Vintage fashion has been very popular for a while now. Leading fashionistas are known for sporting spectacular pieces from times gone by. When it comes to vintage fashion, it’s not just about clothing.
Vintage jewelry includes some beautiful pieces that allow you to express your own unique sense of style. Vintage rings, in particular, can contain some spectacular workmanship and design.
If you’d like to buy a vintage ring as an engagement ring or for some other special occasion, or just simply because there are some things you should know first. Here’s your guide to buying a vintage ring.
What is a Vintage Ring?
Although “vintage” is a rather broadly-used term, there is, in fact, an official definition. Generally, a piece of jewelry is considered vintage if it was produced between 1920 to 1980. Within this timeframe, there are several different periods, each with its own styles, such as art nouveau, art deco, and the swinging sixties. Pieces produced before 1920 are considered antiques.
What are the Advantages of a Vintage Ring?
There are many reasons you may want to buy a vintage ring. Vintage pieces are unique and offer fascinating designs that offer an alternative for those that don’t want simply the same as everyone else. These rings have their own character, and often have fascinating histories behind them.
Another advantage of vintage rings is that they are very well-crafted. In days gone by, jewelry was made to a high standard of craftsmanship. This means that vintage pieces are made to a high level of quality that is not always found in their modern counterparts. Despite this, vintage rings are generally actually more affordable than new rings.
Finally, buying a vintage ring is arguably the more eco-friendly and ethical choice. When buying any kind of product these days, many consumers worry about the impact that will have on the environment and vulnerable communities, through adverse impacts in the production process. Buying a ring is no exception. In fact, there can be a number of concerns in buying a new ring, such as blood diamonds and unsustainable mining of gems and metals. In buying a ring that was produced decades ago, you don’t need to worry about the impacts of its production.
What if the ring doesn’t fit?
One concern you may have about buying a vintage ring is that each piece is unique, and so you will not have the option to choose between sizes. However, the solution to this is quite simple, as you can visit an expert jeweler and have the ring resized.
You’ll find you can easily resize your ring in London, how are able to resize rings to be either larger or smaller so that they will be a perfect fit. Most rings can be resized, however depending on the design and the materials it is made from; you may be limited in how much the ring can be resized. In a few rare cases, such as if it is made from titanium, it will not be possible to resize it at all. It is a good idea to consult with a resizing expert before you purchase your vintage ring to make sure.
How Much Should I Spend on a Vintage Ring?
Before you start looking at vintage rings, you should have a clear idea about your budget to avoid making a purchase you can’t afford, or missing out on a good deal. How much you should spend on a vintage ring will depend on a variety of factors.
Factors such as the style of the ring, the vintage, and the original jeweler will all impact the price. The stone or stones will be highly influential on the price of your vintage ring. If you are set on a diamond ring, for example, for an engagement ring, you will need to allow a sufficient budget. Obviously, how much you have to spend is also important. If your budget is limited, you may need to consider other types of gemstones rather than a diamond.
Know the Terminology
When shopping for a vintage ring, there is a range of different terms that will come up. Having a good grasp of the terminology will help you to choose the right ring and make sure you get the best deal.
Here are some common vintage ring terms you should know:
- Estate jewelry: a piece of jewelry that was sold by the estate. This term is also often used to simply describe any kind of previously-owned jewelry.
- Filigree: a type of decorative metalwork that is common in vintage rings. Filigree is a fine wire that has been wound and manipulated to form curls and other patterns.
- Milgrain: a design detail sometimes found on the metal in vintage jewelry, which is a beading-like decoration.
- Solitaire: a style of ring with a single featured diamond.
- Pavé: a set of small, closely grouped diamonds.
- Halo: a row of small stones, typically diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds, set around the central stone.
- Brilliant: a way of cutting a gemstone. This involves cutting the stone with many facets to create a large degree of sparkle and shine.
