Antique diamond rings are now the coveted engagement rings of almost every woman who dreams of walking to the altar to wed her dream man, her soul mate. And you wonder why antique diamond rings are becoming more popular than contemporary designs?!

 

Antique diamond ring types

The best antique engagement ring is often made by hand, usually the handiwork of the best goldsmith or silversmith in town. Each curve and twist is intricately crafted and formed, each stone, painstakingly placed. Much hard work has been poured into the accomplishment of antique diamond rings that only those in the upper class were able to have one made. Here are several types of antique diamond rings made in the past hundred years, with those in the late 19th century supposedly being the best:

· Victorian Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

During the years 1835 to 1900, these antique diamond rings were made using rose gold or yellow gold. Their designs range from the most simple to the highly intricate ones. They often have set the diamonds in several rows, often with a mine cut or one extra bottom facet. Each design was meticulously shaped and made accordingly. Reminiscent of this era is the antique diamond solitaire ring of six prongs, set in a classic Tiffany design, which came out in 1886.

· Edwardian Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

In the early 20th century, between 1900 and 1930, with the introduction of oxyacetylene welding processes , antique engagement rings shifted to a platinum setting. Pierced shapes and lacy designs became the trend of most jewelers during this period. Fine filigree detailing was found on the markings of each ring, as well as scrollwork. Rose cut diamonds were the stones of choice.

· Art Deco Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

This period in history depicted a boom in discoveries in all fields. People were now concerned with exploration and discovery. Machines were now being introduced side by side with exoticism and jazz. Because of this, art deco antique style diamond rings became known for their smooth, polygonal look. Different cultures influenced its design, including Asian, Egyptian, and American. The early art deco designs of antique engagement rings were suggestive of the Edwardian era, but with a twist and style of their own. They added more oomph without losing the classic lines that has made it popular once again. This is in fact the most popular of all the antique diamond engagement rings.

Antique diamond engagement rings – getting engaged in classic style

Antique diamond engagement rings are those with the classic setting, signifying eternity, romance, reverence, and innocence. And, they often exude character and quiet elegance, giving a sense of history of those who first used that particular design. Was it designed for the engagement of a queen? Did it signify the undying love of a knight for his lady? It would be interesting to discover who was the first lucky bride to own such as ring, and certainly it would make it even more romantic.

When the time comes for your loved one to propose, you will want it to be a memorable event in your life. Opting for an antique diamond ring as your engagement ring can make the event even more memorable. Your loved one might propose at one of your popular hangouts, or in the park under the stars. Once he slips that engagement ring onto your finger, and those diamond stones sparkle in all their glory, it will become an event that you will remember forever.

You can also design your own antique diamond ring based on the different types of ring that were popular during different historical eras. The ring can be made according to your specifications, and what’s more, it can all be accomplished online: the design, commissioning a jewelry maker, and placing the final order.

A diamond ring is still the classic engagement ring that every woman loves. But an antique diamond ring has extra character, history, and elegance.

 

The first thing to consider is the originality and history of the antique you intend to buy. As rare antiques come at higher prices, you would not want to be fooled by fake replicas. Many antique sellers often put up retouched items for sale. But antiques look best when they are not refurbished though you should not buy items with defects. It is the originality that makes an antique item precious.

Before buying you must do proper research on the antique item. The internet is the best place to do research on antique items as it can provide valuable information regarding global antique prices and the history of antique items. You should also be careful about antique reproductions. If you are new and have not done proper research, it will be difficult to tell the difference between a reproduction from the original. Antique pieces should show some wear and tear and these small details are something to look out for. If the item looks flawless than it probably is not an authentic antique.

The best places to buy antiques are at antique auctions. Buying from a reputable auction house or an antique store will ensure that the antique collectible is genuine, as it should also come with certificates of originality. To get that coveted item you should visit the antique auctions regularly. Garage sales are also a good place to buy as you may often get rare antiques at a very cheap price, but do make sure that it is original. Though the internet is a useful source of information, this is not the case when buying antiques online. A first hand look at the antique product is not possible on the internet and the website photos often hide the defects and deficiencies.

Proper care and maintenance should be taken to preserve antique items for ages. When buying an item, gather information about proper antique storage and antique preservation methods. Items should be kept in moderately humid and cool places. Direct sunlight should be avoided. The antiques should be handled carefully. Excessive cleaning sometimes ruins the originality of the antique.

First-time buyers can also buy general antique guides for research and guidance on starting their antique collection. Guides on specific antique items are also available.