George Boyle
There is something special about vintage engagement rings that modern designs lack. Perhaps it is the weight of history, the craftsmanship, or the thought behind the ring. If you are looking for a vintage wedding ring, there are many options to explore. You can find vintage rings at auction houses, antique stores, or online on websites such as Etsy, EraGem, and Antique Parlour. You can also find newly made engagement rings inspired by vintage designs at Trumpet & Horn, which prides itself on its curated assortment of vintage and vintage-inspired pieces. For those who want an eco-friendly ring, Trumpet & Horn offers environmentally conscious engagement rings made with recycled metals and vintage stones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Online Retailers | EraGem, MJV, The Antique Parlour, Trumpet & Horn, Leigh Jay & Co. |
| Butterlane Antiques, Sin City Finds, Shop Esqueleto, The Curio, The Moon Stoned, Wave Antiques, Estate Jewelry Mama, Fetheray | |
| Auction Houses | Ivy and Rose |
| Eras | Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, Mid-Century |
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What You'll Learn
Auctions
One benefit of buying vintage rings at auction is that you can find unique pieces that have been crafted with materials, tools and methods from different time periods. For example, if you are interested in a ring from the Victorian era (1837-1900), you might find a piece crafted from yellow gold, which was popular during that time. Edwardian rings (1901-1910) often featured ornate platinum filigree with floral patterns, while Art Deco rings from the 1915-1930s were handcrafted with mil-grain, symmetrical, geometric, and architectural designs, and often included coloured stone accents.
If you are interested in a particular style or era, it is worth doing some research beforehand to help you identify the right piece. Auctions can offer a wide range of vintage rings, from the Retro Era of the 1940s, where yellow and rose gold made a comeback, to the Mid-Century period of the 1950s-1980s, where heirloom engagement rings became popular.
You can find vintage wedding rings at auction houses such as Ivy and Rose, or online at Bidsquare, the self-proclaimed largest online auction website. LiveAuctioneers also offers a diverse range of vintage wedding and engagement rings, including gold, diamond and sterling silver pieces.
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$58.99 $73.9
Instagram shops
Instagram is a great place to start your search for vintage wedding rings. The social media platform has become a popular destination for those looking to purchase antique and recycled diamonds, with a surge in millennials and Gen-Z buyers. The affordability of vintage diamonds, defined as at least 40 years old but less than 100, is a key factor in their popularity.
Nicole Wegman's Ring Concierge
The NYC-based private jeweler offers antique-inspired designs with old-mine-cut or old-European-cut diamonds. Her feed also features unboxing videos of budget-conscious VOW Ring Concierge Home Try-On kits, daily ring stacks, and posts of happy couples.
Trabert Goldsmiths
Based in San Francisco, this husband-and-wife team offers an array of timeless designs, including oval-shaped diamonds and delicate bands, with plenty of customisation options. Many of their rings are under $5,000, and they offer a convenient online shopping experience.
Trumpet & Horn
Also based in LA, this brand specialises in finding couples unique vintage engagement rings. Their Instagram feed is filled with curated vintage rings that can be purchased online, with free shipping, returns, and ring sizing.
Heidi Gibson
LA-based jewelry designer Heidi Gibson began designing rings after hers was lost in a house fire. Her feed features contemporary and timeless designs, including emerald-cut stunners with pavé set bands and vintage detailing. You'll also find engagement ring stories from fellow brides-to-be.
In addition to these shops, you can also search for vintage wedding rings on Instagram by using hashtags such as #vintageweddingrings or #vintageengagementrings. You can also explore accounts that sell antique and vintage jewellery, such as @butterlaneantiques, @shopesqueleto, @thecurio, and @sin_city_finds, as recommended by Reddit users.
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Online retailers
There are many online retailers that offer vintage wedding rings. One such retailer is EraGem, which offers vintage engagement rings from the 1980s or older. Their rings are inspired by different historical eras, such as the Victorian era, the Edwardian era, and the Art Deco era. Each era is characterised by distinct materials, tools, and design methods.
Another online retailer specialising in vintage wedding rings is MJV, which offers fine vintage, antique, and estate jewellery. MJV's collection includes pieces from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro eras. Their rings feature a range of precious metals and gemstones, such as white gold, yellow gold, platinum, and diamonds.
The Antique Parlour is another online retailer with a collection of antique rings, including engagement and wedding bands. Their rings feature unique designs and craftsmanship, with positive reviews highlighting their customer service, packaging, and attention to detail.
In addition to these specialised retailers, there are other online options for finding vintage wedding rings. For example, Reddit users have recommended checking Instagram shops like Butterlane Antiques, Sin City Finds, and Shop Esqueleto, as well as online marketplaces like Etsy and 1st Dibs, for vintage and antique jewellery. Auction houses can also be a good source for vintage rings, as some sell jewellery from estates without heirs.
Finally, Trumpet & Horn is an online retailer that offers both authentically vintage engagement rings and vintage-inspired pieces made with recycled metals and vintage stones. They pride themselves on their curated collection and one-on-one customer service.
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Antique stores
One reputable antique store is Maejean Vintage Jewelry, owned by sisters Laura Mae and Amanda Jean. They offer a carefully curated collection of timeless heirlooms, specialising in jewellery from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Mid-Century eras. Their rings showcase the unique characteristics of each era, such as the floral patterns and ornate platinum filigree of Edwardian rings, or the mil-grain, symmetrical, and geometric designs popular during the Art Deco period.
The Antique Parlour is another antique store that boasts a beautiful collection of antique rings, including engagement rings, wedding bands, and cocktail rings. They emphasise the uniqueness of their pieces, highlighting the craftsmanship and historical context that makes each ring a one-of-a-kind treasure. The Antique Parlour also offers free domestic shipping, making it convenient for customers across the country to access their stunning antique rings.
In addition to dedicated antique jewellery stores, you can explore antique stores that offer a variety of vintage items, including jewellery. These stores often have a rotating selection of pieces, so it's worth visiting them regularly to discover hidden gems. Auctions are also an excellent avenue to explore, as they provide an opportunity to acquire vintage rings that have a history and story of their own. Whether it's through estate sales or auctions, you can find vintage wedding rings with unique backgrounds and charm.
When visiting antique stores, it's beneficial to have some knowledge about the different eras of jewellery design, the types of materials used, and the hallmarks of certain periods. This will assist you in identifying authentic vintage wedding rings and ensuring you receive a valuable piece that meets your expectations.
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Jewellers
There are a variety of online jewellers that offer vintage wedding rings. One such retailer is Maejean Vintage, which offers fine vintage, antique, and estate jewellery from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro eras. For example, they offer an Art Deco Platinum and 18k White Gold Wedding Ring from the 1920s.
Another option is The Vintage Ring Company, which offers an evolving collection of one-of-a-kind antique and vintage rings, including Edwardian designs and Victorian gypsy rings. Each ring comes with a certificate of authenticity and free resizing.
Additionally, EraGem offers vintage engagement rings from the 1980s or older, with unique rings crafted using materials, tools, and methods from different historical eras, such as the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Retro, and Mid-Century periods.
Other online jewellers to consider include Trumpet & Horn, which offers both authentic vintage and antique rings as well as vintage-inspired pieces made with recycled metals and vintage stones, and Leigh Jay & Co., which offers vintage engagement rings and wedding bands.
Finally, Reddit users have recommended checking out Instagram shops like Butterlane Antiques, Sin City Finds, Shop Esqueleto, and The Curio, as well as Etsy shops like Jewelry Authority and Antique Jewelry Company.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many online retailers that offer vintage wedding rings. Some websites include EraGem, Trumpet & Horn, Antique Parlour, and Leigh Jay & Co. You can also find vintage rings on Etsy, 1st Dibs, and Instagram.
Vintage wedding rings can come in a variety of styles depending on the era. Victorian-era rings (1837-1900) were typically crafted from yellow gold, while Edwardian-era rings (1901-1910) featured floral patterns in ornate platinum filigree. Art Deco rings from the 1915-1930s often included coloured stone accents, and the Retro Era of the 1940s saw the popularity of yellow and rose gold rings.
Yes, you can explore auctions or antique shops to discover vintage wedding rings. Many people have found unique rings at auction houses, passed down from previous owners without heirs. Antique shops, such as Butterlane Antiques, Sin City Finds, and Shop Esqueleto, may also offer a selection of vintage rings.
