Vintage Jewelry – Tips for Buying Vintage Engagement Rings

The Vintage jewelry online lover is always a big fan or purchasing truly unique and exclusive pieces with a stylish retro look to them. And vintage engagement rings are high on the list of most sought-after jewelry items for the perfect vintage and antique jewelry collection.

Still, making an important purchase can be a bit overwhelming. Granted, antique jewelry online stores have made it so much easier to find and purchase the right piece, but there are always other things to consider when shopping for vintage jewelry, more so if you are not an experienced buyer.

Things to consider when buying vintage engagement rings

So many people plan on buying jewelry determined to purchase from a specific era of jewelry and then find themselves fancying an equally antique ring but from a different era than originally intended. Unless you go in knowing exactly what you are looking for, be open to all the different vintage eras because you may find a style you didn’t know even existed. This is a very common way brides end up with all-time favorite collection pieces.

Also, while each period has a different characteristic look, eras often bleed into each other so, for instance, while filigree is generally associated with the Edwardian era it was still in use in the Art Deco era.

Know the difference between Real and Reproduction

A reproduction piece is a new piece of jewelry intended to look old, but it is hardly the same thing. Beyond the fact that very few jewelers can even begin to replicate the beauty and detailed craftsmanship of an estate, antique or vintage jewelry piece, reproduction jewelry does not appreciate as well as genuine old jewelry, as much of the value of an old item lies in its authenticity as well as the quality of older decades.

This is also the reason why reproductions can be sold at lower prices. They come directly from a factory, while real antique pieces are finite and have to be extensively sought all over the globe. Ultimately, even though their price might be slightly higher, their value only increases with time.

Look for a professional store with a trustable appraisal service

A professional appraisal will always be in place to guarantee the quality and authenticity of your vintage engagement rings. Look for jewelry stores with GIA professional appraisers and with a long-standing expertise appraising antique, estate and vintage jewelry and watches.

Moreover, the right vintage jewelry appraisal will always come in handy if you want to safeguard your vintage rings. Insurance companies will always ask you for a proper appraisal, certifications and photographs to determine the real market value of your pieces.