Anniversary Rings.

[A3M0N]

Ok, so this is not about men's accessories, but women's. This year is my 10 year anniversary, and up until now our finances have been less than stable. But this year we are doing better and its high time I replace the wife's cubic zirconium engagement ring. She doesn't like the normal things, she doesn't want a ring that is commonplace, so she is interested in a vintage ring. Help me out guys, where does one shop for a vintage ring? And if a suitable piece of jewellery is found at say an estate sale or other kind of market, what is the etiquette of getting it appraised?

Thanks fellas (and ladies if any read this)!

[ackvil]

Antique or vintage engagement rings can be an interesting experience.

First, there are many places you can buy jewelry ranging from pawn shops, estate sales, auctions, jewelry stores (many take "trade ins" for new items), and online. Picking a reputable place is another matter, however. Unless you are an expert it is best to go to a reputable jewelry store, antique store, or any place that has a good reputation. Check out the BBB listing for any place.

Before buying anything get in writing a complete description of what they are selling. This report should tell you the weight or size, what the setting consists of, its clarity level, condition, and what the cut of the stone is. If the ring has a certified gemologist report you will be ahead of the game.

Some jewelry stores allow you to get an independent appraisal of the ring. However, that will take extra steps including leaving a credit card, etc. to allow the ring to leave the store. Don't, however, allow the jewelry or other store to decide where you can get an appraisal. An easier way is to be sure that you can return the item for a full refund - not just exchange - if you are not satisfied. Then take it to a reputable appraiser to find its true worth.

Keep in mind the markups on jewelry are astronomical. The bid (what you can sell if for) and the ask (what you can buy it for) has a huge spread in jewelry. A ring that you buy for $1,000 may fetch only $300 if you want to sell it.

And happy anniversary.

[smalltank]

http://www.marleneharriscol.com/cate...dingBands.html

[Mike H]

Congratulations on your anniversary. I would check with local jewelers who take rings on consignment. Educate yourself, and there is a lot of information online, but I would also recommend going to a jewelry store and spend some time looking at diamonds using a loop, and their microscope.

You should be able to identify a VS1, G, 78 point, Brilliant cut and know its approximate value before you go shopping.

How much does an appraisal cost at your location? The last quote I got was $85 for the first item and $15 for each additional item. Just something to consider.

And they do make Diamond Testers.

[A3M0N]

Thanks guys! Unfortunately, I am uneducated on most of the finer things like this. I'll be posting another thread about dining and such like that, just got to find the appropriate forum.

[Doc4]

Other than vintage, you can consider custom-made ... she can be involved in the design process as well, since this presumably isn't going to be a surprise. (Just set the budget in advance ... otherwise "ooh I want that" can turn into a few extra zeros at the end.)

[Isaac]

Thanks guys! Unfortunately, I am uneducated on most of the finer things like this. I'll be posting another thread about dining and such like that, just got to find the appropriate forum.

Is that not the great thing about this place? Pretty much any question about almost anything, and there is bound to be one or two members with expertise on the subject.

[A3M0N]

Is that not the great thing about this place? Pretty much any question about almost anything, and there is bound to be one or two members with expertise on the subject.

Exactly why I love this community so much!

[john parker]

If you wife is interested in something not ordinary, you might consider a stone other than a diamond. Emeralds are nice, as are sapphires and rubies. And are also found in vintage rings.

[A3M0N]

Thanks everyone! We went shopping today and got some good ideas.

[strop]

I've seen a number of antique stores that have cases of vintage rings, often with precious or semi-precious stones. I've never really looked because I don't know much about them in terms of value, but if you do some homework you might find a deal somepalace like that.

[InkEd]

Buy new! Antique style rings have been the "in thing" for the past 7 or so years. Look at designs by Neil Lane, Tacori, Scott Kay and various other designers. Most retailers will have many high quality similar designs that are non-designer name but still very high quality for less money too. I will shameless plug checking out Jared.com for the design-a-ring feature.

[A3M0N]

Thanks InkEd, the wife and I did do some shopping this weekend (as much as the kids could handle anyway) and found some good possibilities.

[intotheforge]

If you go for new and custom, check out Krikawa. She has loads of unique stuff. Plus when I ordered from her 8 years ago, I was able to customize the ring. Unfortunately, I now see my custom alterations I designed are part of the listed selection options. So, if you don't want her to sell duplicates, you should probably specify it.

[intotheforge]

Here is the website:
http://www.krikawa.com/

[ImTheGluestick]

In the vein of "something different," I nudged my now-fiance into buying a moissanite ring instead of a diamond. The stone is lab-grown and has optical/physical properties similar to those of a diamond (arguably better optics, blah blah blah I love this thing). He compared it to his mother's near-perfect, colorless diamond and liked it better. Just my two cents!

[Wendy]

Just hold on to your pocket book. I am actually thinking of doing the opposite of what you are doing. I want to sell my diamond and go buy a new bunkhouse 5th wheel : ) Have fun shopping!!!!

[A3M0N]

I actually just bought her ring, a 1/2k total weight/14k white gold ring from Kay. Thanks for all the suggestions!

[Wendy]

I love white gold. Pictures??????? : )

[A3M0N]

Here is a picture of the set I got her from the website, I can post one on her hand after tomorrow (our anniversary). I'll probably post a picture of us in another thread so I can show y'all how I used your style advice!