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How to Choose The Perfect Vintage Ring
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A buyers guide to Vintage Rings
How to choose the perfect vintage ring
Finding a period you like the style of
Your taste may fall into a certain period or specific era of ring design. If you’re drawn to delicate, intricate details, an elegant Edwardian ring might suit you perfectly. On the other hand, if you prefer bold, chunky, and more abstract styles, a 1970s ring could be the ideal choice. Below, we’ll highlight some distinctive styles from each period.
The Age Of The Ring
Georgian Rings
Quick facts - gemstones often included diamonds, rubies, sapphires, citrine and pearls. Foiled back setting. Gold and silver were common; lower carat gold like 9-12 carat was common.
Art Nouveau
Metals: gold, especially yellow and rose gold, was commonly used.Gemstones: opals, moonstones, pearls, and colourful enamel were popular.
Edwardian Rings
Metals: platinum was most common. Gemstones: diamonds, pearls, and sapphires were popular, often in intricate filigree designs.
Art Deco Rings
Quick facts - Metals: platinum and white gold were most commonly used. Gemstones: diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, aquamarine and onyx were popular.
1940s Rings
Metals: yellow gold and rose gold were most common.Gemstones: diamonds, rubies, and sapphires were popular, often in bold, raised settings.
1950s
Bold colourful. Metals: white gold and platinum were commonly used.Gemstones: diamonds were most popular, often with small accent stones like sapphires or rubies.
1960s Rings
Metals: yellow gold and white gold were commonly used. Gemstones: diamonds, along with colourful stones like turquoise and jade, were popular
1970s Rings
Metals: yellow gold was most common. Gemstones: diamonds, along with earthy stones like amber and opal, were popular.
1980s Rings
Metals: yellow gold and platinum were commonly used.Gemstones: diamonds were most popular, often in large or clustered styles.
1990s Ring
Metals: white gold and platinum were most common.Gemstones: diamonds were popular, often in simple or solitaire styles.
2000s Rings
Metals: white gold and platinum were most common.Gemstones: diamonds were popular, often with halo settings or paired with sapphires
What Style of Vintage Ring are you looking for?
Understanding Vintage Ring Styles and Types
Your style may naturally lean towards a particular type of ring design. If you’re drawn to bold, eye-catching pieces, a cocktail ring—with its larger scale and striking centre stone—might be the perfect fit. For something more structured and architectural, a panel ring offers clean lines and a refined, geometric feel. Alternatively, if you prefer sparkle and texture, a cluster ring, with its grouping of smaller stones, creates a beautifully detailed and radiant look. Below, we explore some of these distinctive styles in more detail.
Cocktails Ring
Vintage cocktail rings are typically larger in scale and designed to make a statement. They often feature a prominent central gemstone such as diamond, sapphire, emerald or ruby or semi-precious stones like citrine, amethyst and aquamarine, enhanced by bold settings and intricate detailing.
Vinatge Cluster Rings
Vintage Late 20th Century Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Mid 20th Century Amethyst and Diamond Cluster
Early 20th Century Diamond Daisy Flower Ring
Panel or Plaque Rings
Vintage diamond panel or plaque rings feature a flat, often geometric face—such as rectangular, oval or shield-shaped—designed to showcase gemstones or decorative detailing. Popular in mid-20th century design, they are known for their bold, structured look and clean, architectural style.
How Does It Fit?
While some rings can be sized to fit you,
there are others that have complex bands, wirework or gem set bands that are
more difficult or costly to alter. These include full eternity rings, though
with half eternity rings it is usually possible
Is it comfortable?
Like the stiletto heels that feel ok at 7pm but you cant wait to step out of by 10 pm. Make sure rings are not too tight, finger sizes fluctuate according to many factors but especially temperature.
Find a good source
Make sure that you buy from a seller who is knowledgeable on the subject of vintage jewellery who guarantees authenticity and who will go that extra mile in customer service
Its all in the detail
Look at a piece of vintage jewellery as a whole but also look at the finer details,
workmanship on pieces created in the early to late 20th C is often superior to many items of jewellery produced today.
Designer Rings
What’s in a name ?
Jewellery from top name retailers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Kutchinsky, Boucheron, will usually prove a good investment but equally will be priced higher. When buying named jewellery it is imperative to buy from a trusted source, as their marks are sometimes faked, appearing on lesser quality pieces. A top name piece of jewellery having an original case will add greatly to its appeal.
