You found the love of your life. He wants to know what kind of ring to "surprise" you with. This is a big decision, so you don't want to get it wrong. After all, you'll be wearing it forever. You see so many friends and acquaintances on your social media feeds that look like they all have pretty much the same rings. That's not good enough for you! Your love is special and you feel your ring should be too. You are absolutely correct. Brides-to-be looking for something a little different should consider an antique engagement ring. Not only will it have an inherent uniqueness and charm, but this type of ring is also typically less expensive. You can have an amazing style without breaking the bank!
What is an Antique Engagement Ring?
An antique engagement ring specifically refers to one that is either more than 50 years old or looks like one more than 50 years old. That means these unique and charming rings should be made in a style that was popular before 1960. Some jewelers also use the term vintage engagement ring, but it is essentially the same thing. You're looking for a ring that was made to look like it is from another era all together. For example, a ring made in 1940, or made to look like it was made in 1940, that has the look of the Edwardian era will make everyone go "Wow!"
What Should I Look for in Vintage Style Engagement Rings?
When shopping for vintage engagement rings, you'll want to pay special attention and keep an eye out for these to these four things:
#1 Unusual Center Stones While diamonds are currently the most popular stone for engagement bands, this wasn't always the case. Other options such as emerald, pearl, and opal used to be all the rage. It's a great way to make your ring stand out from the crowd.
#2 Craftsmanship If this ring really is as old as it appears to be, you will want to look carefully at the craftsmanship of the ring. The same stones mentioned above that are quite stunning, like an emerald for example, are also much softer than diamonds. This means they may be scratched or slightly damaged.
#3 Unique Settings If you are on a budget but want the look of luxury, consider an antique engagement ring style from the 1930s or 1940s. The diamonds in these bands were often set in an elaborately carved setting. This is more than just "cool," it actually made the diamond appear larger than it really was. It makes you wonder why we got away from this style!
#4 Diamond Color Remember that today's standards of "the best" don't necessarily apply to older diamonds. Bright white is now considered the ideal diamond. Just like people used to propose with pearl and opal rings, people once thought slightly rose, green, or yellow diamonds were just as pretty if not prettier than white.
What's the Best Place to Buy These Rings?
Antique engagement rings can be found at a variety of places including antique stores, jewelers, estate sales, and online of course! Shopping online is always going to be the most convenient way to see as many options as possible.
Go ahead and get started shopping for the engagement ring of your dreams!