Vintage Rings

Are vintage rings worth anything?

Yes, vintage rings will have varying levels of worth. It will depend on the materials, the age of the ring, the stones it has, who owned it, and more.

Vintage diamond engagement rings will likely be worth a lot. Antique diamond engagement rings will be even more. Vintage means in the past 100 years whereas antique is even older. This distinction might not be made by everyone.

Other expensive choices might include a ruby ring or a sapphire antique engagement ring.

What makes a ring vintage?

Vintage means older than 20 years old. But it is also within the past 100 years. Older than 100 might usually be referred to as antique. However, different stores and dealers will have different opinions on this wording. Essentially, if it's pretty old, it'll be referred to as vintage!

There are some styles that are considered more vintage-y when it comes to rings. First of all, certain cuts are older. So, for antique diamond engagement rings you might find cuts like the Asscher style or the old European cut. There's also things like the old mine cut and the table cut.

Of course, you will still find similar cuts now, but this can indicate an older piece.

Vintage and antique engagement rings usually also have hallmarks on them. This will identify a jeweller and can tell you an approximate age which is cool!

As well as these identifiers, there will be specific signs for each type. Like Georgian rings which usually have nature elements. Or like Victorian engagement rings which are very romantic and usually use round cuts. Or Edwardian engagement rings which are known for being two-tones - meaning yellow gold and diamonds.

Is a vintage ring a good choice for an engagement ring?

Yes, if the bride likes these styles. Vintage engagement rings can also be very sentimental - particularly if they come from a relative.

Vintage wedding rings do have some drawbacks. This includes that they might show signs of wear. The stones can sometimes become loose. On top of this, antique jewellery might be made of less hardy metal. Sometimes softer metal can warp. You will probably spend more on repairs with some older rings.

Vintage diamond rings are also good for other occasions, like anniversaries. They might also be gifted on birthdays if they're heirlooms.

Is it okay to wear a vintage ring every day?

Yes. However, antique engagement rings need more care than newer ones. This means you will need to get it cleaned and maintained more regularly. We recommend finding a good jeweller for this.

Vintage gold rings are more likely to be affected by wear and tear. While newly made items will be made for modern life, antique rings might not be. They might not be sturdy for working with your hands. They also might not withstand things like daily showers.

Bear all of this in mind when choosing a vintage engagement ring.

How do you take care of vintage rings?

Mostly, an antique engagement ring can be taken care of how you would a new ring. This means warm soap water and gentle scrubbing. It also means removing it for showers and swimming and storing it in a pouch.

However, it is recommended for older pieces that you get them checked. You should get them checked twice a year at least.

Vintage cocktail rings are actually more prone to damage. Because they're older and sometime they have already been subjected to damage and repair.

Can I get a custom vintage-style ring?

Yes, you can. It's quite common because you can't always find the exact style you want. If you like Art Deco vintage rings, but you're not finding the styles you like, then get a custom one!

Victorian vintage rings are very popular engagement rings. They're known for having romantic styles, like our Roxy Ring. This makes them a good choice for a wedding ring.

Custom vintage rings might also last longer than actual vintage. This is because they're made with hardier materials and haven't had years to take on damage already! Some vintage rings require lots of upkeep, so a custom piece might cost less in the long run.

Where to find affordable vintage rings?

Affordable vintage rings are available around the world, however, they might be rare. It always depends on where the ring came from and who wore it and what the stone is. A diamond piece worn by a princess will be a lot more expensive than a plain gold vintage band.

So, if you want something affordable, always keep these things in mind.

On top of this, if you want the style but not the price, look for vintage-style pieces.

Camile & Stone loves to incorporate vintage-ness into some of our styles, like with our Ballerina style. What's good about this style is it looks and feels vintage but is more affordable and easier to maintain.

What do I look for in a vintage ring?

Antique vintage rings are from so many time periods and places that it's difficult to know what to look for. But here's some things you can consider.

• Material: Vintage rings can include normal metals like silver and gold, but can also include ceramics, pearls, coral, jade, and enamel which have all been popular at times. 
• Condition: If the settings are loose or it all shows signs of wear and tear then you might want to pass. Vintage pieces require more to maintain anyway.
• Style: Some styles are very bold and colourful. Think about when and where you'll be wearing the ring.