Antique Men's Wedding Rings

If you are looking for a unique wedding band for your groom, then antique men's wedding rings are the perfect choices. Many times antique bands have been created with a craftsmanship that isn't found in modern jewelry.

Where do Antique Bands Come From?

These pieces come from estate sales, old inventories, private sales, and other places. Some of the pieces have been worn for a life-time; others have never been out of the warehouse. The jeweler might know the history of a ring you are interested in or it may be full of mystery.

The most treasured antique men's wedding rings are heirlooms that have been passed down through a family. Since not everyone can inherit a special band, finding one to buy is the next best thing.

What is the Difference Between Antique and Estate?

Most of the available antique wedding bands are from the 1920s through the 1940s. Since jewelry is only considered antique if it is over fifty years old anything that was crafted after 1955 is considered an estate piece.

There is no real standard for vintage jewelry. Vintage can mean anything from five years old to fifty years old depending on the interpretation of the seller. Antique style means that the ring has been created to look antique but is not an antique.

Men's bands have traditionally been simple and unadorned. A plain, gold band was most often the ring of choice for men in previous decades. The most common styles of antique wedding bands are:

• Georgian (1780-1830, rare): Greek inspired, delicate, classical.
• Victorian(1837-1901):Lavish, Celtic inspired, figural.
• Edwardian/Art Nouveau (1900-1915): Lightness, femininity, intricate design.
• Art Deco(1915-1938):Geometry, symmetry, and bold design.

Buying Antique Men's Wedding Rings

Always work with a reputable dealer to ensure you are getting what you pay for. While you may get a great deal on an antique wedding band, most often you will find that the quality of the ring is related to the price being asked. Many jewelry stores carry estate and antique pieces but you may also find in them in other places:

• Antique stores
• Pawn shops
• Auctions
• Estate sales
• Thrift shops

If you are unsure of the value of a piece, ask the seller if he will provide an appraisal or allow you to have it appraised. This could keep you from making a very costly mistake.

If you are buying the ring from an online site like eBay read the item description and the seller's feedback carefully. Make sure that you understand return policies. Always ask questions and get detailed answers before agreeing to purchase an item. If there is a problem once you receive your ring be sure to alert the seller immediately.

You can also find online jewelry stores that specialize in both new and antique jewelry. Keep in mind that these wedding rings are one of a kind and if you take too long to ponder your purchase, it could end up belonging to someone else.

Antique Men's Bands Online

Some of the places to find antique men's wedding rings online are:

• Antique Jewelry Mall
• The Way We Were
• Antique Reflections
• Ruby Lane
• eBay
• Barbara Rosen

As Unique as You Are

Buying one of these unique wedding rings is a sentimental way to express your love and commitment to your future husband. It is unlikely that there will ever be another like it. The soft patina that antique jewelry gets with age is unmatched by any modern polishing process. You will enjoy the beauty of the antique wedding ring for years to come.

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