While many jewelry buyers are open to the idea of buying an antique ring, there are certain elements of doing so that can make them feel a little uneasy. For instance, many pieces of antique jewelry can only be found at antique stores, through online retailers, or on auction websites and classified ads. This makes a lot of buyers hesitant, since they have no idea whether or not an antique ring is real or cheap. Here are a few things that you can do to ensure you are getting your money’s worth.

Really, most of the things you will be considering when determining the value of an antique ring are the same things you would want to see when you look at a newer ring. After all, while jewelry styles may have changed over the years, the way you define the quality of gemstones and rings themselves have largely remained the same.

When you look at the clarity and cut of a diamond in an antique ring, there are a few things to keep in mind. For both, modern rings have benefitted from laser cutting, where you can cut gemstones in a much more complementary way and get much sharper angles. As a result, antique rings may have diamonds that appear to be rounder or “softer”, but this is normal and not a sign of cheapness.

A good trick for determining whether or not the ring is worth your money is the setting and overall character of the ring. Manufacturers of antique jewelry did not place poor quality gemstones in high quality settings, or vice versa.

One other thing to keep in mind when looking at an antique ring is that there is likely to be a certain amount of color to antique diamond rings. This is because there were many in previous days that preferred a bit of color to their diamonds. This is contrasted by the style of today, where many prefer colorless diamonds with maximum light reflection. Again, a diamond with some color and a rounder cut should not be interpreted as “cheap” right away, as that is just a difference between vintage and modern jewelry and nothing more.

When you buy an antique ring, make sure you do so from a reputable individual. If you can, take a person along who knows jewelry well, or do some additional research on signs that a ring is of high or low quality. Most of all, get ready to enjoy the classy and traditional look of antique jewelry!

Current Antique Rings on eBay:

RARE WASHINGTON'S MANSION STERLING SILVER RING MOUNT VERNON VA. ANTIQUE

ANTIQUE EMERALD DIAMOND RING 14K YELLOW GOLD SIZE 6

2.81 ct I SI1 round ideal cut diamond micropave halo antique ring 18k white gold

3.02 ct GIA fancy yellow VVS1 natural radiant cut diamond halo antique ring gold

Antique Deco 14K Gold Vintage Ring Gold Engagement

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN OPAL RING 10K YELLOW GOLD

Antique Deco Diamond Gold Engagement Wedding Ring Band Vintage Estate Jewelry

VINTAGE ANTIQUE RUBY EMERALD SILVER RING 7 MEDIEVAL SAPPHIRE NATURAL REAL 925

10k yellow gold round diamond engagement ring estate vintage antique ladies 5.4g

ANTIQUE 18K YELLOW GOLD OLD DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY RING

ANTIQUE 14K WHITE GOLD FILIGREE .10 CT. DIAMOND RING

ANTIQUE 14K YELLOW GOLD OLD CUT DIAMOND RING

1.3 ct GIA I VS natural radiant diamond halo antique vintage ring 18k white gold

ANTIQUE DIAMOND RING 14K GOLD EUROPEAN CUT SIZE 5.5

2.35 ct. DIAMOND antique look ring PRINCESS gold new

1.58 ct H SI1 natural round diamond halo antique vintage ring 18k white gold

1.47 ct EGL USA E SI2 natural emerald cut diamond halo antique ring platinum

Antique Style 1.90 ct Round Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 18k White Gold

1.90 ct H SI1 round ideal cut diamond micropave halo antique ring 18k white gold

1.55 ct EGL USA princess cut diamond halo antique vintage ring 18k white gold