Vintage Diamond Ring Setting
If you appreciate classic styles and are enchanted by eras past, you'll adore rings with a vintage setting. Antique-style rings offer a myriad of options, each designed to capture the essence of specific time periods such as Victorian, Art Nouveau, Renaissance, Georgian, Edwardian, and Art Deco styles, among others.
In short: Vintage diamond ring settings span four eras — Georgian (1714-1837), Victorian (1837-1901), Edwardian (1901-1910), and Art Deco (1920-1935). Hand-cut Old European and Old Mine cuts dominate antique stones, while filigree, milgrain, and bezel mountings define the period look. Manhattan's 47th Street specialists regularly recut and reset original stones into modern shanks. Lab-grown diamonds suit vintage designs at 60-80% lower cost.
Let's delve into some popular ring styles from different eras:
ART DECO DIAMOND RINGS
This is the most recent style we'll explore, dating between 1920 and 1930. These rings often featured colorful jewels, with diamonds and platinum being prominent.
EDWARDIAN DIAMOND RINGS
This era, spanning from 1900 to 1920, marked the use of platinum in engagement bands. Diamonds and sapphires were particularly favored during this period.
VICTORIAN DIAMOND RINGS
Covering the period from 1835 to 1900, Victorian rings showcased pearls and diamonds, with yellow gold and rose gold being popular. Additionally, the Art Nouveau period, occurring in the early 1800s, introduced nature-inspired elements such as animal and floral designs.
GEORGIAN DIAMOND RINGS
The 1700s epitomized extravagance, with rings boasting numerous diamonds and a strong emphasis on gemstone symmetry.
RENAISSANCE DIAMOND RINGS
Dating back to the early 1500s, rings from this era were uniquely crafted. Gimmel rings, consisting of two or three linked rings, were particularly popular.
One defining feature of vintage rings is their intricate detailing. Two common forms of delicate adornment include milgrain and filigree. Milgrain, seen in many antique rings, gives them a vintage look with small metal balls adorning the crown and sides of the band. Filigree, a delicate type of metalwork, involves soldering twisted threads or tiny metal beads to the jewel’s surface.
Explore our vintage diamond rings collection here.
Antique and vintage settings: frequently asked questions
What is an antique or vintage setting?
A design inspired by, or dating from, past eras — think milgrain, filigree, hand engraving and old-cut diamonds that give a ring its heirloom character.
What's the difference between antique and vintage?
Antique usually means genuinely old, often a century or more. Vintage means old in style, whether it's an original piece or a new ring made in a period design.
Do vintage settings suit modern diamonds?
Yes. A modern brilliant in a vintage-style mount is a popular blend — you get period charm with the sparkle of a contemporary cut.
How should I care for antique detailing?
Fine milgrain and engraving can soften over decades, so occasional restoration by a skilled jeweler keeps the detail crisp and the stones secure.
