Buying Vintage Engagement Rings Diamond Engagement Rings and Diamond Eternity Rings

There are three types of rings that are especially sentimental: vintage engagement rings, diamond engagement rings, and diamond eternity rings. They each symbolize romance at its peak, and since they are typically worn over a lifetime, it’s especially important to pick just the right ring. Here is some advice on each one that you won’t normally find elsewhere.

When you buy a vintage engagement ring, you are either buying a new ring that is newly manufactured in vintage style, or you are buying a keepsake that was owned by someone else.

Rings newly manufactured in vintage style can look inauthentic if certain details are overlooked. Avoid rings where the manufacturer has mixed the vintage style with more modern manufacturing techniques or materials. Look for a “fish head” (4 prominent prongs) mounting around the main stone, which gives a round diamond a square look. Avoid the 6-prong setting, which is more common for modern rings. Vintage rings were hand-engraved; many modern rings feature details that are machined or created with a mold, and they tend to look less authentic.

A pre-owned vintage engagement ring, which can also be found by searching for “antique engagement ring,” should be examined closely to make sure it is in good condition. Look for signs of wear in the more ornate, fragile areas of the ring. If there are questionable mountings, make sure they can be repaired.

All jewelers talk about the “4 C’s” - Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carats. But we think there are other more important things you need to consider first in your quest for the perfect diamond engagement ring or diamond eternity ring.

What’s her color preference? Diamonds come in different colors, from the coolest, whitest hue to the more warm colors. Think about what she wears - cooler or warmer colors. If cooler, you’ll want to look at the more expensive, whiter diamonds. If warmer, you will be able to find a less-expensive warmer diamond that she will love.

What kind of mounting will she want? The more active she is, the more she will want a diamond engagement ring that is set low. If she is less active, she will be happy with a diamond that is set high and embellished. Pay attention to her personal style: dressy, casual, classic, vintage, bohemian, or contemporary. Observe the type of jewelry she already wears - including whether it is white or yellow gold, or platinum. You might even think of taking a snapshot of the items in her jewelry box, and bringing them into your jeweler.

What about sparkle? The “C” that makes a diamond sparkle is the “Cut,” which determines how much light comes out of the top of the diamond, and how “lively” the diamond is. The more elaborate the cut, the more expensive the diamond, and the more it will sparkle.

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