A surprising number of diamond collectors would rather buy antique diamond rings and jewelry because of the prestige associated with them. One of the first decisions to be made before buying a diamond is whether to choose treated or untreated stones. Some prefer untreated while others believe that treated varieties make for enhanced color and other unique characteristics. Either way, any and all laboratory enhancements must be spelled out to the buyer and shown on the bill of sale.
Antique, previously used diamonds can be dated back to European historical periods including Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Victorian and Georgian. Back then, the class structure of Europe entitled the wearing of these gems only to members of royalty. Durning the seventeenth century, a wealthy merchant class sometimes wore a diamond - but their exclusivity earned them the well-known name of “the royal gem”.
Members of the Edwardian High Society wore diamonds. The members of this group were respected because of their birth which increased the distance between the different castes. Because it is when people began questioning societal differences, this particular period in history may have been the foundation which allows anyone to own these dazzling stones today.
It’s important to mention that not all used diamonds are antiques. Often times someone will get a gorgeous diamond bracelet and later decide they want something else or need to sell it for some reason. Used diamond jewelry that has been carfully worn can be a fabulous deal for anyone looking to save a lot of money. Don’t pass an opportunity to buy someone else’s jewelry provided you verify it’s quality before you purchase.
Know Your 4 Cs - Diamond Clarity, Cut, Carat And Color
Common quality characteristics are referred to as the four C’s and are made up of carat, cut, color and clarity. While love is usually the reason we buy diamond engagement rings, it’s wise to pay attention to the market value of your purchase as well. Knowing the basics of how they are evaluated will help you choose the best diamond for your pocket book.
If you find yourself on a limited budget and unable to buy some of the jewelry store options, take a look on the Internet and at diamond jewelry auctions for some great deals. As long as you’re careful and get all documentation relating to your purchase, you can get some great jewelry at fantastic prices.
After shopping for antique diamond rings and finding the best one for you, don’t forget to properly care for your gently used diamond jewelry. Since diamonds are natural grease attractors, oil from your skin can become embedded in your jewelry without much trouble. Use a gentle jewelry cleaner and make it a habit to clean your gem on a regular basis so it can continue to look as beautiful and sparkling as when you got it!
