500, brionraymond.com SHOP
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18
Edwardian
Kentshire Green Zircon Solitaire Ring with Edwardian Style Platinum Band, $8,150, circa the 1900s, kentshire.com
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19
Edwardian
Siegelson, New York Old European Prong and Bezel Set Blackened Silver Ring, price upon request, siegelson.com SHOP
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20
Edwardian
Fox & Bond Edwardian “Eye” Old European Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring, circa 1910-1915, $3,865, foxandbond.com
