Many of today’s brides are requesting vintage engagement rings. They love the classic, old-time feel of these beautiful jewelry pieces, and the trend is growing rapidly in popularity.
Perhaps it’s a unique style that makes the ring pop when worn. Or maybe your girl likes that the ring has been handcrafted by an artisan rather than cut by a laser beam. Most vintage rings are timeless, so they’ll never go out of style. It’s one of the few ring styles that will probably last your entire marriage in terms of trendiness.
But what exactly makes a ring vintage? There’s a lot that goes into answering that question. Many ring makers claim a ring is vintage, but it doesn’t meet the criteria. Know you’re getting the real deal before you pop the question.
Check the Date
Vintage engagement rings should be at least 60 years old, meaning anything made before the 1960s would be considered vintage. If you’d like a more classic call, look at the late 1800s to early 1930s.
When buying a ring that’s considered vintage, ask the dealer for a letter of authenticity. Most ring sellers will provide this for you at no additional cost. The letter should verify that the diamonds and metals in the ring are as advertised. It should also have the date that the call was made.
If you’re purchasing a used or antique ring, they may not have a letter of authenticity available. You can always have the ring inspected by a jeweler with experience to determine the ring’s date, style, and quality.
Recognize Styles
Vintage engagement rings tend to be more ornate. They’re also more likely to be handcrafted, which means detailed filigree in the metal and distinct groupings of precious gems.
Because the ring has been handcrafted, you’ll probably spot a few tiny blemishes when the call is under a microscope. For example, it probably won’t be perfectly symmetrical on both sides of the stone, and there may be slight differentiation in the filigree patterns.
For many women, the imperfections add to the charm of the ring. They love the character it adds. However, others prefer the more modern, symmetrical styles of today’s calls. If your bride-to-be is somewhat of a perfectionist, she may choose a stylish call that looks vintage rather than a true vintage ring.
Watch the Setting
Vintage rings come in various settings, unique to the era in which they were created. You may occasionally find a call unlike any other, but most vintage styles can be categorized under the following settings:
- The Bezel: This setting dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s characterized by an elevated collar in the metal that wraps around a round diamond’s rim. It offers excellent protection for the stone when compared with prong settings.
- The Cluster: Popular in the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, the cluster is a popular Art Deco setting that involves a tight group of round jewels at the tip of a ring. The group is often placed inside a bezel setting, but individual gems might be held together with prongs as well.
- The Four-Prong: Probably the most popular vintage ring, the four-prong setting started in the Art Deco. It’s also the most modern vintage ring style, involving a round jewel set in four prongs.
- The Three-Stone: Also a trendy modern ring, the three-stone setting dates back to the Georgian era, although it was most popular in the Victorian and Art Deco periods. It usually involves one large stone in the center with two smaller rocks on either side. It may be in a bezel or prong setting, and multiple colors are often used.
- The Box: The box set uses prongs that make the stone look boxy. It also allows the light to flow beautifully through the rock.
- The Halo: A halo of color surrounds a stone or cluster of rocks, usually green or black, popular in the Art Deco period.
- The Buttercup: Dating back to the Victorian period, the Buttercup involves intricate filigree work on the band and an elaborate setting for the stone. The stone is set in petal-like prongs, resembling a sophisticated flower.
Each vintage ring setting belies a realm of modern history and beauty. Any girl would be lucky to receive such a ring that was thoughtfully selected. These tips can help you choose the perfect, legitimate vintage ring.
