Question 1

Do the French wear engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the French wear engagement rings. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, when men presented women with fede rings. These early engagement rings usually depicted a pair of clasped hands on their own or holding a heart, or two joined hearts positioned below a crown. Explore a wide range of engagement rings on 1stDibs.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 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

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 9

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 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

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 12

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 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

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 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

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 17

What is the difference between vintage and antique engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

The difference between vintage and antique engagement rings is age. For an engagement ring to be considered an antique, it must be at least 100 years old. Vintage engagement rings are pieces made at least 20 years ago. Shop a collection of vintage and antique engagement rings on 1stDibs.

Question 18

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 19

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.

Question 20

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.

French Vintage Ring

Mid-20th Century French Artisan French Vintage Ring

Vintage Yellow Gold Hand-Made French Ring with 11.00ct Citrine

20th Century French Retro French Vintage Ring

Cocktail French Ring Marguerite Platinum Diamonds

1950s French Contemporary French Vintage Ring

1950s White Platinum French Ring with Warm Diamond Center

Late 20th Century French French Vintage Ring

18 Carat Gold French Ring Set with Step Cut Diamond

1980s French French Vintage Ring

An 18 Carat Gold French Ring in the shape of an Apple

1930s European Art Deco French Vintage Ring

French ring Gold and platinum 1 carat ruby and diamond

20th Century French French Vintage Ring

French Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k

1940s French Vintage Ring

French Platinum Diamond Ruby Ring

20th Century French French Vintage Ring

French Van Cleef & Arpels Two Row Diamonds and Twisted Rope Gold Ring, 18k

20th Century French Rustic French Vintage Ring

French Ring Shaped Iron Chandelier from the Mid-20th Century with Anchor Motifs

1970s French French Vintage Ring

Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Sapphire Ring

1960s French French Vintage Ring

Sixties French Diamond Cocktail Ring

1970s French Modernist French Vintage Ring

O.J. Perin Gold Ring 18k France

Mid-20th Century French Modern French Vintage Ring

Elegant Grand Scale French Mid-20th Century 18k Gold and Amethyst Fashion Ring

1940s Retro French Vintage Ring

Rare French Art Deco 3.15ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

20th Century French Vintage Ring

Carvin French Enamel Diamond Gold Dome Ring

1950s French Vintage Ring

1950s, French 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Black Jade Panther Ring

1940s Unknown Retro French Vintage Ring

1940 Retro Era with French Pink Spinel Yellow Gold Ring

Mid-20th Century French Vintage Ring

14.04 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Ring

1980s French Vintage Ring

Vintage Christian Dior Multi Gem Gold Band Ring

Late 20th Century American Modern French Vintage Ring

Carvin French Blue Enamel Bombe 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring

1970s French Vintage Ring

Vintage French Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring

1970s American Modernist French Vintage Ring

Carvin French Bombe Cocktail Ring in 18kt Gold with 47.07 Cts Rutile Quartz

Late 20th Century American Modern French Vintage Ring

Carvin French Patterned Owl Emerald and Yellow Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring

1990s French French Vintage Ring

18ct White Gold Ring with Four Princess Cut Diamonds and a 15mm Tahitian Pearl

20th Century French Romantic French Vintage Ring

Solitaire Ring Emerald Oval Shape Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat

1980s French French Vintage Ring

Vintage French 1.50ct Emerald & 2.40ct Diamond 18k White Gold Cluster Dress Ring

1970s French Art Deco French Vintage Ring

Vintage GIA 3.00ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, Yellow Gold

1960s French French Vintage Ring

Pre-loved European ring made of 14 carat gold with pink sapphire of 1.76 carat

1970s French Modernist French Vintage Ring

Denoir Paris Gem Set Ring 18Kt Yellow Gold With VS Diamonds Onyx And White Nacre

1980s French French Vintage Ring

Vintage Tourmaline Ring 18k Gold French Estate Jewelry

20th Century French French Vintage Ring

Heavy French 18K Gold Step Cut Diamond Ring with Hand Engraving, 1.73 ctw

1990s French Vintage Ring

French Diamond Ring

1980s French Modernist French Vintage Ring

Modernist Gold Ring 18k France

20th Century French Modern French Vintage Ring

French Diamond Platinum Daisy Ring

Late 20th Century French French Vintage Ring

Vintage French Gold Signet Ring

20th Century French Retro French Vintage Ring

French Platinum Ring Ruby Diamonds

1930s French Retro French Vintage Ring

French Retro Diamond 18k Ring

1930s French Art Deco French Vintage Ring

French Art Deco Temple Ring

1930s French Art Deco French Vintage Ring