Antique Vs Antique Style Jewelry: What is the Difference?


If you desire a true antique or vintage ring it will be advantageous in understanding the difference between antique and antique style jewelry. Having this knowledge will help in your process of picking a vintage piece of jewelry from your favorite era and you can enjoy wearing for a lifetime.                                       




• What Exactly is Antique

A piece of authentic antique jewelry has to be more than 100 years old to be considered antique, though some estate jewelers do include rings from the 1920s and 1930s as antique.  One area of expertise of an antique jeweler is the ability to establish the origins of engagement rings from eras such as Georgian, Victorian, Art Deco, Edwardian, Retro, or the Mid-Century. 

• What Exactly is Vintage

Vintage rings are generally at least 20-30 years old, but are not as old as antique rings.  Another area of expertise of an vintage jeweler is the determination of pieces from the Retro era, fabulous fifties and the mid centuries 1960s-1970s.

• Antique or Vintage Style 

There are many labels that used the term "style" including antique style, vintage style or Art deco style when used in it's description meaning that it was designed as a copy of a ring from a particular era. Today's reproductions are computer simulated copies of these bygone works of art. When examining a specific engagement ring, please ask the site or store to confirm the authenticity from that particular specific era.

 • Conflict free and Eco-Friendly

Determining whether a ring is a true piece of antique or vintage jewelry is of utmost importance whether it is conflict free.  Antique jewelry was produced before any modern conflicts, so there was no redigging of the earth or any usage of underage children. When purchasing vintage style jewelry reusing vintage diamonds and gemstones will help ensure that the piece of jewelry is truly conflict free. When buying reproductions, antique or vintage style, it is impossible to be be conflict free.


vintage emerald engagement ring


• Estate Jewelry

Estate jewelry is defined as jewelry that has been previously worn or owned. Estate jewelry comes from many different eras throughout history, and can be contemporary or antique. With estate jewelry you can still be confident you are being ethical. 


• What Does Circa Mean?

A circa date will give an approximate date which gives the person viewing the piece of vintage jewelry, a date of the time span for that period. Jewelers will look for key specific markings on an antique ring that may give indication of the designer or a hallmark to determine the time period.


Antique Rings For Everyone:



Find The Perfect Engagement Ring:

Antique rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of engagement rings today!


Suzanne Sachs

art deco engagement rings
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