Guide To Antique Engagement Rings

There are two types of antique engagement rings.  Some rings are authentic antiques, over 50 years old. Others are new, but reveal a design that was inspired by a previous era.   Today, a ring designed "in the style" of Art Deco or Art Nouveau could be referred to as antique even if it was created only yesterday. 

For some couples, the idea that a ring was once worn by another is a comfort.  To others, it is not.  Make sure you know what your (and your fiancée's) feelings are before you make any purchase.  Also, make sure you ask your jeweller which kind of "antique" you're looking at. 

Traditional antique engagement rings are fashioned out of platinum or gold.  Sterling silver, though beautiful, is not typically seen as an appropriate engagement ring metal because of its softness.  Harder materials, which are less prone to stretching and bending, are superior for rings intended for long-term, daily wear, and are a must for any ring that bears a precious or semi-precious stone.

Speaking of stones, diamonds are well known to be the most popular for contemporary engagement rings.  However, other stones--sapphires, rubies, emeralds, garnets, peridots, and tanzanite--are equally appropriate.  In fact, until very recently, other stones were often preferred to diamonds in engagement and wedding rings.  If, as you search for your perfect antique engagement ring, you come across a glorious art nouveau ring studded in sapphires, you don't have to cast it aside just because it doesn't have diamonds.  She may love it even more for its unusual beauty.