Romantic Jewellery
Stunning one-of-a-kind vintage engagement rings are a true treasure to come by. If you’re on the hunt for that perfect ring whether it’s for yourself or your partner, here are some good places to start.
What to keep in mind
Period styles: Do a little research and familiarise yourself with some historical styles to help guide your search.
The 4cs
Understanding the 4cs (cut, colour, carat and clarity) will give you a good guideline of to understanding what you’re looking at.
Authenticity
Be wary of ‘vintage’ rings that are not actually of the time. If someone’s pulled something out the back of their dresser from a few years ago, this doesn’t make it vintage! As a general rule, think of vintage as from 1940 to 1994, and antique as the time before this.
Appraisal
Where possible, try and verify the ring’s values and attributes – does the ring have hallmarks? Where does it come from? Has it been tested or verified?
Where to look
With these tips in mind, find out where we suggest looking for your perfect vintage engagement ring!
Auctions and auction houses
Jewellery auctions might seem daunting at first, but to a patient shopper a true gem can be found. Auction houses offer a vast array of art, silver and jewellery, so it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Find a reputable action, whether online or in person and do your research. Read customer reviews and take a look at previous copies of catalogues to see what kind of thing they’re selling. The important thing to look for is authenticity and accurate appraisal.
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces like 1st Dibs, Etsy and eBay are good marketplaces to look for vintage and antique engagement rings, especially if you already have an idea of what you’re after. Most sites give you the option to filter down your search, giving you the option to set a budget and look for a specific style or period.
Retailers
That being said, most of the time it is best to go straight to the source! We don’t mean mine your diamonds yourself, but skip a couple of market distribution steps and go straight to a trusted seller. A reputable seller is likely to be more enthusiastic about helping you in your wedding ring hunt and can be your go-to for years to come. Sellers with experience will hand pick their items and have a personal interest in the items they’re selling – as opposed to the mass marketing of modern jewellery.
How to find a reputable jeweller?
Look for retailers that have been in business for a while, with good customer reviews and authentic services. Another tip is to see if the retailer is reliable and is looking for associations and certificates. Check The National Association of Jewellers for peace of mind as every jeweller in this directory abide by the NAJ code of conduct. LAPADA is the largest professional trade association of antique dealers in the UK, so if your retailer is a member this is a great sign!
Ultimately trust your instincts and ask questions to ensure you feel you’ve found the best place to buy your vintage engagement ring.
Ultimately trust your instincts and ask questions to make sure you feel you’ve found the best place to buy your vintage engagement ring.
Sites like these might also give you some assurance as sellers have to meet the company standards and policies to be featured on the marketplace. 1st Dibs, for example, offers a network of reputable sellers, ensuing items listed meet authenticity standards.
