How To Buy An Edwardian Antique Engagement Ring
There are thousands of engagement rings available at national retailers or even smaller jewelry stores which will have the most popular designs, but nothing can compete with the look and feel of an antique Edwardian engagement ring, a Victorian engagement ring, or an Art Deco Engagement Ring.
All three of these types of antique rings are produced well before 1950 unless they are replica pieces. Keeping this in mind can help a man choose the best Edwardian antique engagement ring for his wife to be. Edwardian antique engagement rings will have been made between 1900 and 1920 to be an authentic antique piece of jewelry.
Characteristics
Once a person knows what to look for, Edwardian antique engagement rings are easy to pick out from the crowd, even a crowd of antique rings. The Edwardian style uses a solitaire focus stone along with accent diamond pieces in the setting or shaft, usually, though other precious stones were commonly used.
Sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds were also common accompanying stones for an Edwardian antique engagement ring or sometimes even one of the larger solitaire stones. The quality of an antique engagement ring's stone may not be as high as stones are available today, however the unique designs and styles are almost never replicated well today.
Another distinction of the Edwardian antique engagement ring is in the beautiful and intricate filigree work in the stones setting and on some even on the band. The filigree work is what will really set an Edwardian ring apart from any other engagement ring.
The Edwardian antique engagement rings are often inspired by nature; setting the stone up to look like a flower growing among leaves or vines, often the cut of the stone will compliment this to give the ring an overall flowery look.
Another popular trend in Edwardian antique engagement rings is the use of other precious stones to set off the entire nature themed look of the ring. It is common to see sapphires either in the setting of the stone or in the band which will really bring the diamond into the center of attention.
The complexity or simplicity of the Edwardian antique engagement ring is ultimately a matter of personal choice. It is important to consider the fact that many antique rings are likely to have flawed diamonds or diamonds with a tint such as rose or gold, this is normal and will add to the over all appearance of the ring.
Some jewelers will replace the stone or resize an Edwardian antique engagement ring however it is important to see samples of their track record with similar antique pieces before letting anyone work on a fine antique piece. Antique diamonds, even flawed diamonds, could be more valuable and certainly have more character than their modern counterparts have.
