And as traditions fade about the kind of ring that should mark an engagement, couples no longer feel obliged to choose certain styles, gemstones or metals. Instead, you now have the freedom to seek out or create a ring that reflects who you are and what your partner means to you.
After all, now you’ve found ‘the one’, you naturally also want to find that one unique engagement ring to cherish forever.
What makes an engagement ring unique?
Unique doesn’t necessarily mean showy or vastly different to anything else – it just means that your ring is one of a kind. To find a unique engagement ring, the best pieces to look for are vintage or antique, an heirloom, or a bespoke creation.
Antique and vintage engagement rings
Antique rings are more than 100 years old, while vintage rings are more than 40 years old but have been made within the last century. While some vintage rings can be truly unique, antique pieces are more likely to be unique as they were more likely to made before the days of mass production.
Antique rings can be found from a range of historical periods and artistic movements, with the most popular being Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco. An antique engagement ring will not only reflect the styles and trends through the centuries but also your personality. For example, you might love the romantic symbolism of the moi et toi, appreciate the clean lines of an Art Deco piece, or adore a delicate Edwardian ring.
If you are looking for an antique ring, a fine jewellery specialist will be able to assist you. They will have a selection of high-quality authenticated pieces for you to view, many with a provenance that adds extra meaning.
Heirloom rings
If you have an heirloom ring that has been passed down through your family, it can be a meaningful and personal piece to treasure and live on for future generations to enjoy.
Perhaps you have inherited a ring that means a lot to you but isn’t quite to your taste or doesn’t fit? A fine jewellery specialist will be able to help you remodel, adapt, or update its style or size.
Bespoke rings
Another way of ensuring your engagement ring is unique is to have one made especially for you. An independent fine jeweller will be able to help you design your own beautiful bespoke engagement ring. Using their specialist knowledge and industry contacts they will be able to source the perfect gemstones for your ring to ensure the finished piece is truly unique and reflective of you.
Unique engagement rings at Susan Rumfitt Fine Jewellery
Here at our gallery in Harrogate, Susan and her team offer an ever-changing selection of unique fine jewellery including vintage and antique engagement rings. If you’re looking for a ring that is individual to you and shows off your personality and style, maybe you’ll find it in our current collection. We’ve picked out some of our favourites below but do let us know if there’s a particular kind of ring you are trying to find and we will do our best to assist you.
Our pick of unique engagement rings
A diamond solitaire in a modern Edwardian-inspired ring
The diamond in this understated yet elegant solitaire ring is presented in an old cut which is preferred by many people for its softer appearance. The stone is recycled and so is a more ethical choice as it has not been mined or grown in a lab. The stone’s setting within a modern Edwardian-inspired ring adds a touch of individuality.
More information is available on request.
An Art Deco emerald and diamond ring
This is a beautiful Art Deco ring featuring a deep, rich Columbian emerald with certification and two princess cut diamonds. Dating from around 1915-20, this ring is a classic and elegant choice.
A vintage diamond cluster ring
This gorgeous ring from around 1950 is not quite a ballerina ring but we think it looks similar. Ballerina rings usually feature undulating baguette cut diamonds that resemble a tutu. This piece in our gallery is a little more unique but the surrounding diamonds still look to us like a skirt in motion.
If you’re looking for an engagement ring that is a little more ostentatious or eye-catching than a traditional solitaire, then this may be the perfect piece for you!
An antique Victorian three stone sapphire ring
Sapphires were a common gemstone for engagement rings in the Victorian era as blue symbolised purity and femininity (think of the Virgin Mary). They were often set with diamonds but this pretty ring features three sapphires alone, each one a graduated oval cut.
Sapphire is also September’s birthstone, while blue sapphire is also given as a gift on 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
A three stone diamond ring
Another lovely modern but traditional ring using three reclaimed old cut diamonds in a rex or crown setting.
An amethyst fede ring
With their clasping hands design symbolising love, friendship, and fidelity, fede rings have a long history that’s believed to date back at least to Ancient Rome.
This antique piece in our collection would make a unique engagement ring with its round sugar loaf amethyst surrounded by rose cut diamonds. Look closely at the intricate hands grasping the gemstone and you’ll see a cute little addition – a finger on one hand is wearing a ruby ring and a finger on the other hand wears an emerald ring.
A vintage diamond cluster ring
This lovely ring from the 1980s has a bit of a different design that makes for a unique look. Its tapered crossover shoulders are wed-fit to sit beautifully next to a wedding band. This is a cute little ring that’s also very affordable.
An antique ruby and diamond cluster ring
Another diamond cluster ring that would make for a unique engagement piece, this stunning ring features a beautiful ruby at its centre. Rubies were often used in engagement rings to symbolise love, passion and fertility.
A contemporary diamond cluster ring
Engagement rings don’t have to from a bygone era to be unique – just take a look at this new piece in a traditional design. Its individuality comes from its bespoke design featuring a central round brilliant cut diamond surrounded by ten round brilliant cut diamonds and fourteen smaller diamonds at the sides. Please contact us if you would like Susan to help with a bespoke design or have a ring made up to order for you.
More information about this ring is available on request.
An antique opal and diamond cluster ring
Opals come in a wide variety of colours so engagement rings using this gemstone can look individual and unique. We love this antique ring with its blue green opal that also has hints of orange, surrounded by 12 old cut diamonds and set in a platinum band.
Opals were a particular favourite gemstone of Queen Victoria who was given an opal and diamond cluster similar to this one by her beloved Prince Albert. Opal is also the birthstone for October, so an opal ring may be particularly meaningful if you or your partner have their birthday during that month.
This piece would make a stunning unique engagement ring, although if you are planning to wear it every day please bear in mind that opal is a softer stone and may not be as durable as other gemstones.
A yellow sapphire and diamond moi et toi ring
Moi et toi (me and you) rings date back centuries and feature two gemstones side by side to reflect the union of a marriage. They often featured gemstones that were similar in size and style, but sometimes comprised two different stones that symbolised the bridge and groom.
Moi et toi rings came to prominence when Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Joséphine de Beauharnais with a moi et toi comprising a diamond and a blue sapphire.
They were also popular during the Victorian, Edwardian and Belle Epoque periods, and again in more recent times when John F Kennedy gave an emerald and diamond toi et moi ring to Jacqueline Onassis in 1953.
Today, these rings are part of a new trend among celebrities and designers subverting the traditional moi et toi style and juxtaposing a variety of gemstones, cuts and styles to create unique rings.
This dazzling new piece in our current collection reflects the current trend to add a modern twist on the classic moi and toi style ring. It contrasts the stunning colours of a yellow sapphire and a green emerald, surrounded with 18 round brilliant cut diamonds.
Please contact us for more information about this piece.