Diamond rings are widely acclaimed and used for gracing special occasions like engagements, weddings, or even for fashion. Diamonds have an undeniable and unique charm. When these diamond rings are antique it becomes even more enchanting. The craftsmanship of the yesteryear, the fabulous stories associated with it, and the detailing make these jewels extra special. Presently, we live in a world where diamonds are mass-produced. Therefore, most designs seem common. Here is where antique diamond rings stay ahead of the race as they are timeless treasures with designs no one else can even think of doing now.
Whether you are a collector of antique items, or searching for a unique gift an antique diamond ring can be the best choice in all respects. With its rich legacy, it promises to become a statement of your personality. It can thus become a prized collection for antique collectors and the most precious gift for your beloved.
Understanding antique diamond ring
Precisely, an antique diamond ring is a piece of jewel that is more than a century old. These pieces were produced in an era where machines were non-existent and everything was made by hand. The incredible designs were mostly influenced by the art, fashion, and social values of that time. Some of the renowned names in this aspect are the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco. The aforementioned names are periods and each of them introduced different styles and approaches to diamond cutting leading it to become distinct and boast irreplaceable charm. Thus, vintage diamond rings from any of these eras will make you feel special.
Old-age diamonds mesmerizes
Consider these old-cut diamonds to be very different from the present day’s calibrated diamonds. These antique pieces featured mainly Old Mine Cuts or Old European cuts. As mentioned before, they were crafted through hands by skilled craftsmen, at an era where modern tools were unthinkable. These antique diamond rings are no less appealing than their modern counterparts. In some cases, the antique ones appear far better than the new-age rings. Most importantly, each of the diamond rings of that era was differently made, thus in most likelihood, the antique diamond ring that you have in possession is unavailable to anyone else. The mesmerizing charm of each of these pieces makes them the most sought jewelry even at the current age.
Let us quickly take a look at some of the most prevalent antique diamond cuts:
- Old Mine Cut: These rings are square-shaped and have rounded corners. Often, they have a large cutlet and a high crown. These used to be very popular in the Georgian and Victorian period.
- Old European Cut: This variant appears to be the predecessor of the modern variants. It used to be circular and immaculately crafted to position the stone in the center. This was a popular trend during Edwardian and Art Deco periods.
- Rose Cut: These have a flattish bottom with a dome on top. Most often, triangular facets are also common. The idea was to make it appear like a rosebud. These cut pieces were found in some of the oldest antique pieces.
Why should you go for an antique diamond ring?
Regardless of the occasion, whether it is for an engagement, anniversary, or any other purpose, choosing an antique diamond ring can be a decision that reflects your appreciation for the past. Moreover, they certainly have a fascinating story associated with it, and you can expect the following:
Uniqueness: We mentioned this before, antique diamond rings are one of a kind, and you will never find anything similar in the market.
- Sustainability: We are living in an era where sustainable choice has become the order of the day. When you choose an antique diamond ring over the modern variants, you are reducing the need for mining. Therefore, you are contributing to the environment and at the same time preserving history.
- Quality craftsmanship: Artisans of the earlier age used to work for several months before they could complete a single piece. Thus, they were able to give full attention to detail along with superlative quality. Such items are no longer in circulation at present making it a unique choice.
- A worthy investment: Although antique diamond rings do not have any certifications that modern jewlleries is known for, their rarity and craftsmanship make them extremely precious. In case, you want to sell it sometime later, you are guaranteed to get a good price for it.
- The past connection: As you can understand, the person wearing an antique diamond ring would feel they are wearing a legacy that had a fabulous story with it. The antique ring in all probability might have witnessed the greatest historical events, and it feels special when you wear something alike.
Points to remember before buying an antique diamond ring
All the points mentioned above justify the significance of wearing antique diamond rings. However, you must be sure, the item you are purchasing is really “antique”. For that reason, you should always deal with a reputable jeweller who has experience in dealing with antique and vintage items.
Do not back away from inspecting the condition of the ring, if necessary you may also ask for restoring certain parts of the ring. If restoration or resizing is inevitable, then one must go about the task carefully, as these antique rings are very delicate. Last but not the least, inquire whether the ring has any backstory associated with it. If it has, it would make the piece even more charming and valuable.
Wrapping it up
In this fast-paced world, these antique diamond rings allow us to slow down and appreciate the timeless beauty of the bygone era. The stories they carry with them make us feel special when we wear them, and in a true sense, they can become our most precious belongings.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
