Pearls are making a comeback in the world of fine jewelry. With a fresh surge in popularity, many are rediscovering the allure of these unique gems and their ability to elevate any look with timeless elegance. While pearl rings are being modernized with new, sleek designs, vintage pearl rings have a unique charm all their own. They carry history, beauty, and craftsmanship from eras past, which is why vintage pearl rings remain a prized addition to any jewelry collection.
From classic Victorian designs of the 1800s to stylish pieces from the 2000s, here are 13 vintage pearl rings, each with a style and story all its own. Whether you’re drawn to intricate Edwardian patterns, bold mid-century styles, or delicate Art Deco rings, this guide has a little something for every pearl lover. Read on to explore a diverse selection that includes pieces across different price points, designs, and even a few faux pearls—proving that elegance and charm are timeless!
Number one is this gorgeous 5 stone pearl ring from the Victorian Era, dating back to the 1800s. Meaningful and symbolic, it has a vintage charm that’s quintessential of its era.
Antique Victorian seed pearl and amethyst engagement ring from the 1800s showcases the popular use of colorful gemstones during the era. Amethysts were highly popular and valued, while pearls were rare, coveted and sought-after mainly by royals and nobility. This was the pre-cultured pearl era and pearls were incredibly rare.
A unique design featuring a vertical column of pearls in 10k rosy-yellow gold setting from the 1800s, this ring is elaborate yet modern. It has a statement look that’s fashion forward and still in style, over 100 years on.
Influenced by the Edwardian era, this crossover diamond and pearl ring from the 1910s features the loops, curves and graceful swirls common during the era. The design is a study in Edwardian jewelry styles and has lasted the test of time with its eternal gracefulness.
This moi et toi ring from the early 1900s featuring a diamond and a pearl set side by side is a symbolic and romantic design. Moi et toi means me and you in French, perfect for an engagement ring or a couple committing to each other.
High-end Art Deco diamond, pearl and emerald ring from the 1920s features the typical geometric patterns and neutral colors of the era. The ring design oozes confidence and statement charm, with its confident use of precious materials in a practical yet stunning design.
This simple solitaire pearl ring with Fleur de Lis claws from the 1930s feature intricate design with understated simplicity. Jewelry designs were somewhat understated during this era, reflective of the difficult economic times of the decade.
This chunky diamond and pearl ring from the 1940s features a bold design, utilising gold, diamonds
and pearls – three timeless jewelry materials.
1950s ring featuring two popular trends from the era – gold and pearls. The design shows a modern sophistication, reflecting the changing trends of the time.
Another amethyst, pearl and gold ring, this time from the 1960s. The ring features a mark from 1967 and is reminiscent of the fine jewelry pieces of the time. Cocktail rings were highly popular during the 40s and 50s but declined in the 60s. This ring is atypical of the fashions of the decade but remains a gorgeous design from the time.
Costume jewelry was big in the 1970s as everything became louder, larger and more colorful. This ring features faux pearls and crystals from the big and bold 1970s.
This unique, avant-garde design from the 1980s is testament to the bold, confident and loud styles of the era. While colorful, costume jewelry was the norm, such chic, sophisticated and quietly confident pieces were also very much in vogue.
And then came the 90s! The ring trends of this period showcases more modern designs with white gold and platinum becoming the metals of choice. Yellow and rose gold took a bit of a back seat. Pearls were considered somewhat dated, and yet was frequently used in costume jewelry and even fine jewelry.
When Choosing Vintage Rings
Buying vintage jewelry can be daunting because you never know if what you’re getting is the real deal. But there are some ways around this and it all comes down to doing your due diligence:
- Examine the jewelry carefully from all angles to see if it really looks antique. Don’t just look at the front but take a careful look at the back too. Check for damage and how the ring looks overall.
- Look for any stamps or hallmarks that indicate the metal purity, year or designer of the piece. Most costume jewelry from the 1900s have stamps featuring the name or logo of the company that created it.
- It should look old so check to see if there’s some discolorations, as well as the weight and size of the piece. Look for a patina, dents, scratches and other marks that show wear and tear.
- Rings sizes have changed in the last 100 years. They were typically were either small (people tended to be smaller in the past) or large (they were meant to be worn over gloves) so common sizes today like 6 and 7 were not common at that time.
- Buy from a reputable retailer that has a trusted track record. If buying online, check that the seller has good customer reviews, an excellent track record, that they interact with their customers and lastly that they are willing to stand by the product and take it back in case you want a refund. Investigating the seller is key.
- Consider the price. Is it too good to be true? It probably is. The price should reflect the cost of the materials used – that is, the authenticity and the age of the piece.
Over a century of exquisite vintage pearl rings, each with its unique charm, elegance, and story—true treasures that stand the test of time. Like a fine wine, these pieces grow only more captivating with age, keeping their allure intact for generations. Explore more timeless designs and let these classics inspire your jewelry style. Dive into the world of pearls and discover the perfect piece for your collection at seekpearls.com!.
