Buying Diamond Engagement Rings Guide
If you are planning a proposal and thinking about buying a diamond engagement ring in the near future, try learning a little about diamonds in general, as usually buying diamond engagement rings is a very emotional purchase, hence affecting your judgment. If you decide to get engaged, I’m sure you want to buy her the right type of engagement ring.
Don’t surprise her with a diamond ring, by buying something according to your own taste, you should consider involving her in the decision, you never know, she might thank you for it. If you decide to surprise her, try finding out what she likes by taking a cue from the style of jewelry that she already owns.
Does she prefer modern diamond engagement rings or traditional ones? What metals does she favor, white gold, yellow gold, or platinum which is the most popular metal when buying diamond engagement rings. Perhaps she likes solitaire rings in which prongs hold the diamond high, as they are very popular.
Browse jeweler’s websites, spending some time exploring your diamond ring options, looking, and seeing what’s out there will help you to get ideas. You might even consider buying a preset ring solely based on the design of the ring. or purchase the diamond separately, then think about the ring.
Before heading out to a jewelry store including online to choose a diamond engagement ring you should establish your budget, an amount you feel comfortable spending. Remember this is an emotional purchase, so make sure you stay within your budget. Next step you should consider the diamond quality, size, and value.
Buying Diamonds
What To Look For When Buying Diamonds
A good understanding of diamonds is necessary before buying diamonds, as you are required to make a significant investment and financial commitment. Diamonds are available in varying colors, sizes, and qualities, these characteristics determine the value by using a diamond grading system referred to as the 5 c’s of diamonds; Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, and Certification. The most important characteristics of buying a diamond.
The most valuable Diamonds are those that possess the best of all the measurements. To understand a diamond’s quality characteristics, and how those characteristics influence appearance, and which are more important, you need to have some knowledge about the 5 C’s, once you know how diamond grading works, you can avoid any pitfalls.
5 C’s Of Diamonds: Diamond Ring Grading System
The 5 C’s of diamond quality grading system by GIA (Gemological Institute of America), Carat Weight, Cut, Color, Clarity, and Certification, is one of the most popular diamond quality grading systems to establish a diamond’s quality and are important considerations when buying a diamond. Below is an explanation of each.
Diamond Carat Weight
Carat is a weight measurement and diamonds are measured in what is called carat weight.
Some people believe that carat refers to the size of a diamond when in actuality, carat is specifically a measure of a diamond’s physical weight. A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to an ounce. One carat is made up of one hundred points, so a diamond that weighs 75 points would be three-quarters of a carat.
The larger the diamond, the greater its rarity as larger diamonds are rarer, and the more expensive per carat it will be, as they generally have a greater value per carat, for example, a 1ct diamond costs much more than two 1/2ct diamonds.
Small diamonds are cheaper than large diamonds. A ring with three small diamonds totaling 1 carat costs less than a single 1 carat diamond of similar quality. Do not confuse carat with karat. Carat refers to stone weight while karat refers to the fineness of gold. But there’s no ideal size for a diamond. It depends on your budget and taste, some women want a big rock, others prefer a delicate look.
You have to be wary when buying diamonds that are already set or mounted. If there is more than one diamond in the piece then the tag will show the CTW or Carat Total Weight which is the combined weight of all stones. It will not tell you the weight of each stone in the piece, therefore you must ask the jeweler for the total carat weight of the largest diamond in order to really know what you are buying.
Diamond Color
While diamonds are available in every color of the spectrum, the most valuable diamond color
is colorless.
Truly colorless diamonds are extremely rare and as a result, are expensive. They are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). A diamond’s color grade actually refers to the lack of color. Diamonds that are white, containing little or no color, receive higher quality grades than those with visible color.
Although the presence of color makes a diamond less rare and valuable, some diamonds naturally occur in vivid fancy colors from very clear fine whites to well-defined reds, blues, browns, pinks, greens, and bright yellows. These are highly prized and extremely rare, though the majority of diamonds used in jewelry today are white diamonds.
Diamonds range from D to Z. With D for rare, being the most colorless diamonds. E and F are considered excellent, but G or H diamonds will look just as good to the naked eye. The further down in the alphabet the diamond is, the more yellow it appears. The less color in a diamond the rarer.
You’ll notice the differences, for example, if you put a K color beside a G color, you’ll notice more yellow in the K. While most diamonds appear white, virtually all display some hint of color. Color can best be determined by looking at a loose diamond on a pure white surface, and by noting its contrast.
Diamond Clarity
Clarity is the term used to describe the size and number of inclusions in a diamond. Almost all diamonds contain minute traces of non-crystallized carbon, the element from which they were born. These inclusions are not discernible to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. Almost all diamonds have tiny imperfections but diamonds with few or no imperfections receive the highest clarity grades.
There are two things when evaluating the clarity of a diamond, inclusions, and blemishes. Inclusions are flaws inside the diamond and blemishes are those on the surface. Diamonds are graded by the number of inclusions and blemishes and whether or not they can be seen by the naked eye. The purer the diamond, the more brilliance.
Many diamond buyers mistakenly think that diamond clarity refers to how clear it is but this is not the case. Clarity actually refers to the external as well as internal imperfections in the stone hence clarity measures diamond flaws. Internal imperfections and external irregularities affect the clarity of the diamond by interfering with the passage of light throughout the diamond. The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more valuable and rare it is.
Imperfections such as spots, lines, bubbles, clouds, or cavities in the stone are known as inclusions. Virtually all natural diamonds contain the so-called inclusions that may be seen under the scrutiny of a microscope, but many are invisible to the naked eye. Large inclusions interfere with the dispersion of light and therefore the diamond’s brilliance. The larger or more numerous the inclusions the less valuable the diamond. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer the stone
The diamond is more valuable when it has fewer inclusions. According to the GIA’s quality analysis system, clarity is graded on a scale ranging from flawless or internally flawless (FL or IF, meaning that it is perfect) to imperfect (I). A grade of I-1, I-2, or I-3 means that the diamond is imperfect, with a grade of I-3 being the worst.
The clarity grade SI stands for “slightly included.” VS is a better grade, very slightly included. VVS is even higher, very, very slightly included. Most inclusions in the VVS-SI range cannot be seen by the untrained eye unless someone tells you where it is. The system is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
Diamond Cuts
One of the most defining characteristics of a diamond is its cut. Cut measures workmanship, rather than a diamond’s inherent qualities. While nature determines a diamond’s clarity, carat weight, and color, the cut of a diamond determine its brilliance, the better a diamond is cut, the more sparkle it will have, hence the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release its fire.
The cut is the most important of the 5 C’s. The way a stone is cut enhances sparkle and luminosity and can hide flaws. Jewelers follow a mathematical formula to ensure the best cut. The better the cut the more brilliance and fire, hence more valuable. The cut affects the price and there are several grades of cut to consider when buying a diamond.
The mathematical formula also takes into account the depth of the cut. If a diamond is cut too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the pavilion, if the cut is too shallow, light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep it will lose some of its fire.
Cut does not refer to the shape of the diamond, but to the facets that are cut into each stone. These facets are critical as they are what causes the stone to reflect light. A well-cut diamond will reflect the light and refract it back to your eye. Even the most wonderful diamond can be ruined if it is not cut properly.
Diamonds may be cut in different shapes including, round, oval, marquise, pear, heart, and Trillian shape among others, they are referred to as fancy cut diamonds. Shape describes a diamond’s form, primarily as viewed from above. The most common shape is the round (brilliant-cut), the round brilliant has 58 flat, polished facets that reflect the maximum amount of light.
The best cut rating, (Ideal Cut) is rare. The next best cut is called (Premium) which is also very desirable and is less expensive than the ideal cut. A (Very Good) cut is one step down from the premium but still reflects most of the light from the stone.
In some cases, the cutters vary the proportions of the cut to result in a larger diamond. The (Good) cut is an economical grade, lower than the (Very Good) but quite popular with most people buying diamonds as it still shows the stone off quite well.
Cuts (Fair) and (Poor) should be avoided as they do not result in a sparkly brilliant diamond. These diamonds are cut to specifically maximize size but they sacrifice brilliance in the process. About a third of diamonds are rated fair, good, or very good.
Diamond Certification
The fifth C is the assurance of quality (diamond certification). This diamond grading report is a quality certification from an independent gem laboratory, so you can rely not only on the opinion of the store you are purchasing the diamond from but also on a recognized gemological laboratory. Certificates also add a lot of resale value to your diamond, especially GIA or AGS.
Confidence in your jeweler is also extremely important. It is crucial to shop at a professional jeweler, one that is a member of a professional trade association such as Jewelers of America (JA). JA requires high ethical standards of its members and provides them with ongoing education.
What To Look For In Diamond Rings
Historically political regimes from unstable countries in Africa have engaged in unethical practices and have used the proceeds from mining diamonds to fund armed conflict. Only purchase a diamond ring from a Jeweler that can guarantee that your ring is made from conflict-free diamonds and Kimberly certified.
A conflict-free diamond is a real diamond that is certified to be ethically mined and sold. and Kimberly certified, means in accordance with Kimberley Process regulations, hence under the protection of the Kimberley Process.
Different Settings For Rings
Diamond ring settings are one area where talented jewelry designers and artisans really express their creativity, with unusual and interesting designs.
The structure that holds the diamonds in place is the ring settings. It performs three main functions, holds the diamonds in place, provides a frame, and allows light to enter into the diamonds.
There are two basic parts to every diamond ring. The setting is the ring portion (band, pave diamonds, prongs) and the center diamond. The pave diamonds are smaller diamonds or gemstones including, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires among others.
Diamond Ring Settings Only
When buying a diamond ring setting without a center diamond (diamond ring settings only) you select both the setting and the diamond.
When buying a ring set with a center diamond, the diamond was already chosen for you. You can also purchase your own custom design ring for an extra fee to cover drawings work etc. and also choose from a plain band, a band with pave diamonds, or a band with colored pave gemstones.
Most diamond settings come as diamond ring settings only, and not all settings can accommodate all diamond shapes and sizes. There are a number of different engagement ring settings available (pave, bar, claw, bezel, flush, tension, and the channel setting).
Diamond Rings That Look Real
A good reason for buying certified diamonds is to protect you against buying diamond rings that look real, just like the real diamond. They are made with Zircon, a natural mineral used as real diamonds substitute like the synthetic moissanite and cubic zirconia.
Fake Engagement Rings That Look Real
A good reason for buying fake engagement rings that look real is if you are concerned during your travels. Wearing fake engagement rings that look real when you travel can give you peace of mind.
How To Look After A Diamond Ring
Your diamond ring is something you wear every day and can be subjected to harsh chemicals, soaps, and lotions, and become damaged. Taking simple steps to clean your diamond ring today will help ensure that it will remain to look beautiful and last a lifetime.
To take the best care of your diamond ring, you should remove it when doing physical work, or before entering a chlorinated pool or hot tub, also keep your diamond away from household chemicals. These cleaners can damage the settings and mountings or the diamond itself.
Our natural skin oils can cause film and grime. Avoid touching your clean diamonds with your fingers. Handle clean jewelry by its edges. Clean your diamonds regularly using a commercial jewelry cleaner, or a mild detergent. Dip the jewelry into the solution and use a soft brush, an eyebrow brush is perfect, to dislodge dust or dirt from under the setting.
If your diamond is really dirty, you may need something a bit stronger than soap and water. try a mixture of ammonia and water. Let the diamond ring soak for 30 minutes. Then gently brush them with a soft brush then rinse and pat the ring dry with a lint-free jewelers cloth. You don’t really need any special chemicals.
You can also buy jewelry cleaning kits in almost any department store. These kits have everything you need, the solution and brush are quite convenient as you can store them away and use them again. Read the label to see if the kit is OK to use on your diamond ring.
If you really want a super clean diamond you can try an ultrasonic cleaning machine. These machines use high-frequency to generate a cleaning motion. Every machine is not the same though, so read the instructions before using it.
Be sure to take your diamond ring to a jeweler once a year. Have them check the mountings and prongs and make any needed repairs. This can prevent your diamond from coming out of its setting and getting lost.
When you are not wearing your engagement ring or if stones have become loose, store it in a jewelers box where it can be kept separate from your other jewelry. Ideally, every piece should have its own compartment. This will keep the diamond in your ring from getting scratched as well as keeping your diamond from scratching other jewelry.
How To Look After Gold Rings
Remove all gold rings before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on karat gold jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. By preventing the formation of this film, you immediately reduce the frequency with which your pieces will need to be cleaned.
To clean your gold rings at home, you’ll find many commercial cleaners available. Also, a soft chamois cloth is an effective way to keep your gold rings shining. Be careful with chlorine, high temperatures can permanently damage or discolor your gold jewelry. Do not wear any gold while in a pool or hot tub.
For rings that do not contain colored gemstones, an ultrasonic cleaning machine may be appropriate. Once again, ask your jeweler. Grease can be removed from gold by dipping the ring into plain rubbing alcohol. Again, check with your jeweler about colored gemstone pieces.
You can remove tarnish with jewelry cleaner, or by using soap and water mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Carefully brush with a soft bristle brush. An old toothbrush can also be used. After the brushing, simply rinse with lukewarm water and allow it to dry.
If there is heavy tarnish on your jewelry, consult your jeweler for the best cleaning procedure. You should also talk to your jeweler before attempting to clean any gold jewelry set with colored gemstones because some stones require special cleaning procedures.
Buying Loose Diamonds
Loose diamonds are diamonds that are not set in engagement rings or other diamond jewelry settings. Most high-quality diamonds are certified by experts in a gemological laboratory to determine their quality and value.
Diamonds are 99.95% pure crystallized carbon, and in the rough form, they are shipped to the world’s cutting centers to be shaped and polished before being set as a girl’s best friend jewelry. However, the way a diamond is cut is what will determine its defining characteristics.
When buying loose diamonds you need to have some knowledge about the most important characteristics that contribute to the quality and value of diamonds, the 5 Cs, cut, color, clarity, carat, and certification. Once you know how diamond grading works, you can avoid any pitfalls.
Buying Certified Diamonds
A good reason for buying certified diamonds is the assurance of quality. A diamond grading report is a quality certification from an independent gem laboratory. The 5 C’s quality grading system by GIA (Gemological Institute of America), is one of the most popular diamond quality grading systems to establish a diamond’s quality, and they issue most certificates.
Another good reason for buying certified diamonds is to guard against buying diamonds made with Zircon, a natural mineral used as a real diamond substitute like the synthetic cubic zirconia and moissanite.
Diamond Certificate Issuers
(GIA) Gemological Institute of America Inc
(AGS) American Gem Society
Buying Loose Diamonds Guide
Conflict-Free Loose Diamonds
One of the main things that you need to look for when buying loose diamonds is if they are conflict-free diamonds.
Due to conflict in some Africa countries, rebel groups took over the diamond industry and used the profits to purchase weapons. Some of these conflict diamonds were indirectly smuggled into the hands of unsuspecting jewelry buyers.
Several organizations and companies banded together to create a strict global diamond certification process known as the Kimberley Process in order to ensure that diamond customers worldwide were purchasing conflict-free diamonds.
Before you buy, be certain that your loose diamonds are certified conflict-free diamonds from legitimate sources and in compliance with the Kimberly Process.
Shopping for Diamond Engagement Rings
It’s time to show her your love, however shopping for a diamond engagement ring is not an easy task, and is a big investment. Therefore you need to follow a few steps in order to really know what you are buying.
Shopping For Engagement Rings Tips
Learn about the 5 C’s of diamonds, cut, carat weight, color, clarity, and certification. These factors are used by diamond graders to produce the gemologist report which is the blueprint of the diamond and certify the various grades and additional aspects of the diamond such as shape.
Ask the jeweler for an independent diamond grading report. The most prominent names in diamond certification are international gemological labs that work independently. IGI, GIA, AGS, and EGL are among the most well-known. Certificates also add a lot of resale value to your diamond, especially GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society).
The certified diamond grading report lists a diamond’s distinguishing characteristics and its linear measurements. It will provide proof of quality and value. Also, make sure the store is accredited by the Jewelers of America (JA) or is a member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Find out if they offer free shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee, should you be unhappy with your purchase, and a full one-year warranty on all of their rings
Engagement Ring Shopping 101
If you are planning a proposal and thinking about buying a diamond engagement ring in the near future, start working on the ring early, in case you decide to custom design your ring, it may take weeks for the jeweler to set the diamond, or do any engraving.
Do your homework beforehand. Browse jeweler’s websites, seeing what’s out there helps to get ideas. Explore your diamond ring options, and establish your budget. Avoid the national chains as they often sacrifice quality for mass marketing. If you know what shape she wants, instead of buying a preset ring, get a better deal by choosing the diamond separately.
Plan Ahead, before heading out to an online jewelry store you have some choices to make. Does she prefer modern diamond engagement rings or traditional ones? What metals, white gold, yellow gold, or platinum, perhaps she likes smaller diamonds instead of one large diamond.
Engagement Ring Shopping Together
Engagement ring shopping with a girlfriend is nothing new and it’s easier if you involve her in the decision. It’s perfectly normal to shop together for a ring.
Relationship statistics show that more than half of men surprise their loved ones with a diamond engagement ring during their proposal. This means that the majority of men have no idea if the size, cut, shape or cost is important to them. By bringing her along, you will be certain that she will get the engagement ring she wants.
If you decide to surprise her, try finding out what she likes by taking a cue from the style of jewelry that she already owns, or from friends and family.
Buying Engagement Ring Guide
For many, buying an engagement ring is one of the most important events, hence they look for diamonds in whole carat weights, but a solitaire diamond ring at this weight will generally cost thousands.
The average cost of a jewelry store diamond engagement ring is 3000-4000 dollars. Opt to buy online instead and you can buy a diamond engagement ring without breaking the bank.
You also have to consider other costs like protecting yourself against loss or theft. The insurance cost depends on the value of your ring, the annual premium could be 1-3% of the jewelry’s appraised value. Remember, valuations are for insurance purposes, shouldn’t be given prior to purchase, and are not grading reports
Also, you should have your ring numbered, the diamond’s certificate number can be laser inscribed on the side of the stone. The inscription is visible under magnification and doesn’t affect the ring value. Some insurance carriers give policy discounts on inscribed diamonds.
Buying An Engagement Ring On A Budget
There is a way to save big with a smaller diamond, as jewelers charge a premium for larger diamonds. If you select a diamond just under a carat the savings can add up to 30 percent, and the difference in size is so insignificant, you won’t be able to tell.
You can also skip the solitaire and opt instead for a diamond engagement ring covered with tiny pave diamonds that add up to just under 1 carat in multiple diamonds, the engagement ring sparkles plenty and can cost up to 90 percent less than a ring with a big center diamond.
This type of engagement ring is a diamond cluster ring that has a cluster of delicate, high-quality diamonds set in a circle above a row of smaller diamonds set in a channel, hence a much less expensive engagement ring. A ring with a solitaire 1-carat diamond can cost 100 to 200% more than one with 1 carat in multiple diamonds.
Check out Amazon for a wide selection of engagement rings and wedding bands.
Amazon offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the product for any reason, you can return it for a full refund within 30 days from the day you purchased it.
Buying Antique Engagement Rings
Buying an antique engagement ring instead of a new ring is a special way to propose marriage, are less expensive, and give you the opportunity to find rare and beautiful styles.
True antique and vintage rings, not reproductions, have an inherent uniqueness and generally become more valuable over time. The downside is that most antique rings are not durable enough to endure everyday wear, and diamonds set in older rings are usually not up to the same standards as modern rings.
When buying an antique ring, it is important to take the ring to an appraiser to make sure that the antique ring is real. It is also wise to take the ring to a jeweler to find out about the ring’s integrity. Make sure that all the stones are securely mounted and that the ring can be re-sized if necessary.
Antique rings tend to have diamonds of higher quality, and the value of the ring appreciates more because the detail of the prongs and settings are often intricate and difficult to replicate. Only purchase unusual original rings that are well made. For a diamond, avoid any color grade below K (too yellow) or below Very Good (not enough sparkle).
Set a budget, price is generally dictated by the size and quality of the center stone. If you have a tight budget, choose a smaller clear white diamond or a bigger darker diamond. It is important to go to a reputable dealer and you should always ask what the carat of the gold is (15 or 18 carats) which a lot of antique rings were made in.
Do your market research, older stones will have a more unique and custom look. consider the (4 C’s). Modern jewelers examine carat, color, clarity, and cut when appraising diamond engagement rings. Look for an antique ring that was cut by hand, as modern engagement rings are cut by laser.
Ask about the quality of the stones; color and clarity. This is important with diamonds as they are color and clarity graded. Assess the clarity of the antique ring by looking for flaws in the stone. The clearer the stone, the more valuable the ring will be. Antique engagement rings often come with diamonds that have yellow, green, or soft pink tints.
Buying Antique Jewelry
Find a ring with a character that includes quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. An antique engagement ring should be one of a kind. Decide if you want to buy a ring from a particular period in history. Antique rings often represent the period that they were made and worn.
If there is a particular style of antique jewelry that you like, you have to decide whether you want an actual vintage piece or you are happy with a modern version. Many jewelers still make Victorian, Edwardian, or Art Deco-style rings. Some are replicas of famous pieces, while others are simply inspired by these gorgeous traditions.
Avoid poor replica rings which mimic the style, but do not have the quality and character of an older ring. If you were to try to commission a modern jeweler to match the work on an Edwardian ring, you would end up spending a lot more than what you’d pay for an authentic ring of the era.
Victorian Antique Engagement Rings
Victorian Antique Engagement Rings (1835-1900) often set in yellow or rose gold, are in big demand right now, although they’re hard to find. Victorian is a term that refers to Queen Victoria’s reign. During the Victorian era, using large center stones became common.
Victorian rings have both simple elegant designs to very intricate ones that incorporate elements of nature like birds, butterflies, flowers, and serpents among others. Many Victorian settings feature rows of diamonds, cut with an extra facet on the bottom called (mine cut).
A halo setting, where small diamonds surround the center stone, is a modern Victorian design and will make the center stone look bigger. Most people want the ring to have a low profile, versus having the diamond rising up off the finger.
Edwardian Antique Engagement Rings
During the Edwardian Engagement Rings era (1900-1920) Platinum became the vogue metal for antique engagement rings. Jewelers began crafting lacy and pierced shapes, mill graining, scrollwork, and filigree detail on the mountings. Also along with rose-cut diamonds, brilliant sapphires were especially popular during the Edwardian era.
Art Deco Antique Engagement Rings
Art Deco Engagement Rings (1920-1930) reflect the era with symmetry and a streamlined geometric look. Bright colors and straight lines are also characteristics of the style.
Early Art Deco rings diverged from pale Edwardian designs with colorful, contrasting gemstones, although soon went to a platinum diamond-packed look for a glittering streamlined look. Art Deco-style rings are currently the most popular antique engagement rings for newly engaged couples.
Consider an Art Deco antique engagement ring for a bold geometric shape with influences from Asian and Egyptian artists. Art Deco is a big trend now. These rings are often platinum and include gemstones other than diamonds. Emeralds are popular because of their step cut that goes well with the clean lines of Art Deco.
Art Nouveau Antique Engagement Rings
In the Art Nouveau era rather than going the way of intricate designs like the previous generation, they went modern. The style was popular from the 1920s to the 1960s and ushered in the modern age.
Some people think that Art Nouveau and Art Deco are similar, but they actually are not. Art Nouveau is more closely related to Victorian styling while Art Deco is a dramatic shift from both styles. Where Art Nouveau preferred soft curves, Art Deco preferred strong shapes.
Asscher cut diamond rings and gemstones including emeralds, rubies and sapphires were utilized often. It is also best to choose a center stone with an emerald-cut or Asscher cut. If you are going with one of these cuts though, clarity becomes especially important.
If you’re interested in a ring with Art Nouveau styling, look for a whiplash style curve. This is one of the strongest elements of the style and sets it apart from the intricacies found in Victorian jewelry. Art Nouveau also embraced the curves found in nature. Curves and pale colors became very popular.
Retro Engagement Rings
The retro jewelry era spans the years between 1935-1950. At this time soft curves and bold center stones became characteristics of the retro-era rings. Their defining historical event was World War II, when the war was over large statement jewelry became more popular
Due to the war, platinum wasn’t readily available and neither were pearls and certain gemstones. As a result, jewelers used semi-precious stones like aquamarine, citrine, topaz, and tourmaline but in huge sizes not yet seen before. Since platinum was being used for the war effort, yellow gold and rose gold were popular during the retro era and ideal for a retro-style ring.
Using a center stone beside a diamond would also be favorable for this style of ring. If you chose a diamond, opt for a fancy shape like a pear-shaped diamond or marquise diamonds. Fancy shapes were also popular during the retro era.
Antique Tiffany Engagement Rings
Antique engagement rings are typically less expensive, and often have better craftsmanship, and are an instant heirloom that can make the woman in your life feel truly special. In some cases, antique rings also give you the opportunity to save money over current retail prices from upscale retailers like Cartier or Tiffany.
Choose a ring from the Victorian era if you want a ring set in yellow or rose gold. Rings from this period also featured a mine cut, which includes an extra row of diamonds at the bottom of the stone.
Where To Buy Vintage Engagement Rings
Kobelli Antique Moissanite and Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring Accents 1 1/5 CTW 14k White Gold
Made in the USA with Eco-Friendly 100% Conflict-Free Materials. Available at amazon.com.
Antique Engagement Rings can be found at a variety of places. If you are a novice buyer, you should stick to jewelers and antique jewelry specialists, who will be able to guide you in your purchase.
Shop around but always make sure you are going to a reputable seller. You can find antique engagement rings in antique stores, jewelers, pawn shops, at estate sales, auctions, and online. Some small jewelry stores specialize in antique jewelry.
Shop online, but be cautious. It might be hard to get a good look at the ring if you cannot see it and hold it in person. Many antique rings are resold on sites such as eBay.
Ask for a certified gemologist report. This will provide proof that the antique ring is as old and valuable as the seller claims. Also, check their return policy, make sure they give you enough time to see the ring, and confirm that you love it, at least 14 days.
Antique Jewelry For Sale
When buying online, you can check which jewelers that have antique jewelry for sale are trustworthy from the online community reviews. Ask the vendor about the return policy, in case you change your mind about the purchase, or your bride to be, does not like the ring you buy.
Look carefully at the craftsmanship of the ring. This is often what makes a difference when buying an antique engagement ring. While diamonds are currently the most popular stone for engagement rings, this wasn’t always true. Be careful of softer stones such as emerald, pearl, and opal, which may have internal cracks or be damaged.
Today’s standards of quality don’t necessarily apply to older diamonds. While bright white is now considered the best diamond, people once searched for slightly rose, green or yellow diamonds. Methods of cutting were different, and the scientific ability to see internal flaws was not as advanced.
If you are on a budget but want the look of a larger diamond, consider an antique engagement ring from the 1930s or 40s. The diamonds in these rings were often set in an elaborately carved setting which made the diamond appear larger. The most important thing is that you and your fiance love your antique engagement ring.
Estate Jewelry
Know the difference between an antique ring and an estate ring. To be classified as antique, a ring must be at least 50 years old. Estate rings are anything less than 50 years old and may refer to used rings bought only last year. For the most unique and charming rings, ask to see rings made before 1950.
Some jewelers also use the term (vintage engagement ring) which different jewelers mean to use different things. While most use it as a catch-all term meaning (an old ring), others use it to mean a ring that was made to look like it was from another era, for example, a ring made in 1940 that has the filigree look of the Edwardian era.
Selling Diamond Engagement Rings
Selling engagement rings can be emotionally difficult and not an easy thing to do after a divorce or breakup, leaving the would-be bride or groom with an expensive ring, along with all the emotional baggage attached to the ring.
Some people end up putting the diamond engagement ring in the safety deposit box, or jewelry box, as the diamond ring no longer brings joy and is associated with bad memories, negative feelings, and the engagement ring lost its meaning.
Don’t let bad memories keep you from selling your diamond engagement ring. There are over 2 million marriages in the USA every year, unfortunately, 50% end up in divorce and wondering how to sell their engagement ring. Judging by classified ads there are always people selling diamond engagement rings.
There are many other factors that may lead you to sell the diamond engagement ring. You want the jeweler to remake your ring into something else, perhaps a pendant or a new style of ring, or need the money and feel that the diamond ring is an unnecessary or unessential item. The most common cause though, was the engagement or wedding was called off.
Diamond Engagement Ring Selling Tips
There are many online buyers in the marketplace, but most retail stores and buyers put little or no consideration into its value as a piece. therefore you should sell diamond rings containing smaller diamonds to the public through eBay or other direct methods like classified ads.
If your engagement ring has a .50ct or larger diamond, especially if the diamond is 1ct or larger, the diamond always constitutes the most expensive part of a solitaire ring, accounting for as much as 85 percent of its value. Therefore you should focus on selling the diamond for the highest possible price, with the ring’s value being a secondary consideration.
Take your diamond engagement ring to the store you bought it from, as they deal in the kind and quality of the ring that you have. Some companies hold on to your ring in the hope that you will eventually accept their offer. They should return your ring within a couple of days.
How Much Can I Get For My Diamond Engagement Ring
On the free and open market, your diamond engagement ring is worth the wholesale price of the diamonds plus the amount of gold or platinum used in the ring.
When people buy a diamond close to the wholesale price from a diamond broker, then buy the cast ring, this effectively eliminates the overheads of maintaining a retail store. However the majority of people do not do this, thus they have to accept that the engagement ring they are buying may be worth 65% of what they are paying.
Selling Diamond Engagement Rings: Diamond Value
Get a diamond certificate. The more information you have, the easier it will be to receive accurate estimates from potential buyers. Send the diamond to an international lab such as the GIA, an industry-leading laboratory.
Identify its carat weight and shape, if you have a certificate from GIA or certification from another reputable laboratory you may also be able to determine its clarity, cut, and color. Labs are independent and are experts at grading diamonds. The diamond certificate will contain all of the information necessary for a qualified buyer to provide an exact price.
The 4 C’s of Diamonds: Learn more about the characteristics which may affect your diamond value. The color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, are the most important factors in determining the value of your ring. They can be found on your laboratory certificate and often on jeweler’s appraisals. Provide as much detail as possible to get the most accurate initial valuation.
Find an accurate price for your diamond: Look for similar diamonds being sold by retailers’ sites online. Find a diamond with similar specifications to yours and identify its price. While you can’t expect to receive full retail value, 60-70% of that figure should be a reasonable price. Keep in mind that cut and proportions make a big difference, so try to find a diamond as close as possible to yours.
With the necessary information, buyers should be able to provide estimates over the phone. By doing this you can narrow down your search to the best offers. Start calling potential buyers, schedule appointments, and begin meeting with buyers.
Selling Diamond Rings
Once you have your diamond certified, the ring professionally polished, and an accurate price you are ready to sell your diamond ring. Advertise via classifieds or eBay, although success may be limited as people generally don’t want to buy engagement rings from broken engagements. If so, get help from a dealer or retailer.
Ask the store where you bought it from, they would probably be the best people to sell it for you, hence you have previously bought from them. If they are not helpful, ask some dealers in your area, or online. However don’t expect cash, as dealers may take the diamond or ring on consignment, meaning they will pay you when they sell it.
Selling Diamonds Alternative
What is the condition of your ring, Is it worn, or does have missing stones. If so, there is the possibility that your ring does not have any resale value as a piece. In this case, keep the diamond, melt the gold and make a nice pendant, or buy another diamond and make a pair of earrings.
Selling Loose Diamonds
Maximize your profits by selling the gold to a refiner and asking them to return the diamonds. Then you sell the loose diamonds to a diamond buyer or keep the diamonds for use in a new jewelry piece.
Selling To Jewelry Stores
If you are selling to a jewelry store that is well established and is a global diamond jewelry store, you may be able to get more money from your diamond engagement ring.