Alternatives to Diamonds for Vintage Engagement Rings

Written by Cynthia Findlay Antiques.

Vintage diamond rings are a popular choice for women looking at unique engagement ring. But antique engagement rings don’t have to feature diamonds in order to be stunning choices. In fact, many popular engagement ring styles from vintage eras featured stones other than diamonds. Whether you are looking for a more affordable option or simply want something different, a non-diamond engagement ring can be a winning choice.

Here are a few alternatives to diamonds to consider when shopping for vintage Toronto engagement rings:

Sapphire: Many women choose sapphire instead of diamond for their vintage engagement ring. Like diamonds, sapphires are a hard gemstone, making them durable enough for everyday wear. They were also popular in many vintage jewellery eras; you’ll often find sapphire used in Georgian engagement rings.

Rubies: Rubies were a common gemstone used in rings during the Victorian era. They were traditionally associated with health, wisdom and good luck in romance, making them the perfect choice to start a marriage. The deep red color of rubies make them naturally associated with passion and romance, which is another reason they have long been associated with engagement rings.

Pearls: Edwardian era rings often featured pearls along with diamonds — in fact, they were often used together along with a platinum setting to create beautiful artistic pieces. The combination of pearls and diamonds served to create an intriguing counterpoint between the stunning nature of diamonds and the elegant beauty of pearl. Pearls were also frequently featured in Art Nouveau rings as they were used as a link with the natural world that was often the focus of jewellers of the era.

Cynthia Findlay Antiques is a leading source for vintage and custom jewellery in Toronto. It is one of the favorite spots for couples looking for a vintage engagement ring in the area.