Ring Engagement

If you are looking for antique engagement settings then you are not alone. The antique looking engagement rings are among the most frequently researched types of engagement rings today. Is it nostalgia or just the sheer beauty of these rings that have made them so popular in these modern times? Probably it is some of both.

There are some advantages to the growing interest in antique style engagement rings. And they are availability and selection. Now by this we mean the newly made antique looking ring settings. These are sometimes referred to as vintage rings.

If you are lucky enough, perhaps you have a family heirloom ring that you will use at your wedding. And if you are willing to do some researching and leg work, you might be able find an actual antique wedding ring. That would be a ring that is at least fifty years old. If the ring is quite that old, some refer to it as an estate ring. It will someday be an antique.

Where might you find one of these rings? Again, if you are fortunate, one was passed down to you. If not, there are some options. Estate sales come to mind since my family recently had one of these after my mother passed. She had many rings, most of them not worth that much other than the sentimental value. But she did have some that needed to be appraised because of their value.

If you look at the newspaper in most any decent size city you will find each weekend a listing of a large number of estate sales. It is that “greatest generation” that is passing on and they are leaving behind some very nice pieces of jewelry. The challenge in getting your ring at an estate sale is knowing the true value. The family themselves may not know. For the sake of both the family and yourself, you would likely want to have a professional to look at it.

The same thing can be said for another possible source for locating wedding ring – a pawn shop. Doesn’t sound very romantic does it? However, you might stumble onto the perfect engagement ring setting. And what you save on the ring over what you would have paid retail at jewelry store may help you to get over any strange feelings about finding your ring at a pawn shop.

And don’t overlook antique stores. Check around in your town to see if any of them specialize in rings. You may find a very knowledgeable person who will help you think through your choice and even if they don’t have what you are looking for, they can be on the lookout for you. They know where to look and what to look for.

Finally, the Internet is a rich source of information. Not only can you find answers to your questions about engagement ring settings, but there are many reputable online wedding jewelry vendors. It may not be as good as actually placing it on your hand but the interactive tools are extremely helpful.