Shopping for a piece of jewelry is different from when you are looking to buy clothes and shoes. A lot of energy goes into the thought process, and there are many features to look out for in a quality piece. And when it comes to vintage engagement rings, finding the right one is always a big deal. You want something that would stand the test of time, like your intending union, to the love of your life.
For many guys, they are completely clueless when shopping through the engagement ring section of a jewelry store. And while they may not need assistance with finding locations to a reliable jewelry shop, they usually need help picking the right piece for their girlfriend.
It’s not unusual not to know how to pick out antique engagement rings, so you want all the help you can get to buy the right one. Are you in the market for vintage jewelry? There are useful tips below on how to spot a quality piece.
Why do you Want a Vintage Ring?
There are many reasons why you may want antique jewelry. For most people, they want something valuable that they can pass on to loved ones. And if this is you, there is no doubt that you will give serious thoughts to getting the perfect one. You could be a female shopping for personal use or a male in the market for a loved one, but one thing is sure your choice should meet your needs.
What Type of Antique Ring do you Want?
You can find several types of vintage rings available, which adds to the dilemma of making a choice. It helps if you have an idea of what you want the final piece to look like. Most guys peep through a jewelry magazine or online and find options that appeal to them and get something similar or the actual one. While there are many different types available, the quality options you can choose from include
1. Victorian
These types of engagement rings are some of the oldest vintage jewelry around. If you do happen to find them, you can bet they will be costlier than others available. They date back to the Victorian era (1835 – 1901), where diamonds weren’t widespread, so it is common to find alternative stones on them.
Common decorative stones for these types include sapphire, pearls, emeralds, and rubies. Queen Victoria was particular about gold crafted metals for her rings, so if you find one that is genuinely Victorian, the chances are that the stones could be hanging on a gold plated metal finger loop. You can find useful tips here for why people choose vintage jewelry and why you should. Or shop here on anania.com.au
2. Edwardian
The beginning of the 20th century saw the birth of a different appeal towards jewelry. And while the Victorian were also widespread, the Edwardian’s lacy design stole the hearts of many female jewelry lovers.
A unique production technique is applied in the forging process, and it could be challenging to get just anyone with such craftsmanship nowadays. Diamonds were more widespread during this era, and they were more preferred to antique stones due to their hardness and luster.
3. Art Deco
Now, this is the more common rings you can find nowadays and take an asymmetrical and geometrical approach to their design. It was inspired by the technological revolution that was the spur of the 1920s and 1940s. This allowed the artisans to be experimental in creativity, seeing the birth of different shapes of rings.
The square French cut, which is most common in many shops and online, was one of this era’s successes. Many of the best diamond cuts were done during this period. So finding some of the finest and costliest stones on these is possible.
Choosing the Best Antique Ring
You should know that not all rings marketed as vintage are all actually pieces that date back to the era. There is a difference between vintage and vintage-inspired engagement rings. While one is the real deal, the other is only a look-alike. This does not mean that you can’t use either of them to propose, but you want to know how the difference before buying one.
· Durability
Even without spelling it, you want your engagement ring to be of the highest quality. This is something you want your spouse to remember the journey by, and you want to do well to pick a long-lasting piece. Diamonds are the hardest material on earth, so you should also ensure they sit on high-quality metal if you choose them.
Antique jewelry dates back a century, so you have to take a close look at the band for any damage. The stone’s attachment to the band should be rigid, as you don’t want to lose them.
· Size
If you are going to be shopping for your girlfriend, you should know the size of the ring you want. There are different dimensions available, and if you wish to get the best antique piece, it has to be the right measurement.
Engagement rings are a surprise package, so sizing your babe’s fingers is not advisable if you want to keep it a secret. You can use her other finger jewelry to get an idea of the size. There are only shops that provide a guide on picking the right size of ring. You can also check here on how to arrive at the best measure for her fingers.
· Design
You want something attractive enough to express all the admiration and, if possible, spell out how much you feel. But you should know that it is only a piece of jewelry and can’t replace the fact that you need to open up your heart and not necessarily the jewelry case. You can choose from any of the three antique options outlined above. The only thing is you have to decide to either go for a vintage or vintage-inspired.
· Price
Antique jewelry is on the high side, so you want to have an idea of how much they cost, so you can save up for one. The cost would be influenced by the nature of the stones on it. Diamonds, rubies, and other antique pieces are expensive, but you can find affordable options that are worth it.
Final Note
You need all the help you can get when shopping for a vintage engagement ring. You should check at a reputable jeweler for quality options and use online shops that provide customer reps to assist with internet purchases. Take a look at samples from a magazine or check online to see some top-selling picks.
