Why choose a vintage engagement ring?

What’s the first thing that a woman is asked upon announcing that she has gotten engaged? Invariably, her friends and family will ask how her fiancé proposed and whether they can see the ring. For that reason, it’s important to propose in a meaningful and memorable way, and it’s equally important to choose the right engagement ring. Engagement rings tell a story, and it’s the one piece of jewellery (besides the wedding band) that she will wear for the rest of her life. That’s why vintage engagement rings are so popular.

Vintage engagement rings are more than just a piece of jewellery. They are a symbol of the enduring nature of love. More than that, when you choose a vintage ring you can be assured that it will be set apart from the others; it will have its own personality. Vintage rings have history and features that can appeal to a woman who likes things a little different than the norm.

To be considered vintage, a wedding ring must be between 30 and 50 years old. Anything older than that is considered antique. Vintage does not denote the style of the ring, only the age. Vintage rings come in a vast array of styles, just as new rings do. Some vintage rings feature large stones, some have smaller stones, some stones are round or oval, some are square, and some rings feature a combination of stones that include diamonds and other gems. The possibilities are endless.

When purchasing vintage engagement rings, it’s crucial to keep in mind the same 5 C’s that are important with buying new rings: clarity, colour, carat, cut and certification.

Clarity: The presence or lack of flaws in the diamond. The higher the clarity rating, the fewer the flaws (and the more rare the diamond).

Colour: More than just the actual physical colour of the diamond (diamonds come in a variety of different colours). The colour of a diamond refers to the gradations in colour in the stone. Certain colours are rarer than others.

Cut: The shape of the diamond. Some cuts are more expensive than others, as they require a larger or more high-calibre diamond in order to be cut in a certain way.

Carat: The carat is the size, or weight, of the diamond. The bigger the diamond, the rarer it is.

Certification: This is the assurance of quality of the stone.

When purchasing an engagement ring it’s important to consider the 5 C’s, but the foremost consideration should be what your lady loves. Her personal tastes and style are the most important consideration when choosing a ring. Vintage rings can provide the opportunity to find something as unique and original as your lady is. Find a ring that will make her heart sing and that she will be proud to show off every time she is asked, “Can I see the ring?”