Vintage or New Engagement Ring: Which is right for you?

Are you stuck between a rock and a hard place, deciding between a brand new engagement ring or that treasured family heirloom? Before you take the plunge and decide on that one special piece, you should be aware that each has its pros and its cons.

So what exactly classifies as a vintage engagement ring?

When talking about vintage engagement rings, we’re typically looking at rings that are a minimum of 50 years old, but no more than 100 years old. This usually means that vintage rings have been owned & worn by someone else, such as a family member of yours. The other option is that it’s been purchased from a jewellery store specialising in antiques & pre-loved engagement rings.

On the other hands we have vintage-style and vintage-inspired engagement rings, which are otherwise brand new rings that are either made to look old, or capture the style or design of older rings. Everything from the metal used, to stone choice, shape & design can be used to capture the aesthetic of an original vintage ring.

These two options also differ from brand new engagement rings. These rings have never been worn by anyone, and it’s assumed that they are made using the latest technology, and frequently in one of many modern designs & styles.

Vintage & Antique – Know the difference!

The main difference between vintage & antique rings is their age. With ‘vintage’ rings, we’re looking at between 50-100 years old. In contrast, the label ‘antique’ is acquired (in the cases of both jewellery and even furniture) after it’s at least 100 years old. Antique rings are also often classified by the era they are from, with examples being Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Victorian, and Georgian.

Upsides & Downsides of purchasing Vintage or Antique Engagement rings

Pros:

Cost

It’s commonly thought that vintage engagement rings can be purchased cheaper than brand new ones, and this is frequently the case. Keep in mind however that this depends on which vintage rings you’re looking at. If your vintage ring is filled to the brim with diamonds in a luxurious platinum setting, there may not be any cost-savings at all.

Craftsmanship & Artistry

When looking at vintage rings, especially those made before 1950, they are more likely to have been hand crafted. This gives each ring a unique quality & aesthetic hard to capture in brand new pieces. Additionally, vintage & antique rings offer a variety of older & more intricate designs & styles that you’ll struggle to see in more modern engagement ring catalogues.

Originality

Due to the handcrafted nature of many vintage rings, you’re highly unlikely to ever come across anything like it again. If you’re looking for a perfectly unique ring, an artisan’s handcrafted vintage ring is hard to overlook!

Cons:

Robustness

With vintage rings it’s important to factor in the age of the ring, the type of metal used, and the setting utilised. Depending on these factors, vintage rings may be less durable when compared to brand new modern rings. If the vintage or antique ring you’re considering also incorporates delicate filigree in its design, think about whether this fine work can withstand the rough every day wear you may need it to.

If you only plan to wear your engagement ring on special occasions, this may not be an issue for you. If you would prefer to wear it daily regardless of activity, this is something to keep in mind.

Maintenance Costs

We’ve already mentioned that some vintage engagement rings may have delicate filigree, or may have intricate settings which are more likely to see damage, and which are more easily damaged. Therefore possible restoration or repair costs need to be factored in. Depending on the design these repairs may also be quite expensive, with the additional disadvantage that each alteration may weaken the ring. Due to their design, some vintage & antique rings can’t be modified at all, so it’s best to have this checked out prior to any serious decision making.

Pre-owned

It’s important to remember that buying (or inheriting) a vintage or antique engagement ring means that it has been pre-loved. This isn’t an inherent con, but may be seen as such by some. Some may feel that a pre-loved ring is tied too strongly to the life & love of its previous owner, and that a new ring symbolises new beginnings – namely, their own marriage!

Purchasing a new engagement ring

Pros:

Customisability

Although vintage & antique rings are a great way to ensure uniqueness, so is putting together your own custom-made ring. Many jewellers nowadays allow you to select your own metal for the band, the stone, its cut, the setting in which it’s placed, and any other design features that can be considered.

If you have a particular vintage or antique ring in mind, but are concerned about durability issues, or unsure of the diamond quality, this is where customisation can be handy. You can use that ring for inspiration, and alongside your jewellery incorporate many of its features into a new, personalised, and durable ring with a known provenance.

Matching rings

The uniqueness inherent in vintage & antique rings can also be a detriment, especially when it comes to matching them with your future wedding ring. The intricate designs & filigree often seen in these rings are hard to match, and difficult (and expensive) to either replicate or alter.

On the other hand, new engagement rings can be bought or designed with the future wedding band in mind. The materials & processes used will naturally be similar due to modern jewellery practices. Furthermore, if you purchase both rings from the same jeweller, you may be able to negotiate a cheaper price as a package deal.

Sparkling Brand New

For those who prefer a ring to be theirs, and only ever theirs, a new engagement ring is the obvious choice to make. It can be uniquely special to you, and symbolise the love you & your spouse have for each other.

Cons:    

Mass production

If you’re simply walking into a jewellery store, there’s likelihood that the engagement rings & styles you encounter will have been mass-produced. This means you’re likely to see many other rings out there that look the same, and especially likely if you’ve been looking at ‘on trend’ ring designs. This may be a put-off  for brides looking to have an especially unique and one-off engagement ring.

Expense

Just like with vintage & antique rings, brand new engagement rings also vary quite a bit in their pricing. However you’re always likely to find something to fit your budget. New engagement rings may attract a higher price than vintage & antique rings, but depending on what you opt for you may find some are even cheaper.