There is a timeless appeal to certain engagement ring designs. What's old is new, as they say. Instead of chasing after the latest modern trends, many ladies are looking for a beautiful ring design that holds its charm over the years. If you've found yourself wondering what the terms Retro, Antique, or Vintage mean as they pertain to engagement rings or jewelry, you're in the right place!

Retro, Antique, and Vintage: What's the difference?

Even though people are not typically this specific when talking about design, the strict definitions are helpful to know:

• Antique: 100+ years old
• Vintage: 20-99 years old
• Retro: Inspired by mid-20th century design (1940s-1960s) but crafted new today

More Common Interpretations for Jewelry Designs

When talking about design and style, definitions can be more fluid. For Rustic & Main, vintage-inspired typically refers to designs that were created before or in the early 1900s, which includes both Edwardian and Victorian-inspired designs.

Why?

Engagement rings, like other jewelry, are often heirloom pieces handed down from one generation to the next. An engagement ring worn in the 1960s — or today — may have actually been from a great-grandmother and originally in vogue 100+ years prior.

However, classic styles of jewelry seem to work regardless of the current fashion. Thus, the association with "vintage" practically spans several generations outside of the strict definition.

What about Retro Engagement Rings? Where do they fit in?

Retro engagement rings borrow design styles from the past — usually mid-century or possibly art deco — but don't adhere to the design patterns of that day. When a ring is "retro," it gives off the vibes of those old school, timeless designs, but with modern interpretations on the overall fit and aesthetic of the ring.

While a retro engagement ring would look perfectly at home if it had existed in the past, it has more design liberty in the modern age.

The "retro" era typically refers to 1935-1960, mid-century 1900s. Major shifts in fashion occurred as the world entered into and recovered from World War II.

1935-1949 Retro Engagement Ring Styles

During the period leading up to and during the war, finances were tight, so many supplies either went to war efforts or were simply too difficult to obtain. Thus, jewelry designers found creative ways to elevate engagement rings while keeping costs lower.

Cluster Settings

Stones were set close together to create clusters. At a glance it would appear like one large, facetted stone.

Raised Settings (Cathedral Settings)

By setting the stone higher, the overall ring gained more prominence. Smaller stones captured more light, and they could be set as accents leading up to the main attraction.

Asymmetrical Designs

By offsetting some design elements, the entire ring becomes an eye-catching piece of jewelry. Rather than centering the focus on one primary stone, the overall design becomes a talking point.

1950-1960 Retro Engagement Ring Styles

After the war, the U.S. experienced a surge in prosperity. Glamor came back in fashion, and engagement rings followed suit.

Statement Sized Rings

Rings of this era became a bit larger and flashier. The goal was to make an impression, not just quietly symbolize love.

Minimalist Designs

Sleeker, cleaner lines also defined mid-century style for engagement rings.

Diamonds Rose in Popularity

In 1947, De Beers launched their "A diamond is forever" campaign. Movie stars were soon seen sporting diamonds and they soon became a sign of luxury, rarity, and wealth.

By the end of the mid-century, a diamond was the proposal stone. 

Design Concepts that Influence Retro Engagement Rings

Nothing is off-limits when creating a custom retro engagement ring. Remember, life and finances during World War II were tough, to put it mildly. Couples made due with what they could afford and the materials that were available. As a result, a number of unique designs, often one-offs, ruled the day rather than big-name designers.

If a particular time period or a design you saw in an antique store speaks to you, incorporate it into your unique ring.

Here are some inspirational design concepts that often inspire and contribute to the retro engagement ring look:

• Bold, Sculptural Settings
  • Think "chunkier" designs compared to the more delicate Edwardian or Victorian styles.
  • Stones set high with architectural prongs.
  • The rings feel substantial on the hand.
• Colored Gemstones
  • Emeralds, rubies, and sapphires were popular stones for that era.
  • Diamonds were used as accents.
• Yellow, Rose, and Green Gold
  • Due to the platinum shortage during WWII, yellow and rose gold were the most popular metals.
  • Yellow gold's warmth is a signature retro look.
  • Green gold was created by blending gold with silver, achieving a mire gold loom without the entire cost typical for gold.
• Cluster & Multi-Stone Designs
  • Stones were grouped together to look like one larger stone to reduce costs.
  • 3-stone ring designs were popular.
• Asymmetry & Flair
  • Sweeping designs and offset stones add to the playfulness of the designs.
  • The designs had less rigid symmetry compared to Art Deco (though Art Deco had some good asymmetrical designs as well).

Choosing an Antique, Vintage, or Retro Engagement Ring: Which one is right for you?

Here at Rustic & Main, we love them all, and they all look great. Whether you're looking for a vintage-inspired ring that harkens back to the early 1900s and 1800s or a true retro engagement ring design that borrows from the 1940s, here is one piece of advice:

Make it uniquely yours

Your eye, your personal style, and your story should influence the ring you wear.

Our team is here to help you identify the style elements you love and bring your retro engagement ring vision to life.

Book a Free Virtual Consultation Here

You can also browse our retro-inspired engagement ring collection. It's a great way to get inspired, and you may just find the perfect design waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (TLDR)

Are retro engagement rings the same as vintage?

Not quite. Vintage engagement rings are at least 20 years old and can include styles from the 1920s through the early 2000s. Retro engagement rings are newly crafted designs that borrow heavily from mid-century influences (1940s–1960s). Retro gives you the vintage look without the wear and tear of an older ring.

What makes an engagement ring “antique”?

An antique engagement ring is defined as being over 100 years old. These often include Edwardian, Victorian, or Art Nouveau styles. Antique rings carry true historical value, but they can be delicate and harder to size compared to modern or retro-inspired designs.

What metals were used in retro engagement rings?

During the retro era, yellow and rose gold became the metals of choice because platinum was scarce during World War II. Some rings also used green gold, an alloy of gold and silver, which gave off a unique greenish tint. These warm tones are a hallmark of retro style.

What gemstones are popular in retro designs?

While diamonds rose to fame after De Beers’ “A diamond is forever” campaign in 1947, many retro rings featured colored gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Diamonds were often used as accents rather than the main stone until the late 1950s.

Why choose a retro-inspired engagement ring today?

A retro-inspired engagement ring offers the best of both worlds: the bold, glamorous look of mid-century design with the craftsmanship and durability of a modern ring. It’s perfect for couples who love timeless style but also want the flexibility of custom design, stone choice, and sizing.