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An engagement ring is a promise for the future. For many couples, an engagement ring is one of the most important – and expensive – pieces of jewelry they’ll ever buy. A future family heirloom and a piece which will be worn every day. It's important to find an engagement ring that reflects who you are and the things you value as well as being beautiful.
Antique, estate and vintage engagement rings are on the rise as eco-conscious consumers search for diamond and gemstone rings that are in keeping with their values and concerns. While stones like moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are trending, vintage rings offer an alternative option for couples searching for ethical engagement rings.
At Doyle & Doyle, we’ll help you pop the question with a vintage or antique engagement ring that becomes part of your story. We’re sharing why vintage rings are a sustainable and ethical option for couples searching for conflict-free engagement rings.
What is an Ethically Sourced Engagement Ring?
Couples are increasingly searching for sustainably and ethically sourced engagement rings. Vintage and antique jewelry is, by its nature, one of the most sustainable options that a couple can choose. Vintage engagement rings have the lowest carbon footprint on the market, avoiding further environmental harm from mining diamonds, gemstones, or precious metals.
Buying an antique engagement ring is also an ethical alternative as it gives these stunning, handcrafted rings a second life and doesn’t contribute to current mining and social conflicts. Fairytale-worthy jewels from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco eras are all wonderful choices for couples who are concerned with the environmental and social impact of mining. The perfect match for your ethical engagement is a vintage wedding band.
Why Choose an Environmentally Friendly Vintage Engagement Ring?
In a world of here-today-gone-tomorrow trends, most engagement rings are mass-produced with a focus on a small number of cuts and silhouettes. Vintage engagement rings are beautifully made with techniques that are not as common due to the labor intensive nature of the work.
Although ‘antique’ and ‘vintage’ are terms often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Antique rings are at least 100 years old, while vintage rings are older than 20 years old. The most popular vintage rings are typically post-war designs from the 1920s to the 1970s. Art Deco engagement rings sit between vintage and antique, as many were created in the 1920s, although the design era lasted until the mid-1930s.
Precious Metals and Gemstones Without the Environmental Footprint
Antique rings are a great option if you’re looking for a colored gemstone, such as a sapphire, ruby, or amethyst. These stones are very durable due to the structure of their crystals. They are perfect for a ring that is worn everyday. Estate rings offer a way to obtain these natural gems without negatively impacting the planet. Victorian and Edwardian rings pre-date the era of mass-produced synthetic gemstones, giving you a stunning, colored gemstone, expertly set, that will maintain its look and value for years to come.
Can Diamonds Be Conflict Free?
It’s impossible to talk about sustainable engagement rings without touching on the issue of conflict-free diamonds. While lab-grown diamonds are becoming popular as an ‘eco-friendly’ alternative, they take a large quantity of energy to produce. Although arguably conflict-free, they still have a higher carbon footprint than buying a pre-loved, vintage ring.
Because a vintage diamond does not contribute to mining and that aspect of the gem trade, it is not supporting current conflicts in the diamond mining regions. Choosing an antique, estate or vintage diamond ring also means that you're not contributing to the environmental impact of diamond mining, which leads to the destruction of habitats and deforestation.
Shop for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Antique Engagement Rings with New York’s Vintage Jewelry Expert
At Doyle & Doyle, we believe that jewelry can be as sustainable as it is beautiful. Our vintage and antique engagement rings are innately ethical and conflict-free, using natural diamonds and gemstones mined decades ago and set in silver, platinum, or fine gold.
Looking for something more unique? Explore our exclusive Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle collection. Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle is an upcycled jewelry line created by our in-house jewelry experts. It's made using recycled gold, platinum, and silver, and set with conflict-free natural diamonds and gemstones. These antique-inspired pieces are designed in New York City and created in the USA.
Get more inspiration for sustainable engagement rings and modern heirlooms by following our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
