Timeline for Vintage Rings

A lot of times, the line between vintage and antique can get a little blurry. Often what we refer to as antique is really more vintage. Here is a timeline to help you out if you are on the hunt for authentic vintage rings. While many vintage rings were designed but not signed, it will not always be easy to identify genuine vintage pieces. If you have a general idea of styles of the period, it will help.

1837-1901 Victorian

Black was a popular color and rings were often made with jet and vulcanite stones. Designs were large and lavish and pieces were often symbolic and sentimental. The Victorian woman believed very much that “more was better” and many jewelry pieces were often worn at the same time.

1801-1919 Edwardian

Diamonds and pearls were very popular during the Edwardian period, as were brilliant sapphires. Platinum became the metal of choice for settings and bands. Edwardian vintage rings were often designed with lacy filigree and scrollwork settings. Star and crescent motifs were also very popular design features.

1920-1930 Art Deco

Geometrical designs took center stage during this time period. Rings and other jewelry were very stylized. Where ring stones were quite pale during the previous decade, they now became bold and colorful.

1930-1940 Vintage

This is the specific time period that some refer to as the true vintage. The effects of war slowed down jewelry production and the pave or gypsy style setting became common as it combined several small stones to create the effect of one large gem. Many semi precious stones such as aquamarine, topaz, quartz and amethyst were used for rings. The bold chunky style of this day’s vintage rings well suited the new modern woman who went to work in the factories while the men were off at war.