Why You Should Consider a Vintage Engagement Ring

Why Vintage Engagement Rings Are Worth Considering

An engagement ring is an incredibly important and personal purchase. Where are you shopping for yours? You could shop a corporate jeweler and find trendy rings just like the ones everyone else is wearing. Alternately, you can shop at a store like Houston Jewelry Buyers, where you will find not only new jewelry, but also gorgeous vintage pieces. Why should you consider a vintage engagement ring? There are many great reasons vintage rings are the way to go.

Benefits of Vintage Rings

When you buy an engagement ring “off the rack” at a corporate store, you are likely to see the same ring on fingers all across social media. Why? A trendy ring, mass produced, is likely to be the preferred purchase of couples in your area. A vintage ring, on the other hand, could be a one of a kind. Because most vintage rings, particularly antique rings, are handmade, you won’t come across an exact copy of your ring. Antique rings are also beautifully made, crafted by hand by jewelers who spent years honing the skills of their trade. These rings have already stood the test of time, a testament to their fine craftmanship and artistry. Today, it is prohibitively expensive to create a ring by hand, which will make your vintage ring stand out from the crowd. What’s more, when you purchase an older engagement ring, you know it has already been part of someone’s love story, and that lends it an additional special aspect.

Unique Engagement Ring Styles

One interesting thing about older engagement rings is that the diamonds and gemstones look different than the gems you see in modern rings. Because they were hand-cut, they each have a unique look, with personality and character that isn’t often found in modern gemstones. There are cutters who know how to cut some of the old styles today, but few are able to create the same charming look that is found in an older ring.

Sustainable Engagement Rings

When you purchase a pre-owned ring, you are making an environmentally conscious, sustainable decision. There is no need to question the provenance of the diamonds, wondering if they are conflict-free, and you can even use an antique piece of jewelry to create a new engagement ring, which makes it a sustainable option. Starting from scratch means mining materials, which can lead to deforestation, significant carbon emissions, and habitat destruction. By choosing a pre-owned engagement ring, you avoid all of that impact, contribute to the circular economy, and extend the lifecycle of a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Antique Ring Shopping Tips

It is important to note that every older ring is not an antique. To be an antique, a piece of jewelry must be at least 100 years old. Vintage refers to jewelry that is 20 years or older, and pieces younger than 20 years are simply pre-owned. Once you understand the distinctions, you can think about which time period will be the right fit for your tastes and lifestyle.

• Rings made between 1714 and 1837 are Georgian. These rings feature small diamonds, in a closed backed silver mounting, backed by silver foil. The band and other elements are made of gold, and the silver darkens over the years. This gives Georgian rings an edgy, alternative look. However, these rings cannot get wet, so if you have an active lifestyle or spend a lot of time out of your house, they are probably not the right choice for you.
• The Victorian Era was from 1837-1901. Rings from this era typically have smaller stones, set in yellow gold. The rings are often hand-engraved or hand-chased, and sometimes have enamel work. Usually bold and ornate, these beautiful pieces come in a wide variety of designs. The ones with enamel require careful attention, because they are susceptible to breaking. It’s also notable that mass production began during this era.
• Jewelry crafted between 1890 and 1910 are from the Art Nouveau era. Engagement rings from this time period are very stylized, often featuring designs inspired by nature, like flowers, bugs, and animals. Many are made of glass enamel set in yellow gold, and have a fantastical, unconventional look. For someone unconventional, who cares more about design than precious metals and gemstones, an Art Nouveau engagement ring is a uniquely beautiful option. As with Victorian rings, the ones with enamel require special care.
• The Edwardian Era was from 1901 to 1914. Engagement rings from this era have fine, intricate designs that resemble lace and are crafted from platinum. In fact, this is the era that introduced platinum, so it’s the first time there were all-white pieces of jewelry. These feminine, frilly, elaborate engagement rings are good for someone who is very careful, because of how delicate the designs are, made of thin, hollow pieces of metal.
• Between 1860 and 1920 the Arts & Crafts movement came into play. The handmade ring designs from this era are mostly made of silver, with colored stones. Usually crafted from start to finish by one artist, the pieces show a focus on design, workmanship, and artistry over precious metals and materials. The designs are unconventional and creative, but a little rough around the edges because many of the artists were not classically trained. These gorgeous statement pieces are unique, and they also tend to be heavy and durable enough for someone with an active lifestyle.
• The Art Deco movement occurred between 1920 and 1935. The early rings of this era are now antiques, though the later ones aren’t quite there yet. Art Deco rings have bold, geometric, all-white designs, with straight lines and small stones cut to precision, in baguettes and calibré cuts, perfectly aligned. Sapphires, rubies, and onyx are often featured as accent stones. The clean, modern look of an Art Deco ring is very popular and integrates well with modern jewelry.
• Retro Moderne jewelry was made between 1937 and 1950. Platinum was difficult to source during World War II, so you are much more likely to see these big, bold geometric pieces in gold. They were often reworked from existing jewelry or made by mixing metals, and they feature creative, almost eccentric designs. Rings from this time period are perfect for those who like bold, over-the top pieces.
• Mid–Century, the 1940s and 1950s, is a popular era for interior design and for jewelry. Usually made in all white, with a center stone and baguettes on the sides, these clean, simple designs are streamlined. They resemble a toned-down version of Art Deco and are perfect for minimalists.

Find the Perfect Engagement Ring at Houston Jewelry Buyers

When you shop at Houston Jewelry Buyers, you will find a wonderful selection of unique engagement ring styles. Since 1967, we have taken pride in serving the community, buying and selling the highest quality fine jewelry and providing unrivalled customer service. In our stunning showroom, you will find more than 25 showcases of the finest designer jewelry, loose gemstones, and Swiss watches. Many of our pieces come with a warranty, and we have an in-store jewelry manufacturing and repair facility, so that we can repair your jewelry on the spot, while you enjoy complimentary refreshments in our store. Our family of jewelers is committed to providing exceptional customer service, with jewelry at incredible and unbeatable prices. Located in the Galleria area of Houston, our family owned business is the top jewelry buying and selling business in the area. For a free appraisal or to find the perfect piece of jewelry, visit our store or contact us through our website to learn more about all we have to offer.