The Perfect Vintage Ring For Valentines
Many of today’s brides-to-be are opting for a vintage engagement ring rather than the modern designs offered in jewellery shops. They find that wearing a ring that belonged to someone else, with a history of its own, extremely romantic, and charming. A ring that was once the symbol of another couple’s love for each other, is something that cannot be found in the brand name rings of today.
It can be somewhat overwhelming shopping for a vintage engagement ring though, especially if you have no knowledge of that type of jewellery. The popularity of vintage jewellery has increased so much these days. For instance, you could pay up to four times more for an art deco piece at an auction today!
You are extremely fortunate if you have inherited an heirloom ring, but if not, then you will have to go to great lengths to find a pre-loved ring of your own to cherish for the rest of your life. Following are some helpful hints and tips about buying a vintage engagement ring.
Understand The Difference Between Fine Jewellery And Costume Jewellery
Naturally, some antique shops are the first places you will visit to look at vintage engagement rings. However, did you know that some jewellery in these shops is actually a costume rather than a vintage piece of jewellery? In other words, instead of real gold, the pieces might be gold-plated silver or brass, rather than pure gold, and instead of precious stones, have a non-precious variety.
Costume rings cost a lot less than the real thing, so if you feel that the price of the ring you’re looking at is too good to be true, then it probably is not a real vintage engagement ring. You will be directed to the right places if you ask for “period” fine jewellery, instead of vintage jewellery.
Shop In Well-known Places
There are usually several excellent antique shops in most cities around the world, as well as a few online sites with great reputations like Vintage Tom. At reputable places, you will have wider and better choice options, and receive some trustworthy and invaluable advice about the vintage engagement ring you are looking for.
Make Sure You Understand As Much As Possible About Diamonds
Unless you know a lot about diamonds, it might be a good idea to do some research on these gemstones before you visit the shops or online sites. When you are thinking of buying an engagement ring, you might want to learn about the 4 Cs – colour, clarity, carat, and cut.
Although the diamonds in vintage rings give the piece a charm of its own, the stone is not always of the best quality. You can make sure though, that the diamond is cut decently and has a proportion that optimises the fire and sparkle that comes out of it.
Narrow Your Search To A Few Stones Or Styles
Whether you’re searching on your own for an engagement ring, or are shopping for it together, it will help a lot if you narrow your search a bit to give you more chances to find what you’re looking for. This will make the task less daunting and frustrating.
Browse through jewellery from various eras to find styles and stones that “click” with you. Alternatively, decide whether you want an aquamarine, sapphire, ruby, or emerald or a diamond, and then take things from there.
Understand What The Term “Vintage” Means
Although vintage jewellery has increased dramatically in popularity in recent years, there is still a little confusion as to the meaning of “vintage.” The three categories of rings that came from a past era include antique, vintage, and vintage-inspired. It is essential that you understand the difference between these three when you’re shopping for a vintage engagement ring! For instance:
A previously owned ring that was made more than 100 years ago but before 1916, falls in the “antique” category.
A ring made in the last 100 years but after 1916, is classed as a “vintage” piece. Things get a little blurry here, but “vintage” normally refers to rings of at least 20 to 30 years old, but younger than 100 years.
Any new ring that has been made to resemble a vintage or antique ring, is referred to as “vintage-inspired.” The majority of rings labelled “vintage” from national companies are in fact, “vintage-inspired,” because they are newly made.
Understanding the true meaning of the term “vintage” can be exceptionally helpful when you’re shopping for a vintage ring. This knowledge, together with the proper paperwork will ensure that you do indeed buy a previously-owned ring from another era, that is loaded with history and romance that you just know, is perfect for you!
Here are Vintage Tom all our vintage rings have been expertly acquired and are genuine in nature and come with the correct paperwork and an expert appraisal to its authenticity. So with Valentines day just around the corner what are you waiting for? Shop now for that perfect Vintage engagement ring for Valentines.