How to buy an antique engagement ring

What is an antique ring? An antique ring is any ring that was made at least 50 years ago. Not to be confused with an estate ring that is not new, but was made within the last 50 years. Choosing an antique ring to pop the question is not something an awful lot of men think of unless they know this is something that their lady prefers. Some women may be turned off about an engagement ring with a history, while other women may love that same idea.

Regardless, an antique ring may be something that has been passed down from generation to generation and it is no question that your future wife will be the recipient of it. Perhaps your lady has mentioned that she prefer the style and quality of an antique ring. In this case, you will want to find out which style suits her. The most popular era for an antique ring at the moment is the 1930’s and 1940’s. These rings are for anyone on a budget who’s is looking for a larger-looking ring with a lower price. These rings also have exquisite craftsmanship. During this time diamonds were set in white gold square boxes and then elaborately carved and beaded giving the diamond a larger appearance. This provides the look of a larger diamond while sticking to a smaller budget.

When looking at antique rings look carefully at the craftsmanship this the main reason people opt for antique engagement rings. Replicating the craftsmanship of a ring from the Victorian Era or Edwardian era would costs you hundreds more than finding one already made from that time period. Unless specified, avoid buying replica rings as they do not compare to the quality and character of an older ring.

Regardless if you choose new ring or antique ring there are a few deciding factors for the price of the ring you choose. Carat (or weight) or the diamond is one of the biggest deciding factors of the price of a ring. Next, you will want to know the clarity of the ring. Clarity, simply put, the clearer the stone the more expensive. In times past most jewelers would not mount a lower quality stone in an intricately designed ring. The third aspect in choosing an antique ring has more to do with the style and taste of your lady. Over time tastes and styles have changed widely which makes pinpointed the era of a ring a bit easier. Older stones have a tendency to have a soften more romantic look because they were cut by hand. Most of today’s rings are cut using a laser.