How to Hunt Down an Antique Ring

Welcome back to the Stewart Kuper Jewelers blog, where we offer all the news, information, developments, and discussions pertinent to prospective buyers and owners of jewelry. When it comes to buying engagement or wedding rings, some people prefer a more classical or historical piece. Something with age, with character. But with those intricate, special pieces come more work. After all, sourcing antique jewelry can be a bit more work than going into a jeweler and picking your favorite piece. Here are some tips to remember when searching for vintage jewelry like antique weddings rings.

Look into the Seller

Antique and estate jewelry can be found in shops and online. No matter where the item appears to be coming from, look into the seller. If they have a dozen identical antique rings, you may justifiably begin to think twice about it. Usually, antique pieces are one of kind affairs, custom-made pieces that have Welcome back to the Stewart Kuper Jewelers blog, where we offer all the news, information, developments, and discussions pertinent to prospective buyers and owners of jewelry. When it comes to buying engagement or wedding rings, some people prefer a more classical or historical piece. Something with age, with character. But with those intricate, special pieces come more work. After all, sourcing antique jewelry can be a bit more work than going to a jeweler and picking your favorite piece. Here are some tips to remember when searching for vintage jewelry like antique weddings rings.

stood the test of time.

Of course, when looking into the seller you should also look at any feedback they have, how satisfied previous buyers are, whether they have previously sold antiques, those sorts of things. That’s just good due diligence.

Good Questions

Another thing to do in your process is to ask all the right questions. Finding out how the seller came into the piece, through an estate sale or what have you. If you are particularly interested in its history this can give you more clues about the piece’s origin.

Look for a Mark

Jewelry that is made before the 1950s is very, very likely to have a maker’s mark, a small icon or initial.  Using various websites that have collections of those marks can tell you even more about the piece and its creation. It is possible to identify the maker, the timeframe, and even where the piece originally came from.

Honest Age with Pure Patina

When an object sees years of use and handling it will develop a sheen, called patina. If the piece you are looking to purchase is authentic, it will have signs that it has been handled for years and years. Tarnish or even dents are all par for the course when it comes to antique jewelry.

While pieces can be restored, this is usually not the case with antique jewelry, lest the dealer risk further damaging the goods.

Don’t let that convince you that you have to settle for beaten up. Yes, VVictorian-erapieces will certainly have the signs of age, but pieces from the 60’s, or even 40’s can be found in like new condition. Have a close eye for signs of quality. Weight, stones that sparkle, and the like all give a hint to the quality of the piece in question.

In addition to all of that, the traditional best shopping practices apply. Compare prices between similar pieces (you’ll both learn what’s a fair price and if one is a likely scam).  Ask your questions, get satisfactory answers, and you will be happy with your vintage antique wedding rings.

When Antique Isn’t the Answer

One of the most common reasons for searching out an antique or vintage piece of jewelry is looking for that unique charm and character. There is another way to get those results, separate from hunting down some decades old rarities. Custom jewelry is the first step in creating a piece that will see itself becoming that antique rarity in the future. By creating a one of kind personalized treasure that fits your exact desires and specifications, you are not only getting the character you crave but also the quality of a brand-new piece of jewelry, with no worry of wear and tear from age, shoddy repairs, or settling for flaws.

Stewart Kuper Jewelers is Tucson’s premier custom jeweler. Our artisans craft magic from raw materials, making client’s dreams into reality. Carefully consider what would make you (or your loved one) the happiest, an aged antique with history or the perfectly personalized piece. Come into Stewart Kuper Jewelers and together we can help find the perfect piece for you.