So you’re ring shopping for your soon-to-be-bride — or you’re not-to-patiently waiting to get engaged. Either way, you’re probably at least casually browsing engagement ring styles.
There are the modern masterpieces, the more trendy rings whose styles may come and go, and then there are all types of vintage rings to give you an old-school look.
When it comes to actual vintage and vintage-inspired engagement rings, what do you need to know? Spoiler: We’ll tell you right here. Read on for our vintage ring style guide.
what is a vintage ring?
People love to casually throw around the word “vintage.” Why? Well, mostly because it sounds cool. Technically, vintage means something that’s of age. Antique dealers call something vintage if it’s anywhere from 20 to 80 or 90 years old. (Apologies to Gen X and Millennials.) If it’s more than 100 years old, it’s considered antique.
All that to say, if you love your mom’s pear-shaped diamond ring from the ’80s or your grandma’s 1960s-era mid-century modern engagement ring, it would definitely be considered a vintage-style engagement ring. That mid-2000s diamond your friend has? Not so much.
vintage vs. vintage-inspired rings
Sometimes vintage ring styles come with an inflated price tag, and they may need a bit more love in the way of replacing prongs or replating the gold.
Modern vintage engagement rings give you the timeless character of a vintage ring, but they’re made with newer materials, they’re probably a bit shinier, and you can find a wide array of old-style engagement rings at all price points. Want the look of your grandmother’s 2 carat vintage diamond but don’t have the budget? Choosing lab grown diamonds in the same style can significantly lower the cost of your ring.
choosing a vintage-style engagement ring
The main takeaway when shopping for yourself or your fiancée is to find an engagement ring you love. If you’re more of a mid-century modern lover, go with starburst scrollwork or Art Deco-style rings. Love the timelessness of a classic solitaire ring or the look of a Victorian-style gemstone stunner? Find something that speaks to your personality and aesthetic.
The ring, after all, may be vintage, but your love is timeless. Shop vintage-inspired engagement rings at Helzberg Diamonds.