Antique Engagement Rings

The antique diamond rings are popular jewelry that has generally denoted elegance, prominence, and romantic symbolism. However, the antique diamond rings are considered one from years past, particularly an era more than one hundred years ago.

For anyone planning on getting engaged, a good option is to buy an antique engagement ring which is often cheaper and has an inherent charm and uniqueness to it. This is a common heirloom cherished by many, not essentially as much for its gemstone or monetary value as for its sentimental significance.

We have to thank the Victorians thank for introducing the diamond engagement ring as the ring to wear and many of those early designs are now being copied and updated for today's modern fiancee.

History of Antique Engagement Rings

One should go back 50 years or more, when he or she thinks about the antique engagement ring because rings that are less than 50 years old are known as estate rings. This means that rings that were made prior to 1950 would qualify to be known as antique engagement rings and jewelers may often refer to these rings as “vintage engagement rings,” though some even use the catch-all term, old ring.

Different Eras

Different eras in time have had unique antique engagement rings and some of these are

• Victorian antique engagement rings, which were in use from1835 till 1900. Victorian antique engagement rings were very often made out of yellow or rose gold and were either simply or intricately designed.
• Edwardian Engagement Rings from 1900 to 1920. Edwardian Engagement Rings were the product of the newly invented oxyacetylene torch and platinum was the most common precious metal for these rings.
• Art Deco Engagement Rings from 1920 till 1930. The Art Deco Engagement Rings were the result of machinery manufacturing and often reflected this era through their streamlined geometric looks.

Tips for Purchasing an Antique Engagement Ring

• When buying an antique engagement ring one needs to keep in mind particular things such as diamonds have now become the most popular choice for people, although this was not always the case.
• Diamond cuts have also changed dramatically over the years. Contemporary diamond cutters use modern faceting techniques to show a diamond off at its brilliant best. Although a diamond will sparkle even when it’s been poorly cut, don't expect the same razzle-dazzle you see today from the diamonds in antique engagement rings.
• When purchasing the antique engagement ring one needs to look with a great deal of care at the description of the specific piece which should include size, age, condition, color, carat, clarity, and cut, and one should get this description in writing. It would also be ideal if a certified gemologist were to report these findings.
• If you want a genuine vintage engagement ring make sure you have it assessed by a qualified jeweler so that any damage can be corrected and the settings strengthened. You may even need to have the stone or stones re-mounted.
• One needs to check the ring for its quality of craftsmanship and for budget buyers, they need to look for rings made between 1930 and 1940 and should also remember that today’s standards may be different to those of years gone by and tastes and fashions have changed with what were once considered appropriate, are now being discarded for others.
• Other things to bear in mind when purchasing an antique engagement ring is to always have all your questions answered to your satisfaction. It needs to also be ascertained as to what are the terms and conditions and know the return policies, in case one become dissatisfied with his or her purchase at a later time.

There are many places to purchase antique engagement rings and these include antique stores, jewelers, estate sales, pawn shops as well as online sites. For the novice buyer it is best to purchase antique jewelers as well as antique jewelry specialists.