Guest blog: Looking At Antique Rings For That Perfect Gift

Looking At Antique Rings For That Perfect Gift

There is something magical about opening and looking through our grandparents, or better yet if possible our great grandparents, jewelry boxes, their trinket pouches that smell like mothballs and mint, and the dust that has slightly settled everywhere.

It is like looking back in time at not only their style and designs but the way that they approached their jewelry purchases. Perhaps some were gifts, others passed down from their parents or elders, the fact remains that it is a piece of history elegantly wrapped in gems and sparkle. 

If you have been fortunate enough to have a little box like this (see what I’m talking about here https://www.google.com/search?source=univ&tbm=isch&q=antique+jewellery+boxes+pinterest&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiy9Mz39MXtAhUCzaQKHWNABcUQjJkEegQICRAB&biw=1536&bih=722 ) passed down in your family tree then you will have experienced a great sense of nostalgia, pride, and most importantly love.

Your piece of history.

If you have a special anniversary coming up and you want to do something extra special for your partner then an antique ring will set your gift apart from the usual high street items or brands. It will most likely be bespoke, a one of a kind, but yet still affordable enough to own your vintage piece. She will undoubtedly love it and you’ll be a winner.

After all, isn’t the main objective of having a loved one or one’s ‘soul mate’ know how much you care for them at all times? This will be a beautiful reminder for her, and it shows you have given thought to the process and the meaning of the upcoming anniversary. 

Finding the perfect piece can be challenging and some gents find it quite daunting, but if you have the right business owner or salesperson who makes you feel comfortable, at ease, and not in any way pressured to buy something the experience could be wonderful.

The big question now is, what to look for when searching for the perfect ring?

Features of a great vintage ring or jewelry.

There are many factors to consider before diving in and buying the first one that catches your eye, for it to be credible as well as aesthetically pleasing you need to be aware of a few tips, these will help guide you into making the right purchase.

You can also take a quick minute on your lunch break to see some smart advice in this link and a step by step look at the process in beginner’s terms. 

• All over. Look at the piece from all angles, the front may be immaculate, polished, and shining yet the back appears to be from a completely different jewel? Sure there will be signs of natural wear and tear but not so much as to resemble damage. 
• Age. We tend to think antique to be old, and rightly so, the item should reflect this, too many times people get caught out by the idea of it being vintage yet fail to notice a brand new clasp holding it all together.
• Cost. This too is a quick indicator as to whether it is artificial or not, you may think you are getting a great deal, but ask yourself if the price seems oddly low? Sometimes a price ‘is’ too good to be true, unfortunately.

Finding a reliable supplier.

With so many brands and companies around knowing who is the best can be tricky, it is not necessarily who is the cheapest but you want a company that not only specializes in bespoke, antique jewelry but that has the licenses and certifications to authenticate the pieces.

Ideally, it is best to do some extensive research, knowing what to look for, how to compare a genuine supplier from the ‘old bloke’ down the village hall, and average price ranges for specific items. This is for your other half, the person who completes you, making an effort for a proper item comes standard.

For professional advice and guidance check out these antique engagement rings from the gentlemen who have seen it all in terms of gems, jewels, and ‘cut’ and who have been in the jewelry business for years. The more distinguished the repertoire, the less anxiety you will have when it comes time to hand over your card.

Vintage versus high street.

For some the thought of wearing something over a few decades old makes them cringe. I have a friend that, when I mention the word vintage or antique she wants to run for the hills. 

All she can think about she says is how many hands have touched it, bodies that have worn it, or dirt that has fallen on it. I on the other hand love that mere fact, it has soul, secrets, and endless stories, if only our jewelry could let us in on the adventures it has been on and witnessed. If you’ve made a hot cup of tea, sit back while you sip and watch this great collection of jewelry stories https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idFwiK7axAc and the vast amount of variety that was and is on the market.

When it comes to the high street and the shop cubicles that line the walls from end to end in the mall, all I can imagine (and dread) is paying for coffee and cake at the café, handing my card over to the cashier and she has the same ring on as I do. Then what? 

We’ll both look at the rings, then at each other, and immediately wonder if we should comment, laugh, or throw it in the bin. This is not a dilemma I wish to face nor be part of thank you, waiting and saving up for a unique, bespoke piece is well worth the investment for that fact alone. 

The one fact that I do know is that the jewelry of today is certainly not as high standard of quality as of those made 100 years ago. Today they are machine designed, processed, and ‘forged,’ while back in the day someone would sit and sketch meticulously for the next person to make the ring from scratch and all by hand. What a wondrous sight that would be if you ask me.

The world of jewels and jewelry is ever-changing and evolving, but a classic never goes out of style or date.