An Essential Guide to Choosing & Buying Your Antique Wedding Ring

How Much to Really Spend on Antique Wedding Ring?

Before you start browsing for bling, decide how much you can afford and how much you want to spend on wedding rings. Focus on setting a budget that will help you purchase quality rings without breaking the bank. Remember: the symbolic meaning of rings is more important than their price tag.

What determines the price of an antique wedding ring:

Materials: Platinum wedding rings are generally more expensive than white gold, and white gold is more expensive than yellow or rose gold. Gold remains the most popular choice, but non-traditional materials - silver, tungsten, titanium, cobalt and stainless steel - are becoming more common. Non-gold wedding bands may be less expensive and safer to wear with certain jobs and functions.

Gemstones: There is more to diamonds than cut, carat, clarity and color. The shape and texture of the gem also affects the price. If saving money is more important than a real diamond, choose a white sapphire, or if you prefer color clarity, choose a brilliant emerald or ruby.

Designer Name: If a well-known designer name is essential, you will have to pay more. If you fall in love with a designer wedding ring that isn't in your budget, ask a jeweler for similar options at a lower price.

Customized: Working with a jeweler to customize your wedding bands doesn't have to be more expensive than ready-made styles—it can save you money, too. Discuss your custom designs with a jeweler to create one-of-a-kind bands or update an heirloom ring.

Who Pays for Antique Wedding Rings?

The bride and groom usually buy wedding bands together. Couples can buy each other's wedding rings as gifts or pay for their own rings. This is a matter of preference and should be determined when budgeting.

When is the best time to buy your wedding ring?

After budgeting, it's time to try some antique wedding rings on for size. Start your search three to four months before your wedding date—even more for a custom design. Make your purchases two to six weeks in advance, and have your rings in hand a month before the wedding. Allow time for fittings, adjustments and custom work.

Where to buy antique wedding rings

The most popular jewelry stores include Eric Originals stores and e-commerce sites. Before making your purchase decision, visit a jewelry store in person so you can get sized, try on rings, and narrow down the style you like. Here's where to look for wedding rings:

Major retailers. Options include Tiffany & Co., Blue Nile and James Allen.

Independent storefront jewelers. Look for recommendations for reputable jewelers in your area. You can find unique rings at affordable prices.

Big box stores. That's right. You can go to Costco for a month's worth of cereal and your wedding bands.

Vintage purveyors. Find vintage wedding ring collections at vintage jewelry stores like Eric Originals & Antiques.

Craftsman sites. Gain access to unique jewelry designers from around the world via online marketplaces like Etsy.

Within your family. You may know that one day a ring will be sent to you. Or maybe your mom has a ring in her jewelry box that she never wears. Ask about the possibility of getting the ring sooner. Or get a less expensive ring as a placeholder.

Pawn shops. If you and your girlfriend don't mind the sad history, it's a great option for a cheap price. Also, you will give the rings a happy ending.

What is your antique wedding ring style?

Sit down with your partner and talk about personal styles. Want your bands to match? A preference for gemstones? Should a wedding band complement her engagement ring? Keep your budget in mind: Do some browsing online to make sure the styles you want are within your budget.

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone: try on the wedding bands you dream of, but give other styles a chance too. You don't know what style you like.

Popular Antique Wedding Rings:

• A minimal metallic band in gold with no gemstones
• An engraved band, with or without gemstones
• A pavé style ring with diamonds set in a band
• An eternal band, stones are set around the entire ring
• An anniversary band, only stones on top of the ring
• A band that bends or curves against your engagement ring
• A wrap to wear with an engagement ring