WHILE THE STANDARD ENGAGEMENT RING has long been a large diamond on a thin band, there's been a surge in vintage/antique-style settings, sparked by a growing desire for something that feels one-of-a-kind AND celebrity style. From Mary-Kate Olsen’s vintage Art Deco diamond-and-sapphire ring to Jessica Biel’s highly ornate halo setting. And perhaps most famously, Taylor Swift, whose ring was talked about less for its rather simple setting than its antique old-mine-cut elongated cushion diamond (which drove huge interest in this type of cut).
And while an actual antique ring comes with someone else's history, vintage-inspired rings can provide the romance and intricate craftsmanship associated with estate jewelry while allowing you to choose YOUR diamond, metal, proportions and setting--even mixing details from different eras:
- Art Deco – Geometric patterns, bold symmetry, and architectural lines.
- Victorian – Romantic floral motifs and intricate metalwork.
- Edwardian – Delicate filigree, milgrain detailing, and lace-like settings.
Why Choose a Vintage Setting?
- They feel individual, often incorporating milgrain beading, engraving, filigree, unusual galleries, and more.
- There's more to look at than the center stone, with the setting contributing to the beauty and perceived value of the piece.
- They have romance built into them and feel like they could become an heirloom rather than something tied specifically to today's trends.
- They work beautifully with today's interest in distinctive diamond shapes, like Asscher, Cushion and elongated Emerald and Oval cuts.
The appeal of vintage-inspired engagement ring settings is that they offer something many very minimalist modern rings don’t: character.
Vintage Clover Halo Setting: This setting surrounds your center stone in a romantic frame of 12 brilliant-cut lab-grown diamonds. Combining a scalloped, clover-like shape reminiscent of Art Deco jewelry with delicate Edwardian milgrain details, the result is a hybrid vintage look that is both structured and feminine.
Vintage Scrolled Leaf Setting: Nestled within the flowing, vine-like scrollwork surrounding the center stone are leaf-like details set with two brilliant-cut lab-grown diamonds (left). Detailed and romantic with a sculptural presence, the setting celebrates craftsmanship and individuality.
Vintage Square Halo Setting: Set with16 brilliant-cut lab-grown diamonds, this Art Deco-inspired square halo adds geometric contrast when paired with a round or oval-cut center stone.
Find Your Perfect Vintage Ring
Every DreamLab Diamond setting is fully customizable: choose your diamond shape, metal and carat weight in our Ring Builder. Or create your custom, one-of-a-kind ring with our DREAMBOX Couture Service.