Antique Style Engagement Rings
When you've just got engaged, nothing could be more romantic than an antique engagement ring - or could it?
Antique engagement rings are great, if you can find what you like, with the stone you like, in your size. But then, perhaps you don't want a pre-worn ring. It may already have had repair work or repalcement stones and, due to its age, it may not be as robust as you would like.
So what to do?
The answer is... buy an antique style engagement ring - a ring with all the style and flair of an antique engagement ring, even one bespoke made just for you. An antique looking engagement ring. No repairs, no replacement stones and no worries about the fragility of the ring and whether it will stand up to everyday wear and tear.
With antique looking engagement rings you can choose from a huge variety of styles, from the feathers and floral designs of the Georgian period through to the classical Victorian style engagement rings rings of the 19th century, and onto the modern crisp designs of the Art Deco period.
What periods are popular for antique looking engagement rings?
Many antique style engagement rings are true to the styling of their original period counterparts. Some include small changes and variations that make the styling more fluid, and sometimes designs are modified to make them more robust. Obviously, with antique style engagement rings you can choose any metal you like, rather than being limited to the original metals from which rings would be made.
The most common styles are:
- Georgian style engagement rings - from the reign of King George 4th.
- Victorian style engagement rings - rings made during the reign of Queen Victoria, in the height of the British Empire
- Edwardian style engagement rings - early 20th century designs, from 1900 up to the first world war. Edwardian style
- Art deco engagement rings - specifically rings from the Art Deco period in the 1920's - these are technically vintage style engagement rings and are discussed on this page Art Deco engagement rings
What should you be aware of when buying antique style engagement rings?
In most 18th and 19th century rings, original diamonds would have been rose cut, but in their modern counterparts the diamonds will be brilliant cut so bear in mind this will make them look more sparkly than an original would have done. Its worth doing some research to make sure that you are not making your choice on having seen ONLY an antique ring, because its modern relative WILL look different in some ways, so do make sure you are making an informed choice having compared both ANTIQUE and ANTIQUE STYLE rings.
Its also a good idea to make sure your Antique style engagement ring is well made, preferably made by a good jeweller either in the UK or USA. Many Antique style engagement rings are made abroad, some in developing countries and the ring manufacture is sometimes poor, with inferior stones and poor setting. If possible, make sure your antique style engagement ring is hallmarked to indicate its metal quality, maker and year of manufacture. You will need to include the fact that your ring is an "antique style engagement ring" on your insurance, as "antique", and "antique style" are two completely different things and the value can be quite disproportionate.
Whatever you do , choosing a well made, sympathetically designed Antique Style engagment ring will mean that the ring gives you years of pleasure and enjoyment and despite being an Antique style engagment ring may well end up as a family heirloom in its own right, and every bit as valuable as the original antique!