Antique Engagement Rings
If you ask me, antique engagement rings have more character and taste than modern engagement rings. They’re more than just jewelry; they’re a testament to history and good old-fashioned fine craftsmanship. Even with modern technology it is difficult to replicate the intricate detail of antique engagement rings, so they will continue to appreciate in value over time.
The best antique engagement rings are the ones from the turn of the century (the late Victorian era) up until the 1940′s. Jewelry from different eras have their own unique characteristics. Victorian era engagement rings and jewelry made until the 1920′s have fine, filigree detail on the mounting and were often made in platinum or white gold. Engagement rings in the 1930′s and 1940′s had smaller diamonds and intricate carvings on the ring shank. They were made out of yellow gold and white cold (or a combination of both) and the diamond is set in a gold, square-shaped box which enhances the size and color of the stone. Diamonds in a 1940-era engagement ring looks larger than diamonds in the traditional solitaire setting.
The carat and clarity of the diamond is still the primary determinant of an antique engagement ring’s price. The larger and clearer the stone, the more expensive it will be. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on an antique engagement ring, consider an art deco ring, a style popular in the 1930′s and 1940′s. As mentioned earlier, rings made in the 1930′s and 1940′s were mounted in elaborate, square-shaped boxes that gave the illusion of a larger diamond, giving you the look of a bigger diamond for the price of a small one.
When looking at antique engagement rings, make sure that the diamond and other stones are secure and their prongs are not work. Watch out for thinning shanks or any breaks in the filigree work. To maintain and care for the antique engagement ring, have a trusted jeweler clean the ring every year.
Continue reading here: Engagement Rings: A Basic Guide
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