Question 1

What age is a vintage ring?

Accepted Answer

The age of a vintage ring is at least 20 years. If a ring is at least 100 years older, the piece is an antique. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of antique, vintage and modern rings from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 2

What were vintage rings made of?

Accepted Answer

Vintage rings were made from a variety of materials. Many artisans used sterling silver, platinum and gold alloys like 14-karat and 18-karat gold. Some pieces also featured gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds as well as turquoise, jade and other materials like pearls and crystals. Shop a variety of vintage rings on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What are vintage rings called?

Accepted Answer

What vintage rings are called varies. It's correct to simply call any ring that is 20 to 99 years old a vintage ring. However, some people may call them by other names. Rings from the 1940s may be referred to as War Year rings, while mid-century and retro are other terms for pieces from the 1950s and ’60s. You may also see vintage rings described by their styles. For example, a ring flaunting a single diamond or colored gemstone is a solitaire, while one showcasing a primary stone surrounded by a ring of smaller accent stones is a halo ring. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage rings.

Question 4

What is a vintage engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

A vintage engagement ring is generally defined as an engagement ring that is 20 to 80 years old. By definition, “antique” applies to anything that is 100 years or older. The most popular vintage styles for engagement rings are Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco. Vintage engagement rings could feature traditional diamonds or colored gemstones. Find a wide variety of vintage engagement rings on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Why should I buy vintage rings?

Accepted Answer

There are a few reasons why you might want to buy vintage rings. One is that most vintage rings were handmade, making them high-quality and one-of-a-kind pieces. Another is that many vintage rings have timeless looks that are visually appealing. Plus, some vintage rings are desirable to collectors, so their value may increase over time. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage rings from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 6

What year is vintage for rings?

Accepted Answer

What year is vintage for rings varies over time. Generally, rings that are 20 to 80 years old are considered vintage. Rings made 100 years ago or more would be considered antiques. On 1stDibs, explore a range of vintage and antique rings from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 7

What are vintage style rings?

Accepted Answer

Vintage-style rings are rings that draw inspiration from jewelry created 20 or more years ago. For example, a vintage-style ring may feature two-tone metalwork and an oval setting, which were attributes of jewelry designed during the Retro period, or the ornate geometric details and step-cut diamonds that are associated with the Art Deco era. Find a large collection of rings on 1stDibs.

Question 8

Are halo engagement rings vintage?

Accepted Answer

Whether halo engagement rings are vintage depends on their age. Any ring made at least 20 to 80 years ago is vintage, while older pieces are antiques. Halo engagement rings emerged during the Art Deco period and have remained popular since. As a result, you can find many antique and vintage examples, as well as contemporary rings that show off a central gemstone surrounded by a halo of accent stones. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of halo engagement rings.

Question 9

Where can I find vintage engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

You can find vintage engagement rings in many places. If you want to shop in person, check out second-hand stores, auction houses and estate sales. Browsing the collections of trusted online platforms can also allow you to quickly discover many vintage pieces. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of vintage engagement rings from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 10

Where can I buy vintage engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

You can buy vintage engagement rings from many sources. Local estate sales, auctions and secondhand shops can be good local sources. Another option is to shop for vintage pieces on trusted online platforms. You can find a large collection of vintage engagement rings from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What does a vintage engagement ring mean?

Accepted Answer

A vintage engagement ring is generally any engagement ring that dates back 20 to 80 years. Rings that are 100 or more years old are antiques. The design of a vintage engagement ring is influenced by each era's artistic visions, cultural movements and preferences in materials, gemstones and motifs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings.

Question 12

Are vintage diamond rings worth more?

Accepted Answer

Whether vintage diamond rings are worth more varies. Many factors influence the potential selling price of vintage and contemporary rings, including their maker, style and condition. The type of precious metal and the diamond's color, clarity, cut and carat weight will also impact the ring's price. Explore a wide variety of vintage diamond rings on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How can you tell if a vintage ring is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a vintage ring is real, examine its details. Older pieces are usually handmade, so they’ll often lack perfect symmetry or feature minor flaws in the details. Does it show signs of wear and tear that normally wouldn’t appear on a new accessory? Stamps and/or markings inside the band may indicate the content of the metal as well as the manufacturer. You can consult online resources to see if the stylistic characteristics match jewelry from the era during which you believe the ring originated. Certified appraisers or seasoned professionals within the jewelry industry can also help you determine the age of a piece. If you wish to know if a vintage ring’s gemstone is real, consult an experienced gemologist. Shop a range of jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How do vintage mood rings work?

Accepted Answer

Vintage mood rings work because of their unique stones. Rather than being set with a precious gemstone, mood rings feature thermoplastic liquid crystals layered under a protective coating that is sensitive to temperature changes. When your body temperature rises and falls, the shift causes the crystals to react and show off different colors. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of vintage rings.

Question 15

Are vintage engagement rings popular?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vintage engagement rings are popular among some people. Many find the details of rings produced during the last 20 to 99 years to be visually appealing. In fact, some contemporary jewelry makers even draw inspiration from vintage designs. Some people also prefer vintage rings because they inherit them from relatives or because they like the idea of wearing an engagement ring that has a history. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of vintage engagement rings.

Question 16

What is a vintage style engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

A vintage-style engagement ring is a piece of bridal jewelry designed in the style of rings produced in the past. Many vintage-style engagement rings borrow elements from Victorian, Art Deco or Edwardian jewelry. Although the rings may closely resemble authentic antique or vintage rings, they are actually contemporary pieces produced in recent years. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings.

Question 17

How can you tell if a vintage diamond ring is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a vintage diamond ring is real, you can first research the maker using trusted online resources. Hallmarks found on the inside of the band can provide a starting point for identifying a maker. By reading about the maker, you can find out if they typically produced fine jewelry or costume jewelry. If the maker of your ring was a fine jewelry maker, your ring is more likely to contain a real diamond. Another option is to take your ring to a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler who can assist in identifying the stone. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage diamond rings.

Question 18

Why do people buy vintage engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

There are several reasons why people buy vintage engagement rings. Some prefer the way jewelry looked in decades past and select vintage pieces that fit their tastes. Others choose vintage engagement rings to get a unique, one-of-a-kind piece or like the idea of their jewelry having a long history. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage engagement rings.

Question 19

What is the difference between vintage and classic engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

The difference between vintage and classic engagement rings has to do with taste and time. Vintage engagement rings date back 20 to 80 years and occupy the sweet spot between historic and modern. Whether or not an engagement ring is "classic" may pertain solely to the style of the ring. The solitaire setting is considered a classic setting for engagement rings. Tiffany & Co. broadly helped put diamonds on the map in 1886 by introducing the American marketplace to the solitaire diamond design, which is still the quintessential engagement ring style. Designed to maximize a diamond's sparkle, the trademark Tiffany Setting elevated the stone on six prongs (in contrast to the bezel setting, which was common at the time). In the late 1800s, Cartier sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible, and the house's Solitaire 1895 engagement ring is considered a classic engagement ring. Find antique and vintage engagement rings on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What makes an engagement ring look vintage?

Accepted Answer

Details that reflect the trends of previous eras are what make an engagement ring look vintage. During the 1940s, engagement rings often featured two-tone metal bands and small central stones flanked by accent stones like baguettes. During the 1950s, World War II-era restrictions on platinum were finally lifted, and many people chose platinum engagement rings set with a single brilliant-cut diamond. The 1960s brought colored gemstones into fashion, and engagement rings from the 1970s and ’80s often featured bold, flashy geometric designs. In the 1990s, marquise diamonds and white gold and platinum metals were popular. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage engagement rings.

Massive Vintage Ring

20th Century French Massive Vintage Ring

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Antiqued Silver Toned African Ethnic Massive Ring

Mid-20th Century American Native American Massive Vintage Ring

Navajo Sugilite Feather Ring Wilbert Cora Vandever Adjustable

Mid-20th Century European Modern Massive Vintage Ring

Monumental Scale 18K Yellow Gold Ring with Large Amber Center

1990s German Massive Vintage Ring

Horse-shaped Diamond in Lapis Ring by Zobel

1970s American Massive Vintage Ring

Native American Jasper Sterling Silver Ring

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Massive Vintage Ring

Very Large Scale 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring with Lapis, Turquoise & Diamonds

1970s Swiss Massive Vintage Ring

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1930s French Art Deco Massive Vintage Ring

1930s Natural 9.36 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Signet Ring

1960s Swiss Massive Vintage Ring

Massive Natural Coral and Diamond Ring

1980s Swiss Massive Vintage Ring

One-of-a-kind Massive Diamond Ring

Mid-20th Century Asian Anglo-Indian Massive Vintage Ring

Massive Handmade Silver Lapis Turquoise Cluster Ring

1960s American Massive Vintage Ring

Massive Two Tone Ring With Mabe Pearl

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GUCCI 1990 Firenze Modernist Bold Ring Domed Bandn In Solid .925 Sterling Silver

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Tiffany & Co. 1981 Paloma Picasso Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamond Pearl

20th Century French Massive Vintage Ring

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Massive Marbled Blue Resin Ring

Mid-20th Century American Modern Massive Vintage Ring

Massive Vintage Architectural David Webb 18k Gold Cocktail Ring

1960s French Brutalist Massive Vintage Ring

A Pair of BRUTALIST MODERNIST SHABBY-CHIC Wrought Iron ANDIRONS, France 1960

1970s Massive Vintage Ring

Massive 14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal & Diamond Ring 12.73 Grams

1990s European Etruscan Revival Massive Vintage Ring

Vintage YSL Gold Massive Blue Multicolour Stone Arty Ring in Size 6

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Massive 40.01 Carat Round Cut Amethyst Solitaire Cocktail Ring in Yellow Gold

20th Century Edwardian Massive Vintage Ring

Set of Three Antique Massive Men's Signet Rings, 14 Karat Gold with Onyx

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Pat de Verre Scarab in Massive 14kt Yellow Gold Mounting

1960s European Massive Vintage Ring

Modernist Sterling Lily Pad Ring

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Jean Mahie 22k Gold Sculptural Ring

20th Century Massive Vintage Ring

Valentin Magro Platinum, Rock Crystal and Diamond Ring

20th Century French Massive Vintage Ring

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Clock Ring

Late 20th Century Massive Vintage Ring

Tiffany & Co. 14k Gold Signet Ring Bloodstone

1940s French Retro Massive Vintage Ring

1940s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

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Sterling Silver Hand Wrought Yellow Quartz Ring

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French 1935s Zoned Agate 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring

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18 Karat Yellow Gold Pavé Citrine Wide Band Ring

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1940s Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Tank Signet Ring

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French 1940s Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Retro Knot Ring

1960s Massive Vintage Ring

WGI Certified 71.35 carat Octagonal Step-Cut Aquamarine Cocktail ring

1990s Massive Vintage Ring

30 Ct Aquamarine 3 Ct Sapphires Diamond Ring, 1995

1970s American Native American Massive Vintage Ring

Zuni Native American Apache Gan Coral / Turquoise Sterling Ring

1940s French Retro Massive Vintage Ring

French 1940s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Braided Gold Retro Ring

1990s American Massive Vintage Ring

Stephen Dweck Sterling Silver Gold Wash Jasper Ring 1992

1980s American Massive Vintage Ring