Vintage Style Engagement Rings: The Details That Make Them

In this guide

    By Clint Casmiro, Co-Founder, Smiro Studio, Toronto · Updated September 27, 2026

    Short answer: A vintage style engagement ring borrows details from antique jewellery: an antique style cut (old mine, Portuguese, step cut), hand engraving like floral or vintage scroll, milgrain edges, a split shank, or a flower basket. We make them new, so you get the look with modern strength and a clean top view.

    Old world look, new ring. Here are the details that do the work.

    Which diamond cuts look vintage?

    Old mine cushions (small table, tall crown, big chunky facets that glow instead of glitter), Portuguese cuts, step cuts and Dutch marquises. We cut old mines new, in the antique style, and we specialise in lab grown old mines.

    What kind of engraving looks vintage?

    Vintage scroll and floral, or our most popular mix of the two. Every piece is carved by hand by an artisan, so no two are the same. See our hand engraving page.

    What is milgrain?

    A row of tiny metal beads along an edge, common on antique rings. It adds texture and catches light. It pairs well with engraving.

    Is a vintage ring less durable?

    An antique can be, because metal thins over decades. A new ring in a vintage style starts at full thickness. We never go under 2 mm in gold.

    How do you keep it from looking dated?

    Keep the top clean and put the personality underneath: engraving on the bridge, a hidden halo, a tulip basket. That way it never goes out of style.

    Want us to look at your idea?

    A free 30 minute video call with Clint or Karina. Bring a photo, a budget, or nothing at all.

    Book a free callSee our process

    Questions we get about this

    What makes an engagement ring vintage style?

    Antique style cuts, hand engraving, milgrain, split shanks and flower baskets.

    Do you sell real antique rings?

    No. We make new rings in vintage styles, so they start at full strength.

    Is an old mine cut real antique?

    Ours are newly cut in the old mine style. Lab grown old mines are a specialty, and natural can be sourced.

    Can you engrave a vintage pattern on a new ring?

    Yes. Floral, vintage scroll and a floral scroll mix are our three signature patterns.

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    Rings we have made for couples

    Moval-Cut Diamond Ring with Tulip Petals

    Moval-Cut Diamond Ring with Tulip Petals

    A 2.05ct moval in a 6 petal east west tulip setting, platinum, with a hand engraved north star beneath the bridge. From Sam's sketch to the finished ring.
    Old Mine Cushion Diamond Ring

    Old Mine Cushion Diamond Ring

    A 2.5ct old mine cushion, newly cut in the antique style, set in 14k yellow gold with a hidden halo and low profile basket. Why Simon asked for an old mine by name, and how we built it.

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