Choosing an yellow gold engagement rings London can be daunting when all modern jewellery styles seem to run together. If you want to stand out from the crowd and choose a ring with real character and charm, a vintage engagement ring UK could be the perfect option.
Vintage rings are famous for their ornate designs, delicate metals and intricate settings, but choosing the right one is not always as simple as picking out an old-fashioned style. Ring size, gemstone, metal type, settings and even how comfortable it will be to wear all play a part.
In addition, modern couples have more options than ever before, with traditional mined stones sharing the marketplace with lab created diamonds, so you can combine your love of vintage style with cutting-edge choices.
This guide will help you identify the different vintage styles, show you what to look for in a ring and help you pick out a piece that has enduring style, without sacrificing comfort or modern practicality.
Choosing a Vintage Engagement Ring UK Style
There are a number of different historical styles which can dictate the basic shape and design of your engagement ring. Knowing the differences between them can help you pick a ring that reflects your personal style.
Victorian rings are romantic and use lots of floral motifs and yellow or rose gold, Edwardian styles are all about delicate detail, Art Deco rings are bolder and use lots of geometric shapes, and mid-century pieces generally have simpler styles which focus more on the centre diamond.
Rather than choosing a ring based on a particular era, think about what type of jewellery the future bride or groom prefers in their everyday wear. A lover of minimalism will probably want to avoid rings with lots of intricate detailing.
Vintage Engagement Ring UK Diamond Choices
The type and style of the main diamond is an important choice, as it can completely change the look and feel of a particular ring design. While round diamonds are a versatile choice, oval, emerald and cushion cuts can be better options if you are looking for a more vintage look.
Modern technology means there is also another option in lab created diamonds. These have the same crystalline structure as mined diamonds, but are formed in a laboratory and can offer good value for money. You may also want to consider going for a bigger carat or higher specification than you originally planned if you decide to go with a laboratory grown diamond.
While carat size does affect a diamond’s value and visual impact, the cut of the diamond is much more important as it determines how much light will be reflected to create that sparkling effect that we all love.
Vintage Engagement Ring UK Settings and Details
Many vintage rings utilise small design features that can be recreated in modern styles to give an enduring sense of charm and character. Milgrain detailing, engraved bands, halo settings and clusters of smaller side stones can all create a vintage look that doesn’t rely on going for a very large centre stone.
Practical considerations are just as important as style and design when choosing a vintage-style engagement ring. Before making a final choice, think about whether the setting will snag on everyday clothing, how easy it will be to clean, whether delicate detailing will be prone to damage and how the chosen ring will look with a wedding band in the future.
A pretty vintage-style ring should be comfortable to wear and complement the lifestyle of the future bride or groom.
Should You Buy Genuine Vintage or Vintage-Inspired?
An antique ring will have real character and charm, but it is important to think about the condition of the piece. Vintage rings will generally have needed repairs, especially to claws and settings, so it is always a good idea to get rings assessed by a professional jeweller before buying.
Vintage-inspired rings provide the same charming appeal of older styles, but use more modern methods and materials to create rings that will need less maintenance and can often last for longer. This type of ring can also be a good option if you want to personalise your ring to include different metals, larger diamonds or other features that would not have been available at the time of the original vintage style.
Finding the Right Ring for Your Budget
Make sure to decide on a realistic budget before you start looking at rings. Remember that paying more for a ring does not necessarily mean that you will get better value for money.
Think about how much you are willing to spend on the main centre diamond, as this will have the biggest impact on the ring’s cost. You may also want to think about ways of getting more value for money, such as going for a lab created diamond or utilising more modern methods to get a vintage style that you love.
FAQs
What makes an engagement ring look vintage?
Milgrain detailing, engravings, halos, geometric patterns and delicate metals can all contribute to a ring having a vintage look.
Are vintage-style rings suitable for everyday wear?
If you want to wear your engagement ring every day, look for a secure setting that will not snag on clothing. Very delicate antique rings may need a little extra care when wearing.
Which metal works best for vintage designs?
Yellow gold can help recreate the warm tones of Victorian rings, while platinum and white gold are a good match for Edwardian and Art Deco styles.
Can modern diamonds be used in vintage-inspired rings?
Yes. Mined and laboratory-grown diamonds can both be used in vintage-inspired rings.