Vintage engagement rings are beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry that hold a sense of history and timeless elegance. They are typically characterized by their designs and craftsmanship that harken back to earlier eras, usually from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. These rings have become increasingly popular in recent years as people seek more distinctive and sentimental choices for their engagement symbols.
Here are the Top 10 Celebrities with this unique type of engagement ring.
1. Katy Perry
Orlando Bloom proposed to Katy Perry on Valentine’s Day in 2019, he opted for an unusual flower ring that’s believed to date back to the 19th century. It features a giant pink stone with a cluster of diamonds around it.
2. Catherine Zeta-Jones
Dating back to the 1920s, Catherine Zeta-Jones’s engagement ring was designed by jeweller Fred Leighton and features a 10-carat marquise diamond that’s side-set and surrounded by smaller diamonds.
3. Penelope Cruz
Penélope’s stunning vintage sapphire engagement ring, which was gifted to her by her now husband Javier Bardem, also features a cluster of diamonds around it and is thought to date back to the Edwardian era.
4. Milla Jovovich
Milla’s antique engagement ring – given to her by her film director husband Paul W S Anderson – dates back to the 19th century and, unusually, features pink, yellow and white diamonds.
5. Kate Middleton
12-carat sapphire engagement ring, surrounded by diamonds, famously belonged to Princess Diana. It was purchased by Prince Charles from royal jeweller Garrard back in 1981.
6. Mary-Kate Olsen
Although Mary-Kate Olsen and her husband of five years Olivier Sarkozy are no longer together, we still can’t stop thinking about her antique Cartier engagement ring. The four-carat diamond ring, surrounded by sapphires, dates back to the 1950s.
7. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Hand-picked by fiancé Jason Statham from Neil Lane in 2016, Rosie Huntington – Whiteley’s stunning engagement ring features a brilliant-cut diamond that sits in its original Edwardian setting.
8. Meghan Markle
While not technically a vintage piece, Meghan Markle’s engagement ring does include two diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection, which sit alongside a larger central diamond sourced by Prince Harry from Botswana.
9. Zoe Kravitz
While Zoë Kravitz may have parted ways with ex-husband Karl Glusman, her antique engagement ring remains one of our favorites. Picked out by Kravitz herself – after spotting it on jeweller The One I Love NYC’s Instagram account – the Georgian ring features a band of large rose-cut diamonds.
10. Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding’s now-husband Caspar Jopling proposed to her in 2018 with an antique diamond engagement ring that dates back around 100 years. “I love that there’s a history behind it,” the singer said shortly after their engagement was announced.
Here are some key aspects of vintage engagement rings:
We reached out to one of the most recognized names in the vintage engagement ring world, Estate Diamond Jewelry, and they gave us a few pointers of what you need to know about Vintage Engagement Rings.
Design: Vintage rings often feature intricate and detailed designs that reflect the artistic styles of the era in which they were crafted. Popular design periods include Victorian (1835-1900), Art Nouveau (1890-1915), Edwardian (1901-1915), Art Deco (1920s-1930s), and Mid-Century Retro (1940s-1950s). Each era brings its own unique flair and characteristics to the jewelry.
Materials: Traditional materials for vintage rings include gold (yellow, white, or rose), platinum, and occasionally sterling silver. Gemstones may vary from diamonds to colorful gemstones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and more.
Gemstones: Diamonds were and still are the most popular choice for vintage engagement rings. However, during certain periods, colored gemstones were also highly favored, especially during the Art Deco era, where contrasting colors were used to create striking and dramatic looks.
Intricate Details: Vintage rings are often known for their intricate metalwork, filigree patterns, milgrain edges (tiny beaded detailing), and engraving, which adds an element of delicacy and refinement.
Center Stone Cuts: The type of diamond cuts used in vintage engagement rings may differ from modern styles. Old Mine Cut, Old European Cut, and Rose Cut are some examples that were popular in earlier times.
Sentimental Value: One of the most appealing aspects of a vintage engagement ring is the history and character it carries. These rings are often passed down through generations, carrying with them stories of love and commitment.
Ethical Considerations: Some people opt for vintage engagement rings as an ethical choice, as it eliminates the need for new mining and production.
When shopping for a vintage engagement ring, there are a few things to consider:
Authenticity: Ensure that the ring is genuinely from the era it claims to be. Look for hallmarks and certifications from reputable dealers or jewelers.
Condition: Vintage rings might show signs of wear and tear due to their age. Some prefer this as it adds character, but make sure the ring is in good enough condition for your preferences.
Ring Size: Vintage rings often come in specific sizes, so resizing may be necessary.
Budget: Vintage engagement rings can vary significantly in price, depending on the era, materials, and quality of the gemstones. Have a clear budget in mind before shopping.
Certification: If the ring features precious gemstones like diamonds, it’s advisable to obtain a certification for their quality and authenticity.
Whether you find a perfect vintage ring in an antique shop or decide to go with a modern ring inspired by vintage designs, choosing a vintage-style engagement ring can be a meaningful and romantic way to symbolize your love and commitment.
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