Find The Right Vendor
When it comes to buying antique engagement rings, its incredibly important to choose a vendor you can trust. You want to ensure that the diamond is well-cut and that setting is well-crafted.
Through years of vetting, weve learned which diamond dealers are reliable, well-priced, and offer excellent quality. Above all, weve found Blue Nile and James Allen to be the best sites for buying vintage engagement rings online. From oval halo rings to white gold filigree rings, you can find gorgeous designs that are also durable and long-lasting.
Are Vintage Rings More Expensivehow Much Should You Really Spend On An Engagement Ring
The traditional rule for buying an engagement ring is that the value should be equal to around 2-3 months salary. However, it is up to the buyer to decide their own price range for the ring. The right jeweller will be able to find the perfect ring that suits both your budget and the style of ring you want.
Should I Buy A Vintage Engagement Ring
You should buy a true vintage engagement ring if you appreciate the style, want an environmentally-friendly choice, and are up for maintaining an older ring. Antique rings require regular cleaning and maintenance checks to ensure the diamond stays secure. If you want a vintage engagement ring thats not a true antique, there are plenty of options at online vendors like Blue Nile and James Allen.
Ultimately, the style of the ring is up to you and what you want, whether its vintage or modern. Above all, your ring should symbolize your love and be something youll enjoy wearing for years to come.
James Allen
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How Can You Tell If A Vintage Ring Is Real
Examining the gemstones of a vintage ring is a good way to tell whether it is an authentic item or not. Older gemstones may have a less precise cut and a warmer tone than new stones. You can also check your ring for markings, some hallmarks will give you an exact date coded by a letter as well as the carat of gold. A good local jewellery will be able to tell you if your ring is genuine.
Commission A Wedding Ring
Prefer an unusual bespoke wedding ring? Our goldsmiths are experts at their craft and can adapt many of our designs to your specifications or create the wholly bespoke ring of your dreams. All of our vintage wedding and engagement rings are proudly British made in our Hatton Garden workshop. For more information, dont hesitate to contact us by email or call 020 7193 4412 to make an appointment.
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Unique Vintage Engagement Rings
Vintage engagement rings have a rich history all their own, having been passed through different generations, relationships, and love stories. Each ring was originally designed and expertly handmade by artisans of their time, from the bold, geometric designs of the Art Deco era to the gentle, precise designs of the Edwardian era using European or mine cut diamonds to the bigger bolder designs of the Retro era set in rose gold. Browse our elegant collection of unique vintage engagement rings spanning all vintage jewelry eras and styles.
How Can I Get My Girlfriends Ring Size
Take a ring from your girlfriends jewellery box that you have seen her wear on the same finger and take it to a jeweller to find out her ring size. Alternatively, you could ask one of her family members or friends to bring up a conversation about ring sizes and slip the question in for you. Otherwise, its best to visit a jeweller together and have her size assessed professionally.
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Tip #: Get These Things From Ring Sellers
Prices and Room for Negotiation: Prices on websites and in retail stores are in keeping with what the market is dictating based on time period, condition, whats trending, how rare the ring is, hallmarks, and provenance. That said, you might be able to negotiate more in person. Online shops dont have the overhead that brick and mortar stores do, so do your comparison shopping and then go with what you feel most comfortable with based on your budget.
Return Policy: If, for some reason, you do need to return a ring, make sure the store has a policy that you have read thoroughly and that you are comfortable with. Read the fine print about restocking fees, refunds vs. exchanges, and the timeframe allowed for returns and store credits. You should know going in that antique and vintage rings are sometimes harder to return due to the nature of their rarity and the number of rings the shop stocks.
Comprehensive Receipt: Make sure you have all the vital information on your receipt anything that has to do with the rings time period, the diamonds, gemstones, style, what has been repaired, if any smaller stones were replaced, and the carat weight and approximate color of the diamond rings, which cannot be removed for a GIA certificate.
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Are Vintage Rings Cheaper
Sometimes, but not always. Thats because the price of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum have increased in value, especially yellow gold. Colorful gemstones and pearls dont go up in value drastically, but diamonds do tend to retain their value despite periods of fluctuation.
To compare prices, lets look at two similar diamond engagement rings: one is vintage and one is new.
This vintage ring from 1stdibs is circa 1935. It has a platinum solitaire setting with a 1.70 carat old European round cut diamond that has a VS1 clarity and J color and costs $10,861.
A similar ring from James Allen with a platinum solitaire setting and 1.70 round diamond with VS1 clarity and J color is $10,690.
Now, its hard to compare apples to apples a lot of times because vintage rings tend to have more interesting designs than a lot of their modern counterparts. But when it comes down to it, resellers are pricing their rings based on the metal and carats used .
If you do choose to use an heirloom ring, you could save considerable money depending on what part of the ring is still useable. Oftentimes couples will keep the original setting and opt to replace or add in new diamonds . Or, they may choose to use the diamond for a new setting entirely .
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Are Vintage Rings More Expensive
No, vintage rings are often cheaper than new rings because they are considered second-hand items with no manufacturing costs involved. However, they are not lesser in quality and are therefore often better value than a new ring. As well as often being one off items, they can also be unique in style and character.
Where To Sell A Second Hand Vintage Or Antique Ring
There are many places where you can sell vintage and antique rings. Most people either sell via an auction house or to a specialist jeweller. Auction houses achieve a price dependent on who is bidding and charge a percentage for their service. A good jeweller will give you what the item is worth based on the current value.
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How To Clean An Antique Ring
Care should be taken when cleaning an antique ring as stones can become loose, which may not be obvious. Clean your ring in hot soapy water using a soft toothbrush. Clean the ring from all angles, especially from underneath where dirt can build up. Afterwards rinse with cold water, although if youre cleaning an opal, moonstone, labradorite or feldspar dont move the ring straight from hot to cold water as this can cause the stone to crack. Also, clean in a small tub, so that if a stone does fall out, it doesnt disappear down your sink!
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Quick Facts About Rings
- In many cultures, the unbroken circle of a ring represents eternity.
- The ring was used as a symbol of ownership by Roman men to claim their woman.
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Antique And Vintage Rings
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. Theyve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bvlgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings well, specifically, Queen Victorias illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald . Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Vintage & Antique Diamond Engagement Rings
An authentic antique engagement ring comes from a certain historical Era. Truly vintage engagement rings are from the 1980’s or older, which includes all the earlier periods as well. These Eras are the inspiration for our company name, EraGem. Victorian Engagement Rings 1837-1900 were primarily crafted of yellow gold, the halo setting was popular, and the tradition of engagement/wedding rings became widespread. Edwardian Engagement Rings 1901-1910 featured floral patterns in ornate platinum filigree. Art Deco Engagement Rings 1915-1930’s were hand crafted with mil-grain, symmetrical, geometric, and architectural designs, and often contained colored stone accents. The Retro Era circa 1940’s saw yellow and rose gold rings make a comeback and white gold began to compete with platinum. In the 1950-1980’s Mid Century period, heirloom engagement rings became a popular choice. Many rings from these years feature older antique family stones that were reset into current styles or ones handed down from previous generations. Our selection includes many pre-owned modern estate engagement rings as well. The antique ring boxes are not included however, we do have a limited selection available here: Old Ring Boxes
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Collection: Vintage Wedding Ring Sets
- 1950s Diamond Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Set in 14k Gold by Jabel. Vintage Estate Jewelry.
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- Antique Diamond Bridal Set. Engagement Ring and Wedding Band. 14K White Gold. Size 6
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- Vintage Diamond Bridal Set. Diamond Engagement Ring. Wedding Band. 14K White Gold.
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- Vintage Wedding Ring Set. Diamond Engagement Ring. Diamond Wedding Band. 0.74 Carats. 14K White Gold Setting. Estate Jewelry. Bridal Set
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- Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Bridal Set in 14K White Gold. Affordable Estate Jewelry.
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- Vintage Bridal Set. Diamond Engagement Ring. Gold Wedding Band. Keepsake Brand. 14K Yellow Gold.
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- Vintage Diamond Bridal Set with Engagement Ring and Wedding Band.
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- Diamond Engagement Ring and Wedding Band. Bridal Set. 10K Yellow Gold. April Birthstone.
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Are Antique Engagement Rings Cheaper
Looking for something different for your engagement ring? Then you should consider buying antique engagement rings. They are less expensive, showcasing intricate and unique craftsmanship. Antique gold engagement rings will carry precious memories and emotions and serve as a heirloom jewellery that you can pass down to your children.
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How To Date An Antique Ring
Much can be assessed by the style of a ring as tastes change through time which is reflected in the design of jewellery. As you further back in time gemstones have been cut with more primitive methods and different manufacturing processes have been used which can greatly help to date an item of jewellery. Some jewellery is hallmarked which gives a year date coded by a letter.
Antique & Vintage Rings For Sale
Shop online for a vintage wedding ring, vintage and antique engagement rings, or a solitaire opal ring in an array of styles from the wide collection of rings at Bidsquare online auction. The exquisite rings are designed with the finest quality of precious metals and gemstones, with a special focus on antique diamond rings, which are ideal gifts as engagement rings. Some of the vintage and antique rings featured on sale at Bidsquare are designed by famous names in jewelry such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Giovanni Ferraris, Jeff Cooper, Kieselstein Cord, and many more.
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Tip : Do The Necessary Homework
1. Do a BackgroundCheck: Research each site and look at online reviews of diamond and ring stores. Check out the sites Instagram followers, too. It cant hurt.
2. Look at All the Photos: Make sure the site provides several photos that show the pieces from the front, back, and sides, on the finger, and from every angle that makes you feel like you are seeing the ring in person. If you dont see what you need, ask for more photos.
3. Get the Details: Read the description of each ring carefully and see if it has all the details you want, including time period, style, size, and weight of diamonds and/or other gemstones.
4. Consider Customer Service: Find out about the type of customer service the site offers: if its both brick and mortar and online, you will feel as if you are receiving more customer service as you have the store and the website staff available to you. But online-only sites also provide in-depth customer service and in some cases more hours when you can call in and speak to a specialist.
5. Learn the Lingo: For example: in the style of Art Deco means that it is a reproduction or a modern version of a style from that period. When it says authentic Art Deco Ring or gives a date or date range such as circa 1920-1930 then the description means it is an original ring of that era.
Why Choose A Vintage Wedding Ring
When shopping for a wedding ring, there are many reasons to consider choosing a vintage wedding band or a vintage bridal set. Vintage rings offer many special details like:
- Unique styles: Vintage wedding sets and rings offer a variety of styles that are no longer available commercially. Many of these rings have intricate details like engravings, millegrains, enamel, and unique gems that are uncommon in todays jewelry.
- Sustainability: Because no new metals or stones need to be mined, vintage rings can be an environmentally-friendly option for wedding rings.
- Craftsmanship: Many vintage and antique wedding rings were made with expert craftsmanship that has already withstood the test of time.
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Best Places To Buy Vintage Engagement Rings Online
Lets go into more detail, starting from the top:
Get An Idea Of Your Unique Style
Check out some antique engagement ring styles to see what appeals to you or your partner the most. Do you like round cut diamonds or oval cuts? Do you like white gold or yellow gold? Do you want an intricate ring or one thats more simple?
Deciding your style early will help you stay focused during your search, and ensure youre spending your budget on what matters the most.
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