"You need to know what you are doing if you are looking for antique and estate diamond rings"

Although both are valuable, there is a difference between antique and estate diamond rings. It is quite possible to find very valuable antique rings at an estate sale, because antique refers to the age of the ring. The most valuable antique and estate diamond rings are those from the late Victorian period to about 1940. This is because of the expert craftsmanship that went into each ring. The details of the band were often very intricate and had carvings on the shank. Even though the diamond was set as a solitaire, an antique diamond ring will actually look to have a larger stone than the solitaire settings of today.

When you visit an estate sale, chances are you will see many diamond and gem rings. You do have to look closely to determine whether the rings are actually antique or if they are old pieces of costume jewellery. Although these are still valuable, they are not worth as much as if they were real antique pieces. Many collectors forage such sales to get their hands on a piece for their collection and they usually don't care whether it is authentic antique or costume pieces.

You will find many different stones in antique rings and even engagement rings. Diamonds did not become popular as the stone of choice for engaged couples until mining began in earnest in the latter part of the 19th century. Prior to that time, emeralds, pearls and other precious gemstones were used as a symbol of unity.

When evaluating diamond and gem rings for antiquity, there are certain things you should look for. You cannot judge an antique ring by the modern standards of evaluating jewellery, but certain things do remain the same. The four C's of diamonds and gold do come into the picture. The carat is the weight and this is a significant factor in determining the value. The stones in many antique rings were often beaded to make them appear to be larger than it was. You may look at this ring quickly and think that it is quite expensive because of the size, but you may find the ring to be cheaper than what you thougt because of the way the stone is set.

When choosing an antique ring, look for character. See if there are any signs of wear on the ring and try to imagine the history that it brings with it. You will probably have something that will become a family heirloom passed down through the generations of the future.

There is a difference between antique and estate diamond rings, you need to know what it is.