Image by Adrienne via Flickr

It’s notoriously hard for a man to choose an engagement ring. As much as we’ll inevitably coo over his pick, much like a wedding dress, we always have an image in our head that is rarely met in reality. There is in fact, a vast array of engagement ring shapes and cuts out there. Yet, most high street jewelers favour the “classic” solitaire rings so these are the ones most of us will end up sporting on our engagement fingers. My advice to men? Before choosing, familiarize yourself with the different types and styles available - after all, this is a ring you hope she’ll wear for the rest of her life.

The beauty of vintage rings

Depending on whose definition you choose to adhere, an antique ring is either older than 100 years or “just” older than 50 years old. Many jewellers use the term antique and vintage interchangeably, and if you want to be sure you’re choosing a ring of a specific era, just enquire from the online jewellery store in Australia or a local jeweler you trust.

Although they exist, you’re not likely to find a Georgian or Regency era engagement ring, as they’re very rare – in those days, people didn’t become engaged or betrothed in the tradition with which they are now. When searching for engagement rings, the oldest rings will be from the mid 1830s and go through the turn of the century Victorian era. The following twenty years refer to the Edwardian era and the beginning of the popularity of the metal platinum – these rings can be identified by a lacy or filigree pattern. The Art Deco period covers the next decade (1920 to 1930) – these rings are modern, streamlined and geometric. Often, colourful contrasting gemstones are placed next to brilliant diamonds.

Speaking of diamonds, while diamonds are the current standard for engagement rings, antique rings often feature softer stones (opals, pearls, emeralds), which have a higher likelihood of cracks. Rings that have survived through the ages will therefore likely have imperfections that make them truly unique.

Surprisingly, despite the fact that machinery and technology are far more advanced, an Edwardian ring has the kind of qualities found, for example, in authentic Craftsman homes – they’re beautifully designed and built, and cannot be replicated, unless you’re willing to spend way more money than the original.

If you are interested in an antique ring or a vintage ring and one of the finest quality but at a reasonable rate, you should definitely check out Kalmar Antiques - dealer of the finest antique engagement rings because, not only is their website beautiful, you have hundreds of one-of-a-kind choices – you’ll find a variety of engagement rings, with diamonds, with a single diamond, or with a combination of diamonds, with sapphires, rubies and emeralds. If you are doing a spot of research, this is an excellent place to start in terms of inspiration.

It’s an astonishingly comprehensive website, very accessibly laid out. Searches are easy on the site, and there are high res pictures that make it easier to imagine the rings on your partner’s finger. Make sure you search beyond your original parameters, check out different stones, settings and metals. If you want to know the history of a ring, ask. Reputable jewelers will not only know their stuff, it’s their passion and a subject they love to talk about. Your mission is to find the perfect engagement ring for your partner, not settle for something safe.

If you know that you want to find an antique or vintage engagement ring, there will be several avenues to explore, but do consider starting your search at Kalmar Antiques as it will certainly get you thinking beyond the box.