The term “vintage” jewellery can mean different things depending upon who you ask. If you ask a millennial, they might tell you it means jewellery from the 1980s. If you ask someone who is a little bit older, their response might be pieces from the 1950s or 1960s. Vintage is essentially a term used to describe a certain jewellery style or ring and could also include antique rings, estate rings, and even replica rings!
To help make it easier to understand, let’s first look at what most jewellers consider to be antique rings. Antique rings might bring to mind pieces from the late 1800s or early 1900s, which would be true. However, the general definition of “antique” is any type of jewellery or rings which are more than 50 years old. So, any rings and jewellery prior to 1967 would be considered antique. It is hard to believe most of the 1960s now includes antique pieces!
Next, let’s discuss what estate jewellery pieces and rings are, as they are different from antique pieces. Some people get the term “estate” confused with “antique” because they assume since the piece of jewellery came from an estate, then it must be an antique. But this is not an accurate assessment. Rather, “estate” means any pieces of jewellery that were preowned and came from an estate. They could include pieces that are just a few years’ old, as well as older pieces, which might be antique, if they are more than 50 years old.
Popular Vintage Eras and Their Styles
Every vintage era has its own design personality. Here are the most loved ones:
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Victorian Era (1837–1901):
Characterized by romantic motifs like hearts, flowers, and bows. Yellow or rose gold was commonly used, often featuring seed pearls, rubies, or garnets. -
Edwardian Era (1901–1915):
Known for its elegance and sophistication. Platinum became the metal of choice, showcasing lace-like filigree designs and old European-cut diamonds. -
Art Deco Era (1920s–1930s):
Bold geometric patterns, contrasting colors, and symmetry define this era. Think of striking emeralds, sapphires, and baguette-cut diamonds set in white gold or platinum. -
Retro Era (1940s–1950s):
Glamorous and vibrant, with oversized designs and mixed metals. Rings often featured large center stones, accent diamonds, and sweeping curves.
Why Choose a Vintage Engagement Ring?
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Unmatched Craftsmanship:
Each vintage ring tells a story through its detailed handwork, something rarely replicated in mass-produced jewellery today. -
Timeless Elegance:
Vintage designs never go out of style—they carry a sense of history and individuality that stands apart from modern trends. -
Sustainability:
Choosing a vintage or vintage-inspired ring supports sustainable jewellery practices, reducing the demand for new mining and preserving existing art. -
Unique Character:
No two vintage rings are exactly alike. Their minor imperfections and design variations make them truly one-of-a-kind.
Shop Vintage Engagement Rings
Now that you understand the differences between “antique” and “estate,” let’s turn our attentions to “vintage.” The term is normally applied to jewellery and rings that are less than 50 years old, but are not considered modern pieces. It is worth noting, some people use a slightly different definition following what they refer to as the “50/100 rule.”
This rule is any jewellery piece that is more than 50 years old, but less than 100 is considered vintage, while any piece that is a 100 years old or older is considered antique. So, again it depends upon how one defines the term.
In addition, vintage can be used to describe a custom designed replica engagement ring fashioned after a specific style from a previous period of time, including antique designs. Furthermore, vintage is sometimes used to describe older pieces that have been transformed into a new design, which uses the existing materials from the old ring to construct the new ring that is why peoples are choosing vintage engagement rings.
Final Thoughts
A vintage engagement ring is more than just jewelry—it’s a celebration of love, artistry, and history. Whether you inherit one, discover it in a curated collection, or design your own vintage-inspired piece, it becomes a timeless treasure that symbolizes enduring romance.
At Serli & Siroan, we believe your engagement ring should reflect your story. Our expert designers and gemologists bring the beauty of vintage craftsmanship to life, helping you find or create a ring as extraordinary as your love. We can even custom design a vintage replica engagement ring! To learn more about our custom pieces or for assistance in choosing the perfect engagement ring for you beloved, please feel free to stop by hour engagement ring store in Toronto today or call us at 416-944-3863!
