Sure, they may be beautiful to look at, romantic to own, and just waiting to slip on your finger, but the reality is they are used rings. Therefore, along with the romance is the potential for costly long term maintenance, emotional headaches, and a lifetime of frustration.
If you love antique ring settings, then there is absolutely a place for them. However, that place should not be as your engagement ring (or wedding rings). Here's why; engagement rings (and wedding rings) need to stand up to daily abuse everyday for the rest of your life, including:
Soap Residue
Food Particles
Lotion
Sweat
Dirt
Scratches
Bumps
Bangs
If your ring has already experienced a lifetime of extensive wear it may not be structurally sound enough to withstand another. If this is the case then you are looking at a lifetime filled with repair bills. There is also an emotional toll that constant repair can take on you. It's nerve wracking to have to worry about damaging or loosing a ring of so much sentimental importance.
Instead, buy antique ring settings for special occasion jewelry, such as a lovely cocktail ring. This will reduce the amount of time it is worn, eliminating the majority of it's potential wear and tear.
If this reality check has your head spinning then hopefully the following Q&A will help ease your worries and get you on your way to finding your dream ring:
Vintage Engagement Ring Settings Answer #1: Concerns
There is always a concern when it comes to antique ring settings. First, you don't know how well the ring was made, has been maintained, how often it has been sized, etc. Simply put, poor care can affect the structural integrity of your ring. Some of the problems you could possibly encounter are:
Broken Shanks
Thinned Shanks
Weakened Shanks
Worn Prongs
Cracked Prongs
Bent Prongs
Chipped or Missing Stones
Re-Engraving or Reapplying Lost Patterns, Textures, and Designs
Another draw back is that you are limited to what your estate jeweler has in stock. Unlike ordering a new ring, you may have to compromise and take what is available instead of what you want.
Finally, if matching wedding bands are important to you, remember that they may not be available. You may have to settle for a similar wedding band or spend the money to have a ring custom made, which is costly and time consuming.
Vintage Engagement Ring Settings Answer #3: Quality
Absolutely! To ensure that your ring will be tomorrow's heirloom, buy a quality die struck setting and be mindful of life events that could damage your ring. This will ensure that your ring will retain it's pristine beauty for years to come.
Bella's Fine Jewelers
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