These 5 Antique Ring Styles are Back

Like most fashion trends, jewelry styles seem to be cyclical. Choker necklaces from the 90s are making a comeback, and once outdated gold jewelry is now a crucial staple in collections. The same goes for antique jewelry — some of these century-old styles are making their way back into mainstream modern ring styles, and we're thrilled about it. In this article we'll take a look at a variety of antique ring styles, what makes them unique to their time period, and how to find them so you can incorporate them into your own style now.

Art Deco

Art Deco-inspired geometric designs inspire much of modern jewelry today. The Art Deco era, popular in the 1920s and 1930s, is characterized by bold, geometric shapes and angular silhouettes. You might have seen some recent art deco engagement rings featured online or in your social media feed — they’re coming back with a force. Art Deco engagement rings often feature:

• Rectangular, square, or elongated hexagonal center stones
• Symmetrical, stepped settings with sharp, clean lines
• Accent stones arranged in linear or chevron patterns
• Streamlined, architectural metalwork with a polished, sophisticated look

Victorian Era

Victorian-era floral motifs are a beautiful nod to nature and this elaborate era of design. Victorian-style engagement rings, dating back to the mid-19th century, draw inspiration from nature and ornate, romantic designs. In Victorian-era style rings, you might find:

• Delicate, nature-inspired motifs like flowers, leaves, and vines
• Elaborately hand-engraved or pierced metalwork
• Halo settings with a center stone surrounded by a ring of smaller stones
• Mixed metal accents like rose gold and silver

Edwardian

Edwardian filigree and lace-like patterns are beautiful antique styles. The Edwardian era, spanning the early 20th century, is known for its intricate, lace-like filigree work and feminine, delicate aesthetics. Edwardian rings often showcase:

• Intricate, web-like metalwork with an airy, openwork appearance
• Milgrain detailing along the edges for a vintage, hand-crafted look
• Unexpected gem shapes like navette (boat-shaped) or marquise stones
• Scalloped or decorative gallery settings beneath the center stone

Retro Mid-Century

While not as far back in history, the retro, mid-century aesthetic of the 1940s-1960s has also inspired modern vintage-style engagement rings. These funky pieces tend to feature:

• Larger, bolder center stones with substantial, architectural settings
• Dramatic, sculptural silhouettes with significant height or width
• Colored gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds as accents
• Mixed metal combinations like yellow gold with platinum or white gold

This sapphire ring exhibits a beautiful color.

Where to Find Antique Rings

Do any of these antique style rings seem up your alley? There are plenty of places where you can find your very own piece. Here are just a few places to start:

Estate Sales

When it comes to finding authentic, real deal antique pieces, estate sales are a great place to look. Estate sales are opportunities to sell pieces of jewelry, furniture, clothing and any other articles of a person recently deceased. These items can vary from place to place, and of course from person to person, so it’s often a gamble — but a fun one! Spend time pursuing the jewelry that was previously loved and worn. Giving it a new life and adding an antique ring to your collection can be a great way to bring someone’s lovely past into your present, merging old styles with new ones. 

Online

You can find both authentic antique and modern antique-inspired rings on so many different e-commerce sites. Sites like Etsy feature independent artists who specialize in thrifting and refurbishing jewelry, creating jewelry, upcycling jewelry, and so many different art forms. Take a look around to see what suits you by style, price, provenance — sky’s the limit here!

Local Jewelers 

Lastly, your local jeweler is a great place to go when you’re looking for something new that gives an antique vibe. Work with a jeweler to design your own custom ring inspired by pieces you’ve seen — Edwardian, Art Deco, Victorian, or otherwise.

Adding these antique ring styles into your modern jewelry collection can give a touch of history and unique character to your look. Whether you opt for authentic antique pieces or modern interpretations of these classic styles, embracing these timeless designs can elevate your fashion game. Remember, the key to styling antique-inspired jewelry is to balance it with contemporary pieces, creating a look that's both nostalgic and fresh. Want more style tips? Follow our newsletter so you never miss out on the latest jewelry trends. Sign up using the link below!