Vintage and antique engagement rings
Popular engagement gemstones
Antique, Edwardian five-stone diamond ring
Unbeatable quality. Just look at those carved gold shoulders
£845Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 1980s royal blue sapphire & diamond ring
£2,450Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 1990s solitaire diamond ring
£595Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian diamond three-stone ring
£3,000Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 1950s three-stone diamond ring
£3,250Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian ruby half hoop ring
£3,950Unit price /UnavailableVictorian, old-cut diamond five-stone ring
£3,850Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Victorian 2ct sapphire & diamond three-stone ring
£8,450Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian three-stone diamond ring
£1,450Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian diamond solitaire engagement ring
£1,275Unit price /UnavailableVintage, Art Deco sapphire & diamond cluster ring
£3,450Unit price /UnavailableVintage, Art Deco three-stone diamond ring
The diamonds in this ring are the most beautiful chunky old-cuts!
£6,500Unit price /UnavailableVintage, Art Deco 5ct white zircon & diamond ring
An amazing gemstone - zircons are approximately 4 billion yrs old
£4,500Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian three-stone diamond ring
£925Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Victorian ruby & diamond five-stone ring
Hallmarks dating back to 1885, also inscribed with 5.4.94 for 1894
£2,500Unit price /UnavailableVintage, solitaire diamond ring
Perfect for everyday wear, you can't beat a classic solitaire
£695Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian diamond cluster ring
Too pretty for words! Double cluster trouble here!
£1,450Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian three-stone diamond ring
This ring would make an ideal engagement ring
£895Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 1970s emerald & diamond ring
This is one fantastic emerald, the best quality, a wearable size too
£5,500Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 1980s three-stone diamond ring
Set with three beautiful diamonds, it's a comfortable size to wear too
£1,225Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 0.25ct solitaire diamond ring
£398Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Victorian sapphire & diamond half-hoop ring
I have never seen a ring like this- just look at the stone arrangement
£5,950Unit price /UnavailableVintage, Art Deco toi et moi diamond engagement ring
Totally unique and original. A zig-zag design with two large diamonds
£6,500Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Victorian three-stone diamond and ruby gypsy ring
£1,875Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian pearl and diamond three-stone ring
Hallmarks dating back to 1903! A fine piece of Edwardian jewellery.
£895Unit price /UnavailableVintage, grey spinel chunky band
I don't know what to say...WOW. The steely grey tones are incredible
£5,500Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian sapphire and diamond three-stone ring
The colour of this sapphire is incredible, three superb gemstones!
£6,950Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian five-stone diamond ring
£2,200Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian five-stone diamond ring
The setting has so much detail with fascinating history and hallmarks
£995Unit price /UnavailableVintage, diamond engagement ring
£2,500Unit price /UnavailableVintage, Art Deco sapphire and diamond three-stone ring
£2,450Unit price /UnavailableVintage, Art Deco zircon and diamond engagement ring
£1,595Unit price /UnavailableContemporary, solitaire diamond engagement ring
£500Unit price /UnavailableAntique, ruby and diamond five-stone ring
£3,500Unit price /UnavailableVintage solitaire diamond engagement ring
£850Unit price /UnavailableVintage, unique 1970s diamond engagement ring
£975Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 1920s solitaire old cut diamond engagement ring
£3,000Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian sapphire and diamond five-stone ring
£3,950Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 1940s diamond cluster engagement ring
£1,850Unit price /UnavailableVintage, Art Deco diamond cluster target engagement ring
A super smart ring, it sits flat to finger so it's easy to wear daily
£2,500Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Victorian five-stone diamond engagement ring
£2,000Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 1980s diamond solitaire engagement ring
£3,500Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Victorian Burmese ruby five stone ring
£8,500Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian five stone ruby and diamond ring
£1,295Unit price /UnavailableVintage, Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring
£6,500Unit price /UnavailableVintage, 1970s diamond cluster engagement ring
£975Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Victorian five stone sapphire ring
A striking sapphire ring. The sapphires are a strong deep colour
£4,500Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian three-stone ruby and diamond ring
£2,500Unit price /UnavailableAntique, Edwardian five-stone diamond ring
£1,270Unit price /Unavailable
How to buy an engagement ring
Step 1: The planning phase
Modern couples choose antique engagement rings not just for their timeless appeal and beauty, but for ethical and sustainable reasons too. From the intricate Georgian era, romantic Victorian motifs, refined Edwardian elegance and the bold geometry of Art Deco, you have plenty of options.
Finding your partner's ring size without revealing your intentions can be tricky. You can measure one of their existing rings using a sizing guide, bring it to a jeweler, or ask a friend or family member. And remember resizing is an option for many rings.
Budget is also key. The average engagement ring in the UK costs around £2,000, but spending less or more is equally valid.
Step 2: Practical questions
Think about your partner’s preferences and lifestyle. Do they gravitate toward specific gemstones or particular metals?
Setting and design need to take account of aesthetics AND practicality. Choose a harder stone like a diamond, sapphire, or ruby for daily wear. And an active person might benefit from a secure, low-profile setting to prevent damage. Protective designs like collet settings can also shield stones from impact.
Gem size is largely a matter of taste and budget. Smaller stones suit subtle styles, while larger stones make bold statements. The cut and setting also change how a stone’s size is perceived.
Step 3: Styles and metals
Classic solitaire rings focus on simplicity and elegance, while toi-et-moi rings symbolize unity. Three-stone rings highlight past, present, and future, making them a romantic choice. For vintage charm, consider five-stone or cluster rings (the latter provide added protection for softer stones like emeralds).
Metal choice is mostly a matter of taste so think about your partner's current rings.
Engagement ring arrangements
Step 4: Choose a gemstone
Diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings but other gems are more colourful and increasingly popular.
Sapphires come in various hues, while emeralds provide a rich green but demand delicate handling. Rubies, in shades from pink to deep red, exude passion and elegance.
Less common choices include aquamarine, garnet, topaz and zircon.
Engagement rings by gem
Step 5: Choose an era
Choices include the intricate Georgian era, romantic Victorian motifs, refined Edwardian elegance and the bold geometry of Art Deco.
- Georgian (1714 - 1830): Characterised by early cut stones such as old mine, rose and table cut diamonds, along with foil-backed gemstones
- Victorian (1837 - 1901): Often set with cameos and intaglios, with beautiful five-stone rings and rare gemstones aplenty.
- Edwardian (1901 - 1915): This era saw the birth of platinum jewellery. Expect delicate, ornate designs (think laurel wreaths and bows).
- Art Deco (1915 - 1945): Clean, geometric designs and new stone cuts that are as fresh now as they were in the 1920s.