Want an engagement ring that’s as unique as your love? Why not consider an antique engagement ring? Antique engagement rings often offer superior quality at a fraction of the cost for a new ring. And, oddly enough, an antique engagement ring won’t go out of style.

To help you in your quest for an antique engagement ring, we offer we offer the following info on what to look for in antique rings, the different eras and their styles, and, most importantly, where you can find these sought-after pieces of jewelry.

There is a big difference between estate engagement rings and antique engagement rings. Watch out for this because some jewelers give out different interpretations and people can get a different kind of ring. Antique rings are those that are older than 50 years old while estate rings are less than 50 years of age.

If you want to make sure that the ring is really antique, ask for the age. If it was made before the year 1950, you can be sure that it is an original antique. Less than that, it's estate.

Styles of Antique Rings In Different Eras

1835-1900s Victorian

Victorian-age antique jewelry are often favored because of the sophistication and technical perfection they have achieved. The Victorian years were also the time when diamond mines in Africa began to produce gems of excellent quality. Victorian engagement rings are typically made in rose or yellow gold metal and are known for their simple, yet elegant designs. They are often made with diamond rows with a cut that includes a faceted bottom. Pearl gemstones are also a very typical mark of a Victorian ring.

1900-1920s Edwardian

Platinum became a very popular choice for producing intricate designs of engagement and wedding rings during the Edwardian era. This is because the torch called oxyacetylene was invented. Jewelers back then had the opportunity to produce pierced and lacy shapes, scrollwork, milgraining and filigree designs on the bands mountings. Gemstones that were often used were sapphires and diamonds.

1920-1930s Art Deco

Art Deco and Art Nouveau-style antique jewelry are also bestsellers in antique jewelry stores, primarily because of their distinctive look and design. This was the time when the Industrial Revolution shaped the sentiments of many jewelry wearers, particularly women. Every ring reflects the era's lifestyle through streamlined designs. One typical characteristic of an Art Deco ring is that it has a more colorful look compared to the Edwardian antiques. Art Deco gemstones are far more contrasting. That is why this era is the most popular of all antique rings.



Be very careful when choosing an antique because some of the jewelers tend to imitate the designs and features of the real ones. But the good news is, antique wedding rings aren't that easy to copy. The uniqueness of these rings is quite indelible and in some ways priceless.

Things to Know about Buying Antique Engagement Rings

• Want an antique ring with a diamond gem set on it, but good on your budget? Try searching for an engagement ring that has the 1940s or 1930s mark on it. Diamonds in this period are carved elaborately making them appear a little larger than they seem.
• Always check out the background and record of an antique jewelry store before buying. You want a reputable antique jeweler retailer to deal with, somebody who will not sell you a cleverly designed imitation. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
• It's better to visit the antique jewelry store in person so you can view, inspect, touch and try on the pieces yourself. Ask the salesperson about the history of the jewelry, whether it has undergone any repairs or if it is the original setting or design. If the setting is intact, you can also ask if the stones used in the current piece are originals or replacements.

If you want an antique engagement ring, a modern jewelry store isn't the first place to visit. Try searching for it in places such as:

• antique jewelry stores
• general antique shops
• pawnshops
• estate sales
• online auctions such as eBay

You can also check out some antique and antique-inspired jewelry stores online. Online stores such as faycullen.com and hillarysantiques.com sell vintage, estate and antique engagement and wedding rings. www.foreverjewelers.com sells new jewelry, with some antique replicas.

Synonyms:  Ntique, natique, aantique, atique, atnique, anntique, anique, anitque, anttique, antque, antqiue, antiique, antiue, antiuqe, antiqque, antiqe, antiqeu, antiquue, antiqu, and antiquee are typos and mispells for "antique."  Ngagement, negagement, eengagement, egagement, egnagement, enngagement, enagement, enaggement, enggagement, enggement, engagemint, enggaement, engaagement, engaement, engaegment, engaggement, engagment, engagmeent, engageement, engageent, engageemnt, engagemment, engagemnt, engagemnet, engagemeent, engagemet, engagemetn, engagemennt, engagemen, and engagementt are typos for engagement.