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Our rare collection of vintage and antique rings gives an exciting glimpse into bygone eras. Designed to be worn and treasured, these pieces showcase fascinating craftsmanship and history that you simply won't find in modern equivalents. From classic Victorian solitaires to bold Art Deco clusters, each ring tells a unique story from its time. Find out more about our selection of Antique and Vintage rings here, and explore our full collection below.
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Truly one of the best vintage jewellery collections in London.
We had the most wonderful experience buying my vintage engagement ring from Berganza.
Fantastic experience buying an engagement ring. Would highly recommend. Berganza has the best collection of antique rings to choose from.
Our rare collection of vintage rings gives an exciting glimpse into bygone eras. Designed to be worn and treasured, the craftsmanship and history behind these pieces is fascinating. We are lucky to hold a broad selection of vintage Victorian, Art Deco and Edwardian rings from classic solitaires and eternity rings, to striking cluster designs, including antique engagement rings. Jewellery has always been considered as an important commodity in society, which is still true today.
A ring is deemed ‘vintage’ when it is 50 to 100 years old. This makes these rings a fascinating piece of history adding to their desire, and therefore, their value. Vintage rings were made with an expertise and sense of character that is simply not seen in modern equivalents, as well as often featuring rare natural gemstones from mines that have long since been exhausted.
Vintage rings from different decades offer something unique and special from their era. Vintage rings from the roaring 1920s and 30s are recognised for their bold, geometric style, crafted predominantly in platinum. However, as we move into the 1940s, we see a resurgence of yellow gold, with impressive cocktail rings. If a piece is over 100 years old, it is classed as an ‘antique’, this includes eras such as the Edwardian, Victorian, and Georgian periods. Generally, if a piece is over approximately 1,500 years, it is considered to be ‘ancient’. This includes the ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian periods. It is simply breathtaking how these rings have stood the test of time and continue to be worn and enjoyed today.
Whether it be an investment opportunity or something to enjoy and pass down through the generations, you will be able to find a vintage ring, including antique mens rings, as well as vintage engagement rings, to treasure across all price ranges.
Taking care of your vintage rings is key to keeping them in great condition. For pieces you wear daily, like old-fashioned vintage engagement rings, it's a good idea to have them professionally cleaned at least once a year. This not only removes stubborn dirt but also allows a jeweller to check for any signs of damage.
In between professional cleanings, you should clean your rings once a month. Simply fill a bowl with warm water and mild dish soap and gently scrub the ring with a soft-bristled toothbrush (paying special attention to the backs and sides of settings where dirt collects). Rinse the ring thoroughly and, once it's dry, polish it with a soft cloth.
No, not all antique rings have hallmarks. It's actually quite common to find antique rings without any visible markings, which often surprises collectors and buyers alike.
Georgian and Victorian jewellery was often not hallmarked, as compulsory hallmarking of all precious metals did not begin until the 1920s. Before 1973, jewellery was usually exempt from hallmarking (with the exception of wedding and mourning rings). This means many beautiful antique pieces from these earlier periods were never required to carry official marks.
Typically, vintage rings are 50 to 100 years old, while rings over 100 years old are classified as antique. Pieces over approximately 1,500 years old, such as ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian rings, are considered ancient jewellery.
The valuation of an antique ring is a nuanced art (much like the craftsmanship of the piece itself). It's not simply a matter of metal and stones, but of history, artistry, and rarity.
When we value antique rings, we look to the provenance, assess the gemstones, examine the condition and craftsmanship, and consider the metal and hallmarks to confirm their quality and origin. A piece that possesses a compelling history, exceptional stones, and master craftsmanship is a genuine treasure whose value appreciates over time.
Vintage rings showcase a variety of gemstones, with antique diamond rings being a timeless favourite due to their durability and unique, hand-cut sparkle. These rings often feature diamonds from old mines, faceted by hand to give them a distinctive, romantic beauty. Other popular choices include antique sapphire rings, known for their calm blue hues, and antique ruby rings, which have long been associated with love. Antique emerald rings are another popular choice, first found in Egypt and famously worn by Cleopatra, with the finest coming from Colombia.