Friday, April 20, 2012

How to buy an edwardian era engagement ring

buy an edwardian era engagement ring


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The Edwardian era, also known as the Belle Epoque, refers to the time period when the English King Edward VII reigned, plus an additional ten years (1900 to 1920). During that time, engagement rings became intricate works of art, with scrollwork and lacing that encompassed the entire ring band. It was not uncommon to find precious stones alongside diamonds in the ring setting. In fact, sapphires were a favorite among those who could afford these rare gems. Today, Edwardian era engagement rings are still sought after but much harder to find.

Instructions

    • 1

      Research Edwardian era engagement rings. The Edwardian era popularized the platinum wedding band. During this period, craftsmen placed diamonds in opulent settings with additional jewels lining the band. They incorporated filigree, scrollwork and other intricate designs into the band, sometimes decorating the entire circumference.

    • 2

      Visit antique shops, estate sales and jewelry auctions to locate a real Edwardian era engagement ring. Finding an authentic ring will take time and effort. If you locate a ring, be prepared to pay a hefty price. Depending on the size of the stone, you can expect to pay several thousands of dollars, if not tens of thousands of dollars.

    • 3

      Commission a jeweler to create a ring for your fiancee that resembles an Edwardian era engagement ring, if you cannot locate a real one. Search for the perfect ring design online or in books. Bring a print of the ring to a jeweler and inquire about the cost and time it will take them to make your ring. Because the design work on Edwardian era engagement rings is so intricate, be prepared to pay a large sum of money.

    • 4

      Shop online. Although you can't try on the ring in person, if you find a reputable merchant with a fair return policy, you may be able to find the design you want for a reasonable price with a money-back guarantee. Also, when buying from individual sellers, you won't have to pay any retail markup, just shipping and handling costs.


Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: engagement ring, engagement rings, Edwardian engagement, Edwardian engagement rings, Edwardian engagement ring