Jewellery trends in and out, but vintage design stays forever. People buying vintage rings NZ seek something with character and a unique history. Something not your everyday modern ring.

It may not be a hundred years old, but there is a wide choice of genuine antique jewellery, restored vintage rings, and new vintage inspired rings reflecting Art Deco, Victorian and Edwardian styles.

Modern buyers also have more choice of the centre stone. From traditional natural diamonds to man made diamonds, which can replicate the look and feel of a natural stone in a newly created vintage style ring.

Before buying, it is important to get to know what gives rings their vintage charm, how different eras effect the look, and what practical considerations should be made when buying a ring for everyday wear.

What Makes Vintage Rings NZ Designs Unique?

Vintage jewellery is all about the detail on the ring or other piece being worn. Fine engraving and intricate settings can create striking contrast to the simple elegance of a centre diamond. Common features of vintage jewellery include:

• Milgrain edging with beaded detailing

• Halo settings around the diamond

• Fine filigree, including open metalwork

• Engraved band

• Geometric Art Deco designs

• Nature inspired designs and floral prints

• Smaller accompanying diamonds

Authentic antique rings may also show wear to the setting and other detailing. Not that this is a bad thing, simply that the buyer should know the characteristics of the era and inspect the band, claws and any other aspects that could be effected by everyday wear.

Choosing the Era for Vintage Rings NZ

There are a number of historical styles that can be seen in vintage rings. While these are broad categories, rings inspired by different eras tend to have different characteristics.

Victorian Inspired Rings

Victorian inspired rings tend to have romantic themes, nature inspired designs, and fine detail. Set in yellow or rose gold, these rings tend to be more delicate, but with intricate engraving and filigree detailing.

Edwardian Rings

Edwardian rings tend to be even more delicate, often set in platinum, with fine open filigree and lace like detailing.

Art Deco Jewellery

Art Deco jewellery is more bold, using symmetrical designs and geometric shapes. The use of contrasting precious and less precious metals is also common, as is the use of contrasting stones to the centre diamond.

While many vintage rings are inspired by these eras, modern jewelers also tend to mix and match different features to create a ring style that reflects the romance and romance of the past without overshadowing modern tastes or being impractical for everyday wear.

Can Vintage Rings NZ Be Made With Modern Diamonds?

An antique style does not always require an antique diamond. Modern day diamonds can be a perfect choice for vintage rings NZ, especially for those seeking genuine antique rings. Natural diamonds may be preferred for their traditional beauty, but modern man made diamonds can offer a wider choice in terms of size, shape, and quality.

Modern centre stones can be set in a number of vintage inspired styles. Choosing the correct cut to match a particular era can also add further character to the piece.

Man made diamonds are available in a number of classic cuts, including oval, emerald, cushion, and round. This versatility in shaping means that the choice of cut can be made based on the overall impact and aesthetics desired, rather than being limited by the availability of a certain cut for a certain style of setting.

While an emerald cut diamond may create a striking contrast to the geometric features of an Art Deco style ring, a cushion or oval cut diamond can add further elegance and romance to a vintage style ring.

Practical Considerations When Shopping for Vintage Rings NZ

While the appearance of a vintage ring is important, it should also be practical for everyday wear.

The width of the band, and the height of the setting are important factors to consider, particularly if the ring is to be worn on a regular basis, or at work. Delicate designs may need more care and can be snapped more easily with everyday wear.

Other practical considerations when choosing a vintage style ring should include:

• The metal used and its durability

• Resizing options

• Certification of the diamonds

• Condition of the claw setting to secure the diamonds

• Cleaning instructions

• Warranty and servicing

For genuine antique rings, a specialist inspection may find other worn parts to the setting that may need repair.

Finding a Ring Style Reflective of Individuality

The best vintage inspired rings are not simply about choosing the most popular or ornate design. Choosing the right ring is about finding something that reflects the individuality of the buyer.

While comparing the different eras and cuts of vintage rings NZ can be overwhelming, it is important to choose a design with character that appeals to personal taste. How the ring looks from different angles, and how it would suit a wedding band should also be considered.

A ring with historic character does not need to sacrifice practical everyday wear.

FAQs

Are vintage rings always antique?

An antique ring is genuinely old, while a vintage ring is a modern interpretation incorporating details of rings from times gone by.

Which vintage jewellery style is the most geometric?

The Art Deco style tends to be the most symmetrical, with bold use of geometric shapes and step cut diamonds, often including contrasting precious and less precious metals in the one ring design.

Can lab-created stones be used in vintage rings?

Lab-created precious stones can be used in newly made vintage style rings, in exactly the same way as natural diamonds.

What should I look out for when looking at vintage rings?

The claws, setting, wear to the band, and any other damage should always be inspected. A professional jeweler may also be able to inspect more valuable rings or those with genuine antique features.

Final Thoughts on Vintage Rings NZ

Buying vintage rings NZ is less about following the latest trends and more about choosing a ring with character that will stand the test of time. Choosing a ring with fine detail and the right setting can make all the difference. Whether searching for genuine antique rings or newly created vintage style rings, the choice should always reflect individuality. A ring with personality will always make an impression, but choosing the right balance of detail and practicality for everyday wear is also important.