More and more people are looking for antique engagement rings to seal their love and commitment to each other.  And why not?  These rings are not only unique and stunningly beautiful, they also have already withstood the test of time.  Plus, many times, antique engagement rings are actually more affordable than a similar modern ring.  Although there are a lot of benefits to buying an antique, there are some things that you need to look out for.

First, the seller that you buy from is one of the most important choices in your search for the perfect antique engagement ring.  Most sellers are reputable—but you still need to be careful.  Since the majority of people will be buying their antique engagement rings online, it’s important to know a few things about the online jewelry retailer.  Do a quick search for reviews from previous customers—don’t just trust things that they might say on their website.  You can also check out how long they’ve been around.  Older, more well-established jewelry retailers are more likely to have a solid and reliable business.  Newer jewelry stores are less time-tested.  Also, the Internet world changes fast, and new businesses come and go quickly.  If you need to return your ring, you need to make sure that you are buying from a seller that is well-established enough that they’ll still be around for months or years to deal with any returns or problems that you have.

You also need to make sure that the ring is a genuine antique.  Asking the seller for some historical information, such as the time period and the ownership history of the ring can help, but you should also have it verified by a third party.  Jewelers can inspect the diamond in the ring you are considering, and they can tell you not only its value, but also whether it is a modern diamond or an antique.  Antique diamonds have a lot of subtle variations in their color and cut that makes it easy to tell the difference.  For example, antique asscher cut engagement rings and cushion cut engagement rings have slightly fewer facets and a slightly different shape than their modern counterparts.

Finally, be aware that antique rings often can’t be resized due to the delicate filigree patterns, or the style of the ring.  This means that you have to be very careful to make sure that the ring fits before you buy it.

Whether you are looking for a rare ring from the late Georgian era, a soft-colored and sentimental Victorian ring, a glamorous Edwardian engagement ring, or a stylish Art Deco ring, the above tips hold true.  Only buy from a seller that you trust, get your diamond checked for authenticity by a third party, and only buy a ring that you know will fit.

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