Guide to buying an antique engagement ring

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, pressure is mounting for would-be-grooms to do the honourable thing, and get down on one knee this February. For those that have decided that it’s time to ‘put a ring on it’ as it were, there’s one big hurdle that’s likely to be delaying your proposal – the ring. Whilst most men will be unaware of the all-important detailing of ring selection, fear not, for here at Antique Collecting, we have created a simple step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect vintage or antique ring!

Is a vintage engagement ring the way forward?

The first thing you must decide when it comes to buying an antique or vintage engagement ring is whether a step back in time is the best way forward for your bride-to-be.

There are plenty of advantages to considering vintage rings for sale, the most prevalent being it is likely to be one-of-a-kind. Chances are that neither of you will ever see one that is exactly the same, and a ring that is almost as special as she is will resonate with your future bride from the word go.

In addition, you’re essentially investing in an ornament that has already stood the test of time for hundreds of years – so, in style terms, it’s a safe bet!

Do your research

According to a recent survey 28% of women admitted they would turn down a proposal if they didn’t like the ring!

This is a crucial decision that is not to be taken lightly, and, as such, you should dedicate plenty of time to understanding a little more about the field of antique jewellery.

Vintage or Antique engagement ring?

A good place to start would be learning the difference between antique and vintage, as this can have detrimental impacts on both the value and price of a ring. A ring must be over 80-years-old to be considered an antique, and over 20 to be labelled vintage.

Antique ornaments will likely have an increased price-tag, but familiarise yourself with the Four C’s of jewellery-buying (colour, clarity, carat and cut) and prepare questions on stone size, condition and age to make sure you are quoted a fair price.

Set a realistic budget

Set a reasonable budget in your head before you hit the jewellers, and a few varying amounts in case you find the perfect engagement ring that was just a little over-budget, which means you need to negotiate.

You may need to experiment with a few local jewellers to check your numbers are in the right ball-park for the kind of ring you would want.

Remember not to bankrupt yourself in the process; a beautiful ring might be lovely, but living on a shoestring budget for the foreseeable future is not so romantic! And chances are your bride-to-be wouldn’t want to compromise your lifestyle for the sake of an engagement ring. With an appropriate amount of research, the perfect band doesn’t have to come with an eye-watering price tag.

Visit a Jewellers – or five!

Research credible places to look, and if you are hoping to choose a ring together, then engagement-ring shopping can be a fantastic day out for the both of you – just make sure you are realistic with each other when it comes to expectations to avoid fall-outs.

If you’re hoping to make it a surprise, recruit someone to help, perhaps a best-man or one of her trusted girlfriends, and visit reputable jewellers in your area.

You will be able to discuss your preferences in detail, and the professionals will be able to provide support, assistance and recommendations that are in line with your budget.

Crucially, there’s no rush, and it’s better to spend day after day trawling the jewellery shops to make sure you have the perfect ring, rather than rushing to get back in time for football, with a sub-par ornament.

Size Matters

Once you have decided on the perfect vintage or antique ring, think about whether you need it to be resized.

It’s probably worth snooping around your partner’s jewellery box, dropping subtle hints or asking a trusted girlfriend for help with this one, as even though rings can be resized following a proposal, nothing ruins the moment quite like a band that can’t slide further than half way down her finger.

However, not all antique rings can be resized without changing the aesthetics, so it’s worth talking this through with your jeweller before you set your heart on a band that is unlikely to fit.

Once all these steps are completed, congratulations! You should have the perfect ring, for your perfect partner in preparation for the perfect proposal.