Vintage engagement rings are a unique alternative to modern engagement rings and are a greener choice of ring since they're already made and do not require mining new materials. Vintage rings are less standardized than rings made today, though, so what exactly should you look for when buying a vintage engagement ring?

1. The Setting: What is the setting on the ring? This matters beyond which type of setting appeals to you aesthetically. Prong settings, for example, can become loose over time if not properly cared for and can lead to the stones becoming loose or,even worse, falling out! Make sure you know the condition of the ring's setting as well as the band. As you will see in point 3, this can dictate how and where you can safely wear the ring.

2. The Stones: The diamonds you will find in antique rings cannot be judged by the same standards as today's diamonds. It is only a recent development that the clarity of diamonds became a mark of their quality and before the precision technology used to cut modern diamonds was invented and perfected the cut of a stone was down to the expertise of the jewelry creating the ring. Remember that although the information about the cut, clarity, and color of the stone is interesting, the real value of a vintage ring lies in the ring as a whole, not in the components that make it up.

3. The Construction: Not all vintage rings are created equal. Some rings are of a sturdy construction with a solid band or bezel set gems. Others, however, have bands with intricate filigree or a prong-set solitaire gem that are more delicate than other rings. It's important to take the construction of the ring into account before buying because if the ring is going to be worn daily, as most engagement rings are, it could run the risk of being damaged if the wearer works with their hands a lot throughout the day.

4. The Appraisal: There is a lot to be considered when buying a vintage ring, and an appraisal can tell you the important things you should know. It will list the materials the ring is made of, the color and clarity of the stones, the approximate date of the ring's creation, and an assessment of the value of the ring for insurance purposes.

5. The joy it brings you: An engagement ring is an important piece of jewelry, so regardless of whether it's vintage or not it should be a ring that you adore. If your ring makes you happy every time you look at it, that's a good sign that you've found the right ring.