Where to Find Antique Engagement Rings

When searching for an antique engagement ring, you have a number of options available to you.

Estate sales, which occur when a large amount of possessions need to be cleared from a home (usually after a death,) are a great place to start your search. Many estate sales have large collections of jewelry available, and you may find an engagement ring that is to your liking.

However, it’s important to know that while you can find good bargains here, not everything you will will be authentic or truly antique or vintage. You may not be able to verify the ring’s origins or authenticity, and family members may not know anything about the ring or the stones in it.

Antique or Vintage stores are also a great place to look for an antique engagement ring that fits your personal style and budget. You can run around and visit all the local antique stores in your area, but for an easier time, call a few and ask if they have any diamond or engagement rings in stock. If they don’t, most store owners are happy to keep an eye out for special requests their customers might make, so describe the type of ring you’re looking for and the owner may be able to find one for you!

Believe it or not, pawn shops may also be an alternative way to find an antique engagement ring. While pawn shops have a negative stigma attached to them, there’s no denying they offer a great way to find affordable jewelry. Make sure to research the 4 C’s of diamonds and other information so you are prepared to judge the quality of a ring you may find.

Shopping online for an antique engagement ring can also be a great way to procure the perfect ring at a great price. There are actually tons of great places online that cater to those searching for an antique or vintage engagement ring, but you should always research the company carefully before making a purchase. You would not want to shell out hard earned cash for a ring that is less than advertised.

For the woman who desires a unique piece, an antique engagement ring definitely fits the bill. While it may take awhile to track down the perfect ring, the effort will be well worth it when it is slipped on your finger for the very first time!

When choosing a unique or unusual engagement ring, there are several things you can incorporate into the design of your ring to make it stand out and showcase your personality beautifully.

Choosing a Unique Setting

There are several types of settings to choose from when shopping for the perfect engagement ring. While prong settings are the most popular, you should consider some of the more unusual settings that differ from a traditional ring.

For example, a pave setting engagement ring is a unique choice, where the entire band is encrusted with gemstones (usually diamonds) for a sparkling look that makes it seem the entire ring is made from nothing but gemstones. Pave settings are beautiful, but they are easily one of the most expensive settings you can buy.

For a more affordable alternative, but still just as unique, bezel settings use a metal ring to hold the gemstones in place. These settings work especially well for women who lead an active lifestyle, because unlike a prong setting, a bezel setting is more resistant to damage and is unlikely to snag on fabric and potentially damage the setting.

Gemstone Choices

Of course, simply choosing an unusual setting may not be enough to truly express your individual taste and personality. Consider choosing a unique gemstone other than diamonds to showcase your personality and make the engagement ring truly your own.

Colored gemstones, such as vivid rubies or sapphires are a beautiful choice, as are emeralds or aquamarines. If you like the look of diamonds but want something more unusual, consider choosing a fancy colored diamond. Diamonds are available in all kinds of colors, from purples and pinks to yellow, greens and even blues.

For an extra bit of symbolism, using your birthstones is a fabulous way to personalize your engagement ring and create a truly unique ring that is very symbolic of your life together.

If you are into a more vintage look, you can also search for an antique or heirloom ring at an estate sale, antique stores or online. Vintage rings are likely to incorporate more unique and unusual gemstones and styles that are simply not created today because of the lack of technology that was available back when the original ring was created.

Finding a unique or more unusual engagement ring doesn’t have to be difficult, and is often the perfect choice for couples who have the desire to express their own individuality within the relationship.

Whether you choose to play around with various settings or gemstone choices or simply want something that isn’t so traditional, a unique engagement ring will be a beautiful memento that will serve to commemorate one of the most important days in your life in a way that’s especially personal to both of you.

Preparation

Before you can begin customizing your own engagement ring, you should visit several jewelers and try on different rings in styles that appeal to you. Even if you already have an idea in mind of the type of engagement ring you prefer, trying on existing rings may allow you to find a gemstone, setting or stone shape you hadn’t thought about before.

Education

While you may already have a specific idea in mind about the engagement ring you’d like to design, it is important to educate yourself how to judge a stone’s quality.

If you are interested in incorporating diamonds into your engagement ring design, learn about the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, color and carat weight) and how each “C” affects the value of the diamond. Even if you do not plan to use diamonds but will instead use alternative gemstones, the 4 C’s will help you avoid buying an inferior stone.

Additionally, you should compare different metals (such as white and yellow gold, platinum, titanium, etc.) and how each will affect the price of a custom engagement ring as well as how each will differ regarding care, maintenance and durability. Learning about various engagement ring settings will also be beneficial.

Designing

The majority of engagement rings are designed around a center gemstone, so it’s important to know what gemstone you plan to use as a focal point before you can design the rest of the ring. When you have decided on the central gemstone, you can begin customizing the perfect engagement ring to suit your style preferences and your budget. When designing a custom engagement ring, you’ll need to decide on everything from the setting to the metal, to accent stones and everything in between.

Do you prefer the look of yellow or white gold? Perhaps you prefer the subtle sheen and durability of platinum? Choosing the metal for your custom engagement ring is only one of many steps you’ll need to take to create the perfect ring.

You’ll also need to think about settings. If you prefer basic styles, you may go for a common setting that is classic and traditional. For a more elaborate ring, perhaps a more unusual setting would look appealing.

If you are planning to use accent stones, which stones would complement the central gemstone? Usually, the accent stones are shaped in a way to complement the central stone and are smaller and less intense so as not to detract from the main gemstone.

When you’ve decided on a design that works for you, visit a reputable jeweler who can help you with your design choices and steer you away from design flaws. However, they should not try to influence your decision in any way or make you pay for customizations that are not in your budget.

Designing a custom engagement ring is a great way to get exactly the ring you want, and while it is definitely more complicated than choosing a ring off the rack, the effort is well worth it for a sparkling memento of your relationship.

Engagement Ring Designs

There are many different engagement ring designs to choose from. Here are a few of the common styles.

• Bridal Sets

Bridal sets encompass the engagement ring and wedding band (oftentimes, even the wedding band for the groom will be included.) These sets are complementary and designed to be worn together.

• Solitaires

Classic and understated, solitaire rings use one central gemstone (usually a diamond) without the addition of accent stones. For a woman who loves timeless styles, a solitaire engagement ring might be the perfect choice.

• Vintage Rings

Vintage rings are either true antiques or designed to look like a vintage piece. These beautiful rings are perfect for the bride-to-be who adores vintage-inspired jewelry.

• Contemporary Rings

If your bride to be prefers more modern jewelry, a contemporary ring will be the perfect fit. Modern style engagement rings are often found in abundance from the latest jewelers.

• Celtic Rings

Celtic rings or other rings that are designed with a specific heritage or culture in mind are perfect for the bride-to-be who identifies with her heritage and desires a symbol of that.

• Customized Rings

Customized rings are ideal if a couple can’t find an engagement ring design they like off the rack. Creating a customized ring offers nearly limitless potential to create a unique symbol of your relationship.

Of course, choosing the type of design you want for an engagement ring is only part of the process. You must also decide on the metal, setting and stones to use as well.

There are a variety of metals to choose from, and the type you choose will depend on what type of metal your bride-to-be prefers to wear and your budget. Yellow and white gold are the cheapest options, while platinum or titanium are more expensive. Multi-tone metals are a unique option to use in an engagement ring, as well.

When choosing a setting, consider your bride-to-be’s lifestyle. Does she lead a busy, active life? Consider a more protected setting to avoid accidental damage or stone loss. There are many settings to choose from, so familiarize yourself with some of the basics.

Finally, while diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, other gemstones are commonly used for couples who want a unique ring as a symbol of their relationship. You can also consider using your birthstones as a meaningful alternative to diamonds or other gems.

When choosing an engagement ring design, the key is to pay attention to your bride-to-be’s personality and style of jewelry she prefers. With careful consideration, you can find a beautiful engagement ring she will love.

Types of Jewelers

There are several types of jewelers you can choose from when looking for an engagement ring. Each jeweler will have different factors that may make that particular type more or less desirable, so familiarize yourself with each type of jeweler to find the perfect match.

• Online Jewelers

Online jewelers are a convenient way to shop for an engagement ring, especially if you are looking for a particular ring that isn’t available elsewhere. Online retailers often have a larger selection than chain stores, and may be more affordable because they operate a web-business only and not a physical store.

• Chain Jewelers

Chain stores (like the jewelry stores you see at malls and shopping centers) are huge, multi-store operations with locations all over the country. Their selection doesn’t normally vary from store to store, but they can offer cheaper prices than other jewelers and are pretty affordable. However, chain stores don’t have a lot of customization options and have a limited selection of mostly basic designs.

• Independent Jewelers

Independent jewelers are smaller than national chain stores, but you can often find extensive customization options with a small merchant. Even though their stock may be smaller than a larger store, they typically can offer more rare cuts and styles than other jewelers. Their prices can be more expensive, but their excellent attention to detail and design options may be well worth the price for couples who are looking for a unique, customized engagement ring.

• Designer Jewelers

Designer jewelers offer expensive, rare and hard to find engagement rings, often made with fancy colored diamonds with large carat weights or other rare gemstones. Designer jewelers are often located in major cities like New York, but some of the more famous designers (such as Tiffany’s) can be found online.

No matter what type of jeweler you decide on, you should research the business to make sure you are dealing with a legitimate company. A salesperson should be able to answer any questions you have about the ring, but if you feel any misgivings at all you should find another jeweler to do business with.

Finding the right type of jeweler for such an important purchase isn’t a decision to take lightly, and you should feel comfortable with every aspect of your decision once you decide on the type of jeweler to choose.

Choosing a jeweler is almost as important as picking out the ring itself, and you want to find one that will create the perfect engagement ring to start your lives together on the right track.

Why Buy a Used Engagement Ring?

Despite the stigma that second hand rings have, a used engagement ring doesn’t necessarily mean low-quality. In fact, many used engagement rings use the same types of metals and stones as you would find in a brand new ring, but for a fraction of the price! In fact, price is one of the main considerations when buying an engagement ring. Diamonds do not deteriorate or “go bad,” so buying a used diamond engagement ring can save you money but still have the same quality gems you would look for in a brand new ring.

Another reason to consider a used engagement ring is if you are looking for a style or particular design that is no longer current. For the bride-to-be who doesn’t care about having a fashionable ring that is up to date with current trends, you can purchase a unique style or a ring with different materials and gemstones that jewelers won’t have in stock anymore because they have gone out of style.

No matter what your budget, buying a second hand engagement ring is actually a lot easier than you might think. Online auctions, especially, offer vast selections of second hand jewelry that mass retailers simply don’t offer anymore. With that in mind, you can conduct an extensive search online for the perfect used engagement ring from all over the country and even the world without ever leaving your home.

What are the Drawbacks of Purchasing an Engagement Ring?

Even though buying a used engagement ring offers the perfect solution for couples with limited means, there is definitely a stigma attached to second hand jewelry. Many people believe used means low-quality, but that is simply not the case. If you are concerned about what people might think, you don’t need to tell them it is a second hand ring. Many used engagement rings look beautiful and brand-new, and no one has to be the wiser!

Of course, a second hand ring is generally the product of a broken engagement, so for particularly superstitious people, a used engagement ring may be viewed as a symbol of bad luck. If you are worried about this, a used engagement ring is probably not for you.

Also, keep in mind that a second hand ring will probably not come with a certificate or guarantee as you would get with a purchase from a mass retailer. Detailed information about the ring may not be available, which can be a cause for concern with some couples.

While there are pros and cons to buying a used engagement ring, it can mean the difference between having a ring and not having one for couples who are under a tight budget. If you feel a used engagement ring is right for you, you can still have a beautiful symbol of your relationship without spending an arm and a leg!

Common Online Auction Scams

The convenience and sheer variety of things you can buy using an online auction make shopping for an engagement ring online much less of a hassle, but there are still those unscrupulous sellers who only care about making a quick buck. With that being said, watch out for these common online auction scams:

1. Selling stolen goods
2. Providing fake documents (like appraisals and certificates) to raise the cost of a ring
3. Refusing to ship the ring after it has been bought and paid for
4. Knowingly falsifying information about the ring, such as the condition of the stone, the type of metal, etc.
5. Intentionally selling a ring as genuine when it is actually an imitation diamond or other gemstone
6. Shipping an item that in no way matches the description or photographs of the ring you thought you were purchasing

While there’s no way to guarantee you will be able to avoid an illegitimate sale 100% of the time, there are warning signs to watch for and ways to protect yourself.

What to Watch For

If you take the time to do your research and carefully review information, you can avoid nearly any online auction scam that comes your way. If you notice any of the following warning signs, carefully verify the legitimacy of the ring you are interested in buying and the information the seller presents:

1. Are there photos? If not, or they are unable to be viewed clearly, the seller may have something to hide about the condition of the ring
2. Does the deal sound too good to be true? In most cases, if a ring is priced far below market value, there’s a good chance it’s not the real thing – or there’s something else fishy going on
3. Are there a variety of payment options, or does the seller only accept cash? If you are unable to use the payment method you are most comfortable with, this may signal a problem
4. Does the seller refuse to answer questions about the item? If so, it may not be legit
5. Does the seller provide detailed information about the ring and gemstone? If not, you may want to consider purchasing the ring elsewhere

If any of these warning signs applies to the auction you’re looking at, you need to do your best to verify the legitimacy of the seller. Carefully review the feedback sent by other customers, especially paying attention to any negative remarks.

You’ll also need to read the auction carefully, making sure all of your questions about the quality and condition of the ring are met to your satisfaction. Pay attention to seller’s return policy and guarantee, if any. If there are no photographs, ask for them!

If possible, use a payment method that will protect you in the event of fraud. If the seller only accepts cash or money orders, do your business elsewhere. If you purchase a ring, consider having it appraised and make sure you are able to send the ring back if the appraisal doesn’t satisfy you.

While this information may scare you away from buying your engagement ring online, there are actually plenty of deals to be had from online auction sites. If you carefully research the seller and have your purchase appraised, you can save a lot of money on a beautiful engagement ring that’s worth every (honest) penny spent!

Figure Out What You Want

The best way to learn how to budget for an engagement ring is to familiarize yourself with the type of stone you’ll be buying. This task may sound daunting, but with a little research you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need to buy the best engagement ring you can afford. While you complete your research, you should be able to know the following things:

• For diamond engagement rings, you should learn about the 4 C’s of diamonds (cut, color, clarity and carat weight.) Learn how each of these factor into determining the value of a diamond.
• Know the basic things you should look for in a high quality stone, whether you are purchasing diamonds or another gemstone.
• Figure out how to tell a real stone from an imitation stone.
• Learn which treatments are common with the particular stone you’re interested in buying.
• You should also know how much you will be expected to pay for a particular stone, and review prices for several of the same type of stones for comparison.

Choose the Size and Shape You Want

Knowing the different sizes and shapes you can choose from can help when budgeting for an engagement ring. Are you willing to compromise with a smaller stone for slightly better quality or vice versa? What kind of shape do you admire? The size and shape of the stone you choose can have a major effect on the visual impact and brilliance of your ring.

How Much Money Can You Spend?

No one likes to talk about finances, and the last thing most couples want to do is determine how much they can afford to spend on an engagement ring, but it is important. These are the questions you should ask yourself before making such an important purchase:

• How much can you honestly afford to spend on an engagement ring? Do you or your bride to be have your heart set on an expensive ring, or can you (and should you) make do with a less expensive alternative?

• Can you set up a payment schedule? If so, how long will it take to pay off the ring?

• Do you have any other large purchases planned? What bills will you and your bride-to-be start out with, and can they afford to take the back burner while you pay off the ring?

• Are your finances secure? Are you reasonably secure in your job and won’t face an unexpected loss soon?

These questions are difficult for many couples to face, but they are absolutely essential in determining how you can budget for an engagement ring. With the proper planning and research, you can afford a beautiful engagement ring that will last throughout the years.

Know what you Want

If you know what type of engagement ring you’re looking for, it will make choosing a jeweler much easier. For example, if your bride-to-be loves classic styles and traditional jewelry, a small independent jeweler may be the perfect choice. On the other hand, more elaborate stones or settings may require you to visit a national chain, because they will be able to offer a larger selection of rings that an independent jeweler simply can’t do. Large scale jewelers will also be able to offer more customization options.

Your best bet is to visit several jewelers, both national chains and smaller independent outfits, and narrow your choices based on the type of ring you plan to buy.

Pros and Cons of National and Independent Jewelers

There are pros and cons whether you choose to buy from a chain store at the mall or an independent jeweler. Chain stores have a wider selection, especially if you want an elaborate ring, but independent jewelers can often inform you about different aspects of your gem a national chain may not have available to them.

If warranties are a concern for you, you may decide to go with a national chain. An independent jeweler may close up shop, leaving a warranty and any guarantees of future repairs null and void. This is unlikely to happen if you purchase a ring from a well-established national chain.

From the customer service angle, an independent jeweler may make you feel more at home. Because independent jewelers are often more knowleadable about their products than national chain stores, they are likely to work with you until you find the exact ring you want. While this isn’t true in all cases (there are plenty of national chains that are happy to help you with ring customization,) a large store may feel too intimidating for some couples, making a small jeweler the perfect choice.

Services, Warranties, and Reputation

An engagement ring is a lifetime investment, so it’s important to carefully research a store’s warranty policy and what services they offer. Are cleanings and routine repairs/maintenance part of the services they offer? Do you need a larger warranty than what they can provide? Are alterations or upgrades to the ring possible later on? You should also research the store you are considering before making a purchase. Check the business out through the Better Business Bureau and ask for references from past clients to see how they felt about the service they were given. An engagement ring is an important purchase, and you want to make sure you only deal with a reputable jeweler. If you carefully research your options and check out the jeweler that interests you to ensure their credibility, you will guarantee a satisfying purchase that will still be memorable years from now.

Online Auctions

Jewelry auctions are a popular way to buy an engagement ring and can offer substantial savings compared to a physical retailer. However, carefully research the seller and the auction site before placing a bid. While you can save quite a bit of money purchasing a ring this way, the savings will be pointless if you end up with a fake ring – or no ring at all! For this reason, it’s a good idea to stick with a reputable auction site and seller before you bid. Examine every photograph of the ring to make sure it’s exactly what you want, and carefully read the description, terms and agreements. Failing to read the fine print can end in disaster if it ends up being a scam or a different ring than you thought you were purchasing.

Online Jewelers

Many popular jewelry stores offer online sales as well, and can many times offer a different style of the same ring found in a store or an expanded selection. With most mass jewelers, their website often allows you to design your own ring – from the stone, to the setting and everything in between. While you can certainly customize an engagement ring at a physical jeweler, the online design tools their website offers is quick, convenient and practically hassle-free. Even though most reputable jewelry stores offer the same benefits and guarantees as their physical store, it’s always a good idea to research the jeweler you prefer.

Online-Only Jewelers

There are many online-only jewelers or jewelry retailers, whereby all of their sales are done exclusively via the Internet. These small businesses are often able to offer exclusive sales or discounts that other stores that operate a website and a physical store cannot. Online-only jewelers can also operate a wholesale engagement ring business. If you purchase an engagement ring via an online wholesaler, you can likely save a substantial amount of money. However, wholesalers often only have a very limited selection of style to choose from, and don’t offer many customization options to choose from.

Before you Buy

While online engagement ring sales offer a great amount of convenience, you will need to rely on photographs and stated specifications of the ring you want to purchase. As a result, it’s very important that you research the merchant before handing over your personal information. Check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure they are a legitimate business and check how many complaints have been filed against the company. If their website looks poorly made, with many misspellings or grammatical issues, that’s a very good sign that you’re not dealing with a business that prides itself on quality and customer service.

Familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s, so when your documentation arrives with the ring to verify that it’s authentic, you are able to understand what you have purchased. Carefully check return policies in the event you are unhappy with the ring. With careful research and by only dealing with reputable online merchants, you can find the perfect engagement ring without hassle.