It’s official you’re in love. You have found that one person who completes you, and you’re ready to make it official and propose marriage. Finding the perfect ring is a huge part of the proposal. Brides.com reports that vintage and antique rings represent one of the top trends currently in engagement rings. In this article, your Fort Myers jewelry experts at Judy’s Antique & Estate Jewelry will explore this trend and explain how we can help you find the ideal ring before popping the question.
What makes a ring vintage? There are basically three categories for older or second-hand rings. Estate refers to pre-owned pieces that are up to 20 years old. A vintage ring classifies as one that’s at least 20 years old, but less than 100 years. Antique refers to any piece that is at least a century old.
Why are people choosing vintage engagement rings?
They’re unique — A vintage ring, no matter where it comes from or when it was made, is going to be different from what you find in the displays in any jewelry department or major chain. That’s because vintage rings are going to have hand-crafted elements that set them apart from more contemporary pieces. Scarcity is one of the other points of appeal for a vintage ring. There are fewer vintage rings in existence, because these rings are no longer being produced. This means you have a good chance of getting a ring that, today, is basically one of a kind. Wanting a piece that stands out is a big reason for the increased popularization of vintage rings in the current market.
They’re diverse – The market of pre-owned rings offers a wealth of design options when it comes to style, design, setting, and jewel. Sophie Jackson told Vogue magazine that choosing a vintage ring represents “an opportunity to make a statement about yourself. In the last five years or so, people have been getting more and more adventurous… from a 19th-century ring with a snake holding a diamond in its mouth to a bold and chunky 1950s cocktail ring. Women in particular are braver in their choices.”
They’re green – And, no, we’re not talking about the color of the jewel or the ring. For couples who are concerned about sustainability, a vintage ring represents an opportunity to choose a personally relevant and beautiful piece—and one that you obtained without the need for mining of gemstones or precious metal, as the ring has already been made decades ago.
They’re historic – Many vintage rings already have a story of their own. There may be a date on the ring or an inscription with initials. Knowing about the background of a vintage piece can be a source of fascination for the new owner. Plus, when your wedding day does approach, you’ve already got the “something old” covered.
They become heirlooms – A vintage ring is going to get more valuable every year, potentially at a rapid rate depending on the materials used to make it. When you use a vintage ring as an engagement ring, you’re immediately creating an heirloom for your new family that will serve as an amazing, beautiful investment that can be handed down from generation to generation.
They have charm – The right vintage ring can make your bride-to-be feel like royalty. The trend of vintage engagement rings really took off when Princes William and Harry from the British Royal Family gave their future brides family-heirloom engagement rings. You can build your own story of romance, handing down the ring and the story behind it to your children and grandchildren.
Call Sal today at 239-481-9600 and come see the largest selection of vintage engagement rings in SWFL at Judy’s Antique & Estate Jewelry.
