Antique Diamond Rings: The Pros and Cons

Antique diamond rings make unique and exquisite pieces of jewelry. However, there is a difference between antique rings and estate rings. Antique diamond engagement rings are those over 50 years old and the older they are the more valuable they are. Some jewellers use the term vintage to separate the antique rings from estate rings. While estate rings may be valuable, it may not be real or set in real gold.

Different eras of antique rings

When you want to find out if your antique ring is genuine you can have it appraised. Some of the classifications of rings from older periods include:

• Victorian Rings. These rings range in age from 1830 to 1900 and are usually set in yellow gold. The designs are often very intricate and have lots of diamonds because at that time, they were not as expensive as they are now. Most of these antique rings are "mine cut" and often have other precious stones such as pearls in them as well.
• Edwardian Rings. These rings became popular between 1900 and 1920. Platinum became the style for engagement rings and they often had many different designs such as lacy, filigree, scrollwork and mountings. In addition to diamonds, sapphires were often used in engagement rings.
• Art-Deco Engagement Rings. These rings were popular during the 1920's. They featured a geometric look and are still popular as the choice of couples getting engaged.

Considerations about Antique Diamond Rings

Diamonds were not always the stone of choice because they were only discovered in the late 1800's in South Africa.

Softer stones such as emeralds, opals and pearls will damage easily so you do have to be careful with them.

When you are buying an antique ring, you have to carefully scrutinize it to make sure that it is of good workmanship. A ring from the 1930's or 1940's is a good choice because the settings used made the stone look larger than what it was.

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