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Bringing a New Lease of Life to Vintage Engagement Rings

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While some women gravitate towards the iridescent shine of a classic platinum band with a princess-cut diamond, others prefer the timeless appeal of a vintage engagement ring. From the delicate detail of an Edwardian-era ring, to the bold and bevelled edges of an Art Deco masterpiece, some women just prefer their ring to tell a story. Reclaiming a vintage piece to create a stunning engagement ring is a labour of love. While there are plenty of retailers out there offering ready-made engagement rings in vintage styles, finding and restoring a vintage ring is far more enjoyable; not to mention that you will then have the final say in all aspects of the design. You can also greatly increase the value of a ring by sourcing unique, one-of-a-kind diamonds and precious gems.

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Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Choosing the Setting

Scour local antique shops, auction houses and even the internet for a high-quality gold or silver setting. Even if the stones are cheap or garish, you should just focus on the setting at this stage. Using a family heirloom is an option that adds a wonderfully personal touch that will beautifully unite your families.

Replace the Stones

Many vintage engagement rings will have cheaper stones and sometimes even fake glass stones. This is a reflection of a time when not everyone could afford an expensive diamond.  A jeweler will be able to advise you on which stones will be suitable for the setting.

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Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Caring for your Creation

Vintage engagement rings will last just as long as a newer alternative. That said, if your ring is already 100 years old, it might need an extra bit of TLC to keep it sparkling. There are a few different methods for cleaning a ring, including window cleaner, vodka, and specialist jewellery polish. If your ring has a cluster of stones, you will want to take extra care when cleaning and check it regularly to make sure the stones aren’t coming loose. A soft toothbrush and lint-free cloth will serve you well when caring for your vintage engagement ring.

Rebecca Harper

Rebecca Harper is a freelance writer living in London. She writes for Diamonds Of Choice about luxury fashion and business. ...(Read More)

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