Our rare collection of vintage rings gives an exciting glimpse into bygone eras. Designed to be worn and treasured, the craftsmanship and history behind these pieces is fascinating. We are lucky to hold a broad selection of vintage Victorian, Art Deco and Edwardian rings from classic solitaires and eternity rings, to striking cluster designs, including antique engagement rings. Jewellery has always been considered as an important commodity in society, which is still true today.
A ring is deemed ‘vintage’ when it is 50 to 100 years old. This makes these rings a fascinating piece of history adding to their desire, and therefore, their value. Vintage rings were made with an expertise and sense of character that is simply not seen in modern equivalents, as well as often featuring rare natural gemstones from mines that have long since been exhausted.
Vintage rings from different decades offer something unique and special from their era. Vintage rings from the roaring 1920’s and 30’s are recognised for their bold, geometric style, crafted predominantly in platinum. However, as we move into the 1940’s, we see a resurgence of yellow gold, with impressive cocktail rings. If a piece is over 100 years old, it is classed as an ‘antique’, this includes eras such as the Edwardian, Victorian, and Georgian periods. Generally, if a piece is over approximately 1,500 years, it is considered to be ‘ancient’. This includes the ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian periods. It is simply breathtaking how these rings have stood the test of time and continue to be worn and enjoyed today.
Whether it be an investment opportunity or something to enjoy and pass down through the generations, you will be able to find a vintage ring, including antique mens rings, as well as vintage engagement rings, to treasure across all price ranges.
FAQs
To keep your vintage rings in the best condition possible, it is important that you clean them regularly. You should take your rings to be cleaned professionally at least once a year, or more often if you wear the piece regularly, for example old fashioned vintage engagement rings. This will help to remove stubborn dirt, and is also an opportunity for a professional to identify any potential issues that should be rectified. In the meantime, you should clean your vintage rings around once a month. Combine warm water and mild soap/washing up liquid in a bowl. Then, take a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently clean the ring, making sure to get in the backs and sides of settings where dirt can build up. Then rinse the ring well and once dry, polish with a soft cloth.
Each vintage jewellery era is completely unique and demonstrates unparalleled craftsmanship. We are proud to present vintage rings from across the eras that are exceptionally rare and beautiful, from the striking, geometric designs of the Art Deco period, to the vibrant cocktail rings of the 1950’s, and the bold yellow gold vintage rings crafted in the 1970’s. Some of the most sought after vintage rings come from the Art Deco era, with jewellers taking inspiration from the captivating bold and structured style seen across fashion and architecture throughout the 1920’s. The clean geometric shapes and breathtaking gemstones have enabled these Art Deco vintage rings to stand the test of time. Their timeless quality means they are likely to be desired for decades, and even centuries to come.
Vintage rings are 50 to 100 years old, and rings over 100 years old are classified as antique. Rings over approximately 1,500 years old, such as pieces from the ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian eras, are classified as ancient rings. Antique rings from the previous few centuries, such as Georgian rings and Victorian rings are still exceptionally popular and many are still in fine condition over 200 years later, along with Art Deco vintage rings, which are always highly desired!
The most effective way to tell if a vintage ring is authentic is to purchase the ring from a certified antique or vintage jeweller. You can have your jewellery valued privately, but when you buy through a trusted vintage jeweller, you will receive paperwork with the piece, confirming its authenticity.
Vintage rings feature an array of different gemstones. Of course, diamond vintage rings are a popular choice. One reason is the hardness of these gemstones, making them ideal for everyday wear. The diamonds featured in vintage rings are often from old mines, that have long since been exhausted. These stones are cut completely by hand, giving them a romantic scintillation and unparalleled beauty. Rings from across the centuries have featured diamonds in all different designs, from cluster rings to three stone rings (which sometimes showcase other coloured gemstones), and diamond eternity rings to solitaire rings. Other popular gemstones featured in vintage rings are sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Blue is said to be the most common ‘favourite colour’ in the world. Associated in various cultures with calm and tranquility, sapphires are a popular choice for a vintage ring. Rubies are featured in vintage rings across all decades, with the colour being long associated with love and passion! Emeralds, nicknamed ‘the garden stone,’ come in wonderful shades of green and were first located in Egypt. Indee, Cleopatra was known to adorn herself with emeralds! Many vintage rings showcase Colombian emeralds, which are renowned today as the finest in the world.
