Vintage Engagement Rings | The Antique Jewellery Company (2024)

  • All Engagement Rings
  • Diamond Engagement Rings
  • Sapphire Engagement Rings
  • Ruby Engagement Rings
  • Emerald Engagement Rings
  • Art Deco Engagement Rings
  • Edwardian Engagement Rings
  • Victorian Engagement Rings
  • Gold Engagement Rings
  • Platinum Engagement Rings
  • Pearl Engagement Rings
  • Aquamarine Engagement Rings
  • Opal Engagement Rings
  • Moonstone Engagement Rings

ShopRingsEngagement Rings

Trustpilot

Explore our unrivalled collection of unique and unusual antique and vintage engagement rings. Featuring rings from eras including Victorian engagement rings, Edwardian engagement rings and Art Deco engagement rings, we hope you find "the one".

Filter

Vintage Engagement Rings | The Antique Jewellery Company (15)

Loading items...

Trustpilot

{{#countdown}}{{/countdown}}

An 'antique' engagement ring is a ring that is at least 100 years old. That means that any engagement ring made around 1920 or before is technically 'antique'. Our Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Nouveau engagement rings classify as 'antique '

A 'vintage' engagement ring describes a ring that was made between 50 and 100 years ago. At the time of writing, all engagement rings produced between 1920 and 1970 are technically 'vintage'. Our Art Deco, Retro and Mid-Century engagement rings all fall under the 'vintage' banner.

People often say that an engagement ring should cost between one and three months’ salary, but this unromantic (and, for many, unrealistic) guideline is completely against our philosophy. It’s far more important to find a ring that you will both love. We advise you to have a spend limit in mind and then set about finding the perfect ring within your budget.

In England and many Western cultures, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the ring finger. This tradition dates back to the Ancient Romans who believed that this finger contained the 'vena amoris' or 'vein of love', which was thought to be directly connected to the heart.

However, customs can vary greatly around the world, and in some cultures, the ring is worn on the right hand. Similarly, some people choose to wear the ring on a different finger due to personal comfort or professional requirements.

After the wedding, the engagement ring is often worn with the wedding band on the same finger. The wedding band is typically placed on the finger first, closer to the heart, followed by the engagement ring. Some people choose to have their engagement ring and wedding band soldered together to form a bridal set. This is largely a matter of personal preference and comfort.

As with all traditions, it's important to remember that personal choice and what the ring symbolizes – a commitment to a future together – is the most important thing.

This is the most frequently asked question and often considered a highly guarded trade secret.

As far as we're concerned, the answer is simple. We work with the best jewellery buyers in the UK to source exquisite engagement rings. These eagle-eyed experts are constantly on the hunt for the most high quality antique and vintage jewellery in the UK and beyond. It has taken many years to build and nurture these working relationships and fortunately we are now in the position to get first dibs on what we believe is the best supply of antique and vintage engagement rings in the UK.

Yes - we only sell 100% original, one-of-a-kind engagement rings, handmade by master craftsmen in bygone times (up to 200 years ago). We do not sell modern reproductions or mass-produced engagement rings made in an 'antique style'. When buying from us you can be sure you are buying 'the real deal' - stunning and rare engagement rings, each with their own story to tell.

Our engagement rings are generally in very good condition, especially taking into account their age. We pride ourselves on selecting only the finest examples of antique and vintage engagement rings. In exceptional circumstances, when a ring shows notable wear or damage, we will state this in its description. Of course, please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to see some more images or videos of a ring or view it in person at our Central London showroom.

Yes - our antique engagement rings predate modern diamond mining practices, so they are considered conflict-free. By purchasing an engagement ring from us, you can be sure you are not contributing in any way to a locally destructive cycle of violence, warfare, economic inequality, exploitation and human suffering. Sustainable and ethical consumption - hallmarks of the Circular Economy - are central to our business.View our Ethical Policy →

Our most popular styles are the classics - cluster rings, solitaire rings, three stone (trilogy) and five stone rings, marquise rings, target rings and crossover rings. Diamonds, sapphires and rubies are the most sought after stones for engagement rings due to their exceptional beauty and durability. Recently we've seen a growing appreciation for more delicate emerald rings and engagement rings adorned with semi-precious stones such as topaz, tourmaline and aquamarine. Our view is don't be afraid to use your imagination when choosing an engagement ring!

These have to be the Victorian (1839-1901), Edwardian (1901-1914) and Art Deco (1920-1935) eras. They spanned a golden age for jewellery and engagement rings, when style and technological innovation converged to stunning effect. Engagement rings made in these fascinating eras are becoming increasingly hard to find in good condition, hence their growing value and desirability.

Yes, of course they can! The vast majority of our engagement rings can be re-sized up or down, at no additional cost.

You have one free sizing per ring purchase - by one of the best jewellers in the trade - and it is valid for up to one year. Thereafter, ring sizings are charged at £72.00 (£60.00 + VAT) each.

Please note that a small minority of rings with particularly intricate shanks or stones running the whole way around cannot be re-sized as any alterations would affect their design integrity. We will clearly state if a ring cannot be sized on its product page.

The million dollar question! To get you started, if you don't know the lucky recipient's ring size, you can print off our Ring Measurer Thingy, find one of their rings at home and measure it against our template.

Sometimes it's just too hard to find out your partner's size without being caught. In these circumstances we recommend saving your free sizing until after you've proposed or the recipient has received their ring. Just send your ring back to us via secure post or book an appointment at our London showroom and we will measure your partner's finger, get it sized within three working days and return it to you. Incidentally, it's lovely for our team to meet the partner in person and congratulate the happy couple on their engagement.

To care for your engagement ring, clean it gently with a soft toothbrush, mild soap and warm water. Avoid exposing the ring to harsh chemicals or extreme heat. Have the ring inspected by a professional jeweller periodically to ensure the setting remains secure. If you have any questions or concerns just reach out to us.

How to Look After and Clean Your Jewellery →

We offer a 'no quibble', 30 day full money back guarantee on all engagement ring purchases. Items must be returned in the same condition we sent them in.

Alternatively you have 60 days to exchange/part-exchange an item.

Returns are free in the UK and for international orders the buyer pays return postage and any customs duties and sales taxes that may be incurred.

Please note the cost of any re-sizings (£72.00) will be deducted from the refunded amount.

All engagement rings bought through our website are delivered worldwide, free of charge (excluding any customs duties and local taxes). All deliveries are fully insured with end-to-end tracking.

UK - sent with DHL Express
International - sent with DHL Express Worldwide

Please note an adult signature is required to receive all packages.

More about our delivery policy →

UK - by the end of the next working day *
International - by the end of the next possible working day *
* These are estimates only and can vary. Based on orders placed before 2pm.

Please note ring sizing adds 2-3 days to delivery times.

Your engagement ring will arrive in one of our complimentary, signature blue AJC boxes. Our boxes are wrapped in tissue and accompanied by a handwritten note confirming the ring's authenticity.

We also offer luxury, handmade boxes, which you can add at checkout.

Packages arrive unbranded as we know many people want their gifts to be a surprise. If you are outside the UK we are required by your country to include a customs declaration on the packaging (for items over 100 years old), so we can't keep those as hush-hush.

Yes, we do. Our instalment plan requires a non-refundable deposit of 20% and the balance must be paid in full over a three-month period.

More about payments →

Yes! We’re pleased to offer our customers in the UK the chance to spread the cost of their engagement ring purchase with up to 12 months Interest Free Finance. On orders of £262.50 and above, you can apply for Interest Free Finance and choose between 3, 6, 9 or 12 month periods to pay off the cost, with a minimum deposit of 5%. If you would like to pay using Interest Free Finance, please contact us and let us know what arrangement would work for you.

More about Interest Free Finance →

We offer a six-month warranty against damage that is not due to wear and tear and/or negligence subsequent to purchase. We specialise in the sale of antique and vintage jewellery, which due to many different factors may require special care. We therefore stress the importance of choosing an engagement ring that is appropriate for the wearer's lifestyle.

Please be aware that certain materials and styles are not suitable for everyday wear. If you have any questions or experience any problems with your purchase please contact us to discuss them. Depending on the nature of the issue, we will either repair the item for you free of charge or provide you with a repair quote from our trusted jeweller.

Within the first six months we will replace side or accent stones that go missing if we feel that the stones or settings were in some way defective. After six months any missing side or accent stones will be considered wear and tear and will be replaced at the expense of the customer.

Please note that you will be responsible for any delivery costs related to the repair. Any repairs or work not done by the AJC will void our warranty.

It's important to protect yourself against your engagement ring being lost, damaged or stolen. We recommend contacting your existing household insurers – many will already insure for up to £3,000 worth of jewellery worn at any one time, anywhere in the world. Ask them exactly what they would need in order to insure against the ring and how they assess the value of replacing an antique ring.

We advise that the best solution for protecting antique or vintage engagement rings is to cover the cost of finding an ‘equivalent’ ring rather than providing a modern reproduction, which lacks the original appeal of an old ring. We provide all our clients with a proof of purchase so that your insurers know what you spent on your engagement ring.

Yes, we can reserve an engagement ring for up to 72 hours. Please contact us to let us know if you wish to put an engagement ring on hold. Alternatively, items may be reserved for up to 30 days, with a 10% non-refundable deposit.

The 4Cs refer to the four main characteristics used to evaluate the quality and value of a diamond. They stand for Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity.

Carat
This is the measure of a diamond's weight, and by extension, its size. Five carats equal one gram. Each 100 for the carat is expressed as a point. Generally, the larger the diamond, the more valuable it is, but size is not the only determinant of value.

Cut
This refers to how well the diamond has been cut from its raw form. Factors like the depth and symmetry of the cut, as well as the diamond's overall proportions and ability to reflect light (brilliance), are evaluated. The quality of the cut greatly impacts the diamond's sparkle and aesthetic appeal.

Colour
This measures the degree to which a diamond is colourless. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond colour on a scale of D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colourless diamonds are rare and therefore more valuable.

Clarity
This assesses the presence of internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. The GIA's clarity scale includes eleven grades ranging from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye). The fewer inclusions or blemishes, the higher the diamond's clarity and value.

Remember that the perfect combination of these 4Cs would ideally lead to the most valuable diamond. However, preferences can vary greatly from person to person. Some might prioritise size over perfect clarity, while others may prefer a flawless smaller diamond. Therefore, the best diamond is one that matches your personal taste and budget.

With antique jewellery you wouldn't want to remove and re-set the diamonds just to weigh them, as this risks damaging the settings. We estimate the carat weight by assessing the size, shape and cut of each stone using a digital calliper. The calculations used are based on modern cut styles with standardised proportions, so the weight of an antique cut diamond is more difficult to estimate. Our stated diamond carat weights should be used as a guide and not considered a guarantee.

Many engagement rings are hallmarked to indicate the purity of the gold, known as its 'fineness'. Where this stamp is present, we highlight the fineness (typically 22ct, 18ct, 15ct, 14ct or 9ct) in the details provided. Where it is not, we use chemical testing to determine the carat of the gold on the surface of the shank. Our stated gold carats should be used as a guide and not be considered a guarantee.

Hallmarkes are stamps on items of metal jewellery, indicating their purity, the maker, the assaying office and often the year of marking. Hallmarking precious metals only became compulsory in the 1920s in the UK and hallmarks are also prone to wearing off over time. If there are no hallmarks on an engagement ring, fear not - our expert team is still able to estimate its age by the style, craftsmanship and materials used.

Many of our larger stoned engagement rings come with a gemmological certificate and, if so, you will see a PDF version attached to the product page. The majority of our engagement rings do not have accompanying certificates as they contain smaller stones which we feel do not warrant a report. Also, in order to accurately grade diamonds they need to be removed from their settings and reset again, which we feel is unnecessary. However, we are happy to arrange for an engagement ring certificate, should you require one.

Absolutely, men can and do wear engagement rings. Although it's more common in Western cultures for only women to wear engagement rings, this is changing, and it's not unusual for men to wear them as well. This can depend on personal preference, cultural practices or a desire for both partners to have a symbol of their mutual commitment.

In some cultures and countries, it's traditional for both men and women to wear engagement rings. For instance, in Sweden, both members of the couple exchange simple bands upon their engagement.

Furthermore, some same-sex couples choose to have both partners wear engagement rings. And even in heterosexual relationships, some men choose to wear an engagement ring as a symbol of their upcoming marriage.

The design of men's engagement rings can vary greatly, from simple bands to rings with diamonds or other gemstones. The choice of style, like the decision to wear a ring itself, is largely a matter of personal preference.

It's important to remember that the purpose of an engagement ring is to symbolize love and commitment. As such, the decision to wear one, regardless of gender, is a personal one and should reflect the tastes and values of the individual.

The tradition of springing an engagement ring upon a partner still has plenty of fans out there, but for many couples, the decision to commit to married life is one which is very much jointly made. As such, it’s increasingly common for couples to plan every aspect of their engagement together, including shopping for engagement rings, and there’s nothing wrong with this whatsoever. There are plenty of advantages to shopping together for an engagement ring. It alleviates a lot of the pressure of finding the perfect item of jewellery alone, and it ensures that the recipient is every bit as delighted as they deserve to be with their ring. Of course, if you believe that you can pick out the perfect ring and surprise your partner with its grand reveal, then don’t let anything stand in your way.

Any more questions? Contact Us

Vintage Engagement Rings | The Antique Jewellery Company (2024)

FAQs

Why are vintage engagement rings so cheap? ›

Vintage engagement rings are more budget friendly

They are essentially secondhand, even if this is what gives them much of their charm.

How can I find out how much my old ring is worth? ›

Any professional jeweler or gemologist can quickly establish the exact market value of a second-hand diamond ring. Obviously, they'll try and offer you the lowest possible price, but they know that if you settle for 70% of the resale price, they'll still make an acceptable profit on the deal.

Do antique engagement rings increase in value? ›

Custom-cut engagement rings and vintage diamond engagement rings from different jewelry eras may increase the value of your diamond ring. These are usually inheritance jewelry or estate jewelry that have been passed down, not pieces purchased at modern fine jewelry retailers.

What is the difference between vintage and antique ring? ›

What is the difference between vintage, estate and antique engagement rings? An antique engagement ring is over 50 years old - made before the 1970s. An estate engagement ring is simply pre-owned and could have been bought as recently as last year. A vintage engagement ring doesn't have a clearly defined meaning.

Are vintage rings worth it? ›

Vintage rings are special because of their timeless elegance, sentimental value, exceptional craftsmanship, and distinctive charm. Not only do vintage rings capture the hearts of many, but they also have the potential to be an investment worth treasuring.

Is vintage jewelry worth buying? ›

The quality is better

Antique and vintage jewellery was almost always hand-made or at the very least (in the case of newer, vintage jewellery) hand-finished. Even in high-end bespoke modern pieces, it's almost impossible to find the same level of quality and workmanship as we regularly see in old jewellery.

Are antique rings worth more? ›

You might think that vintage rings can be purchased cheaper than brand-new ones. While this can be the case, it highly depends on what vintage ring you are looking at. As you know, price is determined by demand. Some time periods are more popular than others, which can increase the price of a vintage engagement ring.

How old is a vintage ring? ›

Most people refer to 'vintage' jewellery as pieces that are between 50 and 100 years old. Certain eras with distinct styles may be referred to as vintage even if the jewellery from that time isn't yet fifty years old. For example, jewellery from the 1980s has mass appeal due to the recent style renaissance of that era.

Do old diamond rings have value? ›

In general, diamonds do not increase significantly in value over time. Outside of a small number of rare or colored diamonds, the vast majority of diamonds have decreased slightly in value over the last few years, making them a poor investment from a price appreciation perspective.

What is considered a vintage engagement ring? ›

"Vintage" refers to anything at least 20 years old, while "antique" refers to anything at least 100 years old. When it comes to engagement rings, "vintage" usually signifies the ring's style rather than its age.

How much can I get for an old engagement ring? ›

Engagement rings typically sell second-hand for 30%-50% of the original retail price. To get the best price for your diamond ring, it pays to sell to the experts.

Can you sell old engagement ring? ›

There are only a few avenues to re-selling a diamond engagement ring; privately, to a pawn dealer or back to a reputable jeweller. Selling can be difficult and depending on the quality and value of the ring each option has its benefits and disadvantages.

What antique jewelry is most valuable? ›

One such piece to look for is Art Deco jewelry from the 1920s or 1930s. “Pieces from this era, especially those with geometrical designs and vibrant gemstones, can fetch high prices,” said Claver. “For example, an authentic Art Deco diamond bracelet might sell for several thousand dollars.”

At what age is jewelry considered antique? ›

In jewellery trade terms, 'antique' describes a piece that was made at least 100 years ago. That means that any jewellery made around 1920 or before is technically antique.

Why buy a vintage engagement ring? ›

Because they were hand-cut, old cut diamonds and gemstones have a unique look that is hard to find in machine-cut stones. Each diamond and gemstone are cut by hand, so each one is unique. This results in a more interesting personality and character.

Are vintage diamond rings cheaper? ›

You might think that vintage rings can be purchased cheaper than brand-new ones. While this can be the case, it highly depends on what vintage ring you are looking at. As you know, price is determined by demand. Some time periods are more popular than others, which can increase the price of a vintage engagement ring.

Are vintage rings cheaper than new? ›

If you are looking for a ring that offers something a little different, a unique ring that will hold the test of time, many brides opt for an antique engagement ring. These rings are typically less expensive, often have superior craftsmanship and add a unique charm and story to your engagement.

Are vintage diamond rings worth more? ›

In most cases, the precise qualification is that the diamond be around since the 1930's. The value of a diamond is said to increase with age, so the older the diamond, the more expensive the diamond is said to be.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 6535

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.