Why You May Want a Vintage Wedding Ring

You want to make your wedding ring different (who doesn't?) The ring is beautiful, a separate princess cut diamond is timeless, but what you're looking for is a little unconventional. A vintage wedding ring brings extra charm, as well as an extra sense of history and mystery. It's fun to think about the former owner of your ring and explore the origin of the ring or how it was made.

There are many different styles and eras of vintage wedding rings—and shopping for one can often feel like looking for a needle in a haystack–but if you love the thrill of the hunt and are willing to be patient, a vintage wedding ring might just be the right fit for you. Not quite ready to go treasure hunting yet? Here are a few reasons to consider why you may want a vintage wedding ring—and some tips on how to find the perfect one for you.

Your Ring Will Be Truly Unique

If having a truly unique wedding ring is of top importance to you, you really can’t go wrong with vintage. While the local jewelry store may only carry the currently popular styles, there are limitless options if you choose to buy a vintage ring. It’s not guaranteed that you won’t eventually run into a bride with a similar ring as yours, but it’s much more unlikely if you choose to buy your jewelry at an estate sale or an antique store. A vintage ring is the perfect statement for those brides who think of themselves as anything but ordinary or conventional.

Buying a Vintage Ring Is More Eco-Friendly

Although mining diamonds is generally less environmentally destructive than other types of mining, it still has led to soil erosion, deforestation, and forced local populations to relocate in areas where diamonds are mined. Buying a vintage ring means that you will be recycling an old ring and that no new mining will be required. So, a beautiful ring and contributing to less mining? That’s a win-win.

Vintage Rings are Typically Less Expensive

If the sticker shock of a new wedding ring is causing your anxiety to heighten, there’s a chance that going vintage might be a little easier on your bank account. You can typically expect to spend at least 30% less on a vintage engagement or wedding ring than if you were to go the traditional route. Retail jewelry is marked up, on average, between 253% to 336% so avoiding these retailers will likely save you a little money. There are exceptions, of course, and if you are after a really rare stone or a specific ring that is considered rare, this will increase the price.

Shopping for a Vintage Ring Is a Unique Experience

Shopping for a wedding ring is always an exciting excursion, but hunting for the perfect vintage one puts the experience over the top. Sure, you can just head to the mall and pick out the first one that catches your eye (and the one that fits into your budget), but a vintage ring will give you a better experience and a great story. If you don’t plan your shopping trip (or trips) out correctly, it can often feel like a wild goose chase, but if done right you’ll have a memorable adventure and a gorgeous ring.

Some Vintage Ring Shopping Tips

If you’ve decided that a vintage ring is for you, you’ll need a few strategy tips before you head out to the antique store or an estate sale.

Be Patient

Embarking on your vintage wedding ring hunt is going to require a lot of patience, and it’s not going to be an easy setup like at a traditional jewelry store. Depending on the antique store or estate sale, things will be scattered throughout several jewelry displays and it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for. The important thing to remember is to be patient and ask for help from any associates who may be working.

Go to More than One Place

Just like any other important purchasing decision that you make, it’s crucial to go to more than one place when you are shopping for your vintage wedding ring. Go to a few different antique stores or hit up a few estate sales to determine a range of pricing as well as get a better idea of selection.

Don't Have a Specific Idea in Mind

You may have a Pinterest page dedicated to your dream ring, but it's best to start the day with an open mind rather than having a specific idea of what you want. You never know what will catch your eye or attract you - having a super-specific idea can limit you in a way you don't realize. Go with it and see what you're attracted to.

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