How to choose the perfect vintage engagement ring

A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Ring.

Choosing an antique or vintage engagement ring for the one you love is one of life’s most meaningful and exciting purchases, carrying deep symbolic and financial significance. Our guide is here to help to make the process a bit easier.

Our Engagement Ring Guide is here to help you navigate this special moment with ease and confidence. From understanding styles and gemstones to choosing the perfect setting, we’ll guide you through the process so you can focus on the romance without feeling overwhelmed by the options. Let us help you find the ring that beautifully symbolises your love story.

This guide provides helpful guidance for choosing the perfect antique or vintage engagement ring, if you're looking for a new ring see our blog post here or if you're looking for a guide to both check this post first for some helpful tips.

Research

Knowledge is the essential starting point when shopping for an engagement ring, and taking the time to do some research will certainly pay off. Start by considering the basics: Does she prefer gold or silver jewellery? Is there a particular colour or gemstone that always catches her eye? It's important to choose a ring that complements the rest of her jewellery collection, especially if she wears rings every day. Pay attention to her style—whether it’s classic, delicate, or more adventurous—so that the ring you choose reflects her personality and tastes.

Additionally, consider her skin tone when deciding on the metal for the ring. Darker skin tones often look great with yellow gold, while white metals like silver, white gold, or platinum tend to flatter paler skin tones. Classic gold and rose gold are versatile and suit most skin tones. If you're unsure, observe the type of metal she tends to wear most often. This research will guide you toward making a thoughtful and informed decision when selecting the perfect ring.

Practicalities

When choosing an engagement ring, it’s important to think about both its longevity and fit. Start by setting a realistic budget—while traditional advice suggests spending one to three months’ salary, what truly matters is finding a ring that suits both your tastes. To make the process easier, establish a spending limit, the most important part is finding the ring your fiance will love so whether you spend £10 or £10,000 it won't matter.

Once you have your budget in mind, consider her daily activities. If she leads an active lifestyle, such as gardening or sports, these can affect the durability of the ring. For someone who's tough on jewellery, it’s better to avoid delicate settings or stones. Choose a ring with a low profile to prevent damage and consider a "rub over" setting, which is less prone to snagging than prong settings. Antique rings, especially those from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods, are often known for their sturdy designs and can be a great option for those looking for both durability and timeless beauty.

Lastly, make sure the ring fits perfectly. If you're unsure of her size, consider using an online tool like ours HERE to measure her ring size using one of her existing rings.  If you're uncertain about the ring choice, consider bringing along a trusted friend or family member. They can help assess the style and subtly gather information without tipping her off. Check our ring measuring guide for some other tips on getting the perfect size.

Walter Bull & Son offer a free ring resizing with your ring purchase so if you're unsure of the size she needs then we recommend waiting until you have proposed and having her finger measured.

The Details

Choosing the right metal for the engagement ring, it’s essential to consider her style. If she prefers silver tones, platinum or white gold are ideal choices due to their elegant, timeless look. On the other hand, gold comes in various shades, from the delicate pink hue of rose gold to the classic and warm tones of yellow gold, which can range from bright to a more muted traditional yellow. Gold is a popular, durable choice that’s often more affordable than platinum, making it a versatile option. Platinum is a durable and elegant choice that is hardwearing so can be a good choice for everyday wear.

The classic diamond for an engagement ring still rings true but there are so many different styles to choose from. A diamond is traditionally the gemstone of choice for engagement rings, valued for their exceptional sparkle and durability. However, there are other beautiful gemstones to consider, such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. These coloured stones not only offer a unique twist but can hold personal significance. For instance, emeralds are said to symbolise renewal and love and sapphires come in a huge variety of hues symbolising loyalty and truth. Keep in mind, though, that some coloured gemstones may not be as durable for daily wear, so it’s important to discuss their practicality with your jeweller.

Diamonds are graded on the "Four Cs":

• The Carat measures the weight of the diamond, with most engagement rings featuring stones between 1 and 2 carats.
•  The Clarity refers to the number of imperfections, graded from 'Flawless' to 'Heavily Included'.
• A diamond's Colour is graded from D to Z, with D being completely colourless and considered the highest quality.
• The Cut determines how the diamond reflects light, enhancing its brilliance.

Antique and Vintage rings aren't always graded in the 4 c;s system due to their old-world craftsmanship.

Engagement rings come in various shapes and settings, so there’s plenty of room to find a design that perfectly suits her personality. Popular styles include:

• Cluster
• Solitaire
• Carved Half Hoop
• Three Stone
• Five Stone
• Marquise
• Boat Shape
• Crossover
• Heart Shape
• Target
• Geometric

Each style offers something unique, from the simplicity of a solitaire to the bold, vintage appeal of a cluster design. Don't get overwhelmed by the options—chances are, one of these styles will speak to you and feel like the perfect fit for her. Search our most popular engagement rings. 

Important Extras

When selecting an engagement ring, consider something truly unique. While classic choices like solitaire or three-stone rings are always beautiful, a custom-designed ring can be as special as the person you're buying it for. Whether it’s starting with a gemstone from a family heirloom or a piece that holds personal meaning, designing a ring from scratch offers a personal touch. Alternatively, antique or vintage rings can offer something equally unique. These rings, often crafted with care by artisans of their time, are typically one-of-a-kind and can be a more affordable choice compared to newer rings. Plus, buying an antique piece ensures it’s free from the modern-day ethical concerns surrounding diamond mining.

Trust and experience are key when purchasing an engagement ring, especially if it’s an antique. Seek out a dealer who is known for their reliability and authenticity. An experienced dealer can explain the history and quality of a ring and guide you through the buying process. If possible, always see the ring in person before committing to it. This allows you to assess its size, proportions, and sparkle, especially for gemstones like emeralds, which reveal their true colour when viewed closely. If you’re shopping online, double-check the return policy for added security.

Additionally, it's wise to think practically about the ring’s protection. Insuring the ring ensures you're covered if it’s lost, stolen, or damaged. If it’s a high-value piece, check with your insurance provider about their requirements for coverage. For antique rings, make sure the insurance policy covers replacement with an equivalent antique ring, rather than a modern version. Ethical considerations also play a significant role—especially with diamonds, which have faced controversy in the past. By choosing an antique ring, you can rest assured that it’s conflict-free. Ultimately, trust your instincts when selecting the ring. If it feels right to you, it’s likely that she will cherish it. The gesture of giving her a ring to symbolize your commitment is what matters most.