Whether you’re looking for something traditional or an eye-catching statement piece, antique-through early 20th-century rings offer a wide variety of styles and details. Their designs can help pinpoint their eras by graceful lines, ornamentation, and depicted scenes.
As secondhand pieces, vintage engagement rings are also a more eco-conscious option for couples. They allow couples to have a unique and one-of-a-kind ring without having to pay the high prices of newer rings.
Symbolism
Vintage engagement rings are a symbol of a couple’s commitment to each other. Traditionally, they are presented by one partner to the other during a proposal. In some cases, these rings become a family heirloom and are passed down through generations.
The uniqueness of Vintage engagement rings makes them a popular choice for people who want something special, different from the standard mass-produced rings that are more common today. Besides their beauty, these rings are an excellent choice for those looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that can stand out and be the center of conversation.
Pre-owned diamond rings are a beautiful way to carry the legacy of your love. They’ve witnessed many heartfelt proposals and the ebbs and flows of life. When you choose to sell your old ring, it becomes part of another love story, continuing its positive energy and connecting the past, present, and future. This symbolizes how true love endures and transcends the challenges that life brings.
History
Vintage engagement rings have a long history of romance and elegance, with many designs still popular today. They are also a great choice for those concerned about the impact of mining precious metals and diamonds on our environment.
Authentic vintage rings may feature design elements specific to their era, such as milgrain detailing, lacey openwork, or engraved motifs. These styles can be difficult to replicate with modern jewelry production techniques, so a bride-to-be who is interested in vintage style should consider purchasing a pre-owned ring from a trusted vendor.
In addition to the aesthetics of vintage engagement rings, they can have sentimental value as heirlooms of previous generations. However, it is important to note that these pieces often require more careful care and upkeep than their modern counterparts. For example, a vintage ring featuring stones like emeralds or opals can be more susceptible to damage from everyday wear and tear than a ring with a modern diamond cut.
Ethical Concerns
While conflict diamonds are less of an issue when purchasing new or contemporary rings, many jewelry companies have ethical concerns about their gemstone or diamond mining and precious metal sources. Choosing an antique ring ensures that you’re not contributing to the current controversial diamond trade, and it also means that your future fiancee can sell it later for a fair price.
Heirloom pieces have the added benefit of having a shallow environmental impact since they require no new materials for cleaning or resizing. It’s also possible to take a vintage diamond or gemstone and reset it to suit more modern styles, furthering the repurposing potential of this kind of jewelry.
Located in Oakland, California, Catbird’s studio, shipping warehouse, and offices all share space to reduce their footprint. They also offset carbon through clean energy and donate to organizations like Black Lives Matter, Planned Parenthood, and the ACLU.
Style
A real vintage ring is truly one-of-a-kind and can be a gorgeous choice for brides who love the style. The downside is that such rings can be difficult to resize without damaging the stones or setting. Another concern is finding a wedding band that complements an authentic vintage engagement ring — this can be challenging for some couples due to the size of the ring and its exaggerated silhouette.
A solution is to purchase a vintage-inspired ring instead of an actual antique. These new rings are designed to mimic the look of a specific era, making it easier to find an option that will suit your bride-to-be.
For example, this Art Deco ring features a geometric pattern and milgrain engraving, common in the 1920s and 1930s. This ring is also set in platinum and holds a beautiful Ceylon calibre-cut sapphire center stone. With the help of a talented jeweler, you can design a ring to hold your bride-to-be’s favorite diamond shape and add elements like milgrain and filigree.
