Vintage engagement rings have such a beautiful and classic look. Having a ring with a history can make your engagement just that much more special. We will discuss what is considered to be a vintage engagement ring, the pros and cons of a decades old ring, and the big question, are vintage engagement rings cheaper.
What is a Vintage Engagement Ring?
A ring that is considered to be vintage is at least twenty years or older and an antique ring is referring to anything at least one hundred years old. A lot of the time vintage is referring to the style of the ring and not always the age. If you are looking for a true vintage engagement ring you are going to be looking for a ring that has been passed down through generations.
Some of the popular eras for vintage engagement rings are the: Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro eras. Most people when designing vintage style engagement rings get their inspiration from these eras. If you are one of the lucky ones you could have a vintage engagement ring that has been passed down through generations to you.
Are Vintage Engagement Rings Cheaper?
Yes, most vintage engagement rings tend to be cheaper. New diamonds are about thirty percent more expensive than older diamonds. Also vintage settings cost around one-half of a new setting since it is pre-owned. Another reason why vintage engagement rings are less expensive is because they are less likely to carry the same markup common with newer jewelry.
Of course some vintage engagement rings will not be cheaper. If the vintage engagement ring has cultural or historical significance it will cost more when purchasing. There are also vintage engagement rings that hold sentimental value, which are priceless. So it depends on the type of vintage engagement ring you are trying to purchase, but overall they are cheaper.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Vintage Engagement Ring?
One of the biggest pros to buying a vintage engagement ring is the uniqueness. Since most rings twenty years or older were hand-crafted they have character, imperfections, and intricacies that newer engagement rings just will not have. Buying vintage also does not create any waste and does not play into any conflict going on today in the diamond world.
A con to buying a vintage engagement ring is the diamond will not be as sparkly as modern diamond due to their warm yellow tones. Typically you will not be able to make any changes or alterations of the ring, not giving you flexibility regarding the style. Vintage engagement rings will also require more upkeep and require hand cleaning to keep it in its prime.
The Diamond Reserve can help create your perfect custom ring, give us a call at 303-385-8449 or click here to schedule your appointment!