Top 30 1940s Engagement Rings

Every vintage piece of jewelry has a story to tell, and this is especially true for engagement rings coming from such an intriguing decade as the 1940s. Rings from the Retro era feature bold accent stones and recognizable geometric designs that are popular even today.

Feast your eyes on the top 30 1940s engagement rings below and be sure to contact us if any of them win your heart.

1. Verdun Ring

Price: $16,000

This stunning French ring dates back to circa 1945. Its most notable feature is an impressive VS1 clarity old European-cut diamond in double prongs, weighing 2.31 carats. A lovely, scalloped halo surrounds the stone, giving it even more shine. The ring combines platinum, gold, and white gold, and has a discreet, slim band. 

2. Berge Ring

Price: $4,000

The Berge Ring is a great example of the Retro era’s tasteful elegance. This geometric ring features a 0.60-carat SI2 clarity old European-cut diamond, alongside several smaller rose-cut ones on the sides. This ring has another early 1940s staple: charming milgrain borders its mounting. 

3. Metz Ring

Price: $9,500

The Metz Ring combines simplicity with extravagance. Its rectangular center features a 1.28-carat old European-cut diamond in VS2 clarity, haloed by several smaller gems. The shoulders are bejeweled with single-cut diamonds and fine milgrain, while the under-gallery has a geometric design. 

4. Mildred Ring

Price: $8,500

Can’t make up your mind between yellow gold and white gold? This dainty, hand-crafted engagement ring features both metals for a two-toned design. At the center of the ring, a 1.26-carat VS1 diamond steals the show. The yellow gold prongs create a striking contrast with the L color stone, giving this ring a truly unique appearance. The white-gold shoulders are further decorated with two single-cut diamonds.

5. Genesee Ring

Price Upon Request

The Genesee Ring is another simplistic solitaire ring from the late 1940s. A 6.01-carat VVS2 clarity Asscher-cut diamond is held in place by double prongs. The under-gallery of this ring remains exceedingly simple to maintain a truly subdued elegance.

6. Liberty Ring

Price: $18,500

This Retro ring features a 1.90-carat old European-cut diamond in J color and VS2 clarity. The prongs holding the stone are decorated with old European-cut diamonds and milgrain detailing. The most striking feature of the Liberty ring is its geometric shank that gives it a sharp, clean appearance.

7. Melbourne Ring

Price: $2,800

1940s engagement rings often have a unique design. The Melbourne Ring, with its horizontal layout, is certainly a one-of-a-kind piece. This ring combines platinum gold and yellow gold. It holds five antique cushion- and old mine-cut diamonds, which weigh 0.75 carats in total. The center diamond is a splendid VS1 clarity stone, while the rest vary from VS2-SI1.

8. Palmetto Ring

Price: $5,000

Speaking of unique ring shapes, the Palmetto Ring with its bow-tie shape is certainly another interesting piece from the end of the decade. This platinum ring features a 0.80-carat transitional-cut stone in the middle and multiple baguette- and single-cut ones on the sides. With a wide band, this 13.09-gram ring is certainly a looker.

9. Coatesville Ring

Price: $1,500

Two-toned engagement rings were popular in the 1940s. Another great example of this is the Coatesville Ring, which features a show-stopping, 0.64-carat aquamarine as its primary stone. Set in white gold prongs, the aquamarine stands out beautifully against the yellow of the band. Several old European-cut diamonds adorn the ring’s shoulders. 

10. Andover Ring

Price Upon Request

The Andover Ring is a unique take on 1940s engagement rings, with a bezel-set 1.13-carat diamond as its only gem. The old European-cut stone sits on a raised square platform between white gold shoulders. The ring has an extraordinarily wide band that measures 10.25-13.45 mm. The white gold center is bordered by yellow gold rolled edges, creating a two-toned design.

11. Belmont Ring

Price: $4,000

This French Retro era ring with an intricate geometric design features a 0.75-carat VS1 diamond with a round brilliant cut. The square bezel is bordered by two sets of single cuts and shoulders with an open-cut design. The under-gallery and the fairly wide band remain simple with no embellishments.

12. Califon Ring

Price: $3,800

Delicate engagement rings never go out of style. This charming ring with a 0.75-carat VS2 clarity diamond combines gentle curves with a square-shaped design. The stone is held in place by box prongs, and the shoulder houses a single cut on each side in a bullet-shaped bezel. The ring is made of gold and white gold for an elegant result. 

13. Estate Caledonia Ring

Price Upon Request

Another stunning ring that’s no longer available but can still inspire us with its character is the Estate Caledonia Ring. This vintage piece of jewelry features a 7-carat aquamarine stone in an emerald cut. The ring itself is platinum, with interesting rolled bars and a single-cut diamond on each side of the stone. Let our experts find or create a similar ring for you.

14. Uxbridge Ring

Price: $2,500

Colored gems provide engagement rings with extra flair. The same is true for this striking amethyst ring that features a 7.06-carat elongated cushion-cut stone. Multiple sets of small diamonds embellish the shoulders of this fairly minimalistic ring. The amethyst is supported by a geometric under-gallery and a thin platinum band.

15. Callaway Ring

Price Upon Request

The Callaway Ring dates back to the end of the decade. Its filigree detailing that shoulders a 0.44-carat SI1 has an open design and fine milgrain. The detailing continues all the way down the shank, creating a unique look. Although this ring has already found an owner, we can still marvel at its skilled craftsmanship. If you’re interested, our experts can help you find or create something similar, too.

16. Enola Ring

Price: $14,500

Retro diamond engagement rings often featured other stones for added interest. This vintage piece, for example, has a natural cushion-cut ruby in its center, flanked by small diamonds. The ruby is further haloed by additional emerald and round-brilliant-cut diamonds. Looking at its lovely floral shape, the Enola Ring is clearly a unique piece that combines Edwardian and Retro elements.

17. Moreland Ring

Price: $22,500

If you liked the Callaway Ring’s detailing, you’ll love what the Moreland Ring has to offer. This 18k gold and white gold ring houses a dazzling 2.41-carat VS1 clarity stone in a breathtaking mounting. The openwork features single-cut diamonds, minute leaf details, and fine milgrain. The detailing also trails down the delicate shank.

18. Debonair Ring

Price Upon Request

The Debonair Ring is another fine example of everything Retro. This simple ring features geometric shapes. A 4.16-carat stone creates a dramatic effect with its transitional cut and VS1 clarity. The under-gallery has some added detailing as well. If the Debonair Ring has won your heart, let our experts find or create a similar ring for you.

19. Redstone Ring

Price: $2,800

Those looking for something petite and feminine will adore the Redstone Ring’s delicate design. This halo engagement ring has a 0.50-carat SI1 clarity stone in the middle, which provides a budget-friendly option among vintage pieces. The halo and the shoulders feature single-cut diamonds in a white gold mount, while the band is yellow gold.

20. Vintage Quebec Ring

Price: $3,000

Colored gemstone engagement rings were popular before diamonds took over the scene and are coming back in style again. The natural aquamarine of this Vintage Quebec Ring is a splendid 2.06-carat stone with an elegant cushion cut. The shoulders are decorated with multiple round brilliant-cut diamonds and trail down to a medium-width band.

21. Black, Starr & Frost Ring

Price: $4,500

Yellow gold and aquamarine are an eye-catching combination. This vintage Black, Starr & Frost Ring holds a 9.28-carat Asscher-cut stone, held in place by golden prongs. The aquamarine leaves little to be desired, so this ring maintains simplicity with a solitaire design.

22. Weybridge Ring

Price: $60,000

The Weybridge Ring from the middle of the decade is one of the most impressive 1940s diamond engagement rings on our list. This exquisite piece of jewelry features a collection-grade VVS1 clarity emerald-cut diamond in the center. It has multiple calibre-cut, baguette-cut, and round old-cut stones. Bordering this diamond galore on each side is a row of natural sapphires.

23. Piedmont Ring

Price: $3,200

The Piedmont Ring is another spectacular 1940s engagement ring with a colored stone. The 3.52-carat emerald-cut rubellite contrasts well with the six diamonds that border it on two sides. The diamonds weigh 0.30 carats in total, and the ring itself is platinum.

24. Vista Ring

Price Upon Request

If red is a bit too much for you, this soft-pink kunzite ring might be more to your liking. The 15-carat gem is set in three tones of gold, with additional diamonds on the shoulders. Undeniably, the yellow of the gold works fantastically with the pink, creating a unique result. Unfortunately, this ring has already found an owner, but our experts can look for a suitable alternative for you.

25. Ellington Ring

Price: $3,500

This opulent Retro ring from circa 1950 is made of platinum. The setting features a halo design, housing a stunning 1.93-carat oval-cut natural sapphire. A row of round brilliant-cut diamonds surround the center stone. The ring has a robust build with a wide triple shank.

26. Chambord Ring

Price Upon Request

The Chambord Ring is another fine example of a two-toned setting. It’s made of platinum and gold, and features a 2.41-carat VS2 diamond in its center. What makes this ring truly unique, though, are the emerald-cut bezel-set natural sapphires that hug the diamond on each side. While the Chambord Ring is no longer available, you can browse numerous other rings with bezel-set natural sapphires.

27. Islip Ring

Price: $9,000

The Islip Ring features the largest stone on our list. In its center, a 20-carat emerald-cut aquamarine dazzles the wearer with its fresh color. The gem is sitting in a white gold mount with three single-cut diamonds in square bezels on each side. This ring has an open under-gallery and a yellow gold triple-wire shank.

28. Tiber Ring

Price: $2,800

Another ring from the end of the decade, the Tiber Ring also features a charming, round-cut aquamarine stone that weighs 1.64 carats. The shoulders and the under-gallery have multiple baguette- and single-cut diamonds. The borders of the uniquely-shaped mounting also have milgrain details.

29. Charleston Ring

Price Upon Request

The Charleston Ring features an understated design reminiscent of solitaire rings. The shoulders are flanked by two small baguette-cut diamonds that give this piece extra flair. The center stone is a beautiful, 1.51-carat VS1 diamond. If you’d like to purchase a similar ring, fill out our form below.

30. Newcastle Ring

Price Upon Request

The Newcastle Ring showcases an incredibly detailed open filigree design that also extends to its shank. At the center, a 0.74-carat old European-cut diamond and two side stones create an elegant look. The ring is made of gold and white gold, with plenty of milgrain. While this piece is already sold, we’re at your disposal to help you find a similar piece.

Popular Ring Styles From the 1940s

In the world of jewelry, the 1940s represent the end of Art Deco and the beginning of the Retro era. While Art Deco was famous for unique and often unusual designs, 1940s engagement rings tend to be a tad simpler. Here are some popular styles that characterize this decade.

Geometric shapes

Art Deco was still lingering in the air during this decade. We can see geometric mountings and intricate under-galleries reminiscent of this era.

Colored stones

Diamonds weren’t always the number one choice for engagement rings. Although they became more popular during the Retro era, there are still plenty of rings with colored gems like aquamarine and emerald.

Combined metals

As platinum use was restricted during the war, jewelers used various alternatives. Many 1940s engagement rings feature a two-toned design with several types of gold.

Are Rings From the 1940s Considered Vintage and Antique?

Whether a piece of jewelry is antique or vintage depends entirely on its age.

By definition, vintage jewelry needs to be older than 20 years but not yet over 100. Engagement rings from the 1940s are around 80 years old today, which qualifies them as vintage. Vintage rings are also generally considered estate jewelry, since they were previously owned.

Antique jewelry is over 100 years old. Therefore, Retro rings aren’t yet antique. In a few decades, your vintage ring will step into this category.

Talk to a Jewelry Expert

When shopping for a vintage engagement ring, finding the right era can make all the difference. If the 1940s have caught your eye, you have many choices. Whether you prefer diamond rings or something extraordinary like a colored gemstone, we can help you pick the right engagement ring. Contact us using the form below if you would like to learn more about any of the rings we offer.