There are as many good reasons to consider purchasing an antiqueengagement ring as there are reasons for deciding when to popthe question. While modern day jewelers struggle to offercustomers something unique and contemporary, the bride-to-be maybe more inclined to appreciate the style and inherent charm ofan antique. Another perfectly acceptable reason for purchasingantique engagement rings is they often offer buyers a betterquality diamond at a lower price than purchasing a new ring.

Before beginning your search for the perfect wedding ring, it isbest to ask yourself a few questions.

Do you know about the four C's?

The four C's are the criteria professionals use to determine thevalue of a diamond.

"Clarity takes into account the number, character, andvisibility of flaws within the stone. These are often referredto as inclusions. The fewer inclusions, the better the qualityof the stone."

Carat is the size or weight of the diamond. The larger thestone, the higher the cost. An advantage to buying antiqueengagement rings is that in the 1930s and 1940s jewelers oftencompensated for a smaller sized diamond by setting it in anintricately designed white gold, square-shaped box. These madethe stone appear larger. "Color is a matter of taste. Modern-daystandards put a higher value on a clear diamonds, as a rule. Inthe past, buyers wanted their diamonds to reflect a rainbow ofcolors, soft pinks, yellow, or green tints. While coloreddiamonds are still available today, they were considered morevaluable in the past. It is also important to note that many ofthe modern colored diamonds are artificially altered to enhancethe color."

Cut is also a matter of taste and another reason antiqueengagement rings may be the best answer. Over the years, thepreference of cut has changed. Additionally, a laser now cutsmost diamonds; whereas older stones were normally cut by hand,giving them a more customized, romantic look.

What is the difference between an antique ring and an estatering?

Antique rings normally refer to rings that are over 50 yearsold. Rings less than 50 years old and purchased used areconsidered as estate rings.

What are the styles of different eras?

Victorian Era (1835-1900) - Victorian era antique engagementrings featured diamonds or pearls set in yellow or rose gold.The ring styles varied from simple elegance to intricate detail.Many settings featured rows of diamonds that were cut with anextra facet in the bottom of the stone. This was known as a minecut.

Edwardian Era (1900-1920) - With the invention of theoxyacetylene torch, platinum became the preferred metal for theperiod. The wedding bands were often crafted with lacy andpierced shapes, milgraining, filigree detail, and scrollwork.Rose-cut diamonds and sapphires were the preferred stones.

Art Deco Era (1920-1930) - Art Deco antique engagement ringsfeature a streamlined geometric look. They also reflectEgyptian, Asian, and Native American cultures. These rings wereoften made of platinum featured colorful, contrasting gemstonesas well as diamonds.

Where can antique engagement rings be purchased?

Antique engagement rings can be purchased in a number of places:antique stores, estate sales, pawn shops, auctions, and thereselect vendors online and larger cities who specialize in thepurchase and resale of antique jewelry. No matter where youpurchase your engagement rings, remember to get a fulldescription of your purchase in writing and look to vendors whooffer a written returns policy. You may also ask if the jewelrycomes with a certified gemologists report, which providesoptimal proof that the jewelry is as described.

Conclusion

When purchasing an engagement ring, it is important to considerall your options, including antique engagement rings