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by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
A vintage engagement ring can be a stunning piece of jewelry, a great bargain, and an ethical choice, but it isn’t always the best option for everyone. Understanding the pros and cons of buying a vintage engagement ring can help you decide if an older, seasoned ring is best for your happily ever after.
In this guide, we will explain the following:
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CONSIDER STYLE FIRSTBefore opting for an older ring, first and foremost you must consider the style and preferences of that special someone who will be wearing it. A vintage engagement ring is unique and distinctive, and can have lovely detail and craftsmanship, but it may not be as sharply refined as the cutting edge, modern styles of today. If your partner prefers sleek, trendy designs with extra sparkle, a more modern ring may be a better option. If, however, they love history and romance with the charm of yesteryear, a vintage or antique ring can easily capture their flair.
A vintage engagement ring offers more than just a stone set in precious metal. It also offers…
Vintage and antique engagement rings have a rich history and longevity to their symbolism. These rings may already have decades or even a century or more of happy anniversaries behind them, and embody the richness of relationships that can stand the test of time. While couples may not always know the detailed history of their ring, the mystery of that past can have its own special allure as couples plan their future together.
Older rings are, by their very nature, used, secondhand pieces. This can give couples some surprising bargains and lower prices to choose from when compared to new, modern rings, especially when comparing prices per carat of the ring’s stones. For couples with a strict budget or more frugal-minded spending habits, a vintage engagement ring can be a wonderful bargain without compromising on stone size or ring detail.
Vintage and antique rings were crafted before modern machines created precise designs that could be easily replicated and mass produced. Expert craftsman and artisans designed and created each ring by hand, and that individual attention often gives older rings more unique designs such as lace or filigree detailing, basket settings, halo arrangements, and other one-of-a-kind options that are harder to find from modern jewelers.
Many socially-conscious couples are concerned that their engagement ring might harbor conflict diamonds, stones that were sold to help finance civil wars, terrorist actions, or human rights abuses. Because those issues only became associated with diamond mines in the early 1990s, however, older rings do not have conflict stones and couples can feel comfortable that their vintage engagement ring played no role in those atrocities.
In addition to conflict-free stones, vintage engagement rings are also more environmentally friendly choices for conscientious couples. Older rings do not require additional mining, shipping, and processing, all of which contribute to habitat loss, toxic contamination, greenhouse emissions, and more. Vintage antique engagement rings, however, are already long-since designed and only need to be enjoyed for more years to come.
While they do have many benefits, it is equally important to consider the potential negative points before purchasing a vintage engagement ring, including…
Older stones are generally cut with larger, less brilliant facets and do not have as much internal light reflection as modern stones. This means that, side by side, vintage rings may not appear to sparkle or glitter as much as their modern counterparts. This is especially true if the stones have become worn over the years with the edges wearing off a bit. A good cleaning, however, can often help brighten older rings considerably.
Modern style dictates that the highest quality, best diamonds have the whitest coloration – ideally with no “color” at all in the stone. In older eras, however, warmer tones and diamonds with hints of yellow or brown were often preferred. This may make a vintage diamond seem to be of lower quality compared to modern stones, but it is simply a difference in styles and preferences as the years have passed.
Vintage engagement rings may have already stood the test of time, but they do tend to show their age and may require repairs as settings loosen with extended wear. Because of the delicate nature of their detailed, unique settings, repairs could be more expensive than with newer rings, but experienced jewelers can make arrangements to repair and strengthen even the oldest antique rings.
Because vintage engagement rings are often more exquisitely detailed, they can require more diligent, delicate maintenance to look their best. Cleanings cannot always be done in modern machines, particularly if a ring has several types of stones or the settings are excessively worn. Hand-cleaning can be painstaking, but will help keep an older ring looking magnificent with all the sparkle and shine it showcased when it was new.
Given the one-of-a-kind nature of many vintage and antique rings, it can be difficult to find a matching wedding band to create a bridal set with a vintage engagement ring. Of course, couples may opt to forgo an accompanying band, or may choose to have a band customized to fit snugly adjacent to a treasured vintage ring. Another option is to wear the engagement ring on the right hand after the wedding, and a beautiful vintage wedding ring on the left.
Evaluating the pros and cons of vintage engagement rings is important when deciding if an older ring is right to symbolize your relationship, but ultimately, the choice is up to you. Finding a ring you love and one that can represent the love you share is a happy challenge as you take this first step toward your wedded bliss.
No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
Antique diamond cuts are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and faceting. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of vintage engagement rings today!
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring
is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.Press Love:
Some girls dream of getting the biggest diamond engagement ring, but others have a slightly different idea of what the perfect engagement ring looks like. Vintage Engagement Rings are becoming extremely popular at the moment, perhaps because they break the mould and offer something refreshing.
If you are set on getting a simple, traditional solitaire diamond or an enormous rock then that's your choice. However, before your decision is set in stone you might want to at least consider a vintage alternative. There are many benefits to having a vintage engagement ring, here are are 12 reasons why you should consider getting one.
Most of your friends will probably have a standard diamond engagement ring. Vintage rings are more unique and individual. You are much less likely to come across a friend who has the exact same ring as you. Why would you want to be the same as everyone else?
Vintage engagement rings can be far more eye catching. People can become bored of being shown standard engagement rings and often find it difficult to pretend they offer something special. You will get more attention from people if you have a stunning vintage ring that turns heads because it's so unusual.
It seems celebrities have fallen in love with vintage engagement rings. Celebrities including Nicki Minaj, FKA Twigs, Mary-Kate Olsen, Jessica Biel, Nikki Reid, Scarlett Johansson and Kate Middleton all have gorgeous vintage style engagement rings.
Vintage engagement rings don't go out of fashion. They will always be timeless and special, unlike some ring trends that fall in and out of fashion. Your vintage engagement ring will stand the test of time.
When Carrie Bradshaw accidentally finds the engagement ring Aiden is going to give to her in Sex and The City she says to Samantha, ‘How can I marry a guy who doesn't know which ring is me?'. Samantha then replies, ‘Exactly honey. Wrong ring. Wrong guy.'
Receiving the perfect vintage engagement ring really shows that your boyfriend knows you. They have managed to pick the ideal ring from an endless selection of extremely varied vintage things, rather than just picking the most expensive diamond they can find. It's very romantic.
Wearing a vintage ring shows you are confident and happy to make a statement about the kind of jewellery you like. Women with vintage rings are bold enough to wear something different that breaks the mould.
You can get vintage engagement rings that represent different eras. From Art Deco engagement rings (such as Scarlett Johansson's ring) and Edwardian engagement rings (Benedict Cumberbatch's fiancé Sophie Hunter has one) to Victorian antique engagement rings. There's a style for every era, and your ring can represent a special time in history.
It's not just clothes that say a lot about your fashion sense, the jewellery you wear is important too. An engagement ring is another way to express your own personal style and a vintage engagement ring shows you are not afraid to stand out from the crowd.
If you go for a vintage ring you will find there's so much more choice. Instead of just choosing between which cut of diamond you want you can get creative with your vintage engagement ring design. Choose from all different sizes, shapes, bands, colours and metal types. You don't just have to opt for a white diamond, go for a more unusual colour such as garnet, lemon quartz, yellow diamond, amethyst, blue topaz, blue sapphire & peridot.
You can buy vintage engagement rings to suit every taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a simplistic piece of antique jewellery or a vintage ring that's still covered in stunning diamonds.
Creating the perfect vintage ring requires skill and excellent craftsmanship. Some vintage rings are more complex to make as some of their designs are so extravagant.
Not sure whether you prefer older or newer style rings? With vintage rings you can have the best of both worlds and combine historic and modern elements in your engagement ring. Benefit from the intricate detailing of vintage design as well as clean lines that are often seen in modern designs.
It's easy to see why vintage engagement rings are soaring in popularity. If you have decided you want a vintage ring after reading this article then you might want to start dropping some hints to your boyfriend. Men aren't mind readers and sometimes need a little guidance. If you need some ideas and inspiration then have a browse through this impressive selection of stunning engagement rings.
Have you ever wanted to know how much you should spend on an engagement ring? Visit our blog post to find out more.