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Antique Engagement Rings

What are Antique engagement rings?


It is important to firstly qualify the difference between new antique engagement rings and rings with antique styling. 

Antique ring styles carry history—born out of the past. In fact, many rings exhibit wear, but both diamond and setting are original. Evidence of repair might be visible. Most antique diamond ring designs were created in Platinum. True vintage rings typically show a natural patina acquired with gradual wear over many years. 

Reproduction rings with vintage design?


Many clients like vintage design, with the pristine as-new finish of a brand-new ring. A wide range of alternative materials exists for new rings with vintage styling. Art Deco engagement rings remain very popular. We can also accommodate modern Brilliant cut diamonds with increased brilliance. You can also be assured of the origin of your ring, and metal choice with a current UK hallmark applied to the inside of your ring. 

Old cut diamonds. 


A common giveaway detail of Victorian diamond rings comes from the diamond cut. Unlike many modern ring styles, antique rings typically featured less symmetrical diamonds. Such old cut diamonds appear less rounded, with a deeper cut and a flat polished underside or culet on the diamond. Today, we remake many diamond engagement rings with old diamonds to enhance their aged appearance and classic styling. 

The Cushion Cut


Our image shows a loose cushion-cut Diamond. The name originates from the pillow-like appearance of the Diamond and gives each ring a classic look that is hard to achieve with more modern cuts of Diamond. These work very well within four claw settings, as either simple solitaire designs, or as part of a larger, and more elaborate vintage-style engagement Ring, such as the cluster. Since each cushion is brilliantly cut, the faceting allows a significant amount of brilliance from the stone. Even after a century, this cut of diamond remains popular. It has romantic connections and a definite antique look to it, making it perfect for a retro-style of the ring. Modern cushion cuts have also been called "Candlelight Diamonds" due to their romantic connection. The name describes the simple shape, which is quite literally a square pillow shape with softened edges and brilliant style faceting. This can be square, or rectangular and modern versions are better proportioned, and less deep, providing a larger appearance, from older, deeply cut examples.

Vintage Cluster Rings



Many of the Diamond clusters provide a vintage feel to the style, reminiscent of the decadence of the 1920's - 1930's, when elaborate Art Deco Engagement Rings were produced. Still highly collectable, such pieces by Cartier are sought by collectors across the world. Shown below are a few different styles which we feel are vintage Engagement Rings styled in a traditional way, but produced with highly refined modern skills using beautifully proportioned modern cut Diamonds with precision setting techniques, refined in the UK.


Antique halo ring styles 


Our concern here, it must be stressed, is not with true antique Diamond rings, but with designs that take stylish elements from genuine antique designs. Weaving Heritage design into new, bolder designs that carry a vintage style to them such as the new halo ring styles.

 A piece of jewellery can say a lot about the wearer, and each piece worn, is a very personal experience. For this reason, many people wishing to capture the elegance of designers such as Winston, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, Webb, or Vedura, at a more realistic price, can achieve the antique feel but with better proportioned Diamonds cut with modern Diamond cutting and polishing techniques.