Antique Engagement Rings

The tradition of engagement rings began in the 1400s and many couples today prefer heirloom or antique engagement rings to mark their special occasion. A groom seeking an heirloom engagement ring should inquire both within his own family and his potential fiancé’s family for a ring with sentimental value and personal connections. If no heirloom ring is available, there are several sources from which to obtain antique engagement rings.

Antique rings are often elaborate.

Not all antique engagement rings are the same. Different eras have distinctly different styles, including Victorian (1835-1900), Edwardian (1900-1920), and Art Deco (1930). If the bride-to-be has an artistic or historic hobby, a nice touch is to find a ring that matches what she is interested in.

Any ring over 50 years old is considered an antique. Newer rings are often called estate engagement rings, and while they are not yet antiques, they are on their way to becoming so. The label “vintage” has no definite meaning except to indicate that it resembles older pieces. A vintage engagement ring, then, could be an antique ring, an estate piece, or a newly made replica. These types of rings can be found in a variety of different places.

Antique & Vintage Stores

Many high-end antique and vintage stores carry an extensive array of jewelry. Get a list of shops in your area and call to ask whether they currently have any diamond rings available. In addition, many shop owners frequently attend estate sales and will be glad to keep an eye out for something a customer has requested. Be prepared to describe the type of ring you prefer, including your idea of the period, setting or metal, carats, quality, and price range.

Estate Sales

Estate sales occur when a significant amount of items from a home need to be disposed of, usually after a family member’s death. These sales can be a good source for a variety of types of jewelry and may present the opportunity to buy a diamond engagement ring below its normal resale value. However, it may be difficult to determine whether an appropriate ring is available without traveling many miles and spending time looking over the items for sale. Furthermore, relatives or agents in charge of the estate sale may not know the history of a piece, such as its appraised value, matching accessories, or other details. A more convenient option may be to seek out a jeweler who carries estate pieces, though they will add a surcharge to the items they carry.

Antique Engagement Rings Online

There are several sources for antique and vintage engagement rings available online. The internet is an excellent resource for determining the types and prices of available engagement rings, but precautions should be undertaken before purchasing from an online store. You should do a thorough background check on the seller through the Better Business Bureau and/or previous customers. An online jeweler should also offer clear photographs and accredited certifications for each ring. The same precautions apply to buying an engagement ring at an online auction.

Pawn Shops

Antique rings can start new marriages.

Pawn shops are another alternative for finding antique engagement rings. Some people may be adverse to the idea of shopping in a pawn shop for such a special item, but these shops should not be overlooked in the search for unique engagement rings. Pawn shops are a good option for the buyer with a limited budget, but extensive knowledge about judging diamond jewelry is especially important to insure you are buying a quality piece.

Consignment Shops

Consignment shops are similar to pawn shops but often have stricter standards for the items they accept. Consignment shops are slightly more expensive than pawn shops, and buyers should still investigate any potential rings carefully before agreeing on a purchase.

After You Buy an Antique Ring

After purchasing an antique ring, you should have the piece appraised immediately to ascertain its actual value and if necessary, you may be able to return the piece if it does not meet your expectations. Next, a certified jeweler should inspect the ring for weaknesses or damage and repair it before presenting it to your fiancé. Antique rings often need a thorough cleaning as well.

Antique rings make charming engagement rings and can be very unique and eye-catching. With a bit of perseverance, finding a suitable ring can be easy and rewarding, knowing that you are treating your relationship with the consideration and care necessary to survive even longer than the ring.

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