Typically anything that is labeled vintage comes from the not too distant past. With regardless to jewelry this usually includes the last century, although some things that are vintage can also be antique. Some vintage is more retro, dating back even to as recent as the 1970s.
Determining if engagement rings are vintage or not depends on the year that the ring was made as well as the elements of the ring design. Most rings considered to be vintage will have a combination of yellow and white gold in the band and setting. There are some vintage rings that are made of platinum or some with one metal only.
The bands in these slightly older styles of engagement rings tend to be different from modern band styles. The shank or back part of the band is often very small and round while the front is flatter, raised and wider. On many of the rings in vintage collection the band is often yellow gold and the settings or mounts in white gold. Not only does this add detail but it also collects light and focuses it in on the diamonds.
Rather than completely all small diamonds or one large diamond, vintage rings tend to use more medium to smaller sized diamonds to create the sparkle and shine. Other precious and semi-precious stones are common in settings for these types of engagement rings.
Although a more antique cut, cushion cut diamonds are still often found in vintage engagement rings. This cut is very soft in overall appearance and tends to be seen as a central diamond or as a medium to larger sized solitaire. Several cushion cut diamond rings also are interlocking or curved bands and present a beautiful and original looking ring set.
Cushion cut diamonds are also sometimes known as candlelight diamonds since they reflect even the subtle light from candles used historically in homes. They tend to be more oval to rounded rectangular in shape and have a very soft and almost understated appearance on engagement rings.
Open, long facets on many of the diamonds on older engagement rings give a unique light reflection to the interior. The colors are still vibrant and there is fire, it is just less sharp. Many people see these types of cuts as very romantic looking and may be enhanced on the band with smaller diamonds.
Vintage engagement rings featuring some of the detailed filigree and metal work from these earlier times are a great option for a classic yet unusual style. Browsing through estate jewelry sales for rings or purchasing a new creation of a modern classic are both great options for finding these styles of engagement rings.