Vintage Engagement Ring

Popular Vintage Engagement Rings

While rings can certainly be dated back for decades, some of the most popular designs date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of these earlier rings have delicate filigree patterns and feature small diamonds exquisitely captured in a gold setting. Not all the stones may be diamonds, either: rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are popular vintage stones.

Vintage Cuts

Because jewelers of the past didn't have access to the precise technology available today, they had to develop the art of cutting each stone. Because of the cruder technology, many truly vintage and antique stones will have chips, scratches, or flaws along the edges or surfaces of the facets. While these flaws may devalue the piece slightly, that depreciation is often countered by the intricacy and age of the ring.

Vintage Metals

Platinum wasn't used extensively in engagement rings until the beginning of the 1900s. Until then, yellow gold was the most prominent metal. In the early twentieth century, platinum engagement rings became popular, but as wars, particularly World War II, demanded platinum for military manufacturing, yellow gold once again regained its popularity. Today, ring purchasers can choose from white gold, yellow gold, and platinum, as well as various combinations.

Choosing a Ring

There is more to buying vintage jewelry than visiting an estate sale or local jewelry store. There are several points you need to keep in mind when searching for that perfect ring.

• Vintage rings are often quite delicate, with intricate patterns and tiny accent stones. Be sure you have the ring examined thoroughly and understand what repairs might be necessary, along with any extra maintenance costs.
• Older rings often have the accumulated dirt and oils of decades of ring fingers embedded in the prongs, setting, and other miniscule niches of the ring, and thus may not appear as sparkling as they will after a thorough cleaning. Many jewelers should be able to clean the piece upon request, though this service may not be available at pawn shops, estate sales, and auctions.
• If you are purchasing a gemstone other than a diamond, keep in mind that these stones may be quite a bit softer and more vulnerable to time and everyday wear. Small flaws may be overlooked in favor of the age of the ring.
• Be sure you have your ring appraised by a reputable jeweler to verify its worth, and insure the piece if necessary.

Vintage ring using small diamonds.

Caring for a Vintage Engagement Ring

Vintage engagement rings are not made to be worn every day. Plan on removing your ring before cleaning, yard work, or sports activities, and always store it in a safe location. The ring should be examined regularly by a jeweler to check for loose settings, bent prongs, or other damage. It should be professionally cleaned as well because modern over-the-counter chemicals may damage older rings.

New Vintage Rings

Many jewelers can create the same delicate designs and intricate patterns of vintage engagement rings with new bands and stones. Because modern technology makes this process easier, a “new” vintage ring may be less expensive than a true antique. Furthermore, by designing a new ring, you guarantee the quality of the stones and the durability of the ring, since many settings and metals used today are sturdier than those used previously.

With good care, your vintage ring can last for decades to come. Whether you purchase a true antique or design a new vintage-style ring, you can start a tradition of love that can be handed down to your children and grandchildren.

Related Links

• Edwardian Engagement Rings
• Gold Engagement Rings
• Caring for Your Engagement Ring
• Unique Engagement Rings
• Antique Engagement Rings
• Engagement Ring Appraisals and Insurance
• Art Deco Engagement Rings
• Estate Engagement Rings
• Build Your Own Engagement Ring