After you say 'Yes' and before you say 'I Do', you need to find the perfect curved wedding band for your vintage engagement ring. What makes finding a curved wedding band for antique and vintage engagement rings difficult is the fact that, most likely, the original manufacturer is no longer in business. Yes, you can always design your own curved wedding band using custom jewelry design, but it has its challenges. Selecting an existing style is a great option. Here are some tips to get you started:1. Why buy a curved wedding band?Curved wedding bands fit snug against the engagement ring eliminating gaps, giving the set a seamless appearance and offering greater protecting for the ring. You can pair a second curved band down the road for an anniversary or special occasion and upgrade your look to a ring guard. However, if you do select a curved band, be sure that you are prepared to wear your engagement ring everyday. If you do plan on wearing your antique engagement ring everyday be sure to have a local jeweler evaluate its condition and determine if it will need any restoration work in order to hold up to daily wear and tear. If you do not plan on wearing your antique engagement ring every day consider a straight wedding band with vintage details.2. How are your rings made?You want to make sure your wedding band wears as well over time as your engagement ring. Many antique rings are made through a unique process called die striking which creates a ring of superior strength. However, few designers still use this process. Here is a great documentary to explain the die striking process.3. How can I make the band and the ring look like they are part of the same set?Often times it is impossible to purchase the original matching band for your antique engagement ring because many of the older ring manufacturing companies are no longer in business. In this case you want to look for design elements that will tie into the ring. Historic companies like Jabel, who have managed to survive for nearly 100 years often have an extensive collection of vintage dies from the periods your ring was made to make new versions of antique bands.Aesthetically, you will want to determine if your ring has hand engraving, millgraining, hand carvings, diamonds, gemstones, etc. Identifying these subtle details will help you select the perfect new match! Here are a few examples of vintage and antique design elements:
Theme Patterns
Certain patterns were popular when these antique rings were made, including scroll details, wheat patterns, and floral pattern.
Hand Engraving
Hand engraving is becoming a lost art in today's high tech mechanized world, but trust me, it is beautiful and will make any ring a true work of art. In the example above, the ring uses a carved technique where elements of the ring are die struck, assembled by skilled jewelers, and hand engraved to add 3D depth to the flowers. Subtle elements like this will make your new curved wedding band look as original as your antique engagement ring.
Millgrain
The beaded technique used on the edge of this band is called millgrain. While the technique is widely used today, a skilled hand engraver can customize most wedding bands.
4. Why should I start shopping early?Not only do you have to find the perfect visual match, but many designers request that you send your ring for fitting. Fitting the ring will guarantee the curvature of the rings match. You will also want plenty of time in case you are unable to find the perfect match and need to design your own wedding bands.5. Buying an antique wedding band?Certainly, buying an antique wedding band will go perfect with your vintage theme regardless if the rings match. However, always be sure to have a trusted local jeweler evaluate any used jewelry to determine if the ring will need any restoration. Here is a great article about ring restoration.
Email us to find a local fine jeweler at info@jabel.com