Question 1

What is a Victorian ring?

Accepted Answer

Victorian rings are usually made with fine metals and feature impressive gemstones in ornate settings. The style of Victorian jewelry was defined during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 to 1901). Early Victorian rings were large, brightly colored, and boldly designed, with gemstones such as bloodstones, chalcedonies, garnets, moss agate, rubies, smoky quartz and topazes. During the mid-Victorian period, the designs were more sophisticated, using gemstones such as opals, crystals, emeralds, diamonds, pearls, black glass, jet, and rubies. In the late-Victorian period, platinum became widely used in the jewelry of the era and replaced gold and silver settings for the first time. Find a collection of antique and vintage Victorian rings on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Did Victorians give engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many Victorians gave engagement rings to their fiancées. In fact, the tradition of giving engagement rings became more popular during the Victorian era due to the effects of the Industrial Revolution. The economic growth of the time led to the creation of a middle class that had the ability to save up for special purchases. At the same time, gemstones mined in South Africa began arriving in England, increasing the supply of precious stones and making prices more affordable. Explore an assortment of antique Victorian engagement rings on 1stDibs.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 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.

Vintage Victorian Rings

20th Century Vintage Victorian Rings

Vintage Victorian ring in 14k with approximate 1 ct center diamond.

Late 20th Century Unknown Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Filgree Victorian Ring

Late 20th Century Unknown Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Antique Victorian Ring Diamond Pearl Blue Enamel 10k Rose Gold Signet Pinky 5

20th Century English Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Antique Victorian Lady Cameo 9 Carat Gold Ring

Late 20th Century Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Antique Victorian Black Enamel Religious Saint Ring In Yellow Gold

20th Century Late Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Antique Victorian Sapphire Diamond Ring in 2 Carat of Sapphire, circa 1900

20th Century Unknown Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Antique Diamond Royal Blue Enamel Fleurs De Lis Ring 14 Karat Gold

1930s Vintage Victorian Rings

Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, 14KT Yellow Gold, Ring

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Vintage Victorian Rings

Cherub Figural Solitaire Ring with Rose Cut Sapphire in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Mid-20th Century American High Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Gold Filigree Ring

20th Century Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Pearl and Black Enamel Flower Ring

20th Century English Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring

Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Victorian Rings

Aquamarine & Diamond Victorian Baguette Ring

1980s Vintage Victorian Rings

Sapphire Victorian 18k Gold Ring

20th Century Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian 6.45 Carat Sapphire 1.80 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring

1990s American High Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Elegant Victorian Garnet 3 Stone Ring

Late 20th Century English Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Vintage 18ct Gold Victorian Style Ruby & Diamond Carved Ring

20th Century Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring

1970s British Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian 9 Carat Gold Cameo Ring

20th Century British Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Style Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

1930s Unknown Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian 18k Yellow Gold, Diamonds and Emeralds Cocktail Ring

Mid-20th Century Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Styled Locket Design Ring with Rotating Synthetic Stones

1990s British Late Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Cabochon Emerald Ring with Striking White Diamond Surround

1980s American Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Vintage 14k yellow gold Victorian Reproduction Emerald and Diamond Ring

20th Century Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring

1980s American Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Vintage 18k yellow gold Victorian Reproduction Diamond and Emerald Ring

1950s Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Revival Square Emerald Diamond 18k Rose Gold Cluster Ring

1950s British Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Revival 1.09ct Vintage GIA Sapphire & Diamond Trilogy 16k Gold Ring

Late 20th Century American Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Antique Victorian Shield Signet Ring 14k Rose Gold Vintage Fine Jewelry

20th Century American Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

.40 Carat Vintage Victorian Natural Diamond Ring 18 Karat Raised Crest

1930s European Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Era Rose Cut Diamonds Silver and 18kt Pink Gold Navette Ring

1960s Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Revival Italian Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring

1950s Unknown Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Vintage 18 K Yellow Gold Victorian Inspired Ring with Amethyst and Pearls

1940s Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Revival GIA 2.50 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond 18k Gold Cluster Ring

1950s Unknown Vintage Victorian Rings

Vintage Victorian Inspired Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1950s

Late 20th Century European Modern Vintage Victorian Rings

Vintage Snake Ring - Victorian symbol of eternal Love - 18k yellow gold ring

1980s Unknown Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

18 K Gold Vintage Victorian Style Marquise Shaped Diamond Emerald Cluster Ring

Late 20th Century Thai Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Style Sapphire with Pearl and Diamond Ring in 10K White Gold

Late 20th Century British Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings

Victorian Style Three-Stone Emerald Ring in Yellow Gold

20th Century Unknown Victorian Vintage Victorian Rings