Antique wedding rings flaunt a unique craftsmanship rare in today's contemporary designs are worth treasuring. The skills of the early craftsmen are easily discernible as exemplified in the elaborate designs of these rings. Are you eyeing to have your bride-to-be wear an antique diamond wedding ring on that special day?

There is always something special in antique wedding rings apart from being vintage. Their designs always seem to hold timeless beauty that appeal to any generation. Antique wedding rings also increase in value as they age so you can comfortably pass them down as family heirloom.

Choosing to give antique wedding bands or rings for that matter is an excellent choice especially if it personally appeals to your fiancée. However, antique as they may be, there are certain considerations when purchasing antique items and wedding rings are no exception.

Where To Make A Purchase

Besides relying on the antique jeweler's honesty on his antique items, you need to read carefully the corresponding descriptions of each ring you get a hold of. Any decent antique jeweler should be glad to give you a complete written description of the item, encompassing such information as the age, condition, size; and especially for an antique diamond wedding ring, it should include the 4C's: carat, color, cut, and clarity.

Preferably, the jeweler should be able to present a certified AGI (American Gemological Institute) report to you.

Wedding rings, in general, are serious investment because it resembles your love and commitment and an expensive purchase at that (think about your two-month salary budget). Ideally, never make a purchase and leave the store with unanswered questions in your mind. Moreover, always ask for return policy in case you're having second thoughts about the purchase.

Antique wedding rings are in display in a variety of shops such as jewelers, antique stores, estate sales, pawn shops, and even online. It may be a little harder to do business with the latter if the wedding date is near, and when you apply the abovementioned considerations. You'd be happier to deal with local shops within your proximity where you can touch and see the items on sale with the jeweler's guidance.

The most popular antique wedding rings include rings from the:

Victorian (1835 – 1900) – unity embraces the pieces of jewelry during this time with as exemplified in such designs as intertwined hands, bows, buckles, and Queen Victoria's ring, which was a coiled snake eating its own tale.

Edwardian (1900 – 1920) – a style named after the reigning king of the era, Edward VII, and features diamonds as the most popular gem found in most pieces of jewelry. The popular metal setting in which diamonds were set in was platinum, while honeycomb, bows, and petit-point patterns in embroidery were also incorporated in the jewelry designs.

Georgian (1714-1830) – if you or your fiancée is into motifs of wheat, acorns, leaves, flowers, and doves, then you'll love the antique wedding rings belonging to this era – as inspired by George I to George IV.

Art Deco (1920 – 1935) - a style with a French origin influenced largely by the "Flappers" of the era in terms of its focus on rediscovering bold geometric shapes evocative of the era's architecture.

In spite of the renowned strength of diamonds, antique wedding ring styles may be set in softer stones popular in those eras such as opal, gold, pearl, and emerald, which may have internal cracks and prone to damage. Also take time to examine the craftsmanship of the ring – some unscrupulous jewelers simply mimic the style of the era without paying attention to durability. If your budget is tighter but want to spend on larger diamonds, wedding ring styles from the 1930's and 40's feature larger diamonds set in elaborate settings to enhance the stone's size.

Antique wedding rings, like your marriage, will become more precious with time.