19 Vintage Style Engagement Rings With Heirloom Appeal
If you're an old soul looking for an engagement ring that's as unique as you are, then vintage-style engagement rings may already be on your radar. These types of rings use modern jewelry-making techniques to craft pieces that echo the romantic sensibilities of previous eras—without the hefty price tag an authentic vintage piece might require.
And if you like an Old World aesthetic, you're in good company. Celebs like Scarlett Johansson, Emily Blunt and Pippa Middleton all have vintage-inspired sparklers (to name a few).
Read on to learn what to look for in a vintage-style engagement ring—plus shop editor-approved ones you can add to your cart right now.
What Is a Vintage-Style Engagement Ring?
Vintage-style engagement rings are modern reproductions of vintage or antique rings. Pro tip: While an antique engagement ring is classified as one that's over 50 years old, a vintage ring often refers to one that's at least 20 years old.
The most popular eras for vintage-style rings include:
- Georgian
- Victorian
- Edwardian
- Art Deco
- Art Nouveau
What to Look For in a Vintage-Style Engagement Ring
A good reproduction of a vintage-style engagement ring should bear some or all of the hallmarks outlined below.
Vintage Diamond Shapes
While traditional, round, brilliant-cut diamonds are one of the most popular diamond shapes for modern to-be-weds, vintage-style engagement rings typically showcase older diamond shapes like marquise cuts, rose cuts, old mine cuts and old European cuts.
Intricate Design Details
Vintage-inspired rings also feature intricate design details like milgrain (a jewelry-detailing technique where tiny metal beads are added to create an ornate border on the edges of a piece) and filigree (a jewelry-making technique where pliable threads of metal are twisted into a delicate and ornate design and then soldered into place).
Accent Stones
Side stones (small stones flanking the center diamond) as well as elaborate halo settings can also be a telltale sign of a vintage-inspired ring.
Why Choose a Vintage-Style Engagement Ring?
If you're shopping on a tight budget, a vintage-style engagement ring may cost less than an authentic vintage ring (depending on the size of the center stone and intricacy of the setting you choose). Also, if you have an active lifestyle and plan to wear your engagement ring every day, a vintage-style engagement ring may be sturdier and less susceptible to wear and tear than a true antique.
19 Vintage-Style Engagement Rings You Can Buy Now
Feeling a vintage-style engagement ring now? Shop some of our faves below.
Barkev's Vintage Halo Moissanite Engagement Ring
This moissanite showstopper sparkles from every angle. An elaborate diamond halo, channel set baguette diamonds on the side and a diamond-encrusted shank bring the bling.
Brilliant Earth Cadenza Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
An ornate scalloped halo gives a round-cut diamond ring a distinctly Old World vibe. And while this ring is gorgeous in rose gold, it's equally stunning in white or 14K yellow gold.
Zales Diamond Filigree Flower Frame Vintage-Style Engagement Ring
Calling all romantics. This blooming beauty blends rose and white gold for an utterly whimsical final effect.
Kay Jewelers Diamond and Emerald Engagement Ring
The gorgeous diamond halo of this vintage-inspired ring sets off a stunning green emerald center stone. Another plus? This sparkler won't break the bank.
Kataoka Japanese Rose Ring
This elegant ring features a round diamond flanked by floral-inspired clusters of diamonds. Bonus: You can choose between yellow, white, rose gold or platinum settings.
Brilliant Earth Alvadora Diamond Engagement Ring
Not all halo settings are created equal. This antique-style one features intricate latticework framed by pavé diamonds, creating the illusion of a larger center stone.
Brilliant Earth Marquise-Cut Luxe Hudson Diamond Engagement Ring
This exquisite Victorian-style ring is from the one-of-a-kind collection by Brilliant Earth. While it features an ornate shank with petite round diamonds and milgrain detailing, all eyes will be on the radiant marquise diamond center stone.
Neil Lane Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
Channel your inner Kate Middleton with this sapphire stunner. A scalloped diamond halo surrounds a pear-shaped sapphire for an end result that's seriously regal.
Blue Nile Graduated Milgrain Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold
Not all vintage-style rings have an over-the-top setting. A graduated pavé diamond band with a milgrain edge gives a dainty center stone some subtle flair.
Brilliant Earth Elsie Solitaire Engagement Ring
Fun fact: Rings with floral motifs gained popularity during the Georgian Era. This ring gives a pretty nod to the age of Jane Austen with its hand-engraved, nature-inspired band.
Kay Jewelers Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
This ring is the best of both worlds. A floral-inspired halo softens the clean lines of an emerald cut diamond center stone.
James Allen White Gold Art Deco Inspired Floral Halo Engagement Ring
Although simpler than some vintage-style engagement rings, this Art Deco-inspired ring is anything but expected. A floral halo with geometric patterns adds plenty of visual interest.
Brilliant Earth The Pierette Ring
For the minimalist bride who likes to stand out from the crowd, this ring is a must. A deep green garnet set in platinum prongs creates a pretty contrast against a yellow gold band.
Neil Lane Emerald-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring White Gold
Art Deco lovers, this one's for you. This white gold ring features a fabulous 1-carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by baguette diamonds. Vintage-inspired details continue down the band with an intricately carved design.
Brilliant Earth Aquamarine Adeline Diamond Bridal Set
In the market for a luxe something blue? Look no further. Pavé diamonds and ornate scrollwork give this vintage-style bridal set with a stunning aquamarine center stone an heirloom feel.
Blue Nile Emerald and Diamond Halo Vintage-Inspired Milgrain Ring
It may surprise you, but white diamonds didn't become the go-to stone of engagement rings until the 1930s. This gorgeous vintage-inspired ring features a round-cut emerald with pavé set diamonds and a beautifully intricate milgrain halo. If emerald green isn't your thing, this ring looks equally stunning with a ruby center stone.
Brilliant Earth Octavia Diamond Engagement Ring
Nothing says Art Deco quite like a geometric setting. This vintage-inspired sparkler with an octagonal setting of baguettes and round diamonds gives a nod to the great era of Gatsby.
Neil Lane Morganite Engagement Ring
This pink stunner features a radiant cushion-cut morganite framed by a brilliant halo of round diamonds. Crafted of 14K rose gold, the rosy tones of the setting play up the pretty pink hue of the center stone.
Kwiat Vintage Oval Diamond Ring
This Edwardian-style ring is perfect for the modern bride in the market for a vintage-style engagement ring with a lot of look. Fashioned in 18K white gold, this bold cocktail ring-inspired sparkler boasts 36 brilliant round-cut diamonds.