Three Things to Consider When Buying Vintage Engagement Rings

Shopping for vintage engagement rings takes a lot of time and preparation if it’s going to be done soundly. Some questions you should ask yourself beforehand include: How do I know the ring is going to last for many more years? How do these rings compare with other pieces of jewellery? Can they be resized?

Durability

Antique jewellery pieces are called antique for a reason--they’ve been around for many, many years. You don’t want to buy a ring only to see it break tomorrow, so there are certain things to consider with regard to the durability of vintage engagement rings. Just like modern rings, these pieces will run the gamut from super-sturdy to super-fragile. The lighter and more ‘flowery’ the ring is, then the more delicate it will be. You should also consider how often you plan to wear the traditional piece and in what settings. For instance, a landscaper who rarely takes off her accessories should err on the side of extreme sturdiness. On the other hand, a person who anticipates wearing the ring only for special occasions will have more selection options because less durability will not be an issue. Lastly, check to make sure that the stones are set securely in place. If you gently shake the ring and hear some noise or rattling, you will want to have those stones reset. All in all, durability is a matter of construction, so inspect everything thoroughly before making a purchase.

Pairing with Other Accessories

Many vintage engagement rings are really stand-alone pieces. The design is easier to appreciate when it’s not paired with another ring on the same hand. If you want to wear another ring or wedding band on the same hand, it’s a good idea to get them at the same time, or at least pair the designs together and make sure neither will create a lot of wear on the antique.

Sizing

As for ring size, you’ll want to look at vintage engagement rings that are no more than two sizes larger or smaller than your ring size. Some rings can be expanded, and some can be made smaller, but two sizes either way is a good range to avoid falling in love with a piece that just won’t work or will be prohibitively expensive to resize.

Frederick Holm is staff writer for of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From diamonds to vintage engagement rings, from a princess cut to a platinum band, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.