Something Old: 53 Vintage Engagement Rings To Shop Now (2024)

FAQs

Are vintage rings worth it? ›

Value. Most of the time, buying vintage and antique engagement rings offer more value than buying a new ring. As lovely and unique as they are, these rings are still considered second hand pieces - with a few exceptions.

First, check for hallmarks and a maker's mark on the inside of your band. These markings may provide information about the jeweller who originally created the piece, its country of origin, and sometimes even the date of manufacture.

Price is determined by demand, and when it comes to antique rings, there are certain time periods that are very popular in today's market. We find that rings from the two jewelry periods Art Deco and Edwardian hold the highest value.

"Vintage" refers to anything at least 20 years old, while "antique" refers to anything at least 100 years old. When it comes to engagement rings, "vintage" usually signifies the ring's style rather than its age.

Most people refer to 'vintage' jewellery as pieces that are between 50 and 100 years old. Certain eras with distinct styles may be referred to as vintage even if the jewellery from that time isn't yet fifty years old. For example, jewellery from the 1980s has mass appeal due to the recent style renaissance of that era.

We recommend taking the piece to a jeweler to be tested. They will have professional tests that will determine whether your jewelry is real as well as the purity of the metal itself. A certified appraiser will be able to provide the value of the piece as well.

Getting help from a diamond appraiser is the best option if you are planning to sell your engagement ring or to ensure its quality. The value of a diamond ring (engagement ring) is determined mainly by the type and quality of the diamond used in it.

Hallmarks and Stamps: Check for hallmarks, stamps, or maker's marks on the jewelry. These marks can provide valuable information about the metal's purity, the jeweler's or manufacturer's identity, and the piece's origin. Hallmarks: Hallmarks are stamped marks on precious metal jewelry that indicate the metal's purity.

The prevailing definition of antique – in relation to furniture or jewellery – is any creation that is a century old or more. Using this definition, all rings crafted before 1922 are considered antiques, while any ring made after that date falls into the vintage or modern category.

Engagement rings typically sell second-hand for 30%-50% of the original retail price. To get the best price for your diamond ring, it pays to sell to the experts.

Why are vintage diamond rings so cheap? ›

VALUE. Older rings are, by their very nature, used, secondhand pieces. This can give couples some surprising bargains and lower prices to choose from when compared to new, modern rings, especially when comparing prices per carat of the ring's stones.

Understand different selling avenues

Its important to understand your options when selling an engagement ring. The three key options are selling to a jeweller, a private sale or sale by auction. Each option has its benefits and considerations.

Vintage engagement rings are often unique because they have intricate engravings, millegrains, enamel, and calibre set stones. These details aren't as common in modern jewellery. Because each ring is handmade, there are no exact copies. Vintage rings are a great choice for someone looking for something unique.

One of the most infamous wedding etiquette rules revolves around how many months' salary one should spend on the engagement ring. It's known as the "three months' salary" rule, and it implies that a buyer should put three months of their salary toward a sparkler for their future spouse.

Using the diamonds on your engagement ring to turn them into a bracelet is another way to repurpose them. The large gemstone can look great as an eye-catching piece on the center of a tennis bracelet with added smaller diamonds or set the diamond in a simple gold chain bracelet.

Trends come and go, and the value of gemstones and precious metals is subject to market variations. That said, aspects of both antique and vintage jewelry indicate it will hold its value and probably even appreciate, becoming more valuable over time.

Vintage engagement rings are more budget friendly

They are essentially secondhand, even if this is what gives them much of their charm.

We have seen class rings sell for under $100 to over $400. To give you a better idea of how much your ring could be worth, check out our past payouts, where we detail past prices we have paid when buying class rings, gold necklaces, gold bracelets, and more.

With antique and vintage jewellery the piece has already gone from 'new' to 'old' before you buy it so its purchase value remains the same. In the same way that classic cars are always in demand and retain their value, so antique jewellery will always be collectable and desirable and retain theirs.