Throughout history, men have worn rings to declare their wealth or rank and status. The ring often would have been a signet ring, displaying their family crest, seal or initials. Gem-set vintage rings, which add a little sparkle or colour to the finger have also been immensely popular.
Berganza’s stock of vintage and antique mens rings dates from as far back as Ancient Rome, Byzantine, Viking, Medieval and through to Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco and colourful vintage or retro pieces. From simple bands to signet rings, and striking gem-set pieces, we have antique and vintage rings that are perfect for every occasion.
Extraordinary Ancient engagement rings such as Roman, often include intricately engraved intaglios depicting a wide variety of motifs. Viking twisted rings are another favourite type of gent’s ring, sometimes used as an unusual wedding ring. Medieval rings such as iconographic rings (depicting religious images) or impressive, large seal rings are exceptionally rare. These ancient and early gem-set rings can be worn with care on a daily basis, and are an astonishing piece of wearable history.
Rare post medieval men’s rings include mourning rings, sometimes elaborately inlaid with enamel and made in honour and celebration of a dearly departed associate or family member. The Victorian period provided men with a wealth of substantial and heavy yellow gold designs. We have examples set with diamonds and numerous coloured gemstones, each natural and of unenhanced colour.
Mens Art Deco rings saw white metals, including white gold and platinum being used, and this whiter look was also displayed in 1950’s pieces. Bolder designs and chunkier settings showed off the gemstones- often chosen for their contrasting colours, such as blue sapphires against bright white metals and diamonds.
In addition to antique and vintage men’s rings, Berganza offers a diverse selection of vintage chains and cameo rings to complement any style, including antique engagement rings to symbolize everlasting love and commitment.
FAQs
Antique men’s rings are defined as those over 100 years old. We are lucky to have a vast collection featuring breathtaking and unusual ancient rings from as early as the 5th century BC, spanning through to striking Art Deco rings from the 1920s. Vintage rings are those over 50 years old, having been created on or before the 1970’s. The unparalleled craftsmanship and impeccable quality of both antique and vintage men’s rings makes them a completely unique treasure to behold! Our collection of vintage and antique engagement rings, including men’s rings is one of the largest in the world, featuring a wide array of unique designs, spanning thousands of years.
There are many different types of antique and vintage men’s rings. Both use and design changed over the course of time, with many ancient men’s rings used as signet rings and betrothal rings. Early men’s rings from the Byzantine era were often worn as status symbols, and Viking rings were often used as currency! From the 15th century onwards, gold posy rings became popular. Deriving from the French word for poem, ‘posy’ refers to the inscription on the interior or exterior of the ring. With many different posies used, these were a popular type of men’s ring. In the Victorian era, gypsy rings set with diamonds were a popular style for antique men’s rings, as were signet rings. Moving into the Art Deco era, platinum was the metal of choice, as were colourful gemstones. The breathtaking designs of these vintage men’s rings reflected the new daring aesthetic of the Art Deco era. Bold designs continued to emerge from the 1940’s onwards, that have proven timeless in style. With our vast collection of both antique and vintage men’s rings, you will be sure to find a piece to treasure!
The most popular materials for antique and vintage men’s rings have changed across the centuries. From ancient times right through until the end of the Victorian era, gold and silver were the predominant materials used to create antique men’s rings. The start of the twentieth century saw platinum being used, as technology had advanced, making platinum a workable metal. It was particularly popular during the Art Deco era, and we see the vast majority of engagement rings from the Art Deco period featuring this metal. In terms of gemstones, diamonds and coloured gemstones, including sapphires, rubies and emeralds were all used in jewellery from the Victorian era onwards. Men’s Art Deco rings also included other gems, such as amethyst, aquamarine and topaz.
The best way to tell if a vintage men’s ring is authentic is to purchase it from a certified antique or vintage jeweller. The majority of vintage jewellers will provide a valuation for insurance with each piece, which will state all of the details of the ring. A reputable jeweller specialising in antique and vintage jewellery will also be able to tell you all about the ring and what contributes to the value. To make sure that you are paying a fair price for the quality of the ring, purchasing your antique or vintage men’s ring through a certified jeweller is always advised.
The methods of cleaning your vintage men’s ring will vary depending on what it is. If you are unsure of the best way to clean it, we would recommend using a soft cloth and gently wiping the surface of the ring to remove dust and fingerprints. If your vintage ring contains diamonds or gemstones and has an open back setting, you may want to use the following method: combine warm water with a mild soap in a bowl. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the mixture and gently clean the ring, making sure to get in the back of the setting where hand creams can accumulate. Rinse the ring in a bowl of warm water and pat dry with a paper towel or soft cloth. It is also advised that you take your ring to be cleaned professionally once a year. Not only will this keep your ring sparkling, but it also provides an opportunity for the jeweller to check the ring to ensure it is still in immaculate condition. At Berganza, we offer an annual aftercare service, which is complimentary for life.
