Antique Engagement Rings—A Green Option When Shopping for Diamond Rings
These days, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the diamond trade. It turns out that “conflict-free” diamonds aren’t really always conflict-free, and that in general, the diamond trade causes devastation to the environment not previously realized. So, what’s a girl who wants a diamond engagement ring, without feeling guilty about it, to do? Find your dream engagement ring by looking for antique engagement rings.
Antique engagement rings are the perfect alternative to a new ring. The diamonds have already been harvested and the metal has already been mined years ago, so you’re not adding any current controversy. Also, if you purchase an antique engagement ring instead of a new one, you’re in effect recycling a ring that wouldn’t otherwise be worn and loved anymore. Another alternative to shopping for finished antique engagement rings is to find one with a stone that you like, and have it reset in a new setting for a brand new ring that is completely your style.
There is a wide variety of antique engagement rings available on the market today. Before you start shopping, you should determine what is more important to you—the metal, the style of the setting, or the central stone in the setting. Since you’re looking for rings that are already designed and created, this is one way to narrow down your selection process. Yellow gold and rose gold was popular on rings that were made in the late nineteenth century through the fifties. White gold and platinum can usually be found on antique rings made starting in the early twentieth century. Some antique rings have intricate patterns carved into the metal, which make each ring unique and different from the types of rings you find when you shop for new engagement rings.
Diamonds have always been popular on engagement rings, although with antique engagement rings, you’ll find diamonds cut in different ways that a lot of the modern rings of today. For example, if you want you’re the center stone to appear larger, antique engagement rings from the jazz age are ideal as they were set in such a way to make the middle diamond standout and look larger, often times with smaller stones set all the way around the middle stone. Keep in mind, though, that bright white diamonds have only become popular recently. When you are shopping for antique engagement rings with a center diamond, you will often find that the diamonds have a slight rose, green, or yellow tint to them, which used to be very popular. The nice thing about them, though, is that your ring will be very unique and will standout you’re your friends’ cookie-cutter diamond rings with the same solitaire settings with bright white diamonds in a princess cut. Of course, if you’re looking for an antique engagement ring with a stone other than a diamond, keep in mind that sapphires were very popular on rings that were made in the first twenty years of the twentieth century. However, when you buy an antique ring with a stone that is not a diamond, you should have it checked for flaws or cracks as sapphires, rubies, and other similar gemstones are much softer than diamonds and are not likely to last as long without being damaged.
When shopping for antique engagement rings, two things are important. First, find a reputable dealer who you can trust to sell you only the best quality ring. Second, look at a wide selection of rings. Try a bunch on. Be willing to go outside of your comfort zone on what you picture as the ideal engagement ring, and you’ll be surprised to find some gorgeous, unique, one-of-a-kind rings that not only look amazing on you, but will also make all of your friends extremely jealous. Even better, you’ll be helping the environment by recycling a ring and not buying a new ring that supports the current problems with the diamond and fine metal trade.
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