Buying an Antique Ring

Buying an antique ring will appeal to many people for various reasons. Some people will enjoy owning a piece of history whilst for others it's an opportunity to buy a more unique, better quality ring while paying less than a modern day ring. The term antique usually refers to a piece of jewellery that is over 50 years old. When discussing antique rings there are many different style eras to cover, the first and oldest is the Victorian era.

Many things happened during the Victorian era (1835-1900) that affected how rings were made. The advancement into the industrial revolution offered a breakthrough in diamond mines, granting jewellers a large quantity of diamonds to use in their rings. Unlike today, people used to prefer diamonds that had a hint of colour to them, favouring slightly yellow or rose coloured diamonds.

The Edwardian era (1900-1920) saw one of the most important inventions for jewellers, the oxyacetylene torch. Now jewellers could give their rings finer cuts and the bands often featured more scrollwork and finer detail than in the past. Also during this era jewellers started using platinum for their bands, usually combined with brightly coloured sapphires to create some beautiful and stunning rings.

The Art Deco era (1920-1930) is one of the most popular topics when discussing antique rings. This era was influenced by people’s interest in other cultures, especially Egyptian, African and Asian. Some of these cultures used highly contrasting gem sets using colours not seen much in the past. Also the Art Deco era brought forth the more geometric cuts that we see around today, which give the gems a glistening streamlined look.

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Watch this video for a demonstration of "How To Buy an Engagement Ring". Tocomplete the task, you will need: Input from the bride and loved ones Knowledge of the four Cs: carat, color, clarity, and cut A grading report Get started with the first step: Casually comment on someone elses engagement ring; that should prompt her to describe what she likes. Or ask her loved ones for advice. For the complete guide, go to www.howcast.com Also check out Howcast for other do it yourself videos from yolandeesha and more videos in the Proposals & Rings category. How can you contribute? Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or apply to the Howcast Emerging Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com

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.