A vintage engagement ring is one that hails from another era. Perhaps it is Great-Grandma's ring from the late 1800's or maybe even your mother's ring from 30 years ago. Antique engagement rings are the perfect choice for women searching for something different. Perhaps you love vintage clothing and know a classic ring from long ago will be the best accessory. Maybe you are creative and artistic and don't like to follow the crowd. Or maybe you have a family heirloom that you have always dreamed of someday wearing.
Vintage rings range from the simple to the very ornate, so no matter what your style there will be a vintage ring for you. You will be amazed at the quality and designs you will see when shopping for a vintage ring. Gorgeous gemstones surrounded by clusters of diamonds, stunning platinum bands offset with diamonds, and lovely gold patterns will be sure to catch your eye. The three most popular engagement ring eras are the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco. Rings from these eras have withstood the test of time and are as beautiful today as they were when slipped upon the finger of a bride many years ago.
The Victorian era lasted from about 1835 until around 1900. Rings from this time were romantic and often very ornate. Yellow gold was quite popular. The Edwardian era, from 1900 until about 1920 or so, consisted of rings with delicate patterns. Platinum became increasingly popular during this time. Colored diamonds and gemstones were also sought after. The Art Deco period ran from about 1920 to 1935. During this era, designs became a little bolder, a little less frilly, sometimes with geometric shapes. Platinum was often used to create the beautiful rings, and while diamonds were often showcased, other gemstones including rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, were also top choices.
So, where do you buy a vintage engagement ring and what things should you look for to ensure your ring will last another 100 years? You can purchase vintage style engagement rings at jewelry stores, estate sales, pawn shops, antique stores, and online. Or you may be lucky enough to have a family heirloom passed down to you. Grandma's wedding ring may be the ultimate choice for an engagement ring that symbolizes your love and marriage.
How much is an antique ring going to cost you? Obviously, the quality of the ring determines how much the ring will cost, but vintage engagement rings are often expensive and for good reason. These rings are not run-of-the-mill nor easy to replace. Remember, you are receiving a small window to the past to display to the world. A beautiful and elegant ring is worth the extra expense.
When shopping for a vintage engagement ring, you should remember a few key points. The first is this: buy from a reputable seller. You want to be sure that the Victorian ring you purchase is in fact from that era and is not just a shoddy imitation. Look closely at the ring; bring a loupe with you if possible to check for areas of wear or imperfections. However, keep in mind that our standards of diamonds today are different than those from years ago.
For example, colorless diamonds have not always been the top choice for people. Also note that cutting techniques have greatly improved over the years so a ring from the early 20th century may contain more inclusions. This does not necessarily take away from its beauty. On the contrary, vintage rings are extremely beautiful. The classical and elegant designs that grace vintage rings may cause you to wonder why anyone would not choose to wear a vintage engagement ring.
For the bride-to-be who chooses a unique vintage engagement ring, the beauty and elegance of her ring will be sure to delight her for years to come. And someday she can pass on this little piece of history to be enjoyed by yet another generation.
