Do vintage rings require more maintenance?

Unsurprisingly, an older engagement ring is likely to require a bit more TLC. Design elements can wear with time, so it's important to discuss with your jeweler the best ways to take care of your ring .

What makes a wedding band vintage or antique?

Antique implies the piece of jewelry is over 100 years old, whereas vintage is something that's categorized as at least 40 years old.

Can I return my vintage wedding band if I don't like it?

Because a vintage ring comes in just one size, if you choose to get it resized many retailers will not accept returns. Always check with your jeweler to ensure a ring can be returned, if necessary.

The Best 10 Best Antique and Vintage Wedding Bands

The perfect wedding band is one that looks right sitting alongside your engagement ring, but is also striking enough to be worn on its own. If you want a ring that is beautifully detailed and is sure to stand out in a crowd, then a vintage or antique wedding band is worth looking into. While modern and contemporary rings tend to veer more simple, vintage and antique pieces typically feature intricate designs and unique details that are truly one-of-a-kind.

A Simple Guide to Wedding Band Styles

These older bands tend to also have an interesting history behind them, and it can feel a little extra special to wear a ring that was once owned by someone else. Additionally, vintage and antique bands are the ultimate sustainable jewelry: they embody recycling and reusing at their best.

Be careful about wording when searching for this style of wedding band. There are many "vintage style" or "antique-inspired" rings out there, but these just mimic the old-fashioned styles and are not legitimately vintage.

Below is a collection of beautiful vintage and antique bands you can buy now. Just remember: since these are one-of-a-kind pieces, they are much more likely to sell out faster.

01 of 10

Vintage Diamond Ring Platinum Criss Cross Diamond Wedding Band

Buy on Vintagediamondring.com $5,000

Hailing from the 1980s, this band is barely vintage, so it feels both older and a bit more modern. It features five bright white, criss-cross cut diamonds and sits in a platinum setting. Versatile and fairly simple, this one will work with most engagement rings.

02 of 10

Vintage Diamond Ring Transitional Cut Diamond Eternity Band

Buy on Vintagediamondring.com $3,750

This striking eternity band was made for someone who wants to add a lot of sparkle to their finger. It was crafted in the 1960s, and features a platinum band and 24 transitional cut diamonds.

03 of 10

Leigh Jay & Co. Open Work Diamond Band Ring

Buy on Antiqueengagementrings.com $1,925

The detail and design of this ring, which was created in 1956, are extremely interesting. There are 22 small single-cut diamonds for some sparkle, and the open work design makes it obvious that it's a vintage heirloom.

04 of 10

Filigree Jewelers Vintage Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Wedding Band

Buy on Filigreejewelers.com $1,410

This mid-century band is a lovely mix of older and newer styles. The bold, ornate prongs of the seven diamonds will add an extra element to the antique design.

05 of 10

Fred Leighton Antique 14K Yellow Gold Flower Engraved Wedding Band

Buy on Fredleighton.com $2,000

This antique yellow gold ring features the most beautiful floral detailing. We love how it's wide enough to stand on its own, but would also look lovely with a slim engagement ring.

06 of 10

Vintage Diamond Ring Two Tone 3 Stone Illusion Set Old European Cut Diamond Ring

Buy on Vintagediamondring.com $4,000

This is actually an engagement ring from the 1940s, but it could easily be worn as an elaborate wedding band today. The three-diamond ring, featuring a large center stone flanked by two side stones, represents a couple's past, present, and future together.

07 of 10

Doyle & Doyle Vintage Patterned Wedding Band

Buy on Doyledoyle.com $875

The floral design and scalloped edges of this intricate wedding band make it a feminine option. The mixed metals are so pretty, to boot.

08 of 10

Antique Jewelry Mall Guilford Filigree Art Deco Diamond Wedding Band

Buy on Antiquejewelrymall.com $1,120

This is a one-of-a-kind heirloom Art Deco ring from the 1920s, and it's both simple and detailed. What we admire the most is that the wide band leaves plenty of room for a classic filigree design.

09 of 10

Leigh Jay & Co. #VWB-58 Vintage Wedding Band

Buy on Antiqueengagementrings.com $1,825

Four Marquise diamonds make beautiful embellishments on this wider band, featuring a unique swerving shape. . This one would look good on its own or paired with an engagement ring.

10 of 10

The Antique Parlour Vintage Retro Platinum Hammerman Brothers Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring

Buy on Theantiqueparlour.com $1,450

This old Hammerman Brothers ring features seven sparkling diamonds and a lot of detail and texture. Slim and glittering, it's the perfect accompaniment to most engagement rings.

What to Look For When Choosing an Antique or Vintage Wedding Band

Design

When it comes to vintage and antique wedding bands, the details are all in the design. Since these rings are one-of-a-kind pieces, it's important to pay attention to the exact design elements in order to find a piece that truly speaks to you and your style.

Budget

As far as pricing goes, these styles can sometimes be considerably cheaper, especially if they don't include gemstones like diamonds (and many don't). Of course, there are more expensive options, but it all depends on what you're looking for. Set your budget first, then use that as a starting point to narrow down the options.

FAQ

Do vintage rings require more maintenance?

Unsurprisingly, an older engagement ring is likely to require a bit more TLC. Design elements can wear with time, so it's important to discuss with your jeweler the best ways to take care of your ring.
What makes a wedding band vintage or antique?

Antique implies the piece of jewelry is over 100 years old, whereas vintage is something that's categorized as at least 40 years old.
Can I return my vintage wedding band if I don't like it?

Because a vintage ring comes in just one size, if you choose to get it resized many retailers will not accept returns. Always check with your jeweler to ensure a ring can be returned, if necessary.

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