Antique Engagement Rings: Continue the Tradition
By ldiamond
After my grandmother passed away my mother and her sister invited my sisters and I into the kitchen and laid out my grandmother's entire jewelry collection in front of us. They explained that they had chosen a few special items to keep for themselves, but that the three of us were welcome to choose whatever we wanted from the display of stone, gold and jewels in front of us.
We were each reluctant to choose much, but my sisters, both already married, bypassed my grandmother's engagement ring. I had always loved this ring and knowing that I was on the verge of marriage (hubby proposed months later), I was elated to inherit this priceless item from my grandmother.
With ring in hand, you can imagine that it was quite awkward to say to my boyfriend at the time, "So, when you're ready to propose, give me this." Yes, it took a little of the surprise out of the moment, but my love for this ring was too big to let it spoil the event.
This ring was given to my grandmother in the 1930s, when Art Deco was the rage and opulence was at its peak. While I think it's gorgeous, I love that the ring has a history to it. It adorned my grandmother's finger for seventy years, was present at my own mother’s birth and held me as a baby. It’s a ring chosen by my grandfather that made my grandmother as happy as it has made me decades later.
Made of white gold, the center of the ring is a half karat diamond in a square shaped setting. On each side small diamonds bend slightly around my finger. It is unique, the craftsmanship is evident and it makes me joyful every time I look at it.
So, you've decided to buy an antique engagement ring. What next?
If you want 'antique', you'll have to find a ring that is over fifty years old. Anything newer than fifty years is considered an 'estate' ring. Next, you may want to peruse various decades and styles so you can narrow down the field.
The different styles and eras include:
Victorian, 1835 - 1900
Usually set in yellow or rose gold, you will likely find rows of diamonds and possibly a pearl.
Edwardian, 1900 - 1920
Lacy shapes in platinum mark the Edwardian engagement ring.
Art Deco, 1920 - 1930
Streamlined and geometric, think Chrysler Building, Art Deco engagement rings are currently the most popular for engaged couples.
Where to buy antique engagement rings
There are dozens of resources for antique engagement rings. If you have the time, you may want to hit local estate sales or estate auctions. Many of these are advertised on craigslist or you can do a search for estate liquidators or estate auctions in your area. Antique shops often have a good selection of jewelry as do pawn shops, so you could have some good luck here. Lastly, you have, what seems like, an unlimited resource of online stores selling antique rings. While this is an easy and quick solution to finding what you want, be careful to check the site’s return policy. The ring you get in the mail might be perfect and exactly as you expected, but there is no substitute for seeing the ring for yourself.
Want to find an antique ring online? Check out these websites.
Good luck on your search and congratulations on your (impending) engagement!
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