Throughout cultures around the world, there is a deep fascination and awe associated with objects from bygone eras. Whether it's first edition books, fine art or classic cars, all are considered to be priceless and of significant importance. The same is true for antique and vintage rings.
In addition to the exquisite craftsmanship and refined beauty that adorns antique and vintage rings, there is something truly enchanting about possessing a piece of jewellery from a bygone era. In light of this, we've rounded up 6 reasons for choosing antique or vintage rings over modern mass-produced rings.
Each Ring Has A Rich Treasure Trove Of History And Sentiment
The historic sentiment behind each antique and vintage ring is often just as captivating as its exquisite beauty. By purchasing antique or vintage jewellery, you also acquire a unique piece of history that you cannot find in modern jewellery.
Antique Ring Boutique’s exclusive collection of antique and vintage rings showcases gorgeous designs from several eras, including those from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco era. With rings dating back to as early as the 18th century, one cannot help but marvel and be fascinated by the historical events each ring will have witnessed. Unlike contemporary mass-produced rings, vintage and antique rings have survived social changes, global events and the ebbs and flows of ever-changing fashion styles and trends.
Compared to modern rings, each vintage or antique ring has a unique story and intrinsic beauty that is characteristic of a historical artefact. Purchasing an antique or vintage piece of jewellery allows you to connect with the remarkable history of our world. Each antique ring can also be passed down from generation to generation, allowing your loved ones to share a piece of history while adding their very own sentiments to it.
Antique & Vintage Rings are More Environmentally Friendly
Many individuals are drawn to antique and vintage jewellery for social, ethical and environmental reasons. In terms of sustainability, antique and vintage rings are the more sustainable option due to the fact that they lessen the negative impact on the environment.
With modern rings, gemstones and precious metals are mined using large quantities of water and energy, meaning new jewellery cannot be produced in a completely sustainable way. Purchasing rings that existed before, whether that be rings from the Victorian era or Art Deco era, means that you are repurposing items as opposed to contributing to the demand for mining precious metals.
Simply put, purchasing antique and vintage jewellery over modern mass-produced products distinguishes you as a conservator rather than a consumer.
It Is More Ethical To Buy Antique & Vintage Rings
Diamond and metal mining are well-known for their ethical issues, which are understandably concerning for many. While it is possible to purchase ethically-sourced jewellery, it generally comes at a premium price and even with the best intentions, there is no guarantee that can be made as to the impact of your purchase. By choosing to buy rings from an antique or vintage collection, you can minimize these environmental and social concerns.
During the 1980s, the civil war in Africa gave rise to conflict diamonds (also called "blood diamonds"). A blood diamond is a diamond mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency, a warlord's activities, or an army's war effort. While conflict diamonds are less of a concern now than they once were, there are still many diamond rings that may still have ethical concerns in their gemstone or diamond mining, precious metal sources or production.
However, this is not the case with vintage or antique rings. Diamond rings created in the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Mid Century eras remain untouched by this unethical controversy. By choosing a vintage or antique ring, you are taking a step to avoid supporting an industry that has ethical concerns.
Antique & Vintage Rings Are Made From High-Quality Materials
Antique rings have lasted for centuries because they were designed with extraordinary craftsmanship, using exceptional-quality materials that have stood the test of time.
Antiques and vintage rings were made by highly-skilled craftsmen who took their time, resulting in robust, yet intricate and unique designs that were often crafted on an individually tailored basis. For example, Georgian rings were incredibly labour-intensive to produce due to the fact that most of the intricate details were created by hand using a technique called ‘Repoussé’.
Unlike the mass-produced jewellery we see today, antique and vintage jewellery possesses a higher level of craftsmanship, resulting in pieces that are more durable, elaborate and refined and could withstand the test of time.
They’re A Unique And Timeless Gift
In the past, before the advent of mass jewellery-producing companies, antique rings were often bespoke miniature works of art. Each piece was expertly designed by hand with exquisite craftsmanship.
Therefore unlike modern mass-produced rings, when you purchase an antique or vintage ring, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever come across another piece exactly like it, making it a truly timeless and unique gift. How often can you say that?
The Value Of Vintage And Antique Rings Will Never Diminish
Antique and vintage rings have inherent value because each individual piece is bespoke, rare and cannot be duplicated using modern production methods. For example, when you purchase a new car model, it will lose a significant amount of its value as soon as you drive it. In contrast, if you purchase an antique or vintage car, its value will not diminish over time (as long as it is kept in good condition). In the same way, antique and vintage rings are less likely to lose their value.
When you choose antique and vintage rings, such as an engagement ring, you’re choosing a piece of jewellery that will be passed down and cherished by your family for generations to come.