When purchasing vintage engagement rings, the buyer needs to consider several elements, such as the gemstones used and the metal they are set into. Setting is also very important as age has an effect on quality, and while you may be drawn to a ring's beauty and aesthetic appeal, it is vital you keep your head and consider the practicalities of vintage rings too.
The Precious Metal
Gold is one of the most popular metals for an engagement ring and although it has been superseded at different times by other metals, it has been consistently popular throughout the years. The Victorian era saw silver rise in the popularity stakes and many vintage rings hailing from this period are set in this alternative metal. Platinum too rose to fame in the Edwardian years and many vintage engagement rings dating back to this period are set into platinum.
Gemstones
Diamonds are the most commonly associated gemstones when it comes to engagement jewellery, but this has not necessarily always been the case. Different periods in history saw different gemstones being favoured as the stone of choice. Today we see many vintage engagement rings set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and pearls.
The Setting
Just as with modern day engagement rings, a buyer must consider how vintage engagement rings are set before making the purchase. The setting is down to personal preference and is what dictates how many stones are used and the size and patterns of stones incorporated into the design. Some of the most popular settings include the pave, channel, solitaire and the bezel settings. The pave is one that is made up of three or more rows of small stones that are set deep into the ring's metal band, almost as if they are part of the ring band itself. The stones used in this type of setting must complement the metal chosen, and the potential for contrast must also be considered.
With the channel setting, there are two metal bands connected by a row of jewels laid between them, and again, the gemstones and metal need to be carefully chosen so that they complement rather than conflict each other. The solitaire setting is one of the most classic of all the settings and even in vintage engagement rings this setting is often seen. The use of one signature stone set into the ring is deemed to show off the stone to its full potential and consequently a larger stone is normally used. There is little doubt that the solitaire setting is designed to make a statement.
With regards the bezel setting the gems are surrounded by a strip of metal. This type of setting suits a lady who has a more active lifestyle and wants to wear her ring everyday. This setting protects the gems perfectly and the ring can be worn without too much worry of damage.
There is much to consider when buying vintage engagement rings but as long as you start with the guidelines above, you are well on your way.
The Precious Metal
Gold is one of the most popular metals for an engagement ring and although it has been superseded at different times by other metals, it has been consistently popular throughout the years. The Victorian era saw silver rise in the popularity stakes and many vintage rings hailing from this period are set in this alternative metal. Platinum too rose to fame in the Edwardian years and many vintage engagement rings dating back to this period are set into platinum.
Gemstones
Diamonds are the most commonly associated gemstones when it comes to engagement jewellery, but this has not necessarily always been the case. Different periods in history saw different gemstones being favoured as the stone of choice. Today we see many vintage engagement rings set with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and pearls.
The Setting
Just as with modern day engagement rings, a buyer must consider how vintage engagement rings are set before making the purchase. The setting is down to personal preference and is what dictates how many stones are used and the size and patterns of stones incorporated into the design. Some of the most popular settings include the pave, channel, solitaire and the bezel settings. The pave is one that is made up of three or more rows of small stones that are set deep into the ring's metal band, almost as if they are part of the ring band itself. The stones used in this type of setting must complement the metal chosen, and the potential for contrast must also be considered.
With the channel setting, there are two metal bands connected by a row of jewels laid between them, and again, the gemstones and metal need to be carefully chosen so that they complement rather than conflict each other. The solitaire setting is one of the most classic of all the settings and even in vintage engagement rings this setting is often seen. The use of one signature stone set into the ring is deemed to show off the stone to its full potential and consequently a larger stone is normally used. There is little doubt that the solitaire setting is designed to make a statement.
With regards the bezel setting the gems are surrounded by a strip of metal. This type of setting suits a lady who has a more active lifestyle and wants to wear her ring everyday. This setting protects the gems perfectly and the ring can be worn without too much worry of damage.
There is much to consider when buying vintage engagement rings but as long as you start with the guidelines above, you are well on your way.