For out-of-the-ordinary engagement rings, something which is from another time period - consider Vintage engagement rings. Vintage engagement rings have a lot to offer if you want a ring that is both beautiful and meaningful. Often these rings are passed down from generation to generation. However if that’s not the case in your family but you still want a vintage ring for your significant other there are plenty of places to look. Estate sales are certainly one way to find all kinds of vintage and antique jewelry including engagement rings. The word vintage is hard to define. It is used to describe wine, clothing, cars and jewelry. A vintage piece of jewelry is one that is more than 50 years old. Some people will tell you that vintage pieces must be made before 1900. It all depends on who you ask. One thing you will notice about older pieces of jewelry is the color. Colored diamonds were popular back then unlike today where white diamonds are the norm.