Written by: Cynthia Findlay Antiques

Shopping for vintage jewellery can make your engagement a one-of-a-kind affair.

A new trend in engagement ring shopping is to shop for vintage jewellery. The one-of-a-kind look adds sentiment to the purchase, and the ring can be distinct depending on the era that it was made from. Some brides just want the character that an older ring can bring to their wedding set. Antique rings may also have a higher quality diamond, or a more elaborate design than a modern piece. Here are a few tips to help you decide on the kind of antique or estate ring you want to help symbolize your love.

Classification

An estate ring is most likely an heirloom. It’s usually sold an estate sale, or by a broker that is licensed to sell estate jewellery. Aside from how it’s sold, estate jewellery can refer to rings of any age, but the most popular styles are from 1910 to 1960.

Four Cs

All jewelers use a set of rules nicknamed the four c’s when appraising a ring for value. They first look at the cut of the diamond, get a feel for its clarity, then they observe color and make note of the carat. The diamonds for antique rings were typically cut by hand, so the stones should have a unique shape to them. The shimmer of the stone will also give you an idea of the clarity of it. Diamonds can also have soft tints, so choose a color that fits the style you want.