What Years Are Wedding Bands Considered Vintage?

THE BASICS --

It’s not uncommon for older jewelry styles to come back into fashion as new generations discover the beauty and craftsmanship of heirloom pieces. Whether finding hidden treasures in your family coffers or simply embracing older styles, you might wonder how to accurately describe what you have or are looking for. Here’s how to tell what pieces are vintage so you can find the perfect wedding band that suits your aesthetic.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• Understanding Antique, Vintage, and Retro
• Antique
• Vintage
• Retro
• Art Deco Vintage Engagement and Wedding Bands
• Mid-Century Vintage Styles
• Vintage is Versatile

Understanding Antique, Vintage, and Retro

When it comes to defining older ring styles, there are three terms you should be aware of: antique, vintage, and retro. While these phrases are sometimes used interchangeably, each type of jewelry has boundaries defined by specific years and styles.

1. Antique

The term “antique” refers to items over 100 years old, meaning the jewelry styles that fall into this category change over time. Currently, antique styles would include ornate Victorian rings — often featuring a variety of gemstones and colored metals like yellow or rose gold — as well as Edwardian jewelry, characterized by diamonds, platinum, fine filigree, and milgrain detailing.

2. Vintage

Items in the vintage category are generally agreed to be 20-99 years old, spanning the scope of recent history. For young people heading down the aisle, this would include heirloom wedding bands from parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

At the moment, Art Deco jewelry still falls into this category. Although the Art Deco movement started in the 1910s, it gained popularity through the 1920s and into the ’30s. Therefore, this design style is right on the cusp between vintage and antique.

Mid-Century styles also fall in the vintage category. This era of design could extend from the late 1930s to the 1970s. However, it reached its peak during the ’50s and ’60s. Lately, the bold, eclectic styles of the ’80s and ’90s are beginning to see a revival as vintage trends, as well.

3. Retro

While ‘retro’ refers to older styles that are somewhat more modern — often dating to the 1950s — the term typically signifies imitation. In other words, retro pieces are typically recreations of past styles with a modern twist or interpretation.

Art Deco Vintage Engagement and Wedding Bands

During and after World War I, there was a shift away from the delicate, lacy designs of the Edwardian era to the geometric shapes, clean lines, and powerful luxury that came to characterize the Art Deco style.

The focus for engagement and wedding bands of this era was on the beauty of the stones, typically emphasized through bold, linear designs. Popular designs often included colored stones combined with diamonds.

Bright platinum and white gold settings were common for this era of jewelry design, with engagement rings often featuring a large, central diamond flanked by other stones; although designs could also feature a colored gemstone like a vibrant emerald, ruby, or sapphire. Symmetrical designs are a hallmark of the Art Deco style, as is the inclusion of step-cut stones, such as emerald or Asscher cuts.

Mid-Century Vintage Styles

World War II dramatically changed the sensibilities of the nation and the world. The extravagant styles of the pre-war era gave way to rationing, and after the war, an economic boom and a desire to streamline and simplify permeated every facet of the
design world. Thus, the aptly named Mid-Century style was born.

This now-vintage era in jewelry took a minimalist approach, borrowing some elements from Art Deco but generally opting to do away with elaborate designs in favor of a cleaner, more austere approach. This didn’t, however, eliminate the element of personality.

Engagement rings and wedding sets from this era continued the tradition of using geometric shapes but began to incorporate abstract aesthetics and organic motifs (think the ubiquitous starburst patterns seen in art, architecture, and jewelry of the era). Yellow and white gold became more popular than platinum, and textured finishes appeared. It wasn’t unusual to see diamonds paired with colored gemstones, as in the Art Deco era. French jewelry designer Jean Schlumberger created some of this era's most iconic engagement and wedding bands, primarily in collaboration with Tiffany & Co.

Vintage Is Versatile

Vintage jewelry covers a wide array of eras and styles dating back a century. Among the most revered and revived are Art Deco and Mid-Century styles, featuring designs that reflect the overriding sensibilities of their times. Today, they offer unique opportunities to express love and personal style through eye-catching vintage engagement and wedding bands.on, while for other families, an after dinner proposal is more elegant and appropriate.