Is Your Heart Set On Vintage Diamond Engagement Rings?
As Mark Twain said "Let us not be too particular; it is better to have old secondhand diamonds than none at all." And don't we all agree?
Antique engagement rings have become all the rage in modern years, specifically with well-known brides like Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Camilla Parker-Bowles all sporting vintage-inspired engagement rings.
We have the Victorians to thank for introducing the diamond engagement ring as THE ring to wear and most of those early designs are now being copied and updated for today's modern fiancee. But before you rush out and purchase that to-die-for antique engagement ring, there are some things to keep in mind.
Tips when choosing an antique engagement ring
The settings used in the manufacture of modern engagement rings are really different from those used last century. Antique settings frequently involved fine filigree work and delicate styles that weren't designed for much wear-and-tear. These delicate settings will have become even more delicate over time and there's many a story about the starry-eyed soon-to-be-bride who has been heartbroken when her treasured antique engagement ring proved even much more valuable than she had thought.
If you desire a genuine vintage engagement ring make sure you have it assessed by a certified jeweler so that any damage can be corrected and the settings strengthened. You might even need to have the stone or stones re-mounted.
Diamond cuts have also evolved dramatically over the years. Contemporary diamond cutters use modern faceting methods to show a diamond off at its brilliant best. Although a diamond will sparkle even when it has been poorly cut, do not assume the same razzle-dazzle you see these days from the diamonds in antique engagement rings.
Also keep in mind that antique engagement rings were frequently made with stones that do not stand the test of time. Turquoise is really a gem to steer clear of because it has a nasty reputation for discoloration. As do pearls, which lose their sheen and opals, which will gradually wear away.
Another thing to be cautious about is that lesser-quality garnets were often marketed as rubies in vintage engagement rings, so be sure to have your ring valued if you terribly want a ruby-red engagement ring.
An antique engagement ring is not a ring you can wear daily in our rough-and-tumble world, but its preciousness makes it a treasure that, with the right care, will give you pleasure every day for a lifetime.
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