Shopping Tips for Vintage Engagement Rings

If you have been looking for the perfect ring so you can pop the question, you may be considering the possibility of vintage engagement rings. These rings generally are considered to be dated prior to the 1930s, and they carry with them a unique style that is truly fitting for many women to wear. They generally are more ornate than many of the rings on the market today, and they often have a special history that can add new dimensions and meaning to the ring than a new ring would have.

So as you are shopping for vintage engagement rings, there are some things to consider:

1.    History. The history of vintage engagement rings is truly one of the most unique aspects that these rings offer. Whether you are buying the ring from an antiques collector, a jeweler, a family collection, or some other vendor or individual, you will want to take time to learn about the history of the ring. Often you will find that one special story really captures your attention and speaks about your own love for your bride-to-be, too.

2.    Value. Unless you are a jewelry expert yourself, which most people are not, you will want to have the vintage engagement rings you are considering appraised. The person or company you are buying the ring from may or may not know what kind of metal the ring is made from or what the value of the diamond is. Even if they give you a value, you will want to get your own assessment of the value to ensure that you don’t get scammed.

3.    Stone. You should know that even if some of the vintage engagement rings that you are considering come back with fake or low value stones, you can absolutely purchase new stones to replace the existing stones with. So first and foremost, focus on the ring setting and find a style that you and your bride-to-be like. If you do plan on replacing the stone, you will want to factor the cost of the stone into your budget.

While buying vintage engagement rings is one option, you can also explore the possibility of using a ring that is currently already in your family or in your bride-to-be’s family. Consider rings that may not be used currently, such as that of a favorite grandmother or aunt. You can consider rings on both sides of the family, and often these rings will carry far more significance from an emotional standpoint to you both than even a vintage ring that you bought from a third party.

The fact is that there are hundreds and thousands of gorgeous rings that have been circulating through families for centuries, and often the perfect ring for you and your bride-to-be is not a ring that is new but rather one that carries a unique history and a historic style. If you haven’t yet considered this as an option, it is definitely worth consideration because it can add an additional dimensional to this special time for you and your bride-to-be.