Antique and vintage engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their uniqueness and sense of nostalgia - but you have to know where to look if you want to find your perfect style.
SHOP: 12 best emerald engagement rings - and their special meaning
There are many wonderful antique jewellery stores all over the UK, as well as some treasure-stocked sellers online where you can find a piece of history to wear on your ring finger. Equally, buying an antique or vintage engagement ring is a stylish way to make a sustainable choice.
WATCH: What would you do if you received an engagement ring you hated?
How old are antique and vintage engagement rings?
Typically, an antique piece is classed as 50 years or older. The most popular styles come from the Edwardian, Victorian and Art Deco periods - with each having its own signatures.
A vintage piece is generally considered to be 20 to 50 years old. Fancy some eighties bling?
Celebrities who own an antique engagement ring
Penelope Cruz's engagement ring is a beautiful Edwardian sapphire
Penelope Cruz's stunning sapphire engagement ring is an Edwardian style, surrounded with pretty bezel diamonds.
Ellie Goulding, who married art dealer Caspar Jopling in a decadent ceremony in 2019, owns a stunning vintage engagement ring, too. The antique piece of jewellery is over 100 years old, making it very different from the brand new diamonds we often see A-listers sporting.
RELATED: 23 of the best diamond engagement rings from Vera Wang, Tiffany and more
READ: Most expensive royal engagement rings revealed in order of price
Princess Kate's engagement ring dates back to the 1980s
Of course, today's most famous vintage ring owner is arguably the Princess of Wales, whose iconic sapphire and diamond piece dates back to 1981 when Prince Charles purchased it for Princess Diana from British jeweller Garrard. Its inspiration dates back to 1840, however.
Victorian engagement rings
In the Victorian era (generally considered to be from 1837 to 1901), ring styles varied a lot, though halos and clusters of diamonds are distinctive settings from this time. Queen Victoria's favourite colour, blue, was often featured, too.
Victorian Ceylon sapphire & diamond ring, £3712.71, Rose Antique Jewellery at Etsy
SHOP NOW
If you love Princess Kate's famous ring, this is the one for you! It has been dated back to the 1890s and features a similar sapphire and diamond design.
Antique diamond cluster ring, £1,450, FK Gems at Etsy
SHOP NOW
We love this floral cluster design, which is actually similar in style to Millie Mackintosh's gorgeous engagement ring.
MORE: 11 best ruby engagement rings - and why they hold a special meaning
MORE: Princess Kate's change to Diana's iconic engagement ring has 'no effect' – details
Edwardian engagement rings
Edwardian rings were generally quite ornate and featured beautiful decorative metalwork. 'Target' rings were also developed during this time, often set with colourful stones surrounding a diamond.
Edwardian sapphire and diamond target ring, £1,900, Howards Antiques at Etsy
SHOP NOW
This stunning target ring features sapphires and diamonds - it's sure to catch the eye.
Edwardian trilogy ring, £1,375, Kit Clayton at Etsy
SHOP NOW
This ring features beautiful old-cut diamonds, which have a nostalgic quality.
Edwardian shield diamond ring, £500, RubyLovesTuesday at Etsy
SHOP NOW
It doesn't get more decorative than this shield setting with sparkling diamond shoulders.
Art Deco engagement rings
Art Deco-style rings are increasingly popular now, but imagine owning an original artefact! The jewellery generally featured bold geometric shapes and sharp angles - think the roaring twenties. Pippa Middleton's engagement ring is Art Deco-inspired.
Art Deco ruby & gold ring, £2,595, Fine Quality Jewellery at Etsy
SHOP NOW
Set in white gold, this pretty ring features a star-like design and bold ruby accents.
Art Deco diamond ring, £3,826, Verma Estate Jewels at Etsy
SHOP NOW
We love the chunky look this gives on the finger, and that octagonal shape is so unique!
Art Deco diamond ring, £2,677.72, Verma Estate Jewels at Etsy
SHOP NOW
Another gorgeous, sizeable ring. This one is made up of lots of smaller diamonds to give the look of a larger stone.
Art Deco emerald and diamond ring, £1,500, Forage & Find at Etsy
SHOP NOW
Add a splash of green to your jewellery collection with this 18-carat white gold ring, complete with 28 brilliant cut diamonds surrounding the vibrant emeralds.
LOOK: Celebrity coloured engagement rings: Elizabeth Hurley, Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry and more
READ: Your dream engagement ring according to your star sign
Vintage engagement rings
You can find a real bargain if you shop for a vintage engagement ring from the 60s, 70s or 80s. Many of the styles mimicked that of the antique designs, so you can get a similar look for less.
1970s diamond cluster ring, £280, AHLQ at Etsy
SHOP NOW
We love this pretty floral design and its textured gold band!
Vintage diamond cluster ring, £625, Moore Perfect Pieces at Etsy
SHOP NOW
This elegant cluster style is super flattering, and also gives that east-west shape that's so popular right now.
Vintage diamond gypsy ring, £225, Eva Antiques at Etsy
SHOP NOW
Gypsy rings are a popular choice for vintage lovers and would make a unique engagement ring choice, too.
SHOP: Best Disney engagement rings to make her feel like a princess
Planning your wedding? Sign up to HELLO!’s brand new Bride Guide newsletter for expert advice, budget help, wedding inspiration and real life stories delivered straight to your inbox.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
