how to choose an antique engagement ring

The best antique engagement rings are the ones from the turn of the century this is inclusive of the Edwardian era, Victorian Era and Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles) up until the 1940's. Jewelry from different eras have their own unique characteristics. Victorian era engagement rings and jewelry made until the 1920's have fine, filigree detail on the mounting and were often made in platinum or white gold. Engagement rings in the 1930's and 1940's had smaller diamonds and intricate carvings on the ring shank. They were made out of yellow gold and white cold (or a combination of both) and the diamond is set in a gold, square-shaped box which enhances the size and color of the stone. Diamonds in a 1940-era engagement ring looks larger than diamonds in the traditional solitaire setting.

The carat and clarity of the diamond is still the primary determinant of an antique engagement ring's price. The larger and clearer the stone, the more expensive it will be. If you don't have a lot of money to spend on an antique engagement ring, consider an art deco ring. Rings made in the 1930's and 1940's were mounted in elaborate, square-shaped boxes that gave the illusion of a larger diamond, giving you the look of a bigger diamond for the price of a small one. Look here for some Art Deco engagement rings

When looking at antique engagement rings, make sure that the diamond and other stones are secure and their prongs are not work. Watch out for thinning shanks or any breaks in the filigree work. To maintain and care for the antique engagement ring, have a trusted jeweler clean the ring every year.

There are several shapes of diamonds to choose from, the main ones are:

1. Round cut, this is the most traditional and oldest style cut,
2. Princess cut, this cut incorporates elements from the Emerald cut and gives the appearance of a larger diamond,
3. Emerald cut, this is an elegant and sophisticated cut which shows off the clarity of a good quality diamond,
4. Oval cut, with this cut you need to make sure it is not too narrow or the center of the stone may look dark,
5. Marquise cut, this is a very fancy cut which shows the color of the stone more than the fire,
6. Round Brilliant Cut, this popular modern cut gives maximum fire to the diamond.

Beautiful antique diamond engagement rings.

Whilst white diamonds are traditionally the choice for engagement rings, it is not widely known that diamonds are available in a large range of colors. If you are choosing a traditional white diamond, you will want it to be as near colorless as possible; these are the gems that command the highest prices.