About our antique diamond rings
Every diamond in this collection was cut by hand, long before modern machinery. Old mine cuts, old European cuts and rose cuts were shaped by eye to make the most of each crystal, which gives them a softer, broader sparkle than a modern brilliant: big, slow flashes of light that glow beautifully by candlelight.
You'll find solitaires, five-stone rings, clusters and navettes from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras, as well as later vintage pieces. Many of these rings make wonderful engagement rings, and each one is the only one of its kind.
Chosen and examined by hand
Every ring is chosen by Tiffany, Mayveda's founder, a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) and a GIA-certified diamond grader. Each diamond is examined before it's listed, and its cut, weight, color and clarity are described honestly. Where a ring has a laboratory report, we share it.
New to antique diamonds? Read our guide to old mine and old European cut diamonds.
Questions
Are antique diamonds graded like modern diamonds?
Laboratories grade antique diamonds for color and clarity in the same way, but they usually don't give a cut grade, because modern cut standards don't apply to stones cut by hand.
Can an antique diamond ring be resized?
Most can. We'll advise on each ring and resize it before it ships, usually within 7 to 10 days. See our Delivery & Returns page.
Can I see a ring before I buy?
Yes. Book a video consultation and Tiffany will show you any ring up close, in daylight and on the hand.
Antique and vintage, explained
An antique ring is more than 100 years old. Most of our engagement rings come from three eras: Georgian (1714 to 1837), Victorian (1837 to 1901) and Edwardian (1901 to around 1915). A vintage ring is younger, usually at least 50 years old, and includes Art Deco designs from the 1920s and 1930s. Every listing gives the ring’s era and, where we can date it precisely, the year it was made.
Buying an antique engagement ring
How do I know the diamond is what you say it is?
Where a diamond has a GIA report, we share the number so you can check it on GIA’s website. For every ring, Tiffany, who holds diamond grading credentials, describes the cut, color and clarity. Without a report, color and clarity are given as estimates.
Why do old cut diamonds look different?
Antique diamonds were cut by hand to make the most of candlelight and gaslight. Their larger, more open facets give broad flashes of light and a softer, more romantic sparkle than a modern brilliant cut.
Can I see the ring before I buy?
Yes. Book a video consultation and we’ll show you the ring in daylight, on the hand and from every angle, and answer any questions about it.
Can an antique ring be resized?
Most can, though some designs can’t be changed much without affecting the setting. Message us with your size before you order and we’ll tell you what’s possible. If your ring needs resizing, we’ll have it done before it ships, usually within 7 to 10 days.
Are antique rings suitable for everyday wear?
Many are, and some have been worn daily for over a century. We’ll tell you honestly how well a ring suits everyday wear. Whatever you choose, take it off for the gym and gardening, and have the claws checked by a jeweler about once a year.
What if it isn’t right?
You can return any ring within 14 days of receiving it, and we’ll send you a free, insured return label. If you’re unsure, get in touch within 3 days of delivery and we’ll talk it through. Full details are on our Delivery & Returns page.