About Antique Engagement Rings

Antique engagement rings are treasured for their beauty, history, workmanship, and uniqueness. They can be the perfect symbol of your love and devotion, as well as a valuable and eye-catching piece of jewelry. Here are some basics to help you in choosing the right antique engagement ring.

Antique engagement rings come from the Victorian era (around 1830) onwards, although most are from the later 1800s and early 1900s. They often feature gemstones other than diamonds. Another distinguishing characteristic of an antique ring is the style of the band, which varies greatly depending on what time period it is from. And, of course, the significance of having a genuine antique can play a big role in your decision.

Depending on the type of antique engagement ring you buy, it can be outrageously expensive, or actually cheaper than some comparable modern rings. It's possible to find great antique engagement rings for under $500. The easiest way is to shop online, although some people may find antique engagement rings at antique shops, pawn shops, estate auctions, or certain jewelry stores.

When looking for antique engagement rings, it's important to check that all of the stones are not only there, but are also held securely in their settings. Look at the stone, and be aware that in certain eras, the cuts were not as optimized as they are now, so the stone may not shine as brilliantly as modern ones. Also, in some eras, yellowish tinges in diamonds were actually preferred because of their rarity, whereas now they are considered lower quality. Just keep these things in mind when you look at the rings. Even if you are buying online, it's a good idea to ask specifically about these things, and ask to see some close up photos and details of the antique engagement ring you're considering.

Also, get a certification of authenticity, and have a gemologist look at it to confirm that the diamonds are of the quality that you have been told.

Antique engagement rings come from three main eras, and generally have three distinct styles.

The Victorian Era lasted from 1837 to 1901. Since diamonds were less common in this period, Victorian engagement rings often feature a combination of different precious stones and smaller diamonds. Rubies, and sapphires are common, and some Victorian antique engagement rings use pearls. The most common metals for these rings were yellow gold or rose gold. Intricate carvings on the band are also common in these type of antique engagement rings.

The Edwardian era lasted from 1901 to 1910, although the stylistic influence continued well into the 1920s. Edwardian styles featured intricacy and elegant designs. The elaborately styled filigrees contained curved patterns, and were often shaped into flowers, birds, or hearts. The diamonds were most commonly round, although many feature an "old mine cut," which is very similar to the cushion cut diamonds seen on many celebrity engagement rings recently. It was during this period that the use of many diamonds to surround the central diamond became popular, and pave set antique engagement rings from this period are common.

The metals used in Edwardian antique engagement rings were almost exclusively white gold, silver, and platinum.

The art deco period lasted roughly from the early 1920s to 1939. Art deco styles influenced a lot of different areas, including jewelry. Paintings, architecture, and jewelry from this period is characterized by sharp lines and geometric shapes, and bold colors. Vintage engagement rings from the art deco period are in stark contrast to the curved and elegant designs of the Edwardian era.

Art deco antique engagement rings often use other gemostones like emeralds and rubies for their bold colors.

Finding perfect antique engagement rings can be difficult. Plus, they can be quite expensive. So many people recently are choosing to get antique replica engagement rings.

There are a few benefits to this. First, they are easier to find and purchase. You don't have to go to antique shops, or go through the stressful process of determining whether the ring is a real antique.

With antique replicas, it's possible to customize the ring a bit more, and to take advantage of today's more precise methods of cutting a diamond. Also, because the patterns of the ring band can be carved with lasers rather than by hand, the cost is cut down, allowing you to get the gorgeous appearance of these antique engagement rings without breaking your budget.

However, the genuine antiques were the result of extraordinary craftsmanship and artistry, and some people may feel that something is lost when the beautiful designs can be carved with a laser and a computer. The choice to buy a genuine antique engagement ring, or a replica style, depends mostly on whether you are looking at antique rings based on an appreciation of their appearance (in which case a replica might be a better choice) or based on an appreciation of the history and uniqueness of a genuine antique engagement ring.