10 Tips for buying an antique engagement ring

Ensure you are truly buying an antique ring. The words ‘vintage’ and ‘Art Deco Style,’ when referring to a ring, can actually mean reproduction. Without knowing this, you may be purchasing a duplicate. Look for the words ‘Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco’ if you want a proper antique engagement ring.

Avoid stones that will break easily. Emeralds are brittle and can smash, soft opals and anything with enamel will chip. Calibre cut stones placed on the edge of a ring can also fall out over time, likewise sapphires and rubies may be brittle if they have ever been heated to enhance their colour. While making a purchase that will last a lifetime, be sure to choose valuable stones and ask the dealer’s insight in choosing stones that won’t wear over time.

Avoid rings that spread across the finger lengthwise. These rings are difficult to wear with a wedding band, as the band would cause the ring to lift and dig it into the finger, as well as wear the metal and settings on the ring.

Verify the metal of the ring setting. Choosing the metal of the ring setting is nearly just as important and choosing the stone. The best quality gems tend to be set in platinum because it is the most expensive metal.

Look for quality and condition. Ask the dealer if there has been any restoration to the ring, and if so, at what period it occurred.

Buy the best quality ring you can afford and you will not go wrong. If an antique ring is genuine and unusual it will not be cheaper than a modern reproduction but it will retain its value. Do not make the mistake of buying a ring because it is cheap.

Be realistic. The three C’s – clarity, colour and carat – have been branded as the qualities to look for in a ring but if you only have two or three thousand pounds to spend, you will not be able to get a D flawless stone. Staying true to how much you’re willing to spend all while keeping the three C’s in mind will assist in your decision making process.

Ask the dealer if resizing the ring could affect the stone or compromise the ring in any way. And if you decide to resize it, make sure your dealer will do it for free the first time.

Ask the dealer to check the claws before you collect the ring. Make sure there are no rough edges to snag on clothing and ask the seller if he or she will help maintain the ring. This will allow you to bring it back from time to time to clean and check the settings to keep it in good condition.

Respect your ring. Take it off while doing housework or other hard work to keep it from wearing. Learn from your dealer on the best method to clean it, and properly do so to remove hand creams and soaps it may collect.