subject: Tips For Choosing An Antique Engagement Ring [print this page] Choosing an engagement ring can be stressfulChoosing an engagement ring can be stressful. While some people enjoy more modern rings, others may enjoy antique rings. However, just like modern rings, antique engagement rings come in a variety of styles, with a wide variety of stones, and cuts.
Choose an Era
Antique engagement rings are considered antique due to age. Rings must be at least fifty years old to be considered antique. When you want to choose an antique ring, it can be easier to do when you choose an era and look at the rings from that time period. All eras have styles and selections of rings that are specific to that time period. For example, Victorian-era engagement rings often featured rose or yellow gold. Engagement rings from 1900 to 1920 often featured platinum settings, instead of yellow or rose gold settings.
Know Your Stones
Diamonds were not always the primary stone used in engagement rings. Many older rings featured stones such as opal, emerald, and pearl. If you do not want to choose a ring with diamond stones, you can consider purchasing a ring from the late 18th or early 19th century. Different colored stones were more popular than diamonds prior to this time period.
If you choose to purchase a vintage engagement ring with stones other than diamonds, you must be aware of any potential cracks or damage done to these stones. While diamonds are a hardy stone, other stones can become more delicate over time.
Buying on a Budget
While antique rings can be costly, you can still find a ring on a budget. Choosing rings with smaller diamonds or different gemstones can help you save money, while still getting a beautiful engagement ring. If you want a ring that still looks as though it has a larger diamond, consider looking for rings from the 1930s or the 1940s. Rings from these eras often featured elaborate settings that made the center diamond look larger.
Where to Start Looking
When you want an antique ring, there are a variety of places you can look. Antique stores and independently-owned jewelry stores are both ideal places to look. These places carry certified and authentic antique jewelry. Places such as estate sales often carry newer jewelry, and should be avoided when you are looking for authentic antique pieces.
There are many factors that go into finding and choosing the right antique engagement ring. However, the most important thing to remember when you are jewelry shopping is to know what your partner finds appealing. Regardless of what era the ring is from, when you choose one that your partner loves, that is all that counts.
