|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As Mark Twain said "Let us not be too particular; it is better to have old secondhand diamonds than none at all." And don't we all agree?
Antique engagement rings have become all the rage in recent years, particularly with famous brides like Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Camilla Parker-Bowles all sporting vintage-inspired engagement rings.
We have the Victorians to thank for introducing the diamond engagement ring as THE ring to wear and many of those early designs are now being copied and updated for today's modern fiancee. But before you rush out and buy that to-die-for antique engagement ring, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Tips when choosing an antique engagement ring
The settings used in the manufacture of modern engagement rings are very different from those used last century. Antique settings often involved fine filigree work and delicate designs that weren't meant for much wear-and-tear. These delicate settings will have become even more delicate over time and there's many a story about the starry-eyed soon-to-be-bride who has been heartbroken when her precious antique engagement ring proved even more precious than she had thought.
If you want a genuine vintage engagement ring make sure you have it assessed by a qualified jeweler so that any damage can be corrected and the settings strengthened. You may even need to have the stone or stones re-mounted.
Diamond cuts have also changed dramatically over the years. Contemporary diamond cutters use modern faceting techniques to show a diamond off at its brilliant best. Although a diamond will sparkle even when its been poorly cut, don't expect the same razzle-dazzle you see today from the diamonds in antique engagement rings.
Also keep in mind that antique engagement rings were often made with stones that don't stand the test of time. Turquoise is a gem to steer clear of because it has a nasty reputation for discoloration. As do pearls, which lose their sheen and opals, which will gradually wear away.
Another thing to be wary of is that lesser-quality garnets were often marketed as rubies in vintage engagement rings, so be sure to have your ring valued if you badly want a ruby-red engagement ring.
An antique engagement ring is not a ring you can wear every day in our rough-and-tumble world, but it's preciousness makes it a treasure that, with the right care, will give you pleasure every day for a lifetime.
Alex Miller has been involved in the jewelry industry for more years than she cares to remember! She lists her passions as "diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds" and has turned her passion into an informative website. You can find more great articles about diamonds, engagement rings, bridal jewelry, honeymoons and more at http://www.Engagement-Rings-Guide.com - The place to go BEFORE you shop for jewelry online!
Wind Chimes and more... There's no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive. The... Read More Your wedding is nine months away and you decide to... Read More One of my favorite parts about the wedding, is the... Read More Couples experiencing their first Costa Rica honeymoon vacations are never... Read More If you are considering a beach wedding, the ideas are... Read More When it comes to placing your new diamond in a... Read More Original gift ideas for your Bridesmaids and Bestman.What better way... Read More If you're like most people, you probably entered into marriage... Read More When it comes to decorating your reception tables, the centerpieces... Read More Homemade wedding favors come from a centuries old tradition of... Read More You've found the perfect venue: old oaks, a stone wall,... Read More There are two major events that you have to plan... Read More Inviting your possible guests on your wedding day can be... Read More Undoubtedly, the groom will want to choose a few good... Read More 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' This is... Read More Whether your wedding will be coming up roses, daffodils, or... Read More Games can make or break a shower. The best can... Read More Save the Date Cards are announcements that inform your guests... Read More That first wedding was a dream, a gorgeous long white... Read More In Part One, we looked at what wives really want... Read More Ritual symbolism abounds in everything we do; this is particularly... Read More Every marriage has its ups and downs, its rough periods.... Read More Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement... Read More In times gone by it wasn't uncommon for young couples... Read More Cookies as wedding favors, create an unique twist on the... Read More
Windchimes
for great gifts!
How to Plan a Cheap Wedding
Bridal Shop Owner Reveals Insider Secrets Every Bride Should Know
How To Choose Your Wedding Cake
Exciting Costa Rica Honeymoon Vacations
Unique Beach Wedding Themes
Setting a diamond - What to know.
Getting Married? Read this 1st.
Marriage Advice: Seven Marriage Myths You Can?t Afford to Ignore
Affordable Centerpieces for Your Wedding Reception
The Charm of Homemade Wedding Favors
Have a Garden Theme Dream Wedding
Chicago Wedding Receptions
6 Ways to Save Money on Wedding Invitations
Wedding Etiquette for the Best Man, Groomsmen, and Ushers
Bridal Jewelry: Fulfilling a Wedding Tradition
Wedding Flowers ? What Every Bride Should Know before Her Big Day
Bridal Shower Games?The Good, the Bad and the Overdone
Save the Date Etiquette: Everything You Need To Know
The Second Time - Another White Wedding?
Marriage Counseling: What Do Wives Really Want in a Husband? Part Two
Expressions of Devotion: Buying Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, and Wedding Bands Online
Help Your Marriage Survive The Rough Spots
Engagement Rings & Celebrities
A Wedding For All Seasons
Cookie Wedding Favors
It's your day! The most special day of your life,... Read More
While signing a prenuptial agreement can be one of the... Read More
If you've been to one wedding, you've seen it all.... Read More
There's no way to absolutely guarantee that your marriage won't... Read More
How do you handle arguments that lead to heated exchanges... Read More
You've gotten engaged and have set the wedding date and... Read More
Effective communication between you and your wedding guests is essential... Read More
Almost there! This is the third lesson of my "Invitation... Read More
Inviting your possible guests on your wedding day can be... Read More
If you have met the person or the couple several... Read More
When one thinks of a promise ring it is common... Read More
Only in Las Vegas can you find everything for your... Read More
Are you in the process of planning that last special... Read More
The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls... Read More
In the beginning of a relationship, love seems to have... Read More
Gatlinburg in Tennessee is the city with streets of art... Read More
A couple should trust each other in many ways. When... Read More
Remember the frenzy of the paparazzi when they caught Sarah... Read More
One of the most elegant rituals you can choose for... Read More
India is a diverse, multi-cultural country with people of various... Read More
When planning your wedding, what type of entertainment are you... Read More
Imagine the cheapest wedding you'd like. You have to pay... Read More
'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' This is... Read More
There is little doubt that planning a wedding can be... Read More
The invitation is the first impression of the type of... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |