Antique Wedding Ring
An antique wedding ring carries the weight of personal history across decades of design, spanning plain gold bands and diamond-set eternity styles.
Antique Wedding Ring
When searching for an antique wedding ring, buyers encounter a distinct mix of plain high-purity gold bands, diamond eternity rings, and occasional domestic objects sharing the name.
The selection ranges from late Victorian and Edwardian examples to Art Deco and mid-century pieces, covering both simple symbols of union and gem-set rings.
Plain 22 carat yellow gold and 9 carat rose gold bands sit alongside platinum settings encrusted with old cut diamonds and rubies.
How they were made
Goldsmiths utilised high-purity 22 carat yellow gold and various grades of rose and white gold, often shaping bands into traditional court or D-shape profiles.
Platinum emerged alongside 18 carat white and yellow gold to house old cut diamonds in secure claw, channel, and full eternity configurations during the early twentieth century.
Hallmarks stamped into the metal by official assay offices provide definitive records of the town, maker, and year of creation.
Antique Wedding Ring Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for wedding ring among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Several brass photograph frames sharing the wedding ring name appear alongside the jewellery, cast in the likeness of oversized bands.
What varies in quality
The purity of the metal and the structural integrity of the band dictate the baseline standard, with heavier 22 carat gold retaining its substantial weight against daily wear better than thinner alternatives.
In stone-set examples, the precision of the setting and the matching quality of the old cut diamonds determine the visual harmony and durability of the piece.
Crispness in engraved details, such as floral motifs or buckle designs, distinguishes master craftsmanship from simpler mass production.
C. T. Burrows And Sons·William Griffiths And Son
The Antique Wedding Ring Glossary
- Hallmark
- An official stamp struck into precious metal indicating the purity, assay office, and year of manufacture. These small marks are essential for dating British jewellery accurately.
- Court shape
- A ring profile featuring a rounded exterior and a domed interior designed for comfortable everyday wear. This style is frequently found on heavyweight 22 carat gold bands.
- Old cut diamond
- A hand-faceted diamond cut before modern machine precision, characterised by a smaller table and high crown. These stones display a softer, distinctive glow under candlelight.
- Eternity ring
- A band set continuously with gemstones symbolising unending love. Versions here feature diamonds or rubies in platinum and 18 carat white gold.
- Mizpah
- A sentimental piece exchanged between people separated by distance, inscribed with a Hebrew term meaning a watcher or beacon. These Victorian bands often feature interlocking hands.
Antique Wedding Ring: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my ring size?
Rings can be measured using standard sizing cones or plastic sizers, though historical sizes often reflect older British standards.
It is sensible to consult a jeweller to check if a specific antique band can be adjusted without disrupting hallmarks.
Can I wear an antique ring daily?
Solid gold bands from the Victorian and Edwardian periods are remarkably durable and suited for everyday wear.
More delicate stone-set eternity rings require occasional checks by a jeweller to ensure the claws remain secure.
What does a Birmingham hallmark mean?
A Birmingham hallmark indicates that the piece of jewellery was tested and stamped at the assay office in that city.
Specific letters included in the stamp allow you to trace the exact year the item was hallmarked.
Are these rings truly antique?
The selections span eras from the late nineteenth century through the mid-century decades, well past the century threshold.
Assay office hallmarks and traditional cutting styles confirm the authentic age of each piece.