Antique and vintage engagement rings are not only beautiful, but they are also totally unique. After all, they’ve been designed decades (if not centuries) ago, so there is a good chance that you will be the only person in the world who is wearing this specific style of engagement ring. This makes them the perfect choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd and show off a bit of their personality and personal history with their significant other.
But when shopping for an antique ring, there are some things you need to keep in mind. Antique means that the piece is over 100 years old, so you’ll need to look for some characteristics that will help you pinpoint the era from which it comes. This includes the overall style of the ring, the ornamentation and symbolism, and the cutting styles that are associated with the era.
For example, the Victorian era was known for its lacey filigree, while Edwardian pieces featured a dome-shaped basket for their center stone. The Art Deco era was characterized by geometric designs and contrasting colors. You can also tell that a ring is from the antique period by its engraving and details like milgrain. Milgrain is a type of engraving that looks like tiny metal balls and gives the ring that ‘antique’ look.
It’s also important to remember that rings from the antique and vintage eras will require more care than their modern counterparts, as they may need to be refinished or repaired from time to time. This is because precious metals oxidize and may lose some of their durability with age, so it’s important to make sure your ring can be repaired by a trusted jeweler should anything happen to it.
If you are shopping for an antique or vintage ring, be sure to find a trusted jeweler that specializes in these types of rings and has a brick-and-mortar store where you can visit them and see their collection in person. You will also need to do your research before making a purchase, so that you understand the lingo and can ask the right questions about the ring you are considering.
A lot of novice retailers use the terms antique and vintage interchangeably, which can be confusing for those who are unfamiliar with jewelry lingo. It’s important to understand the difference because genuine vintage and antique jewelry will hold its value and have more artisan quality than pieces that have been casted and mass produced. So if you are shopping for an antique or vintage era ring, be sure to ask about the artisanal qualities of the piece before making your decision. It’s the best way to be sure you’re getting a real deal. And don’t worry, even if you aren’t ready to commit to an antique ring, many high-quality vendors offer stunning rings in the eras you are interested in. Just be sure to do your homework beforehand so that you don’t make a big mistake that could hurt your chances of finding the ring of her dreams.
Antique Engagement Rings
In a world where sparkle-filled halos are becoming more and more the norm, antique engagement rings are for brides looking to stand out with a unique style that is not only eye-catching but historically significant. From excerpt scrollwork to intricate details around the band, vintage-inspired styles are a beautiful choice that can add immense beauty and heirloom quality to a woman’s hand. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making the decision to choose an antique-style engagement ring.
The first is that an antique ring is more likely to require more care and upkeep than a modern one due to its age. Often, these rings will have more delicate design features and crevices that may require special cleaning methods or even repair services over time. Additionally, older rings are more prone to scratches and other damage, so it is important to weigh these pros and cons before choosing this type of engagement ring for your needs.
Lastly, because of their limited supply, antique rings tend to be more expensive than modern diamonds of comparable size and quality. It is important to consider the full value of an antique ring when making your purchase, as well as to weigh these factors against your budget and lifestyle.
The best place to find a truly stunning antique-style ring is to shop in person at a jeweler that offers a wide selection of designs, expert knowledge, and an expansive inventory. Ultimately, this helps you narrow down your options and find the piece that is perfect for your vision and fit.
