Antique and Vintage Engagement Rings

Antique and Vintage Engagement Rings are a wonderful and unique way to express your love! Some couples choose to get a vintage ring to mark their commitment to one another. The vintage style bespeaks of romance and old-fashioned sentiment. If you're interested in this type of ring, it's an investment likely to appreciate in value both emotionally and financially.

What's out There?

As your shopping for a vintage or antique engagement ring you'll generally find that the majority on the market date from just prior to the turn of the century up through about 1950. The main metals are platinum and rose or yellow gold, and the keynote diamond is a mine cut or European cut. If you're very lucky you may even find one of the early Tiffany classic solitaire diamonds!

Ornamentation:

Many of these rings also feature carving or other ornamentation giving them a slight Victorian or post-Raphaelite feel and look. Filigree was common as were geometric formations (especially when Art Deco became a "hit"). By the 1930s and 40s the romantic appeal of engagement rings was reflected in a finished product that wasn't "static" but in which the metal had movement and character.

After Purchase

It's very important to have any vintage engagement ring you buy appraised and checked to make sure all the stones are secure. Over time prongs can become slack, and you don't want to lose stones accidentally.

Additionally if the shank looks particularly thin, you may want to have the stones reset in new metal. Many jewelers are willing to melt down the original metal and add to it so that you don't loose the original shank altogether (this is nice if the ring has strong sentimental value to your family).

Take your appraisal to your homeowner's insurance company and add it as a line item to your plan. This will protect you from loss or theft at full replacement value.

Finally to keep your vintage ring looking its best, clean it regularly. Don't use any harsh, commercial metal cleaners. Instead, use warm water and a soft toothbrush. Basic toothpaste is an excellent, gentle cleaner too!

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