15 Vintage Engagement Rings to Inspire Your Own

Bride Wears a Sapphire Vintage Engagement Ring — Photo by Sasithon Photography

In addition to considering the cut, color, clarity, and carat size of your engagement ring, there's something else you'll want to contemplate: the style of it. While some may opt for a modern or contemporary piece, you may dream of having a sparkler that resembles an heirloom—something unique, romantic, and antique. Yet when contemplating such a diamond, know that even if you don't have a family heirloom available to you, you can still select a vintage engagement ring. Whether it's designed to emulate a style from previous decades or actually is from years ago, such a piece offers a one-of-a-kind look.

If a vintage engagement ring sounds appealing to you, you'll want to consider a few periods of time: Georgian (1714-1830), Victorian (1837-1901), Edwardian (1890s-1915), Art Nouveau (1890s-early 1910s), and Art Deco (1920s-1930s). Georgian jewelry is considered rare and can be difficult to find. Among its more notable characteristics are the ornate metal detailing and motifs, such as flowers and foliage. Victorian jewelry, named after Queen Victoria and her 64-year reign, speaks to an era of romantic design motifs that includes hands and hearts. Hallmarks of Edwardian jewelry (also referred to as La Belle Epoque) include intricate details, as well as the use of platinum. Art Nouveau can be characterized by its embrace of whiplash lines and asymmetry. Finally, Art Deco engagement rings can be identified by their geometric patterns and use of diamonds and contrasting gemstones.

Ultimately, your chosen vintage engagement ring should resonate with you and your personal aesthetic. But if you need a bit of help to start your search—and find some inspiration, here, we've rounded up 15 beautiful vintage-inspired engagement rings to give you just that.

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Vintage Blue Sapphire Ring

A Bride's Vintage Engagement Ring on Her Hand — Photo by Sasithon Photography

For her wedding day in upstate New York, this bride donned a vintage blue sapphire ring. The jewel was the perfect pop of color against the autumnal nuptials. Paired with her neutral-hued nails and a bouquet of flowers in sunset tones, the ring balanced traditional and modern elements.

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A Cushion-Cut Pavé Ring

An engagement ring and wedding band in a velvet green ring box — PHOTO BY CHRIS & RUTH PHOTOGRAPHY

We don’t know what it is about a halo on an engagement ring that makes us swoon, but this popular style—which has been around since at least the 1700s—will always be a chic choice. This gorgeous ring also features a pavé band and a showstopping cushion-cut diamond.

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An Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring

A emerald-cut engagement ring with sunburst-like style halo — PHOTO BY CAMILLE CATHERINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Emerald-cut diamonds are the perfect nod to an Art Deco style. If you want to channel a character outThe Great Gatsby, opt for this particular shape. We love the way this distinct ring looks in a rose gold setting with four smaller diamonds along the perimeter.

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An Aquamarine Ring

An aquamarine engagement ring sitting on pearls — PHOTO BY SHANNON MOFFIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Selecting an aquamarine jewel is another option for brides who want to set themselves apart from the masses. Just take a look at this ring; the pared-back, antique-style band allows the stone to be the center of attention.

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An Oval-Shaped Diamond Ring

An oval-shaped engagement ring with a sunburst halo — PHOTO BY COLLINS NAI

If you love Hailey Bieber’s massive oval-shaped engagement ring, we think you’re going to fall in love with this vintage alternative. With a bold oval diamond that’s surrounded by a sunshine explosion of halos, this gold ring is pure perfection.

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A Marquise-Cut Ring With a Halo

A marquise diamond engagement ring with a diamond halo — PHOTO BY ROSSINI PHOTOGRAPHY

Something about the bold—yet soft—effect a marquise-cut diamond gives off will always catch our eye, and this ring is a perfect example of that. We love how the marquise stone is surrounded by a halo of mid-sized diamonds, resulting in a timeless and dramatic design.

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A Signet-Styled Bauble

A signet-style engagement ring with gems — PHOTO BY AMBER GRESS PHOTOGRAPHY

Not into large center stones, but still want that vintage feel? This signet-styled bauble just might be calling your name. We love how it can be customized to each individual, allowing you to choose stones and jewels that have meaning to both you and your partner.

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A Sapphire Gemstone Ring

Silver diamond wedding band, sapphire gemstone engagement ring, and gold wedding band — PHOTO BY KYLEE YEE

From the silver band to the large sapphire gemstone, this ring looks like it was plucked straight from the history books. With two diamonds on the side of the stone itself, it gives the ring a glam feeling we can’t help but love.

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An Opal Ring With a Diamond Halo

An open engagement ring with a diamond halo — PHOTO BY EMILY MARCH PHOTOGRAPHY

Give a nod to the Victorian era with this gorgeous opal ring. If you’re set on making your center stone something that’s not a diamond, we think opal is a great choice, especially when set in a floral halo of diamonds, à la this sparker.

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A Cushion-Cut Halo Diamond Ring

A cushion-cut diamond engagement ring with a halo — PHOTO BY AUSTIN GROS

If you’re into cushion-cut engagement rings, allow us to introduce you to one of the most gorgeous takes on the diamond. With a beautiful halo and pavé band, this sparkling bauble is perfect for anyone who loves silver.

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An Emerald Ring

A bride wearing an emerald engagement ring holding her partner's hand — PHOTO BY RÊVER WEDDINGS

This emerald ring on its own is absolutely gorgeous—but when paired with a unique band, as seen here, it truly takes our breath away. From the mixing of metals to the pop of emerald green, brides-to-be can't go wrong with this vintage-inspired design.

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A Bold Flower-Shaped Ring

A flower-shaped diamond and gold engagement ring — PHOTO BY AMALIE ORRANGE PHOTOGRAPHY

There’s nothing we love more than a statement piece of jewelry, and if you’re looking to incorporate that same sentiment into your engagement ring, we think you’ll appreciate this bold flower-shaped ring. The floral design and circular center diamond work together well, resulting in an out-of-this-world look.

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A Floral-Inspired Ring

An engagement ring with a floral-inspired pattern and diamond center stone — PHOTO BY LINDSEY PARADISO

We don’t think it gets more vintage than this stunning sparkler. A piece that could easily be assumed to be a family heirloom, this floral-inspired number is unique, intricate, and features lots of dainty little diamonds to give it some extra sparkle.

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A Round-Cut and Gold Diamond Ring

A vintage-inspired engagement ring with a round diamond and gold band — PHOTO BY SHANNON MOFFIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Circular diamonds will never go out of style, and when paired with a unique four-pointed exterior reminiscent of a compass, this ring was made for the traveler at heart. From the halo to the delicate pavé band, what’s not to like?

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A Rose Gold Ring

A rode gold ring with a pink diamond — PHOTO BY TAMARA GRUNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Rose gold transports us back in time, and if that’s the aesthetic you’re aiming for with your engagement ring, look to this piece for some inspiration. With a unique halo design and framework that has a vintage appeal, we love everything about this unique sparker.

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