I love a good vintage engagement ring. Since I began my career in jewelry working with (mostly) estate pieces, I’ve been enamored with the detail, craftsmanship, and aura of an enchanting era long since past. But finding that perfect vintage piece often requires patience, research, and even a little bit of luck—and not everyone has those things (much less all three).
Ring in platinum with 1.1 cts. t.w. emerald and 0.26 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request
Ring in 18k white gold with 0.61 ct. emerald, 1.28 cts. t.w. sapphire, 0.17 ct. t.w. onyx, and 0.19 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request
I’ve mentioned before my ring that got away: a perfect Art Deco concoction, framing an old European–cut diamond in a squared setting flanked with sapphires, sparkling diamonds, and delicate detail. It’s been, oh, I think about nine years now, and I still mourn that ring. I’ll never be able to get my hands on that exact one, but I did notice something similar from Beverley K. And it got me thinking how awesome Beverley K is.
Ring in platinum with 1 ct. t.w. ruby and 0.17 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request
Ring in 18k rose gold with 0.8 ct. pink tourmaline, 1.69 cts. t.w. onyx, and 0.37 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,629
Ring in 18k white gold with 1.6 cts. t.w. sapphire, onyx, and 0.1 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request
I know that antique and vintage hounds will prefer a true piece from the past—I get that. But would you believe it if I told you some customers were strictly opposed to vintage engagement rings because they worried about evil old spirits, or—gasp, even worse!—the bad juju of a previous divorce? Perhaps you’ve heard these objections yourself. Then there’s the added obstacle that it takes a very special jeweler to successful work with truly old jewelry: It’s a delicate process that, if sent to the wrong person, can go quite awry. So for those who love vintage style but prefer a newly made piece of jewelry, this is the brand you want.
Engagement ring in platinum with 0.8 ct. t.w. sapphire and 0.07 ct. t.w. diamonds (center stone not included), price on request
Three-stone ring in 18k white gold with 0.7 ct. aquamarine, 0.8 ct. t.w. sapphire, and 0.25 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request
While a newly crafted ring won’t come with stories of the past, these pieces are handcrafted, using old-world techniques that are true to their vintage counterparts; you can see the exacting detail, from the expertly engraved finishes and lacy filigree to the hand-set diamonds and colored gemstones. What I like best about the rings pictured here, though, is their old-meets-new look: You won’t find this combination of gemstones in a ring direct from the 1920s or 30s. With styles that reflect on decades past, they’re amped up with modern color combinations, thirst-quenching gemstones, and a versatility that lets these pass for engagement or fashion wear—whatever suits best.
Filigree ring in platinum with 0.89 ct. t.w. sapphire and 0.37 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request
Ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.82 ct. aquamarine, 0.35 ct. t.w. tsavorite, and 0.22 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request
I may not be able to replace the empty space in my heart left by the ring that got away (dramatic much?), but any one of these is a mighty fine start.
Note that all of these pieces shown are available in platinum as well as in 18k yellow, white, or rose gold.
Top: ring in platinum with 2 cts. t.w. sapphire and 0.54 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request
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