A Little History of Vintage Wedding Rings

Vintage wedding rings changed often between 1920 and 1950. Depending a lot on the fashions and financial health of the decade, they were either very simple or sophisticated and ornate.

It was during the 1920s that wedding rings began to change from simple gold bands into something more elaborate. Platinum bands engraved with orange blossoms and flowers became popular. The Sears catalogue first introduced matching wedding bands and engagement rings in1927. Smart jewelers also realized a good thing and sold the matching mans wedding ring as part of the package as well. They realized the profit there was to be had in making three sales instead of one.

In 1928 the Sears catalogue sold an 18k white gold engraved band and a one eighth karat diamond for $29.95. A solid platinum band with a three eighths karat diamond sold for $166.35.

In the 1930s vintage wedding rings were most often made of engraved platinum with diamonds set in the band. It was much more of a “white” jewelry time as opposed to the 20s which were very colorful.

This was also a difficult time in the world financially and this had an effect on jewelry design. Stones that were available were much smaller and diamonds used in vintage wedding ring designs were created in illusion settings to make the diamonds appear larger. Wedding bands were no longer designed with diamonds around the entire band, but were more likely just across the top.

Towards the end of the 30s the popularity of white gold and platinum had begun to fade and yellow gold was again the metal of choice for vintage wedding bands.

Vintage wedding rings from this period are fairly easy to find in today’s market. Prices can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on condition, age, style and the size of the diamonds.