As Mark Twain said "Let us not be too particular; it is better to have old secondhand diamonds than none at all." And don't we all agree?
Antique engagement rings have become all the rage in recent years, particularly with famous brides like Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Camilla Parker-Bowles all sporting vintage-inspired engagement rings.
We have the Victorians to thank for introducing the diamond engagement ring as THE ring to wear and many of those early designs are now being copied and updated for today's modern fiancee. But before you rush out and buy that to-die-for antique engagement ring, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Tips when choosing an antique engagement ring
The settings used in the manufacture of modern engagement rings are very different from those used last century. Antique settings often involved fine filigree work and delicate designs that weren't meant for much wear-and-tear. These delicate settings will have become even more delicate over time and there's many a story about the starry-eyed soon-to-be-bride who has been heartbroken when her precious antique engagement ring proved even more precious than she had thought.
If you want a genuine vintage engagement ring make sure you have it assessed by a qualified jeweler so that any damage can be corrected and the settings strengthened. You may even need to have the stone or stones re-mounted.
Diamond cuts have also changed dramatically over the years. Contemporary diamond cutters use modern faceting techniques to show a diamond off at its brilliant best. Although a diamond will sparkle even when its been poorly cut, don't expect the same razzle-dazzle you see today from the diamonds in antique engagement rings.
Also keep in mind that antique engagement rings were often made with stones that don't stand the test of time. Turquoise is a gem to steer clear of because it has a nasty reputation for discoloration. As do pearls, which lose their sheen and opals, which will gradually wear away.
Another thing to be wary of is that lesser-quality garnets were often marketed as rubies in vintage engagement rings, so be sure to have your ring valued if you badly want a ruby-red engagement ring.
An antique engagement ring is not a ring you can wear every day in our rough-and-tumble world, but it's preciousness makes it a treasure that, with the right care, will give you pleasure every day for a lifetime.
Alex Miller has been involved in the jewelry industry for more years than she cares to remember! She lists her passions as "diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds" and has turned her passion into an informative website. You can find more great articles about diamonds, engagement rings, bridal jewelry, honeymoons and more at http://www.engagement-rings-guide.com - The place to go BEFORE you shop for jewelry online!
Barry Chicago limousine ..Celebrate your marriage by planning a Florida honeymoon vacation with... Read More
Many of the Jewish wedding traditions are derived from ancient... Read More
Wedding photography is an evolving field that requires artistic talent,... Read More
Beth and Tom were happily married for over 25 years... Read More
Henry Vlll and Elizabeth Taylor, who between them had fourteen... Read More
If you've always dreamed of flying in a helicopter, Las... Read More
Hi If you are getting married or have a Bar... Read More
A 50th anniversary gift commemorates a milestone most married couples... Read More
Honor your Emerald Isle heritage with traditions that are romantic,... Read More
Numerous men have pondered the questions, "Why does my wife... Read More
These verses of Scripture from St. Paul are commonly used... Read More
1. Start with a nice clean piece of paper (lavender... Read More
Between paying for the wedding and setting up a new... Read More
Providing chocolate as a wedding favor has been a time... Read More
Your wedding rings were meant to last a lifetime. They... Read More
I saw real love while working at a cozy, candle-lit... Read More
Receiving wedding gifts is a whole lot more fun when... Read More
Choosing a wedding anniversary gift that wows your husband or... Read More
In 2004' Rockland Maine celebrated its 150th anniversary, yet very... Read More
In a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, Jewish wedding rings play... Read More
While through history brides have agonized over what to wear... Read More
Let's face it retirement is a time of great transition... Read More
Only in Las Vegas can you find everything for your... Read More
Remember the frenzy of the paparazzi when they caught Sarah... Read More
Gatlinburg in Tennessee is the city with streets of art... Read More
Bartlett Chicago charter limousine service ..Choosing who should walk down the aisle with you is... Read More
Symbols! Weddings are full of them. Exchanging rings. Exchanging roses.... Read More
You have to start with a thorough to do list... Read More
A woman once visited a counselor to ask a question... Read More
Deciding the menu is a pretty simple affair. Once you've... Read More
Speculation continues about the break-up of Brad Pitt and Jennifer... Read More
Many spouses carry heavy suitcases filled with a collection of... Read More
It is absolutely possible to find a beautiful and affordable... Read More
The vows you take to become husband and wife are... Read More
Brides through the ages have accessorized with wedding jewelry to... Read More
Once upon a time a caveman, while out for a... Read More
If you are looking forward to a vacation of attractive... Read More
So your not one of those fabulous actresses or models... Read More
'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' This is... Read More
My parents gave me this advice about marriage. They have... Read More
Let's face it, not many of us have the kind... Read More
White is traditionally a symbol of purity and as it... Read More
That first wedding was a dream, a gorgeous long white... Read More
My belief is that most relationship problems should be given... Read More
You've been invited to the bridal shower ? what fun!... Read More
"Is it better for a woman to marry a man... Read More
Nobody, I repeat nobody likes a bridezilla bride. If you... Read More
A person's wedding can be one of the most important... Read More
One of the good things about Las Vegas Wedding Packages... Read More
Most brides become obsessed with throwing the perfect wedding. The... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |