5 Vintage Engagement Ring Ideas for the Alternative Bride

Over the centuries, starting even with Posy rings in the middle ages, rings have been given as tokens of affection.  However, despite what many modern brides may think, the styles, materials, symbols, and stones that were used varied widely throughout history, and it wasn’t until the 20^th century when diamond engagement rings became a norm. Let’s look to history and imagination to suggest five engagement ring options for the vintage, discerning bride:

1. Use a Wedding Band as an Engagement Ring

Yes, you read that right ‚Äď a wedding band.¬† My own engagement ring is a wedding band, my husband‚Äôs grandmother‚Äôs.¬† As a woman who didn‚Äôt need a big ring, the wedding band with its small row of diamonds was absolutely perfect.¬† Once we did get married, the original engagement ring that went with the band was what we used ‚Äď reversing the norm!¬† I‚Äôm proud of our unique and one-of-a-kind ‚Äúengagement ring‚ÄĚ, which allowed us to make a family heirloom all our own. [caption id="attachment_4657" align="aligncenter" width="300"] My own engagement ring from the 1930's[/caption] From deep rosy gold Victorian rings, to plain bands in warm, buttery high karat gold, our shop has a variety of rings to choose from. What wedding band could you see using as your engagement ring? [caption id="attachment_4648" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Victorian rose gold dogwood flower wedding band, of substantial weight and with intricate engraving.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4649" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Antique buttery 22k gold wedding band with an inscription from 1921.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4650" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Thin diamond gold wedding band which can easily be stacked with other rings.[/caption]

2. A Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring

While a solitaire diamond ring is one of the most common engagement ring styles, a cluster ring is a unique take that allows you to get more sparkle for your money.¬† When stones are clustered together in a setting, smaller carat stones can be used to the same visual effect as a large stone ‚Äď and is a lot lighter on the pocket book.¬† Cluster designs are also an eternal classic, and have been used as a design element in rings for centuries. [caption id="attachment_4706" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Antique 1920's platinum and yellow gold 1 carat diamond cluster ring (For sale at Stacey Fay Designs)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4651" align="alignnone" width="257"] A great example of how smaller diamonds can look much larger in a cluster setting. (Sold¬†Stacey Fay Designs)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4705" align="alignleft" width="300"] A star shaped dainty diamond cluster engagement ring (For sale at Stacey Fay Designs)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4654" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A nearly 1 carat 1940's diamond cluster ring makes quite a statement.[/caption]

3. Colored Stone Vintage Engagement Ring

A diamond is forever…or is it? While diamonds have been used in rings for hundreds of years, the diamond engagement ring craze is a newer phenomenon, made popular in the 1930’s and 40’s by DeBeers jewelry company.  At the time, diamonds were neither scarce nor particularly valuable, so DeBeers coined the famous phrase and did targeted marketing (as well as controlled the supply!) to create a desire for diamonds and a belief in their value. So…don’t believe the hype!  Other stones can make marvelous engagement rings, as we saw firsthand with Princess Kate Middleton’s gorgeous sapphire ring.  To help in choosing your stone, consider the meaning and symbolism behind each:

• Agate: truth, protection, strength
• Aquamarine: courage to overcome fears, protection on journeys
• Blue topaz: fidelity, friendship, gentleness, and integrity
• Emerald: fertility and calm
• Garnet: fertility, protection and healing
• Onyx: thought to deflect the negativity of others ‚ÄĒ associated with determination and perseverance
• Pearl: harmony, humility, purity, worth
• Ruby: fire, passion, the opening of the heart
• Turquoise: friendship, associations with nature

[caption id="attachment_4658" align="alignleft" width="300"] A stunning Victorian rose gold synthetic emerald and diamond ring, sold (Stacey Fay Designs)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4659" align="alignright" width="300"] An antique emerald and rose cut diamond ring;  a custom order for a client through Stacey Fay Designs.  This is a halo design - another take on a cluster ring![/caption] [caption id="attachment_4566" align="alignleft" width="300"] A rose cut diamond is surrounded by rubies in this unique "target" antique ring. Take a peek at this ring.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4594" align="alignleft" width="300"] This simple and more modern vintage ruby ring is perfect for the bride who prefers dainty designs. Available at Stacey Fay Designs.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4463" align="alignleft" width="225"] Queen Victoria's engagement ring had snakes, and yours can too in this stunning antique garnet snake ring.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4660" align="alignright" width="300"] With a large aquamarine stone and a halo of hearts and flowers, this ring screams romance (sold, Stacey Fay Designs)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4661" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A deep blue sapphire is encircled by diamonds in this stunning vintage piece.[/caption]

4. A Family Heirloom Makes a Wonderful Vintage Engagement Ring

Which brings me to my fourth point ‚Äď as you and your love are talking together about marriage and engagement, consider whether a family member may have a suitable ring.¬† Too many family heirlooms are sold off or melted down over the generations, so your breathing new life into one can be extraordinarily meaningful.¬† You can of course keep the ring intact as I did with my own, or, many brides are choosing to get their heirloom stones reset into modern settings.

5. Choose an Engagement Ring with a Symbolic Number of Stones

While people often think about the symbolism in the stones themselves, the design or number of stones in a ring can speak to your commitment and future together. Toi et moi rings¬†‚Äď French for ‚Äúme and you‚ÄĚ ‚Äď are highly sentimental, yet with two stones are simple enough not to overwhelm.¬† Trinity rings, with three stones ‚Äď one for the past, present, and future ‚Äď also offer a highly symbolic ring which doesn‚Äôt fit the solitaire norm.¬†What number of stones is significant for your life? [caption id="attachment_4707" align="alignleft" width="225"] A vintage toi-et-moi ("me and you") red spinel ring (For sale at Stacey Fay Designs)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4664" align="alignright" width="300"] A unique and mystical toi et moi ring, with moonstone and an emerald doublet (sold, Stacey Fay Designs)[/caption]         [caption id="attachment_4595" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A Victorian rose gold ring with two synthetic emeralds and seed pearls in an infinity pattern[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4549" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A stunning Victorian turquoise ring with five stones lined up perfectly. Does the number 5 symbolize anything for you?[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4665" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A dainty trinity ring, English made with a platinum top and gold shank (sold, Stacey Fay Designs)[/caption]   References:¬† www.americangemsociety.org www.gia.edu www.artofmanliness.com¬†