How To Modernize a Vintage Engagement Ring to Get In With the Old and In With the New

So What are Vintage Engagement Rings Anyways?

First, let’s ensure we’re all on the same page. We define a vintage engagement ring as a ring dating back to a previous era, typically ranging from the early 1900s to the late 20th century. Like, they are literally old. And we all love thrifting a good find, right? Uniquely designed, meticulously crafted, and historically significant characteristics define these rings. Vintage rings often showcase filigree, engraving, and diverse gemstone cuts of their time. You might see old European or old mine cut diamonds, shining like candlelight next to today’s laser-cut gems.

Finding a vintage engagement ring in good condition can be a challenge. Sure, if you’ve got one passed down through the family, we’re all for it. But most of the time, to get a high-quality ring for your lifetime, you’ll do better purchasing one with vintage influence. Old-school appealed, vintage rings can be outshined by personalized, modern ones.

Art Deco Inspired Engagement Rings

 Art Deco engagement rings, characterized by geometric shapes, bold lines, and intricate detailing, are highly sought after. Think emerald-cut diamonds, baguette side stones, and architectural settings reminiscent of the roaring twenties.

Victorian-Era Vintage Engagement Rings

Victorian-era rings feature romantic and ornate designs, often incorporating intricate filigree work, floral motifs, and colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, and pearls.

Edwardian Inspired Engagement Rings

Edwardian engagement rings are known for their delicate and feminine designs, featuring intricate lace-like details, milgrain dots, and graceful curves. You’ll see floral details, diamond clusters, intricate halos, and scrollwork in Edwardian-style rings.

Art Nouveau Influenced Engagement Rings

Art Nouveau rings are characterized by flowing lines, organic shapes, and nature-inspired motifs such as flowers, leaves, and vines. These rings often feature pastel gemstones, enamel accents, and whimsical designs that evoke a sense of romance and beauty.

Mid-Century Modern Engagement Rings

Mid-century modern rings from the 1950s and 1960s are also gaining popularity, with their clean lines, bold designs, and emphasis on geometric shapes. Think sleek solitaire settings, unique diamond cuts like the marquise and pear, and innovative use of materials such as platinum and white gold.

Modern Design meet Old School Details

While you can certainly go all in on your favorite vintage era engagement ring, we think there are some little things you can include in an otherwise modern engagement ring to give it just a nod of that age-old flair. Certain diamond cuts, metal details, and overall shapes can give you the look and timeless appeal you’re after. Here are a few of our faves:

Go beyond the basic bezel

While most folks look at a bezel set engagement ring and think there isn’t anything more modern, it’s actually one of the oldest setting types there is. It shows up in plenty of vintage engagement rings from Art Deco graphic beauties to mid-century marvels. It’s a slight nod to the old school while also looking super new. 

We’ve elevated a super basic bezel setting to deliver hard hitting finger coverage in a durable, low profile engagement ring. Because, yes, bezels also offer a bit of extra protection for active lifestyles. And you’ll be pleased to see we’ve crafted it specifically to sit flush with a wedding band, which is rare in a bezel setting that’s usually much more metal-heavy. You can also lean into the Art Deco style with a geometric undergallery or go modern minimalist with a half-bezel setting that’s slim, sleek, and utterly sophisticated.

Edge your diamond in milgrain

What is milgrain? It’s those little dotted line details you’ll find on super classic jewelry. Usually along the edges of a traditional mens wedding band, or outlining a diamond setting on a vintage womens engagement ring. Milgrain is an instant signal of vintage styling, so make no mistake about it, it’s going to give you all the old school feels. We’ve added it to a bezel setting with a swooping, minimal under gallery to make it a bit more modern and light, but you can also customize nearly any ring style with this delicate detail to suit your own taste.

Double up on prongs to add a vintage detail to your modern engagement ring

There’s nothing more timeless than a prong set engagement ring, with its diamond shining bright, elevated over the finger, minimal metal blocking its sparkle. And we get that most folks wouldn’t want more prongs, but trust us here. There are countless prong styles to choose from, and certain of those can easily lend your engagement ring a vintage feel. A claw prong, which literally looks like a little claw, all smooth and pointed at the end, doubled up, is one of those. 

That’s right, a double claw prong. Which is basically just instead of, say, a four-prong setting, each of those is split into two prongs, so there are eight little prong tips. This is styled with four sets of two, but you can also take this up a notch with eight individual double tipped prongs for intense levels of detail. Modern practicality meets vintage romance in our double claw rose cut diamond engagement ring. It’s a low profile engagement ring featuring a rose cut diamond, delicate double claw prongs, and a thin, comfort fit band that’s as easy to look at as it is to wear.

Coming up rose cut diamonds

Speaking of rose cut diamonds, you might be wondering what exactly those are. First off, they’re a vintage-lover’s dream and kind of scream antique engagement ring style. But while there are the ultra sparkly brilliant-cut diamonds, like rounds, ovals, and pears; and the slightly less sparkly emeralds, Asschers, and baguettes; rose cut diamonds come in last place in the sparkle race. Don’t let that scare you.

Instead, rose cut diamonds have a lovely shimmer that begs to be admired up close. They are more sensual than showy. And rose cut diamond engagement rings are super low profile, sitting close to the finger, and don’t work with all setting types. One of the biggest upsides is that all of a rose cut’s carat weight is visible from the top. There’s no wasted carat weight hidden where you can’t see it. And that means it looks extra large on the finger. A half carat rose cut diamond is basically the same diameter as a round brilliant cut diamond, which means you’re getting double the size in finger real estate. And no snagging on your favorite sweaters.

Art Nouveau everything

If you want to add a little Art Nouveau to your look, we love a little undergallery accent. Adding gentle curves and swoops to the gallery bars (visible from the side of your ring) is a beautiful way to keep your ring looking modern while reflecting your personal vintage-loving style. You can step it up with a floral-inspired basket setting, complete with plenty of pave diamond side stones. Or lean into the floral-like diamond clusters with a fairytale inspired engagement ring featuring a generous spread of oh-so-sparkly diamonds for full finger coverage.