Antique engagement rings possess a certain charm and uniqueness that make them truly one of the most amazing gifts in engagement parties. They are also less costly than majority of modern rings and appear to be more fashionable. Moreover, they make perfect heirlooms to children.

The Difference between Real Estate Rings and Antique Engagement Rings

Rings that are more than 50 years old are considered to be antique engagement rings. Real estate rings, on the other hand, are less than 50 years old. If you are seeking antique rings, you can ask the jeweler for those pieces that were cut and created before 1950. You may hear the term vintage engagement ring. Though it may still mean antique rings, it is often associated with rings that are created during 1940s and are replicas of the ones belonging to the Edwardian era.

Styles of Antique Engagement Rings

• Art Deco Rings of the 1920s and 1930s

The 1920s was the period of entertainment, exploration, and machinery. To reflect the mood of the time, Art Deco rings appear geometric in form. They resemble common fashion from that time, with a combination of Asian, Egyptian, and Native American influences. The earliest Art Deco engagement rings range from pale with contrasting, colorful set gemstones to a glittering diamond look that reminds you of the Chrysler Building when it was first built. Art Deco rings are perfect gifts for the newly engaged.

• Victorian Antique Rings of the 1830s and 1900s

This was a period of the Renaissance where elegance and sophistication reigned. Victorian rings were usually set in rose gold or yellow. They can be simple or very intricate. It was also the time of the Industrial Revolution and of the discovery of South African diamond mines. To celebrate the developments of the times, Victorian engagement rings feature diamond rows with an additional facet located at the bottom. This is referred to as a mine cut. There were also Victorian Era rings that included pearls, although they appeared to be off when worn every day.

• Edwardian Rings of the 1900s and 1920s

Platinum is the main component of Edwardian antique rings. This was after the invention of oxyacetylene torch. They began adding artwork to the settings and mountings, such as milgraining and scrollwork. Most of the Edwardian antique engagement rings include rose-cut diamonds set together with brilliant sapphires.

How to Reset an Heirloom Diamond

Antique engagement rings are the most perfect and valuable pieces that you can hand down to your son and daughter during engagement parties. However, because they can be quite old, you may need to replace or repair the settings of the ring. You may also opt to change the overall style of the ring’s settings. Resetting is of course your personal decision.

So what parts of the diamond ring do you want to change? There are a couple of factors that you can consider:

1. You can reset the diamond solitaire so you can opt to include more diamonds on the sides.
2. You can remove a slightly yellow diamond from its gold setting and put it in white gold so it can look whiter.
3. Diamonds with slight damage may be transferred to a setting that can cover these imperfections or prevent them from getting any worse.
4. You can also combine the diamond with colored stones.

You’ll need to carefully consider the reasons you have for modifying the setting. You also have to know how you can enhance the appearance of the diamond and allow it to be more suited for your lifestyle.

A company that is involved in diamond setting may ask you to get a lab report or a diamond appraisal. The report will prove that you are the real owner of the diamond. It will also give an idea to the jeweler as to the value of the diamond at hand. Of course, you can get the reports even if nobody is demanding them.

Things to Consider when Buying Antique Rings

Antique diamond rings are hunted because of their value. To get your money’s worth, you need to be careful when you are buying an antique engagement ring.

1. Most of the engagement rings today use diamonds. However, you need to be vigilant of jewelers who use softer stones like opal or imitation diamonds that can easily develop internal cracks.
2. When you are scrimping with your budget but would like a huge diamond, look for antique diamond rings from the 1930s and 1940s. They are normally carved in elaborate and intricate settings, which can make any diamond appear bigger.
3. Check for the ring’s craftsmanship. In fact, it’s better to avoid imitation rings or asking a jeweler to copy a particular antique diamond ring. You will just end up spending too much on something that is of poor quality and character. If you want an antique diamond ring, it pays to save your money until you can afford the real thing.

Places to Buy Antique Engagement Rings

When you are thinking of buying antique rings, pay close attention to the description of the jewelry. Make sure that details of the condition, carat, cut, size, age, and clarity, among others, are put into writing. The jeweler should also be able to provide you with certification from gemologists. If you are making a substantial purchase, ask as many questions as you can before you sign your check. Furthermore, assure yourself that you’re backed up with a return policy should you find the quality of the ring not up to par to your standards.

Antique rings are sold in different places, such as in pawnshops, estate sales, and antique shops. You can also buy them online. For first-time buyers, it’s ideal to look for established jewelers. They can guide you all throughout the buying process.