If you’re buying vintage jewellery for the first time, it’s imperative that you get to know important information first. Most couples choose vintage engagement rings because they’re looking for something unique. Also, some vintage rings can be less expensive, but buying vintage jewellery can be a complicated process.
Check out these shopping tips in case you want to purchase a vintage engagement ring:
- Be sure that you’re buying a genuine item.
While antique pieces are ones that, according to jewellery appraisers, have to be over a hundred years old, vintage ones are those that are between 50 and 100 years old.
Qualified gemmologists and appraisers can assist with dating a jewellery item. You can purchase an authentic vintage engagement ring by dealing only with a reputable antique jewellery store. Minimize the risks of getting a counterfeit stone by buying only through a certified jewellery expert or through reputable auction houses. Be careful of rings that are reproductions as these are modern rings that are made to resemble antiques.
- Check for ring quality.
Is the ring well-made? The quality of the ring is of utmost importance. Engagement rings are worn on a daily basis, which means it must be durable and of excellent quality. You should also check the quality of the stone’s setting. If the setting looks loose or unstable, then you would want to negotiate for a lower price because you will need to have the stone properly set after purchasing the ring. Also check for hairline cracks or chips as antique stones can be quite fragile.
You can check out authentic and well-made vintage engagement rings offered by Kalmar Antiques.
- Characteristics of a ring’s age.
Some of the characteristics that can help identify an engagement ring’s production date include its overall style or motif. In addition, the styles and shapes or cuts of diamonds and other precious gemstones will help determine the ring’s age. The table cut is one of the earliest cuts, so stones in this cut are not commonly seen. The rose cut premiered in the 1500s, and it enjoyed a revival in rings made in the 1800s along with the step cut and old mine cut. The old European cut is often found in rings dated through the 1900s. The metals or combinations of metals can also help date the engagement ring.
- Check the hallmarks.
Both silver and gold engagement rings are stamped with easy to read markings, which indicate the age and quality of the jewellery. Often, the stone will be older than the metal used because precious gemstones can be passed from generation to generation. You can ask the staff at the antique jewellery shop where you are purchasing the engagement ring to help you decipher the markings. If you want to check for hallmarks on the Internet, guides can also be found online.
- Resizing will not impact the ring’s value.
A vintage ring will not decrease in value when you have it resized. Getting an engagement ring resized will not reduce its overall worth because its original composition remains largely unchanged. While resizing is a very common procedure that can be done on most types of rings, it is still highly recommended that you seek professional advice and consult a jeweller before having your ring resized.
Try visiting a number of jewellers or antiques shops that have large collections of vintage engagement rings from different eras so you can check out which pieces suit you best.
Keep up with Project Fairytale
Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
