How Can I Tell If My Vintage Engagement Ring Is Sustainable?

THE BASICS--

Sustainability is increasingly important in our conscientious society. But how can you tell if a vintage engagement ring is truly sustainable? Understanding how sustainability and vintage jewelry are related can help you make the best choice when purchasing a vintage engagement ring.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide we will explain the following:

• What is Sustainable Jewelry?
• Verifying A Vintage Engagement Ring
• The Ring' Design history
• The Ring's Ownership History
• The Ring' Age
• Keeping Your Vintage Engagement Ring Sustainable
• Share Your Story

What Is Sustainable Jewelry?

When something is sustainable, whether it is an agricultural crop, building material, furniture, clothing, or piece of jewelry, it means that item does not use irreplaceable resources and has little or no impact on the environment and ecosystem. By its nature, vintage jewelry is sustainable because no new mining for metals or gemstones is necessary to enjoy the piece for many years.

Vintage pieces can be even more sustainable with a conscientious retailer who also embraces other sustainable practices, such as minimizing shipping materials, recycling packaging, lowering storefront energy usage, and otherwise working to be sustainable in multiple ways.

Verifying a Vintage Engagement Ring

To ensure that a vintage engagement ring is sustainable, it is important to verify the authenticity of the ring. Check the ring for maker’s marks and other identifying stamps or trademarks, and consult with an experienced jeweler for detailed examination of the piece. Look for other signs of the ring’s authenticity, such as its historic paper trail, the condition and cut of the gems, the workmanship on the metal, and other details. The more that is known about a vintage engagement ring, the more its sustainability can be guaranteed.

Additional details that can show how sustainable a ring may be are…

•  The Ring’s Design History

•  The Ring’s Ownership History

If a vintage engagement ring has fewer ownership transfers, it has swapped owners fewer times and likely has been shipped less, using less fossil fuel in its lifespan. This creates a smaller carbon footprint and more overall sustainability.

•  The Ring’s Age

The older an engagement ring is, the more sustainable its original creation is likely to have been. A ring that is only 50 years old, for example, is still a vintage piece but used some modern equipment for mining. Antique engagement rings that are more than 100 years old, however, have more hand labor involved in their creation and use fewer resources.

Keeping Your Vintage Engagement Ring Sustainable

Once a couple owns a vintage engagement ring, they can keep the piece sustainable for many years by giving it proper care. If the ring is cared for appropriately, it will not need as much repair or maintenance that would use modern equipment and consume more resources. Similarly, treating the ring gently will minimize the need for chemical cleanings or other treatments that may not be as eco-friendly as possible. To keep an engagement ring sustainable for future generations, keep the ring’s essential paperwork and care for it well to ensure a long and beautiful lifespan.

Share Your Story

One of the best ways to ensure a vintage ring’s sustainability is to share its story and make it personally meaningful. If an engagement ring becomes a treasured family heirloom, it may be passed down to additional generations to symbolize future unions, meaning that new couples do not need to invest in modern, mass-produced engagement rings that consume more resources. Most of all, be willing to pass the ring to new couples to share not only the beauty of the jewelry, but how much it means, how important sustainability is, and how a vintage engagement ring can be an environmentally friendly option for every relationship and many happily ever afters.

VINTAGE ENGAGEMENT RINGS FOR EVERYONE

No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.

FIND THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING:

Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of vintage engagement rings today.

SUZANNE SACHS

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Contact Suzanne

If you love vintage or eco-friendly jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of eco-friendly vintage engagement rings.