How To Shop For A Special Vintage Engagement Ring

If you have a passion for the past, why not incorporate it by choosing a vintage engagement ring? A ring that is older and steeped in history is the ideal choice if you adore vintage jewellery and want a piece of jewellery that is completely unique. It really is a great choice for a ring no one else will have, but the key is to know how to shop for such a distinctive ring.

HOW TO CHOOSE A VINTAGE ENGAGEMENT RING

Picking the perfect vintage engagement ring is a daunting task. It needs research and a few factors that should be considered.

 The Style

It’s a good idea to understand a few things about the styles that were a big hit during the vintage period. The designs of engagement rings tend to vary from the different periods. Some that you may like to consider include:

 • Georgian rings with multi-stone settings (Period: 1814 – 1830)

• Victorian rings that were pure over-the-top glamour (Period: 1837 – 1901)

• Edwardian rings boasted tapered side shanks and geometric stones (Period: 1901 – 1910)

You can find a huge selection of vintage engagement rings for you to choose from. You can check for it online or on your local antique jewellery dealer.

Understanding the Value

Vintage engagement rings that are less than a century old tend to be less expensive compared to modern rings of the same material. However, this isn’t always true as there are several things that affect the price of vintage engagement rings, such as:

 • Condition – a ring that has not been properly restored will have a decreased value

• Material – a high quality diamond is going to be priced higher

• Rarity – a vintage ring that is hard to find could be much older than a 100 years and are more costly

• Era – a ring that truly symbolises the era from when it was created had a particular worth

• Provenance – rings that have proof of their history or some sort of story attached, like the jeweller’s original receipt, will be greater in value.

Defining a Budget

Before you set out to look at rings, be sure to define a realistic budget. This helps to stop you falling head over heels in love with a ring that is way out of your price range. Determine what fits your budget and then start looking for the perfect, affordable ring.

Resizing the Engagement Ring

When you settle on a vintage engagement ring, you’re buying a piece of jewellery that was designed specifically to fit someone else’s finger. You may need to resize the ring to fit her finger. Before you buy the ring, make sure it can be resized. Some rings have engravings and gems all around them and will not be able to be resized as it will spoil the design.

Having the Ring Evaluated

Some jewellers will sell replicas of vintage engagement rings and claim that they are genuine. So, have the ring locally evaluated. You can do this by:

 • Asking for certified appraisers to look at the ring

• Checking for a certified appraisal for the vintage piece

• Finding a local vendor who already specialises in vintage jewellery

• Finding out if the store’s staff specialise in vintage appraisals

 Find the Perfect Ring

Once you have conducted a thorough analysis and settled on a style and budget for the engagement ring, it’s time to shop for one. Make sure you work through a reputable jeweller, like Kalmar Antiques, to ensure you buy a genuine, and beautiful, piece of history.