A Detailed Guide to Vintage-Inspired Engagement Rings

The Victorian era, named after Queen Victoria, reflects the romantic and sentimental trends of the time. Early Victorian engagement rings often featured yellow or rose gold bands adorned with intricate engravings, floral motifs and coloured gemstones like rubies, sapphires or emeralds, as diamonds were less widely available.

Mid to late Victorian rings saw the rise of diamond use, often in intricate cluster or halo settings. Popular motifs included hearts, bows and serpents, which symbolised eternal love. Queen Victoria’s own engagement ring, shaped like a serpent with an emerald head, exemplifies the era’s love for symbolic, romantic designs. Victorian rings are celebrated for their ornate craftsmanship and their ability to evoke timeless romance.

The Edwardian era, a period of elegance and refinement, is characterised by intricate and highly decorative designs. Rings from this era often featured platinum, which became widely used thanks to advances in metalworking techniques.

Edwardian engagement rings are known for their delicate filigree detailing, milgrain edges and lace-like designs. Floral, vine and ribbon motifs were particularly popular, creating a soft, romantic look. Diamonds remained the centrepiece of most designs, with accent stones like pearls or sapphires adding colour and texture. Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, though technically from a later period, reflects the refined elegance of Edwardian influence with its platinum setting and brilliant diamonds. These rings are perfect for those seeking intricate, feminine designs.

The Art Deco era is renowned for its bold, geometric designs and luxurious aesthetics. Engagement rings from this period often featured clean lines, sharp angles and symmetrical patterns, reflecting the glamour and modernity of the Jazz Age.

Platinum and white gold were the dominant metals, with diamonds cut into shapes like emerald, asscher or baguette taking centre stage. Art Deco engagement rings often incorporated vibrant coloured gemstones such as onyx, emeralds or rubies for a striking contrast. Wallis Simpson’s emerald engagement ring, gifted by King Edward VIII, perfectly encapsulates the bold symmetry and vibrant flair of Art Deco jewellery, making it an enduring symbol of the era’s daring elegance.

The Retro era was defined by bold, glamorous designs inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age. Engagement rings from this period often featured large, prominent stones in yellow or rose gold settings, reflecting the shift to warmer metals due to wartime restrictions on platinum. Solitaire engagement rings were particularly popular, showcasing the era’s focus on timeless elegance and simplicity. The symbolic toi et moi style also gained attention – Jacqueline Kennedy’s engagement ring from John F. Kennedy, featuring a 2.88 carat emerald paired with a 2.84 carat diamond in yellow gold, is a quintessential example of this meaningful, bold style.

Retro rings embraced dramatic details, such as swirling or asymmetrical shapes, floral motifs and mixed gemstones. Emerald and oval cut diamonds were favoured for their clean lines and striking appearance, perfect for those seeking vintage-inspired designs with bold, show-stopping appeal.